Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1232

May 7, 2014

2014 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Now on Sale

By Rikki Niblett


©Disney

©Disney


Wow! We’re already talking Christmas, as tickets are now on sale for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This is a hard ticketed event that takes place at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and features a holiday parade, Holiday Wishes fireworks spectacular, cookies and hot chocolate, fun shows, and snow! What better way to get yourself in the holiday spirit?


Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place select nights from November 7 through December 19. All parties run from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Actual party dates for 2014 include:


November: 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30

December: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19


Ticket prices vary during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, with a few discounts available for select nights. Here is the pricing structure for this year’s event (includes tax):







Dates: November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 20

December 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, and 16



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Advance Purchase Discount
$71.36
$66.03


Day of Event
$75.62
$70.29



 






Dates: November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20

December 2, 4, 9




 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Annual Passholder and DVC Member
$66.03
$60.71



 






Dates: November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Military
$49.95
$46.22



 


 






Dates: November 21, 30

December 5, 12, 18



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Premium/Day of Event
$75.62
$70.29



 






Dates: December 19



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Premium/Day of Event
$78.81
$73.49



 


Keep in mind that many nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party do sell out. If you want to make sure you get to attend the event, purchase your tickets ahead of time.


To purchase tickets, visit Disney’s website or call (407) 934-7639.




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

2014 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Now on Sale is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 07, 2014 10:26

2014 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets Now on Sale

By Rikki Niblett


©Disney

©Disney


Good news! Tickets are now on sale for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! This hard ticket event, which takes place at the Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, is a great time with a fantastic parade, wonderful fireworks, people dressed in costumes, and all the candy you can eat!


This year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts early, with the first night being September 1. The last night for the party is scheduled for October 31. Parties for this year typically occur on Sunday, Thursday, and Friday nights, with a few Monday and Tuesday nights thrown in. This year’s dates are:


September: 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26 & 28

October: 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 & 31


Ticket prices vary for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and there are discounts for select nights. Typically there is an advance purchase discount, minus a few exceptions.


Here’s what you can expect to pay (prices include tax): 






Dates: September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26 and 28



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Advance Purchase Discount
$66.03
$60.71


Day of Event
$72.42
$67.10


Annual Passholder and DVC Member
$61.77
$56.45


Military
$46.22
$42.49



 






Dates: October 2, 3, 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, and 28



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Advance Purchase Discount
$71.36
$66.03


Day of Event
$75.62
$70.29



 






Dates: October 2, 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, and 21



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Annual Passholder and DVC Member
$68.16
$62.84



 


 






Dates: October 10, 17, 24, and 30



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Premium/Day of Event
$75.62
$70.29



 






Date: October 31



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Premium/Day of Event
$82.01
$76.68



 


Just a note: this party does often sell out, with tickets for the events closest to Halloween typically going first. Keep in mind that there are a few additional days here and there that do tend to sell out throughout the two months the party takes place. If you want to make sure your group takes part in this event, purchase your tickets ahead of time.


All parties run from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.


To purchase tickets, visit Disney’s website.




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

2014 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets Now on Sale is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 07, 2014 10:01

2014 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets Now on Sale

By Rikki Niblett


©Disney

©Disney


Good news! Tickets are now on sale for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! This hard ticket event is a great time with a fantastic parade, wonderful fireworks, people dressed in costume and all the candy you can eat!


This year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts early, with the first night being September 1. The last night for the party is scheduled for October 31. Parties for this year typically occur on Sundays, Thursdays, and Friday nights, with a few Monday and Tuesday nights thrown in. This year’s dates are:


September: 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26 & 28

October: 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 & 31


Ticket prices range during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and there are discounts for select nights, as well. Typically there is an advance purchase discount, minus a few exceptions.


Here’s what you can expect to pay (prices include tax): 






Dates: September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26 and 28



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Advance Purchase Discount
$66.03
$60.71


Day of Event
$72.42
$67.10


Annual Passholder and DVC Member
$61.77
$56.45


Military
$46.22
$42.49



 






Dates: October 2, 3, 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, and 28



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Advance Purchase Discount
$71.36
$66.03


Day of Event
$75.62
$70.29



 






Dates: October 2, 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, and 21



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Annual Passholder and DVC Member
$68.16
$62.84



 


 






Dates: October 10, 17, 24, and 30



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Premium/Day of Event
$75.62
$70.29



 






Date: October 31



 
Adult (Ages 10+)
Child (Ages 3-9)


Premium/Day of Event
$82.01
$76.68



 


Just a note, this party does often sell out, with tickets for the events closest to Halloween typically going first. Keep in mind that there are a few additional days here and there that do tend to sell out throughout the two months the party takes place. If you want to make sure your group takes part in this event, make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time.


