Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Returns to Disney XD!

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October 17, 2015

Disney XD has ordered a sophomore season of its popular animated series “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.” It was announced today by Dan Buckley (Marvel’s President, TV, Publishing and Brand Management) and Joe Quesada (Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer), at New York Comic-Con. The second season will continue the thrilling space adventure that follows the ragtag group of misfits that fans have come to love as they fight to protect the galaxy. “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy” season two is currently in production and slated to premiere in 2017.

“We’re pleased to give fans a new season of ‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy,’ taking them deeper into the Guardians’ universe,” said Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD. “The team at Marvel Animation continues to deliver great stories that capture the tone and spirit of the feature film and provide entirely new chapters to the Guardians of the Galaxy story.”

“We are thrilled at the positive response to ‘Guardians’ from fans of all ages, and we are looking forward to bringing them more adventures with these dynamic characters,” said Dan Buckley, Marvel’s President – TV, Publishing & Brand Management. “There are so many possibilities with the Guardians franchise, and season two will take viewers even deeper into this rich universe.”

Launch to date, “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy” has delivered 4.4 million unique Total Viewers including 1.9 million Kids 2-11.*

In the exciting second season, the Guardians of the Galaxy and The Avengers team up to stop evil alien mad scientist, The High Evolutionary! After an epic battle, The Guardians discover an ancient weapon with mysterious powers. Now, with every alien baddie in the galaxy trying to get their hands, paws and tentacles on this weapon, The Guardians must unlock its secrets before it destroys them and everything they’ve sworn to protect.

Disney XD is currently airing all-new episodes of season one on Saturday nights throughout the month of October featuring the “Hunt for the Cosmic Seed” story arc.

Stay tuned for more Guardians!

A First Timer’s Guide: Top 10 Reasons To Stay At A Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2015

Time and time again I am asked if it is worth it to stay on Disney Property or AKA, at a Disney Resort! My answer is always the same, ABSOLUTELY! Now, before you formulate an opinion let me tell you this… I have stayed on and off property! I have saved receipts and compared everything down to the wire! My family finds that for us, staying on Disney property is the way to go. Let’s take a quick look at my top 10 reasons to stay at a Disney Resort!

The All-Inclusive Package: This is a huge selling point for me! By staying at a Disney Resort, I can make a vacation package that takes care of my tickets, dining and guest room! I pay for everything in advance and only need spending money for souvenirs and tips! It is perfect! 🙂 If you are lucky enough, you can land one of these plans for free during promotional times! If you stay off-site, you can not purchase a Disney Dining Plan.
Dining Reservations: When you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort you can make your dining reservations 180 days prior to your arrival plus 10 additional days. This means that on your 180th day you can make dining reservations for up to 10 days of your vacation! That is a HUGE benefit when it comes to landing some of the very popular dining locations!
Extra Magic Hours: All Disney Resort guests are entitled to Extra Magic Hours. Be sure to check park hours in advance for the listings! Theme parks will open an hour early or stay open up to three hours late for guests.
MagicBands: When you purchase a Walt Disney World vacation package you receive complimentary MagicBands! These come in an array of colors and are your key to the world! These bands will be how you will enter the park, pay for dining credits, make purchases, enter your resort guest room and much more! They are even waterproof! There is no need to take them off when swimming or even on water rides! 🙂
FastPass+ Reservations: Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort allows you to make FastPass+ reservations for your favorite attractions or experiences 60 days prior to your arrival. Off-site guests can make their reservations at 30 days prior to arrival. Having that early booking window allows you to land those popular attractions like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and even a meet and greet with Anna and Elsa!
Disney’s Magical Express: Complimentary airport transfers are included with a Walt Disney Resort vacation package. The Magical Express will pick you up at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and whisk you away to your Disney World paradise! Upon completion of your vacation, Disney’s Magical Express will pick you up and take back to Orlando International Airport for your flight home! The Magical Express will arrive at your Disney Resort approximately 3 hours prior to your flight.
Complimentary Luggage Service: If you are flying on a participating airline, you will affix yellow luggage tags to all your check – in luggage before arriving to the airport, the day of your departure to Disney World. When you arrive you will not retrieve your luggage, you will go directly to The Magical Express. Disney Cast Members will be delivering your luggage approximately 3 – 5 hours after your arrival. On the day you are scheduled to fly home, give Bell Services a quick call and they will assist you with your luggage to the airline check – in at your resort. Here you will be able to check – in your luggage for the airport and store any carry – on luggage. Then you can spend the rest of the day playing before your flight home!
Complimentary Merchandise Delivery Service: This is awesome for the shopper in your family! When you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, be sure to ask a cast member to have your purchase delivered to your resort! Fill out a quick form and your merchandise will be on its way. Continue to play without carrying around your packages!
Theme Park Transportation: You will be provided with frequent transportation to and from Disney World theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs. This makes it convenient to leave for a midday break or even a swim at the pool! You will not need to schedule shuttle services or wait for a selected time to return to your hotel.
Staying In The Magic: Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort gives you the opportunity to be immersed in Disney “magic” 24/7. Resort themes, Disney food, Disney Service, all the way to the intricate details of a Disney Resort are amazing! There is no place in the world like a Disney Resort! The attention to detail in indescribable! You will not be disappointed! Be ready! There is magic in every corner you turn!

