Once you have your accommodations and before you book your airfare, I recommend you make dining reservations. Seriously! Especially if you want to eat with Mickey and friends or the Princesses! Those character dining slots go fast. You can call as early as 180 days in advance and if you are staying on property you can book for your whole stay. You'd be surprised how quick some places fill up.
This will be a multi-part post because there are so many restaurants to talk about. Here, I am including character dining and event dining, the ones that go first. I haven't been to any princess meals because I have 3 boys! But I'm sure they're all great 8=)
(Rating is based on 5 *s = awesome! and n/b=never been)
These Dinner & A Show "events" are so fun! I have booked Fantasmic (huge laser, fire & light show of Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey over water) three times and had to cancel for one reason or another every time so hopefully we will make it this year. There's so much to tell you about all these wonderful experiences. They are expensive, but worth doing at least one (we usually have one sit down reservation a day because we like to have a relaxing meal and not wait!) My sister really liked the Disney Dining Plan which I will go into more detail on later, too. You can make your dining reservations online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).
Countdown to next trip (Nov 2011): 153 days 8=)
TTFN!
My references are the
Disney website and
Birnbaum Guides to Walt Disney World (2010) which I use for much of my planning, I highly recommend using them.
Thx for your insight. I think this is important for "locals" to read too! I live in the LA area and a friend was telling me that when she called to book a princess lunch two weeks in advance, the woman literally laughed at her over the phone. Being local, she didn't think of what a big deal it would be to book those dining attractions ahead of time!
ReplyDeleteDo you know how hungry I am right now? :) All this talk of dining... LOL
ReplyDeleteLove the picture!
I let my cousin use my time share and she took her kid to Disney in Feb. I went down to spend one day with them. We saw Fantasmic and I was actually impressed. I did not have high expectations so it is of note that I liked it. Be sure to let me know if you do make it to Marietta for Labor Day. We might be able to catch up.
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea people booked meals that far in advance. We don't generally book our holiday that far in advance.
ReplyDeleteYay Disney!! I have yet to make our ADR's yet. I'm a slacker for this trip 'cause I just don't know how to plan LOL! I'm debating on whether or not I want to go to Chef Mickey's. It always looks like it is SO crazy in the pics I see. Is it worth it?
ReplyDeleteAlana, that cracked me up!
ReplyDeleteDana, wait til you read my poem today =)
Junebug, sounds good!
M Pax, you'd be surprised
Rhonda, most other vacations we dont plan that far ahead, but Disney is better to plan ahead...
Carla, we <3 chef mickey's, it seems hectic but they are really very organized. it's a buffet meal so if you want to sit and be served, try ohana (plus, you like stitch!)