All parties run from 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.


To purchase tickets, visit Disney’s website.




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

2014 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets Now on Sale is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 07, 2014 10:01

Live from the Disney Dream – Bar Menus – 687, Evolution, District Lounge, Cove Cafe

By Laurel Stewart


Ahoy! Finally a sea day on the Disney Dream. We collected more menus last night.


First something to help you wake up – our favorite coffee spot on the ship, the adults-only Cove Cafe. The Cove Cafe is both a coffee bar and a spot for an evening cocktail. It also serves a variety of pastries during the day and small bites – olives, cheeses, cured meat – at night. And it’s just around the corner from Flo’s so you can grab a slice of pizza, a burger, or a sandwich if you’re more than a little peckish.


The bar at the Deck 11 Cove Cafe

The bar at the Deck 11 Cove Cafe


A selection of complimentary morning pastries at the Cove Cafe

A selection of complimentary morning pastries at the Cove Cafe


Here is the Cove’s menu:


The menu at the Cove Cafe

The menu at the Cove Cafe


 


Next is the District Lounge, the hub of the adult entertainment district on the Dream. The District Lounge has live music at night.  We mostly fin ourselves walking through this bar on our way to other bars that we like better. Most evenings after 10:30 or so, there is a small buffet selection of hot foods that I can only describe as the cuisine of “fried.” If you’re looking for cheese sticks, wings, or nachos late at night, this is the place to go. Also, you may be high.


Here is the District Lounge’s drink menu:


Drinks at the District Lounge on the Dream

Drinks at the District Lounge on the Dream


 


687 is the Dream’s sports bar, and you can usually find “the game” on there. I’m not a sports fan because I cheer for the Seattle Mariners, but on this cruise the playoffs for both the NBA and NHL have been on. During the day, there is usually a trivia game or two. The menu features something called a “beerktail” – if you’ve actually tried this, please let me know in the comments. I tried the cocktail, the Shipbuilder’s Wife and found it tasty. This is the only bar onboard with specialty beers on tap.


Here is the menu:


“Beerktials”


 


Finally, we arrive at Evolution – the main adult bar onboard. After dark there is dancing, karaoke, game show format activities like “Match Your Mate,” and drinking. The theme is restrained compared to the Fantasy’s The Tube, but it’s well-done. See if you can pick out drinks from this menu that show up under different aliases on other bar menus:


The specialty drink menu at Evolution

The specialty drink menu at Evolution


Bar menu at Evolution

Bar menu at Evolution




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

Live from the Disney Dream – Bar Menus – 687, Evolution, District Lounge, Cove Cafe is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 07, 2014 08:30

Planning for Rain During Your Disney World Vacation

By Daisy Lauren


You know the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers”? Well, here in Orlando the showers start in April but don’t really end until some time in September or later! And if you’ve been watching the weather you know that we’ve gotten apocalyptic rain for the last week. So what do you do if the clouds come out for your Disney World vacation? Well, you don’t have anything to worry about because I’m going to give you all the inside tips on how to have fun rain or shine!


1) Head towards the big, angry clouds. When most people see huge storm clouds looming over the parks they make their way to the exit. I feel the exact opposite about those massive, grey clouds. When I see a monsoon heading for Disney World, I’ll go out of my way to stop by. It’s fun to be one of very few people heading in, as tons of people can’t exit quickly enough. Most attractions are indoors and suffer no interruption during the rain. The only difference is the considerably shorter lines when there’s a little liquid sunshine!


20140429_191221

Yep- I suggesting you head TOWARDS this!


2) The rain normally passes quickly – or misses all together! Those big clouds aren’t a very good indicator of when or where the rain will actually fall. I’ve spent entire days at Disney under thick, grey clouds without a drop of rain. Or storms will often pass by quickly. In these cases it will just pour buckets for a hour or so then it will be like nothing ever happened. The sun will come back so ferociously that the wet pavement will actually steam! The first hour the sun is back out is a magical time to be in the parks. Since most guests left before the rain started it takes a while for them to trickle back in, leaving you to enjoy the park.