Now your job is to sit back, relax and create memories! These are just a few of the things my family loves about staying at a Walt Disney Resort! I am sure you will find Disney service to be outstanding! Everything they include is what makes Disney stand out from the rest! Enjoy!

Be sure to check out A First Timer’s Guide series! Your guide to the Disney Dining Plans is here.

You can also read about the Top 15 Things You Need To Know About Walt Disney World here and for our holiday fans, check out the Top 10 Things You Must Know About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party here! Be sure to check out the entire series!

My name is Jen Perkins. I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel Services. I’m a Disney Destination Specialist. I am also a writer for Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts and author to The First Timer’s Guide series. I love sharing tips on Disney World to help you enjoy your vacation! If you would like to chat or find out more tips for planning, feel free to ask! You can contact me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you and help you plan your next “magical” vacation!

You can also visit my facebook page here for more details on Disney World, updates on promotions, articles and upcoming events all related to Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios and much more! You will also find an array of photos of many of these amazing places that will help you with resort choices, dining and much more!

3 New Songs Added to Beauty and the Beast Live Action Film

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 16, 2015

Alan Menken, composer of many of our Disney favorites shared the news that the live action Beauty and the Beast film is coming to theaters in 2017. Menken said that none of the songs from the Broadway version made the film. There’s actually three new songs written for the movie. They are called Forever More, and there’s also a song called Days in the Sun, the name of the 3rd song was not mentioned in his Entertainment weekly interview.

Beauty and the Beast comes to theaters on March 17, 2017.

Are you ready to see Belle and Beast in the new live action film? I can’t wait! See ya at the movies for not only Beauty and the Beast but all the upcoming Disney films.

Skipper Canteen Restaurant Opening Soon in Adventureland

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Anonymouse

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October 16, 2015

2015 10 16 10 22 22 Blog Mickey Mike on Twitter Exterior work on the Skipper Canteen is progress

Hiya boys and girls! How is everyone on this fine day? I am sure we all wish we were at our favorite most magical place on earth! However, you are reading my Disney Gossip so that is a very close second right? Of course it is. Well there has been a lot of buzz about the new Skipper Canteen Restaurant that will be opening soon at the Magic Kingdom. So, of course I have to share my latest findings with you.

The food will be exotic foods from Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. That is different and I like different. The layout and surroundings will be pretty cool. If you are a Jungle Cruise fan then I am sure you will LOVE this place. You can expect corny jokes from the waitstaff just like the ride too!

