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Disney Vacation (5 Viewers)

Hungry for more character dining (See what I did there?)

New "Royal Couples" character breakfast is coming to the Boardwalk. Trattoria al Forno will host the new breakfast where we will see some of the male characters such as Flynn Rider and Prince Eric paired with their princesses Rapunzel and Areal among potentially others. Expected to open in Spring 2017.

 
I know to be eligible for Free Dining you have to stay on property and purchase tickets (or I assume that hasn't changed) - my question is can I but season passes at the same time and have that count for our tickets?  I know if you buy the season passes at another time then I think the Free Dining wasn't offered because you were not buying tickets - I can't imagine that it wouldn't count towards it but I know Disney does some "quirky" things sometimes.

 
glvsav37 said:
Hungry for more character dining (See what I did there?)

New "Royal Couples" character breakfast is coming to the Boardwalk. Trattoria al Forno will host the new breakfast where we will see some of the male characters such as Flynn Rider and Prince Eric paired with their princesses Rapunzel and Areal among potentially others. Expected to open in Spring 2017.
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Curious to see what crowd this draws.

Trattoria al Forno is a tasty Italian joint on the BoardWalk.  I'd recommend it to anyone overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Via Napoli and want a little more quiet.  

 
AAABatteries said:
I know to be eligible for Free Dining you have to stay on property and purchase tickets (or I assume that hasn't changed) - my question is can I but season passes at the same time and have that count for our tickets?  I know if you buy the season passes at another time then I think the Free Dining wasn't offered because you were not buying tickets - I can't imagine that it wouldn't count towards it but I know Disney does some "quirky" things sometimes.
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IDK GB, thats a good question but I think you have to take tat to WDW? What I do know is that WDW is really trying to distance themselves from the Free Dining days and would love ot get rid of it altogether. They release the dates later and later and slim down the qualifying rooms.

What I would think you can do is just "Upgrade" your package tickets to an annual pass just before you leave.

 
I know we have talked a while ago about the VIP tours. Today, WDW announced a new type of VIP tour package

Today we’re introducing a brand new tour designed to provide you with maximum fun while enjoying the quintessential Magic Kingdom Park experiences and attractions–the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour!

The four-hour tour is led by Disney VIP Tour Guides, who make navigating the park a breeze by providing you with the highest level of Disney’s world-renowned guest service while you enjoy many of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions carefree.

During the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, you’ll be able to experience up to 10 of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions, including everything from Adventureland must-dos Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise to Fantasyland favorites such as Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, and more attractions throughout the park.

And what visit to Magic Kingdom Park would be complete without saying hello to the mouse that started it all? As part of your tour, you will also get to meet Mickey Mouse! Tell him ‘hi’ for me!

This tour is especially great for kids of all ages since all of the attractions you will visit do not have any height restrictions. If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to the most Magical Place on Earth, or want to experience the classic Magic Kingdom attractions, this is the tour for you.

The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour ($199 plus tax)* is offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and is subject to availability. Call 407-560-4033 to book your tour or click here to learn more about this and other offerings from our Enchanting Extras Collection.

*Magic Kingdom Park admission is required and is not included with the cost of the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour.




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Interesting concept. Interested in what rounds out the 10 attractions beyond what they list b/c they go out of their way to mention "all of the attractions you will visit do not have any height restrictions" so that would leave out Splash, Space and some of the other thrill rides that typically have long waits--hence the whole reason you do VIP tours, to avoid the lines. 

Granted Peter Pan, PotC and Jungle Cruise do have decent waits, and with some FP planning for the other rides I mentioned, it could be a good way to knock out all of MK in 1 day, something that is really hard to do on your own. 

Edit to add: the WDW web site says the tour is 4 hours long and begin at 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM

 
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As it has been some time since I have been to the parks (last time, Fast Pass was still done by heading to the ride, inserting your pass, and getting a paper ticket).  With that view, contemplating a Spring Break trip down (mid-April).  I can get DVC accomodations, but wondering if I am screwed at the parks based on the new Fast Pass system.  From prior Spring Break trips, usually did the Early Magic Hours to get to the rides we really wanted to do then headed back to the pool when the crowds got over the top.