3) But if it sticks around you’ll need a rain outfit. The best advice I can give anyone wanting to try Disney in the rain is to put together their rain plan before they get to the park. There’s nothing worse than an overpriced Disney poncho or flimsy umbrella. If you’re planning to go the poncho route then pick some up at the dollar store before your trip. They pack very easily and you don’t have to feel any guilt tossing them. If you’re planning to go the umbrella route… don’t. Crazy, sideways, Florida rain thinks your umbrella is cute but will soak you anyway. Personally, I’ve invested in a good rain coat, Crocs, and a baseball cap. With that combo I’ve been able to stay dry even touring in the worst rain.


4) Special rain only experiences. Yes – this is really a thing! Of course, there isn’t anything “official” or “published,” but cast members will go out of their way to not put guests out in a storm. When I go to Disney in a downpour I tend to head for The Haunted Mansion. My record is getting to ride this six times in a row to avoid wet weather! I didn’t even have to exit my Doom Buggy for two of those rides! How many people can say that?


This is the only time I've seen elephants bathe in the sun!

The only time I’ve seen elephants bathe in the sun!


5) Go to Animal Kingdom. I’ve seen lots of advice to the contrary – stating that Animal Kingdom is a fair weather park. But the animals love, love, love the rain! Especially on hot summer days they just come alive in stormy weather. Some of my best safaris ever have been during storms. Even better? There’s no line because most everyone is afraid to get out in the weather. Top secret information: The elephants are most likely to take a bath in the rain!


6) Bring a camera. Of course, bring a Ziploc bag too! Some of the prettiest pictures of Disney are after the storms roll through, leaving the ground drenched. Now, I need to take my own advice because I’ve never done this myself! Being a local it just never seems to make sense to drag my gear out in the rain. (That’s one of the only down sides of living here. You can do everything “tomorrow.”) Ironically, I have lots of rainy day photos from Disneyland! :) You can always rent a locker to stow away pricey electronics. You’ll regret not bringing them when the storm passes.


7) Look out for rain only shows. At the Magic Kingdom when the parade is cancelled there’s a special Rain Day Cavalcade. Basically, cast members and some of your favorite Disney characters come out to play in the rain dressed in their rain coats. It’s shorter than the normal parade but a novelty and it’s worth it to say you’ve seen it. Even better you can normally hang out in a doorway of a shop on Main Street for a great (and dry) view!


8) Not up for the challenge? That’s okay! Lots of people don’t think playing in the rain is any fun. We get plenty of sunny days and there are lots of fun things to do indoors. Resort hopping is one of my favorite ways to spend a day at Disney. The hotels are all so different and beautifully themed! You could also take in a nice meal, simply call for reservations at 407-WDW-DINE. DisneyQuest is another popular spot in a downpour. Even better it’s right next door to the AMC Movie Theater and all the shopping offered at Downtown Disney.


So what do you think? Will you be braving some wet weather on your next trip? Do you have any fun stories of being stuck in the rain at Disney? Do you have any other ideas for rainy weather? Please let us know in the comments below and as always thanks so much for reading!




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

Planning for Rain During Your Disney World Vacation is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 07, 2014 03:00

May 6, 2014

Walt Disney World Crowd Report – April 27 to May 3, 2014

By Fred Hazelton


Predictions did very well again this week with only one prediction missing by more than two levels. Among the other 34 predictions, only 5 were off by more than one. Rain kept crowds moderate at the end of the week and despite some special events at three of the four parks, crowd levels were unaffected, as we predicted.


Let’s look at how the crowd levels stacked up each day last week.


The Crowd Report

The Crowd Report



The Walt Disney World Crowd Report


April 27 to May 3, 2014



Sunday, April 27, 2014 


Our prediction for moderate crowds on Sunday were accurate with a resort wide crowd level of ’5′, one higher than the ’4′ we predicted. Magic Kingdom and Epcot were also a ’5′ on our scale, about what you would expect for late April. The other two parks went in opposite directions from our predictions. The Studios ended up two levels lower than the ’4′ we predicted while Animal Kingdom was two levels higher than the predicted ’5′.


Monday, April 28, 2014


No surprises on Monday however with every prediction hitting the mark within one index level. Guests of the Studios enjoyed the lowest crowds. That park only reached a level ’2′ on our scale. Resort wide, no park hit a level above ’5′ which kept the overall level at ’4′, as predicted.


Tuesday, April 29, 2014


Tuesday’s crowds were one level lower (3) as predicted including a ’5′ at Magic Kingdom. Epcot was a ’2′, The Studios a ’2′ and Animal Kingdom a ’3′. Extra Magic Hours didn’t seem to have much impact on The Studios (morning) or Epcot (evening) according to average wait times like  65 minutes at Toy Story Mania and 41 minutes at Test Track.


