Month: December 2018

  • Fantasmic Disney World: How to Get Great Seats

    Fantasmic Disney World: How to Get Great Seats

    Fantasmic is one of the most incredible nighttime experiences you’ll find at Walt Disney World. Found at Hollywood Studios, the show places the audience in one of Mickey’s dreams as an epic battle between good and evil unfolds. Key elements include pyrotechnics, lasers, and a water show, just to name a few. Today we have a few insider tips that’ll help you secure premium seating and have a blast at the show.

    Basic Info

    Seating for this show begins 90 minutes before it starts. Because of the nature of the performances, this show can be cancelled or postponed due to weather more frequently than other nighttime shows. Even if rain or wet weather has passed, if the surface is slippery the show can be cancelled, postponed or even cut short if it is deemed unsafe.

    The best seats are in the center of the stadium a few rows back from the front. This ensures that you will be able to see all of the show, but also being a few rows back protects you from getting wet, or from feeling to hot from the heat of the pyrotechnics.

    Many of these seats are reserved, so how do you get them?

    Dining Packages

    The first option is to book a dining package. There are 3 restaurants at Hollywood Studios where you can do so. Each dining package includes one entree, one dessert, one non-alcoholic beverage, and a ticket to guaranteed seating in a reserved area for Fantasmic. Make sure when you check into your reservation you confirm you have the Fantasmic dining package and make sure before you leave you get your vouchers from your waiter or waitress.

    The dining options are:

    Hollywood & Vine

    This is a table service buffet meal with characters, and is traditional American foods.
    You can select breakfast, which is $46 for adults and $26 for children (plus tax and gratuity) or lunch and dinner which is $60 for adults and $36 for children (plus tax and gratuity) or 1 Table Service Credit if you have the dining plan. The fact that it has a character meet really maximizes your dining credit.

    Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano

    This is a sit down table service meal, and is a traditional Italian restaurant.
    You can choose lunch or dinner. It is $43 for adults and $18 for children (plus tax and gratuity). You can use your dining plan table service credits

    The Hollywood Brown Derby

    This is a sit down table service meal, and is considered fine dining and a signature restaurant. You do not need to be dressed up for this meal. They serve contemporary American fare.

    You can choose from lunch or dinner and it is $63 for adults and $22 for children (plus tax and gratuity). This would cost you 2 of your table service credits if you choose to use your dining plan.

    It is recommended that you make these reservations at your 180 day mark for Advanced Dining Reservations, but remember to select the Fantasmic Dining Package, if you just make a regular dining reservation you will not be given Fantasmic vouchers.

    If you select a dining package, you must arrive 25 minutes prior to show time to be guaranteed seats in the reserved section. Seats are not assigned, there is a roped off area for the dining package seats, which are just bleacher style stadium seating, so how early you want to get there is up to you. If the show is cancelled due to weather you can use your voucher for up to 5 days after your scheduled show, but you must have a valid theme park ticket for the day you want to attend.

    Dessert Package

    The second option for reserved seating is the Fantasmic Dessert Package. This is different from the popular dessert parties at Walt Disney World. The dessert package is a box of desserts and a drink, can be alcoholic if you are 21+, that you pick up prior to the show and can eat and drink while you wait for the show to start or during the show. On nights that there are two showings of Fantasmic, the Dessert Package will only be offered for one of the showings.

    The price is $39 per adult and $19 per child, this includes tax and gratuity is not required. You can arrive as early as 90 minutes prior to showtime, but no later than 45 minutes before the show is due to start. When you check-in you will receive a custom credential to trade in for your dessert package, this will not be replaced if lost or stolen.

    Adult Dessert Package

    Typically included in the adult dessert box is: chocolate covered strawberries, cheesecake, a chocolate cupcake, apple pie, trail mix, and cheese & crackers. The child (ages 3-9) box usually includes: chocolate “dirt” (pudding with crushed Oreos and gummy worms), confetti popcorn, grapes, and a vanilla cake bite. All guests also receive water, and their drink of choice in a light up souvenir cup.

    Like the Dining Package, seats are roped off and are not assigned, it is first-come, first-serve. If the show is cancelled, you can still get your dessert package and beverage, and will be able to use your voucher at another show up to 5 days after your reserved seating, with a valid theme park ticket. You can not use Disney Dining Plan credits for the Dessert Package. Reservations are recommended, but these typically do not open up until 3 months in advance.