Would be taking two 18 and two 15 year old boys, so thinking we omit MK, but welcome insights there.  Am I crazy?

 
Big Blue Wrecking Crew said:
As it has been some time since I have been to the parks (last time, Fast Pass was still done by heading to the ride, inserting your pass, and getting a paper ticket).  With that view, contemplating a Spring Break trip down (mid-April).  I can get DVC accomodations, but wondering if I am screwed at the parks based on the new Fast Pass system.  From prior Spring Break trips, usually did the Early Magic Hours to get to the rides we really wanted to do then headed back to the pool when the crowds got over the top.

Would be taking two 18 and two 15 year old boys, so thinking we omit MK, but welcome insights there.  Am I crazy?




 
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nah....you're not crazy.

The new FP system isn't all that bad, it actually works pretty well, and I'm someone that really knew how to work the old paper FP system. I was really resistant to change. But I'll eat my words, and aside from it being 1 more thing you need to plan, it is pretty cool.  I'd suggest having a group meeting b/f you book them and discuss what everyone wants to do. The nice thing is that, at those ages, you can plan for smaller groups to break off and do their own FP if they wanted to. So say the 2 older boys want Tower of Terror, but you dont, that's cool, they book that and you book something else at that time—or you book ToT and they take your bands for a 2nd ride. 

What DVC resort are you thinking? If you are considering skipping the MK, then I would suggest Beach club or Boardwalk. They are located right between Epcot and Studios so it will make it really easy to get to those with the spring break crowds. Plus, with those ages, there are some cool, non-park night time things to do in that area

You will still get the Extra magic hours, but you never know when those will be till closer to the trip. I suggest doing rope drop as often as you can. Then schedule your FP for 10am or after for when capacity starts ramping up—or later in the night if you plan on going back b/c I doubt there will be many E-ticket rides avail if you are going to try for the 4th FP. If you hit rope drop, you can really knock out some good rides early. 

I know for us its crazy too skip MK, but thats us. You may consider making a trip to MK at night and get in some fireworks, space mountain, huanted mansion and other classic Disney rides. I'll be honest, I love MK at night more than in the day. It has a whole different personality IMO

Not to pressure you, but you need to start moving quick. Booking dining was at the 180 day mark, so you already missed that, so you will have to be flexible with your dining choices. But FP's start booking at 60 days from check in, and you'll want to be on line right at 60 to make sure you get what you want giving the week. 

feel free to ask anything else.

 
AcerFC said:
Yes, what do you want to know. I have done Carnival, Norwegian and Disney. Ask away
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Well, for starters,  which would you recommend?  I've just started doing research. The kids liked the castaway cay, but is that offered on all the cruises? 

 
Deranged Hermit said:
Well, for starters,  which would you recommend?  I've just started doing research. The kids liked the castaway cay, but is that offered on all the cruises? 
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The Disney one I went on was the Disney wonder. It is one of the older ships and did not have that awesome water slide that the magic has. If we went again, we would try to do one of the newer ships. 

Castaway Cay is Disneys private island and most Caribbean cruises go there. It forces you to spend your money on more Disney stuff. Unfortunately, we never got there. Weather diverted us to the Bahamas instead. We were bummed but you make the best of it. 

Here are some of the cool aspects of a disney cruise. 

-the movie theatre. While it might not seem all important to watch a movie on your cruise, it is super convienient and played new movies. We saw Strange Magic and they showed Mcfarlane USA before it was in theatres. 

-rotating places to eat. You get to eat at different places during your dinners. But the wait staff follows you. My kids had choc milk waiting for them every night. Our servers were awesome. They have one place that goes from black and white to color

-the child care/camp. They give you phones on the ship and will call you if there are any issues. The kids put on a show at the end. My kids loved it. 