Wednesday, April 30, 2014


Isolated thundershowers in the afternoon on Wednesday affected wait times at some parks. We saw surprisingly low crowds at The Studios (’1′, we predicted ’3′) and surprisingly high crowds at Epcot (’5′, we predicted ’2′).


Thursday, May 1, 2014


Happy 25th Anniversary Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The celebration of The Studios anniversary included a re-dedication ceremony, an early evening parade and a special fireworks display. Many questioned our predictions for a quiet crowd at The Studios on Thursday amid rumors of extra staffing and capacity crowds. Like our prediction for a quieter than normal Easter weekend our prediction proved correct on Thursday. We predicted ’3′, it was a ’2′. Granted, small crowds did attend the special ceremonies but overall the park was manageable. Toy Story Mania averaged 58 minutes between 10am and 5pm. That is very, very low.


Special events occurred at Magic Kingdom as well on Thursday where media invitees took a tour of the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Crowds were a moderate ’5′ on our scale as expected.


Friday, May 2, 2014


Epcot’s crowd on Friday was the biggest surprise of the week, reaching a level ’7′ on our scale thanks to higher than expected waits at Soarin’ (79 minutes) and Mission: Space Orange (32 minutes). We predicted a ’3′. Elsewhere, steady rain kept crowds moderate all day, including a ’5′ at Magic Kingdom and a ’4′ at Animal Kingdom as predicted. The Studios came in at a ’3′, one level higher than expected.


Saturday, May 3, 2014


Rainy weather continued for most of Saturday keeping crowds moderate with a resort wide ’4′. The Expedition Everest Challenge run at Animal Kingdom had no impact on crowds that day. Not surprising since the event occurred several hours after park closing. Only Epcot reached a level above ’4′ on Saturday.


 



What to Expect This Week


May 4 to May 10, 2014



Crowd Calendar Example


Late April and Early May is a great time to visit Walt Disney World if you are not fond of crowds, especially early May. We don’t expect crowds to rise above average until late May. Watch out for Star Wars Weekends and Memorial Day, otherwise touring is generally relaxed. Note that Magic Kingdom is open for 24 hours on May 23.


To see Walt Disney World Crowd predictions for the days of your vacation, check the Crowd Calendar.


To get details about our predictions of future crowds or details about crowds in the past check out the Crowd Calendar and select “Jump to Date” on the left margin.




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

Walt Disney World Crowd Report – April 27 to May 3, 2014 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 06, 2014 12:11

Live from the Disney Dream – Bar Menus

By Laurel Stewart


Today is Castaway Cay day of our second cruise, and I’ve already run a 5K. Because I’m feeling so righteous, I’ll post some bar menus. First is Pink – my third favorite bar on the Disney Cruise Line (click to open the full sized images).


Page 1 of the Pink Menu

Page 1 of the Pink Menu


Page 2 of the Pink Menu

Page 2 of the Pink Menu


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Next is a label from the Crémant d’Alsace Blanc de Blanc, which Len (who is kind of a Champagne snob) pronounced very good last night, and is at a really decent price.


Crémant d'Alsace Blanc de Blanc

Crémant d’Alsace Blanc de Blanc


I had the Möet et Chandon Ice Imperial (you must be 21 to enter the Möet web site), which isn’t on the menu for some reason. Pink is a fun bar that never seems to see many crowds. We find it vastly preferable to the overwrought decor of the Fantasy’s Ooh La La, which is the sister bar on that ship. Myra, our bartender, said she thinks a lot of folks assume it’s Champagne only. For me, this isn’t a problem because I like my wine the way I like my jewelry – sparkly. Our only complaint is there is the occasional noise leak over from the live entertainment at the District Lounge.


The next menu is from  the Dream’s Skyline – my 2nd favorite bar on the Disney Cruise Line.


Skyline Page 1

Skyline Page 1


Skyline Page 2

Skyline Page 2


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


If you are a fan of glow cubes (and who isn’t?) Skyline is the place for you. On the Dream it is a tour of 5 cities, each with signature cocktails. We found out from talking to Nur, our bartender, that the drinks are created by the bartenders onboard and go through many iterations of testing before DCL deems them ready to go on their menus. You can also order cocktails that aren’t on the menu, as well as beer and wine.


Next time, we will pull menus from 687, Evolution, and the District Lounge for you. And, by the way, my favorite DCL bar is Skyline on the Fantasy.