    Other Options

    There are two other options for seating at Fantasmic, using a FastPass or the Standby line. The FastPass seating is similar to the Dining Package and Dessert Package, but that means you only get 2 other FastPasses for your entire day at Hollywood Studios. The second option is the standby line. This is not terrible, but if it is a packed event you will likely be seated on the sides and may not have a great view of the entire show.

    Wrapping Up

    Fantasmic is a wonderful show, and while there are no terrible seats, there are definitely great seats, and the packages are the best way to ensure you will get them, especially if you are visiting during a busy time. Have other Fantasmic tips to share? Drop them in the comments below. Or, until next time have a magical trip!

  • Starbucks at Disney World: How to Maximize Your Dining Credits

    Starbucks at Disney World: How to Maximize Your Dining Credits

    When visiting Walt Disney World, it may be confusing to see other visitors wandering around with Starbucks cups when you haven’t seen that classic sign for your favorite mass-market coffee shop during your travels around the parks. Have no fear, Starbucks is present in each of the WDW parks, but each location goes by a different, Disney-themed name.

    Below you’ll find a handy guide that’ll help you find these hidden coffee gems in each of the WDW parks.

    Magic Kingdom

    Main Street Bakery

    In The Magic Kingdom you will find Starbucks on the right side of Main Street as you head toward the castle, called The Main Street Bakery.

    Hollywood Studios

    The Trolley Car Cafe

    In Hollywood Studios you will find Starbucks at The Trolley Car Cafe, which is at the corner of Hollywood and Sunset.

    Epcot

    Fountain View

    Animal Kingdom

    Creature Comforts

    In Epcot you will find Starbucks at Fountain View. If you walk toward the World Showcase it is on your right after you pass the entrance to the Character Spots.

    In Animal Kingdom you will find Starbucks at Creature Comforts, which is located on the left side of the road just before the bridge to Africa.

    Dining Plan Tips

    If you are taking advantage of a dining plan, one of the best places to use a snack or even a quick service credit is at Starbucks at Disney World.

    Almost all drinks fall under the snack credit category. Want a tall (small) iced coffee? That’s one snack credit. How about a venti (large) Frappuccino or latte? Also one snack credit. You can get as many add-ins as you want without any extra costs. This includes items like espresso shots or flavors. These items could regularly cost you between $6 and $8, so they really maximize the value of a snack credit. You can also use snack credits to purchase drinks from the coolers located throughout the store that include items like bottled water or Powerade.

    There are also a number of food items you can use a snack credit to purchase. Traditional Starbucks goodies like yogurt parfait, pound cakes (lemon, pumpkin, banana, etc…), scones, and cookies are all valid purchases. You can also use a snack credit to snag a 3 pack of cake pops or a 3 pack of the petite vanilla bean scone. The Starbucks at Disney World also have a plethora of signature items, like the giant Mickey cinnamon roll or Star Wars cupcakes at Hollywood Studios. A lot of these items can be seasonal so make sure you check them out with each visit.

    Something I learned on our last trip was that you can use Quick Service credits at the Starbucks at Disney World, a beverage and a breakfast or lunch sandwich qualifies as a quick service meal. The breakfast sandwiches by themselves do not qualify as a snack credit. If you are struggling to use quick service credits, this may be a great option for you.

    Some general tips when using the dining plan at Starbucks at Disney World include:

    • If you are using both dining credits and cash or a credit card you have to make separate transactions. One for the dining credit purchases and one for everything else.
    • You can use your Starbucks card to pay for items, and earn stars, but you can’t redeem Starbucks rewards at the Starbucks at Disney World.
    • You cannot use mobile ordering at Starbucks at Disney World. The lines may seem long but they move fast!
    • There are 2 Starbucks at Disney Springs, they are traditional Starbucks, so you can mobile order and redeem rewards, but they also accept the Dining Plan.
    • You can use Disney gift cards at the locations within the parks.

    Wrapping Up

    If you plan on getting Starbucks at Disney World every day, this may be a great way to use your snack and quick service credits. Also, make sure to check out the merchandise. The parks locations have unique collectibles, like the You Are Here mugs, which change occasionally. They also have one unique Disney cold cup, unfortunately only in a Venti size. Make sure you check them out before you head home.