-the character meet and greets make it feel like Disney. 

-the shows were pretty decent. 

-deck parties with themed things like pirates and marvel. Maybe even star wars now. 

 
Deranged Hermit said:
Well, for starters,  which would you recommend?  I've just started doing research. The kids liked the castaway cay, but is that offered on all the cruises? 
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The downside to some is that there is no casino  onboard. I know a lot of people like to gamble when they cruise, but you wont find that on a Dis Cruise.  

Fankly for me, I've been on a dozen cruises but never a Disney.  I'm dying to talk my wife into it. She's the non-cruiser. The casino is way down in my list of priorities 

 
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We booked a Disney cruise in late April. I believe if we stay at a Disney resort, we can get a free shuttle to Port Canavral. Has anyone done this and have some advice?

 
Bruce Dickinson said:
My food contribution to the Super Bowl party I'm attending will be honey coriander wings.  If you've eaten at Ohana, you know what I'm going for.
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These were phenomenal.  I followed the flavors suggested by The Disney Chef.  

It was warm enough in my neck of the woods to grill, so the host had two Weber kettles going.  For the wings, we put them on indirect heat for about 15 minutes or so, then rolled 'em over to direct heat for a couple finishing minutes to crisp the skins up a little, sauced 'em immediately after removing from the heat.  The sauce smelled like it had to much chili powder, but after adding it to the wing (and the flavors already on it) it wasn't a featured taste.  

 
Bruce Dickinson said:
These were phenomenal.  I followed the flavors suggested by The Disney Chef.  

It was warm enough in my neck of the woods to grill, so the host had two Weber kettles going.  For the wings, we put them on indirect heat for about 15 minutes or so, then rolled 'em over to direct heat for a couple finishing minutes to crisp the skins up a little, sauced 'em immediately after removing from the heat.  The sauce smelled like it had to much chili powder, but after adding it to the wing (and the flavors already on it) it wasn't a featured taste.  
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Can you provide the entire recipe? I would love to try these out next time I do wings.

 
Bruce Dickinson said:
I used this page as a guide.  

Did the "liquid spice rub" exactly as described.

For the "wing sauce", I used 1/2 cup water instead of 3/4.  Probably could get away with even less.  

And instead of baking them, we grilled them, indirect heat for 15ish minutes, then right over the coals for 2-3 minutes.  
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Thanks Bruce. I haven't been to 'Ohana in 6 1/2 years but I remember that I tore up those wings. I made wings tonight as well and have some leftovers but I will definitely be trying these sooner rather than later.

:hifive:

 
Haven't heard any details.  Disney Food Blog had a post about the closing.  Said cast members who worked there were reassigned to other parts of the parks, and weren't told what the future plans for the space were.  

The location is not in the Star Wars Land construction, and doesn't seem like Toy Story Land would creep that far over. 

Kenny The Pirate is usually plugged in on this stuff, but IIRC he's taking a little time off.

 
shame, they closed the little book shop bakery a few months ago too.  I can only image its cost cutting. Shame, but glad the CMs have other roles to go to.


In other news, the drones that were used in Lady GaGa's 1/2time performance last night were indeed the same ones from Disney Springs show around the holidays. Plus, they had to set special permission from the FAA b/c they were flown higher then ever before. Sadly, that opening part was prerecorded. Good to see our (well Intel's) drones getting famous. lol

 

 
Not a ton of detail in that "article" but if their speculation about Starbucks having anything to do with it is true then that REALLY sucks.  Starbucks is ####.  Maybe they'll swap in a Golden Corral for one of the buffets.   :rolleyes:

 
glvsav37 said:
nah....you're not crazy.