I have heard that Disney wants this up and running by the holiday season to take advantage of the Holiday Flood of people. So it may open sooner than originally thought like November or December. The staff has been told be available. Also ADR’s may open up a couple of weeks before opening. So keep checking for those ADR’s to open up soon. Let us know if you snag one!

So are you looking forward to dining here? Let me know in the comment box below.

Always remember nothing is official until Disney says so!

This all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.

New Disney / Pixar Short “Sanjay’s Super Team” Preview

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 16, 2015

A new Disney / Pixar short titled “Sanjay’s Super Team” comes to theatres as part of the release of “The Good Dinosaur” during Thanksgiving weekend, November 25, 2015. Produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, the short tells the story of Sanjay Patel (who also directs the short) and his own personal experience as a young, first generation Indian-American boy. Sanjay’s dad tries to teach him the Hindu traditions while Sanjay who is more into western pop culture lives in a world of cartoons and comics. Sanjay’s journey takes him on an eye opening adventure that will allow both father and son to gain a new perspective. Check out the clip below and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at chipandco.com to make sure you get all the news, updates and promotions from your favorite site.

Sofia the First: Dear Sofia DVD Review

By

Danielle

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October 16, 2015

Sofia the First is always on a new adventure, and sometimes she even meets some of our most beloved princesses along the way. In the newest DVD we have a Royal Collection of episodes featuring 4 brave Disney Princesses.

It’s no secret that Sofia the First is a fan favorite in our home, so we were delighted to spend the weekend watching this royal collection of episodes. This is the first time ever that a DVD has had FOUR Disney Princess episodes on it. One thing we really love is seeing how the princesses will help Sofia, and the song they will sing. I think it’s safe to say that “Princesses to the Rescue” featuring Mulan was a total crowd pleaser, my son giggled endlessly at the ferocious Jade Jaguar! Without spoiling everything, we can definitely say this assortment of episodes was one of the most fun yet from a Sofia the First DVD. I feel it’s great for the collection because it highlights episodes from across the entire show, instead of a block of episodes in order.

Synopsis: Join Sofia as she receives guidance from Disney Princesses and goes on a daring adventure with Mulan in the Kingdom of Wei Ling, soars through the skies with Jasmine on a magic carpet ride, and discovers important lessons about friendship and life’s true gifts from Belle and Tiana. Packed with endless fun, music and heart – plus two additional episodes – “Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection” is a not-to-be-missed celebration highlighting the qualities that make a true princess – honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace.

The Bonus Episode “Cool Hand Fluke” was extra delightful. In this bonus episode, Sofia and the Family travel back to Merroway Cove, to visit the mermaids! We don’t often revisit other lands on Sofia the First, so it was great fun getting to catch up with our mermaid friends again so soon. The kiddos really enjoyed all the splish splashing, and I found it really reminiscent of the stories from the old “The Little Mermaid” cartoon series from when I was young.

Finally, one of the coolest features of this DVD was the FREE Sophia Themed Stationary Kit! This fabulous kit gives you a post card to mail to Sofia, where your child tells Sofia a little bit about them self and Sofia will write back! How spectacular is THAT? It also came with a sheet or very elegant stickers to decorate with. I can’t wait till we get our return letter, and I’ll be sure to share it with everyone when we do! Be sure to share with us if you get a letter from Sofia too!

Toy Industry Names Robert A. Iger as 2016 Inductee into Hall of Fame

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 16, 2015

The Toy Industry Association announced today that it is excited to induct Robert A. Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Mr. Iger was selected by members of TIA in recognition of his significant contributions to the industry and the impact his work has had on the lives of children worldwide.