    You Are Here Mugs

    If you have any questions the cast members are all well educated on what you can order on the dining plan, and will encourage you to go big to maximize the value of your credits.

    Have other Starbucks at Disney World tips or tricks? Share them with us in the comments section below. Or, until next time, have a magical trip!

  • My Disney Experience App: 6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do

    My Disney Experience App: 6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do

    The My Disney Experience App is an online tool that you can use to help plan your next Walt Disney World vacation. Even if you have a travel agent, and use them to book your trip, dining, and fast passes, it may be in your benefit to have a My Disney Experience log in, and download the app on your mobile device.

    If you do happen to be working with a Travel Agent, they may have set up a log in and password for you, so make sure you get all the information from them before you leave for vacation. If instead, you did part or all of your vacation planning yourself, you’ll already have that information. To sign into the app, you’ll use the same email and password you use to access the My Disney Experience website.

    Here, for your convenience, we bring you 6 things you didn’t know you could do in the My Disney Experience app to help you make the most of your next Disney World trip.

    1. Use it as a Park Map

    The My Disney Experience (MDE) App puts all the park maps right at your fingertips. Did you forget to grab one at your resort or at the front of the park? No worries, the maps on the app are just as easy to use, and if you’re confused on how to get from one place to the next, it will even give you directions.

    Perhaps one of the most important pieces of information that this map can give you is wait times. It will also show you if a ride is down. Planning on trekking over to Frozen Ever After after you ride Test Track? Check the app first to make sure the walk over to the ride won’t be in vain.

    Other important places you’ll find on these in-app maps are: baby care centers, bathrooms, and first aid locations.

    2. View your plans

    Forgot what time your Be Our Guest reservation is? What about your Fast Pass for Enchanted Tales with Belle? Once you log into the app, you will be able to see all your plans for your entire vacation.

    That also means if you need to cancel reservations or fast passes, or just modify those items, you can also do that in the My Disney Experience app.

    3. Mobile Ordering

    This is a game changer. Don’t wait in the 30 minute line at Aloha Isle for your beloved Dole Whip. Instead, pull out your phone and order right inside the MDE app. Once you order and arrive at the location, go to the pick-up spot and tell the MDE app you’ve arrived. The cast members will immediately put your order together, it is incredibly easy and fast.

    You can use this trick at many quick service and snack locations, including Woody’s Lunch Box and Satu’li Canteen. Disney has made it even easier now, because you can use your dining plan credits to purchase your items as well as using credit cards.

    4. Resort Dashboard

    If you are staying on Disney property you can use the My Disney Experience app to check into your room up to 60 days in advance. This doesn’t guarantee that any special requests you’ve made will be satisfied, or that your room will be ready early, but it does save you time filling out paperwork when you get to your resort.

    If you use early or online check-in you may be able to go straight to your room once it is ready. Your room assignment will be texted to you, but will also be put in your account information in the app. You will also be able to use both your magic band and the app to unlock your door!

    5. View dining and account balances

    If you have a dining plan during your stay you will be able to see all your information on the My Disney Experience App. It will tell you how many Table service, Quick Service, and Snack credits you have used and how many you have left.

    You can also track your spending. It is easier to swipe your magic band when making a purchase then pulling out your credit card or cash. That also makes it easier to spend A LOT of money. You can look in the My Disney Experience App to get an itemized list of what you’ve purchased and the total amount of money you’ve spent so far.

    6. Memory Maker and Photos

    Memory Maker is a service you can purchase that gives you unlimited photos for the length of your stay at Walt Disney World. There are a plethora of PhotoPass photographers and any photo they take will end up in Memory Maker, along with many of the ride photos.

    Memory Maker photos are available in the My Disney Experience App, the watermark won’t disappear until you start downloading. Just be aware of the timeline, as photos are only available to download for 30 days, if you want to download them somewhere other than your phone you need to make sure you can do that before the 30 days is over.

    Wrapping Up

    The My Disney Experience app is meant to help, not hinder your vacation, so make sure you set it up on one or two phones prior to leaving on your trip and try using it. Have other My Disney Experience app tips to share? Drop them in the comments below. Or, until next time have a magical trip!