The new FP system isn't all that bad, it actually works pretty well, and I'm someone that really knew how to work the old paper FP system. I was really resistant to change. But I'll eat my words, and aside from it being 1 more thing you need to plan, it is pretty cool.  I'd suggest having a group meeting b/f you book them and discuss what everyone wants to do. The nice thing is that, at those ages, you can plan for smaller groups to break off and do their own FP if they wanted to. So say the 2 older boys want Tower of Terror, but you dont, that's cool, they book that and you book something else at that time—or you book ToT and they take your bands for a 2nd ride. 

What DVC resort are you thinking? If you are considering skipping the MK, then I would suggest Beach club or Boardwalk. They are located right between Epcot and Studios so it will make it really easy to get to those with the spring break crowds. Plus, with those ages, there are some cool, non-park night time things to do in that area

You will still get the Extra magic hours, but you never know when those will be till closer to the trip. I suggest doing rope drop as often as you can. Then schedule your FP for 10am or after for when capacity starts ramping up—or later in the night if you plan on going back b/c I doubt there will be many E-ticket rides avail if you are going to try for the 4th FP. If you hit rope drop, you can really knock out some good rides early. 

I know for us its crazy too skip MK, but thats us. You may consider making a trip to MK at night and get in some fireworks, space mountain, huanted mansion and other classic Disney rides. I'll be honest, I love MK at night more than in the day. It has a whole different personality IMO

Not to pressure you, but you need to start moving quick. Booking dining was at the 180 day mark, so you already missed that, so you will have to be flexible with your dining choices. But FP's start booking at 60 days from check in, and you'll want to be on line right at 60 to make sure you get what you want giving the week. 

feel free to ask anything else.
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Regarding FP, how do they tie in to your tickets?  I have 3 non-expiring passes to use for myself and my two boys, so wondering how these would link to the FP?  Assuming the other two joining us would have to purchase their passes first in order to tie them to the FP?

 
Big Blue Wrecking Crew said:
Regarding FP, how do they tie in to your tickets?  I have 3 non-expiring passes to use for myself and my two boys, so wondering how these would link to the FP?  Assuming the other two joining us would have to purchase their passes first in order to tie them to the FP?
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Everything is done through the MyDisneyExperience app and web site.

You need to create a profile for everyone in your group—even kids. Once those are created, you can link those existing tickets to their account.

for those who do not have tickets yet, create the account and then you can buy the tickets through the app or through a Disney agent.

I forgot...what are the details of your trip again.... On site or off? Did you say you were getting a DVC room?--how, is there a relation or renting points?

If you have an on site room booked, you should be able to make the FPs for those dates w/o actually having tickets. But i'm not 100% b/c we are annual passholders, so I technically "always" have tickets.

If you are staying on site, instead of physical tickets, you will receive Magic Bands in the mail. There are digital bracelets you will wear, that has all your room, ticket and FP information on it....as long as everything is correct in MDExperience. you'll have a chance (if time permits) to choose what color you want your band.


Also....if you are flying down to Orlando airport (MCO), be sure to make your Magical Express reservation. This is the free shuttle from MCO to the resort. They will take your bags right from the plane but you will need to have a special yellow baggage tag you put on before you check your bags. It will tell the delivery service who you are and where to send the bags. Some people overlook this step.


 

 
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glvsav37 said:
Everything is done through the MyDisneyExperience app and web site.

You need to create a profile for everyone in your group—even kids. Once those are created, you can link those existing tickets to their account.

for those who do not have tickets yet, create the account and then you can buy the tickets through the app or through a Disney agent.

I forgot...what are the details of your trip again.... On site or off? Did you say you were getting a DVC room?--how, is there a relation or renting points?

If you have an on site room booked, you should be able to make the FPs for those dates w/o actually having tickets. But i'm not 100% b/c we are annual passholders, so I technically "always" have tickets.

If you are staying on site, instead of physical tickets, you will receive Magic Bands in the mail. There are digital bracelets you will wear, that has all your room, ticket and FP information on it....as long as everything is correct in MDExperience. you'll have a chance (if time permits) to choose what color you want your band.