Mr. Iger joins an impressive roster of 70 toy industry luminaries, including Jim Henson and George Lucas, who have been inducted into the Hall since it was established in 1984. The induction ceremony will be held on February 12, 2016 in conjunction with the annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards celebration at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Mr. Iger is the steward of the world’s largest media company and some of the most respected and adored brands around the globe. He has grown Disney’s portfolio of beloved brands with the acquisition of Pixar (2006), Marvel (2009), and Lucasfilm (2012), three of the entertainment industry’s greatest storytelling companies. Always one to embrace new technology, Mr. Iger has made Disney an industry leader through its creative content offerings across new and multiple platforms.

“Just about every child around the globe has been touched by the magic of Disney,” said TIA President & CEO, Steve Pasierb. “Mr. Iger has done an impressive job of building on Disney’s rich history and growing their storytelling portfolio, creating new experiences and unforgettable memories for generations of kids to come.”

The 2016 ceremony honoring Mr. Iger will take place at the 16th Annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards on Friday evening, February 12, 2016 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The ceremony will kick off the 113th North American International Toy Fair. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame is housed with the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum in Rochester, NY.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Finds – Vintage Disney Posters

By

Chip

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October 16, 2015

Etsy designer Star2Go is having a sale on all of their prints, buy 2 prints and get the 3rd one FREE! They have some very cool Vintage Disney Prints that I am thinking about ordering!

Here are a few of the designs I am looking at:

and many more. I know I went overboard with my list but really they have just about everything. So if you are looking for a vintage Disney Poster I am pretty sure they have it! Just head over to Star2Go etsy page and check out all the Disney Designs. Just make sure to get them while they are running their sale!

Happy Shopping

Pre-order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2015

By

Chip

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October 16, 2015

Heading to Walt Disney World this Holiday Season? Wanting to know where to get those Holiday treats, see special events and more? Then we have the Guidebook for you!

Holiday meals, special events, and seasonal shows, for starters! How will you see all the attractions AND take in the extra festivities in your already jam-packed vacation? DFB will guide you through the holiday offerings (not just the food!) so that you can choose your favorites! Order the Holiday Guide today and start your planning NOW!

You can pre-order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2015 e-Book now and you’ll receive an instant download of the 2014 Guide FREE!

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book has the very best advice, information, and tips to be sure you enjoy the holidays to their fullest at Walt Disney World! With 306 pages of seasonal material and over 200 photos, you can plan ahead so that upon arrival at the Walt Disney World resort you can get right to the celebrations. With traditional festivities and new entertainment this year; we illuminate the way so that you don’t miss any of the merrymaking!

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book is 306 pages of in-depth information, including significant crowd-avoiding tips and information on where to dine when the restaurants are booked solid! If you’ve toured Walt Disney World during the busy holiday season, you know how important these details are.We’ve noted all of the restaurants offering special meals or menu items, new shows, and more! Plus, we’ve designed a FAQ section and fun bonus items (including holiday-inspired crawls and touring strategies)!

The holiday season at Walt Disney World is here! The extra festivities can be overwhelming, but by pre-planning, you’ll be able to choose the events, shows, activities and meals that are most important to you and create a strategy to make sure you experience them all. We’ve also noted new elements that you’ll find at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and the Candlelight Processional. Don’t arrive home and realize that you missed an activity that would have been a memorable moment for your family!

They’ve included in the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays e-Book a full breakdown of the restaurants that we recommend and information on every restaurant offering a special holiday meal! This extremely valuable, exclusive resource allows you to easily plan your meals, see what’s offered, and be ready to book reservations — just like that! Use it on your mobile device when you’re at Walt Disney World to see what restaurants may have last-minute availability!

You’ll have instant access to every event and activity in Walt Disney World, including event information, prices, and photos. By choosing your must-sees before you get to Disney World, you’ll save time, money, and skip the stress! Our exclusive and customized bonus sections will help make your holiday trip your best visit ever.

Take a look before your trip to decide what events and activities your family will enjoy, then book early to make sure you’ll be one of the fortunate attendees! Time is money on a Disney Vacation; get the most out of both!