Questions or comments? Ask away in the comments – we’re still onboard for a sea day tomorrow, the 7th, before we hit dry land again at Port Canaveral.


If you enjoy our DCL content, take a look at our Disney Cruise Line subscription or buy our new book, the Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line, written by Len Testa, Erin Foster, and Laurel Stewart – available at Amazon.com and on Apple iBooks.


 


 




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

Live from the Disney Dream – Bar Menus is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 06, 2014 09:12

Yacht and Beach Club’s Ship Shape Salon – A Pedicure Review

By Morgan Crutchfield


Ship Shape

Just about right there under the blue pointer.


A couple of weeks ago during a stay at Yacht and Beach Club, I looked down and was slightly aghast at the state of my toenail polish. A few days in a sand-bottomed pool can do some damage. I have been to the Senses Spa at Saratoga Springs, and, while the treatment I got there was amazing, upwards of $80 for a pedicure is a little much. I considered Mandara Spa at the Swan & Dolphin, but, again, at prices starting at $65, it was more than I wanted to commit to just being presentable. Just after a great burger at Beaches & Cream, I walked past the Ship Shape Fitness Center and realized there was an extra door there.


As it turns out, Yacht and Beach Club has a lovely little spa and salon right next to the fitness center that offers a wide range of services at much more reasonable prices. My pedicure was listed at $55, which was inclusive of gratuity, but after my Annual Passholder discount, it was just under $50. While that’s more than I normally pay for a pedicure, I was able to get a same-day appointment for less than any other location on property.



At my appointment time I checked in at the desk and waited a few minutes in the pleasant and quiet reception area.


IMG_8638


 


I was then led down a pretty corridor to a relaxation room with comfortable seating and citrus flavored water and fresh fruit.


IMG_8636


 


IMG_8634


 


IMG_8633


 


I was only in the relaxation room for about 5 minutes when a technician came in and greeted me by name. She took me to a treatment room with pedicure chairs the same as those at the Senses spas. The chairs have some pretty impressive massage functions or can be left silent if you prefer.


IMG_8639


 


My pedicure lasted about 45 minutes and was a standard process with nail shaping, leg massage, and polish application. It was done by Christine, a great technician who told me that Disney rotates all their technicians among its salons, so the services are very similar if not the same. And while you don’t have exactly the experience you’ll get at the bigger spas, for my money this pedicure was great and really convenient. It was a very nice experience, and I had a really enjoyable conversation with my technician while she worked. I give it two well-polished thumbs up. If you have questions, I and my now not-offensive toes will be happy to answer.




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

Yacht and Beach Club’s Ship Shape Salon – A Pedicure Review is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 06, 2014 03:30

May 5, 2014

Star Wars Dining at Walt Disney World: What You Need To Know

By Morgan Crutchfield


IMG_9008Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios has added two Star Wars dining experiences to its Star Wars Weekends lineup and, though Star Wars Weekends hasn’t officially started, the dining experiences began yesterday. Offered daily May 4, 2014, through June 15, 2014, the meals include the Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine Dinner at Hollywood & Vine. As with all Disney Dining Experiences, there are some things you need to know to make your meal go as smoothly as possible.


STAR WARS DINE-IN GALACTIC BREAKFAST at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater


The Dine-In Galactic Breakfast is served at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater every morning through June 15, 2014, from 8 a.m. to noon. The price ($47.99 for adults and $29.99 for kids ages 3-9) gets you pastries, and appetizer, an entree, a breakfast dessert (not listed on the menu), and a non-alcoholic beverage. No discounts are accepted, and the meal will take two adult table service credits per person from your Disney Dining Plan Account. Though it’s rare for a child’s meal to pull adult credits, we did confirm this with booking and the restaurant, so be sure to ask what you’re going to be “charged” if you’re on the dining plan.


Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Photo Courtesy of Disney

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Photo Courtesy of Disney


What do you need to know about breakfast? First, the menu is fairly limited and a little odd. The full menu is here. Reports from yesterday’s service were that it was a little slow, and some of the food wasn’t the best, but it’s a new offering for this restaurant, so it’s likely that those kinks will work out. Second, the restaurant itself is themed as a drive-in theater, so the environment is pretty dark. While you have an immediate photo op with Darth Vader and Boba Fett (with PhotoPass and a special backdrop) as you enter the restaurant, your pictures with the Jawas, Greedo, and Storm Troopers inside the dining room may not come out so great, even with a flash. If character meet and greets are a big reason for booking for your family, be sure to take this into account. You do get a special PhotoPass card with your entrance photos on it.


The Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast can only be booked by calling (407) WDW-DINE. You’ll check in at the Sci-Fi Dine-In theater and may have to wait a while outside before being called in, as the photo prior to breakfast tends to slow the process down a bit.


JEDI MICKEY’S STAR WARS DINE at Hollywood & Vine


DSC_0219Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine is served at Hollywood & Vine daily through June 15, 2014, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and scheduled to close depending on park hours. The price ($55.99 for adults and $32.99 for kids ages 3-9) includes the dinner buffet and a non-alcoholic beverage. No discounts are accepted, and the meal will take two adult table service credits per person from your Disney Dining Plan Account. Again, though it’s rare for a child’s meal to pull adult credits, we did confirm this with booking and the restaurant, so be sure to ask what you’re going to be “charged” if you’re on the dining plan. You may also opt to book the Fantasmic Dinner Package (reserved seating at Fantasmic! after dinner) with this meal for $59.99 for adults and $36.99 for kids ages 3-9. This dining experience can only be booked by calling (407) WDW-DINE.


What do you need to know about dinner? First, you’ll need to check in at the podiums set up in front of the restaurant prior to your reservation time.Walk ups MAY be taken, but only if there are cancellations. Check with cast members around 4:15 for availability and remember: you must have your entire party with you to be seated. You may be required to wait a little while on the porch, as the photo op with Ewok Chip and Dale as you enter slows things down a bit. Once you’re called you’ll enter a line for the photo, after which you’ll be seated.


Half of the Hollywood & Vine Dining Room.

Half of the Hollywood & Vine Dining Room.


Second, the buffet is massive. It feels like Hollywood & Vine has really stepped it up recently with its offerings, and this buffet is no exception. Find a list of most, if not all, of the items offered here. Everything we tried was great – not over-the-top amazing, but a solid meal with kid-friendly and vegetarian offerings as well as customizable salad and pasta dishes. The desserts were not only tasty but fun to look at, as well.


DSC_0227


DSC_0228


IMG_9040


Third, characters at this venue are all Disney characters in Star Wars regalia including Ewok Chip and Dale (who do not circulate in the dining room), Storm Trooper Donald, Goofy Vader, Jedi Mickey, and Leia Minnie. The characters do sign autographs. We arrived right at 4:15 and were seated around 4:45. Reservations hadn’t really started to bump yet, and we got great character interactions with multiple pictures.


DSC_0243


Based on first-day feedback and experiences, the Hollywood & Vine dining experience is more little-kid-friendly than the Sci-Fi Dine-In meal. If you’ve been trying to decide between the two, give dinner a solid check in the “great dining experience box.”




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

Star Wars Dining at Walt Disney World: What You Need To Know is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 05, 2014 16:40

Disney World Halloween and Christmas Party 2014 Tickets Now On Sale

By Brian McNichols


Hallowishes MNSSHPThere is no denying the popularity of both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, each held several times annually at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Unfortunately, that popularity means an ever-increasing price for these festivities. Tickets just recently became available via Disney’s website, so here is our quick rundown of the dates and prices for you.


In 2014, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party will be held 26 times, the same number as in 2013. The prices increased almost $3.00 on average since last year, ranging from $62 to $77 for adult tickets. For more information about the party, check out our page dedicated to all the Halloween Party details. The party dates and prices (not including tax) for 2014 are:



September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, and 28: $62 for adults / $57 for children
October 2, 3, 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, and 28: $67 for adults / $62 for children
October 10, 17, 24, and 30: $71 for adults / $66 for children
October 31: $77 for adults / $72 for children

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held 19 times in 2014, just like it was in 2013. The prices for this party increased about $5.00 on average, ranging from $67 to $74 for an adult ticket. For more information about the party, check out our page dedicated to all the Christmas Party details. The party dates and prices (not including tax) for 2014 are:



November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 20: $67 for adults / $62 for children
November 21 and 30: $71 for adults / $66 for children
December 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, and 16: $67 for adults / $62 for children
December 5, 12, and 18: $71 for adults / $66 for children
December 19: $74 for adults / $69 for children

Florida Resident, Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club member, and Military discounts are available for most dates.




FacebookTwitterGoogle PlusPinterest

Disney World Halloween and Christmas Party 2014 Tickets Now On Sale is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 05, 2014 10:12

Bob Sehlinger's Blog

Bob Sehlinger
Bob Sehlinger isn't a Goodreads Author (yet), but they do have a blog, so here are some recent posts imported from their feed.
Follow Bob Sehlinger's blog with rss.