Also....if you are flying down to Orlando airport (MCO), be sure to make your Magical Express reservation. This is the free shuttle from MCO to the resort. They will take your bags right from the plane but you will need to have a special yellow baggage tag you put on before you check your bags. It will tell the delivery service who you are and where to send the bags. Some people overlook this step.


 
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Right now, likely staying at either Old Key West or Saratoga Springs based on availability.  I am familiar with the Magic Bands (though not from park usage).  Being able to book FPs based on room booking would be big (will call DVC about that for a confirmation).  Took a look at your "drinking Disney" guide and would you concur with their view on Hollywood Studios at this time...that is is just ToT and Rockin Roller Coaster and that is all?

 
glvsav37 said:
Notebook updated.....too bad I cant use this for at least 10+ years b/c I don't see a trip sans-kids for quite some time.
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Wife and I have been discussing doing our first ever trip with just the two of us this year.  We've been going for 15 years but the oldest was a toddler that first trip. The kids are making threats about us going without them :lmao:  

I originally wanted to go to F&W but my yearly bonus will be burning a hole in my pocket before then - may just have to go twice without them.  

 
AAABatteries said:
Wife and I have been discussing doing our first ever trip with just the two of us this year.  We've been going for 15 years but the oldest was a toddler that first trip. The kids are making threats about us going without them :lmao:  

I originally wanted to go to F&W but my yearly bonus will be burning a hole in my pocket before then - may just have to go twice without them.  
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well, my teacher wife wont have a job in 2 years so...... look out Disney in October...i'm coming for you!!!  lol

just had a co-worker do a solo trip and she said it was amazing...I use to do those a bunch and man, I love my family, but I would love to do another solo trip one day.

 
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glvsav37 said:
well, my teacher wife wont have a job in 2 years so...... look out Disney in October...i'm coming for you!!!  lol

just had a co-worker do a solo trip and she said it was amazing...I use to do those a bunch and man, I love my family, but I would love to do another solo trip one day.
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Solo, solo or solo, you and wife?  I think I could do it and have fun with it but would feel a little weird about it.  

 
Single rider lines would be great but sitting at shows and dinner by myself seems a little weird to me - can't I hire a princess escort?

 
I know it was joking, and that I would happily be a beta tester of the princess escort thing.... but (1) adults are not allowed to wear a costume in any of the parks nor is anyone over 14.  If you look older than 14 and try to go into the park in full costume they will stop you and not let you through; and (2) Disney's policy on characters is that if they are in the park they have to interact with all the guests, so having a princess with you would be a nightmare.

Now - get past those rules, and I'm in.

Maybe an adult Westworld park that is part of Disney for adults only where you can "buy" a princess or character to hang out with all week.

 
Yankee23Fan said:
I know it was joking, and that I would happily be a beta tester of the princess escort thing.... but (1) adults are not allowed to wear a costume in any of the parks nor is anyone over 14.  If you look older than 14 and try to go into the park in full costume they will stop you and not let you through; and (2) Disney's policy on characters is that if they are in the park they have to interact with all the guests, so having a princess with you would be a nightmare.

Now - get past those rules, and I'm in.

Maybe an adult Westworld park that is part of Disney for adults only where you can "buy" a princess or character to hang out with all week.
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If I had a Princess Escort...do you think I'd be bringing her around the parks....she would get a very long, private tour of my resort.....room. lol

 
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Big Blue Wrecking Crew said:
FYI:  you need tickets to be able to book Fast Passes.  A resort reservation will not do.  If you stay on property, you can book 60 days in advance; off property, 30 days.
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figured...I always get that confused, b/c my family is in an odd place.

we are annual pass holders, so normally you cant book FPs until 30 days out with APs, buuuut....it opens to 60 b/c we whenever we have a resort reservation whenever we visit. 

the 30 day window is because the AP base is mostly locals who come to the parks often. They don't want those folks making FPs 2 months ahead of time and soaking up coveted FPs if their plans may change. Being a local its easier to blow a park day off vs a person with set airline tickets and such.

 

 
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