It’s always busy during the holiday season at Walt Disney World as this destination is well-known for high quality entertainment, memorable decor, and fantastic food. But each year the seasonal events get more and more crowded, and it becomes more difficult to simply show up and try to see everything.

Don’t get shut out of popular events, and don’t wait in winding lines! We’ve had years of experience with Disney World’s holiday season, and we’re excited to share our most exclusive information!

Remember, if you only have a few days (or less) to spend at Walt Disney World, you want to be sure you’re making the right choices!

Cost is $14.95. Click here to learn more and to pre-order today!

Tips for Staying at the Disney Springs Hotels in Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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October 16, 2015

On our next trip to Walt Disney World we are going to be staying at 2 of the 7 Disney Springs Hotels instead of staying at a Disney Resort. Many people prefer to stay at Disney Springs Hotels for their cheaper prices, discounts, and proximity to Walt Disney World. For us while cost is a huge factor something that equally important for me is the extras that you get. Before I get ahead of myself I wanted to first let you know where we will be staying when visiting Walt Disney World later this month.

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort – Directly across the street from Disney Springs the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista stands tall above most other Disney World Orlando hotels. They offer a shuttle to all things Disney, a character breakfast in their Lakeview Restaurant 3 days a week, family-friendly amenities like the Oasis Aquatic Playground, and a yummy Bar & Grill on property.

Many of my friends have stayed here and love this resort! They come back year after year and I for one am looking forward to checking this place out.

Also on this trip we are staying at the newly renovated Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area. Located just a short walk from everything the Disney Springs Area has to offer, as well as several Orlando attractions, Disney Golf courses and shopping. This newly remodeled hotel in Disney Springs puts you in the center of it all. A friend told me I needed to try the 1805 Angus burger from Palm Breezes and I am really looking forward to checking it out.

(See photo below)

Here is a list of all 7 Disney Springs Hotels:

Ok now that I have the Hotels I will be staying at in Disney Springs I am going to move on to our Tips for Staying at a Disney Springs Hotels in Walt Disney World:

Savings – I am going to start with something just about all of us worry about and that is finances, unless you won the lottery or is named Bob Iger when you go to Disney you want to save money. With the cost of Annual Passes, Tables in Wonderland, and Parking going up making your dollar go further is important to your Disney Vacation. Unlike the Disney World Resorts most hotels in Disney Springs has some sort of Free Dining.

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort has a Kids Eat Free option.

The Kids Eat Free Package at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, includes overnight room accommodations for up to four people and you can save $30 per breakfast on the wonderful breakfast buffet in our restaurant with this package. You receive a free daily breakfast buffet for two children (age 11 and under) with the purchase of one paying adult. This includes the Disney Character Breakfast at the resort on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

at the Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area they also have a kids eat free option.

Kids 12 and under Eat Free when ordering from the “Rainforest Adventure” Menu. Breakfast: 7am to 11am Dinner: 6pm to 11pm

So saving a meal a day is a good start, none of the Disney Hotels have free meals!

Location – All of the Disney Springs resorts are centrally located on Disney Property. If you have ever stayed at Saratoga Springs or Old Key West you will know how close these resorts are to the theme parks. All of the Disney Springs hotels offer Free Transportation to the Disney Parks (Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios & Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park) every 30 minutes. Buses pick up just outside the front of the hotel. There is also an evening shuttle to the Disney Springs Area or you can just walk.

The only problem you might run into is getting to these resorts from the airport, but no worries I got you covered.

You can get a rental car to and from the Orlando airport. I have used Thrifty and Budget many times with no issues. You can make reservations on any of the travel sites like Priceline or Expedia.

Take a Taxi. You can just walk off your plane and just jump in a cab and be on your way to any of the Disney Springs Hotels. Unfortunately Uber is not at the Orlando Airport yet. There is some sort of contract disputes right now so a cab is your only option.

I use Mears shuttle service to any non Disney Hotel I stay at. They are safe, comfortable, and affordable. They will run you about $20 each way or you will get a discount if you do a round trip. While I know this is not free Disney Transportation the savings you get from your room makes up for it.

Rooms – Many of us don’t spend a ton of times in our rooms. I am long enough to drop off my luggage, set up my laptop and then I am off to the parks or Disney Springs. I mean I can lay around a room at home but I don’t always get to Disney as much as I would like. While the Disney theming is cute and don’t get me wrong I love the Disney Hotels sometimes the theming is wasted on me. One thing I do like is a room with a view. Many of the Disney Springs hotels offer beautiful Disney views, if you happen to be at the hotel at night you might even be lucky enough to see Wishes off in the distance or even Illuminations.

Here is a money saving tip… Many times the Disney Springs Hotels will offer discounted rates or give you a discounted room if you are a AAA member. When I am trying to decide which hotel I stay at I will check the pricing on Priceline or Hotels.com first then go to the actual hotel website to see if they have a special that meets or beats the big name travel sites price. For example the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort has a special Advance Purchase Package where if you book 7 days or more prior to your trip you will receive a 20% discount off their best available rate.

Also I like to post many specials the Disney Springs Hotels are running throughout the year. Here are a few.

Convenience – Did you know that since many of the Disney Springs Hotels are on Disney Property they offer the Disney Souvenir Delivery service? Any gift purchased in any Disney store (NOT kiosk) can be sent to your hotel. This prevents you from having to carry purchases throughout the park. It usually takes about 1 to 2 business days for the items to reach the hotel, depending on how busy they are. Pretty cool huh?

Overall the Disney Springs Hotels are a great place to stay. They are located close to everything Walt Disney World has to offer. If you can land one of the specials they are running you will save a TON of money. Then you can use that money for souvenirs, dole whips, or even for another trip back to Walt Disney World.

Have you stayed at any of the Downtown Disney / Disney Springs Hotels? Which one was it? Let us know how you liked it in the comment box below.

D23 Members Enter to Win Disney Infinity 3.0 Dream Come True Sweepstakes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 15, 2015

D23 members can enter here to win the Disney Infinity Fan’s Dream Come True sweepstakes. You could win a Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack. Which now has characters, stories and worlds from Star Wars, four Disney Infinity Figures and Toy Box Expansion Games!

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins at 10 a.m. PT on 10/14/15 and ends at 10 a.m. PT on 10/30/15. Open to residents of the U.S. including DC, ages 18 and older (or the age of majority in state of primary residence, whichever is older). Must be an active D23 Member prior to date of entry. Only one entry allowed per D23 Member. For full details on entry requirements, odds of winning, prize limitations and conditions click here for official rules.

The winner will be notified by email within 48 hours after the end of the Sweepstakes.

D23 members enter here!

Good luck!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

What You Need to Know About the 2016 Disney Dining Plans

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 15, 2015

2016 is right around the corner – can you believe it! And people are getting their Walt Disney World vacations for next year booked and planned. One aspect of a Disney World vacation that can often lead to questions is the Disney Dining Plans. What are the Disney Dining Plans? How do they work? Are they worth it?

This post is for all of you with questions regarding the 2016 Disney Dining Plans. I’ve done Disney both with and without a dining plan. I’d consider myself an expect on how they work. I’d also like to think that I have a great idea as to when they are most cost effective and when it might be better to skip them. Hopefully I’ll answer all of your questions in this post, but just in case I don’t, you can always email me at [email protected] with any additional questions you have as you are planning and booking your Walt Disney World vacation.

So first, let’s take a look at the different Disney Dining Plan options available and what is included with each.

Quick Service Dining Plan

2 Quick Service meals (Breakfast includes an entree and beverage; Lunch and Dinner include an entree, dessert and beverage)
1 Snack
1 Refillable Resort Mug

Total Cost: Guests ages 10+: $42.77; Guests ages 3-9: $17.54

Plus Dining (Standard Dining Plan)

1 Table Service meal (Breakfast includes an entree and beverage; Lunch and Dinner include an entree, dessert and beverage; Buffets are all inclusive)
1 Quick Service meals (Breakfast includes an entree and beverage; Lunch and Dinner include an entree, dessert and beverage)
1 Snack
1 Refillable Resort Mug

Total Cost: Guests ages 10+: $61.82; Guests ages 3-9:$20.98

Deluxe Dining Plan

3 Table Service (or Quick Service) meals (Breakfast includes an entree and beverage; Lunch and Dinner include an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage; Buffets are all inclusive)
2 Snacks
1 Refillable Resort Mug

Total Cost: Guests ages 10+: $111.73; Guests ages 3-9:$32.56

*All beverages included on plans are non-alcoholic.

**If you look at the participating restaurants (mostly in the Table Service category) you will probably notice several missing that were included in 2015. This is nothing to worry about. There are several restaurants (mostly in World Showcase in Epcot) that are managed by third party corporations. Those usually take until the end of the current year to get contracts renewed and have them added to the dining plan. We face this every year and every year they are added by January!

A few general things to note:

You must be staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort to add the dining plan to your package. You do NOT have to have tickets to add the dining plan, however.
The number of credits you have is based on the number of nights in your stay, not the number of days.
You can use your credits in anyway you want. For example, if you’re on the Standard Plan you can use 1 Table Service meal for breakfast and one for dinner on one day of your trip and then two quick service meals (ie: lunch and dinner) the following day.
Credits expire at 11:59pm on the day of checkout.
You can use one quick service credit to get 3 snacks at one location during one transaction
Some meals are considered Signature Dining experiences. Those require two Table Service credits if on the Standard or Deluxe dining plan.
Meals are tracked electronically using your Magic Band. You will set up a PIN code that you will use to redeem your meals.
Gratuity is not included. You can charge the gratuity to your Magic Band (if you have added a credit card to your room at check-in) or use another form of accepted payment such as a credit card, cash or a Disney Gift Card.
For parties of 6 or more guests, a gratuity of 18% will automatically be added.
Children under the age of 3 (so 0-2 years of age) are not eligible for a Disney Dining Plan. That said, they are able to eat off the the plate of anyone in their party for no charge. At a buffet that means that they can get their own plate but there will be no cost incurred for their meal.
Guests who do not want a dessert will now have the ability to substitute that dessert choice for either a side salad, a cup of soup, or a fruit plate. Do keep in mind that this is only available upon request and substitutions may be limited. Guests will not be able to select an appetizer option instead.

And now a few tips if you decide to use a Disney Dining Plan:

Reservations for Table Service meals open up 180 days (or 180+10). Book your meals early – things will fill up!
If you have the Standard Dining Plan I’d do mostly Table Service dinners – the value is better! Even still, I’d suggest a lot of buffets/all-you-care-to-enjoy meals!
If you’re on the dining plan with children under the age of 3, buffets and all-you-care-to-enjoy meals are your friend! Plus they are the character meals, which is great for the little ones!
Don’t “waste” your snack credits on things like water and whole fruit. There are several snack options at Walt Disney World that would actually work for a light meal!
If you’re visiting during Food & Wine or Flower & Garden it might be a good idea to save you snack credits since you can use them at the food booths! We like to save several of them up and snack around the world in place of one of our meals (this leaves us with an extra QS meal that we use up on our last morning).

I love talking Disney! And especially talking Dining at Disney! Are you interested in planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2016 and want to know if the a Disney Dining Plan is right for your group? Or maybe you just want a little extra guidance planning that magical vacation “home.” Let me help! I am a true Disney Addict and also a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co and the Disney Addicts! Email me today at [email protected] to start planning your “Magical” vacation! –Alissa