Top 11 Table Service Meals at Walt Disney World Under $19

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September 1, 2015

Recently we shared with you our Top 11 Quick Service meals at Disney World under $11. It was a big hit – I mean, who doesn’t want to save money at Disney, right?

We’re back today to help those planning a Disney trip on a budget who still want to experience a Table Service Meal or two. Yes, Table Service meals are more expensive because of the gratuity added at the end but even still, a Table Service meal at Disney World doesn’t need to cost a fortune. There are some great meals at Walt Disney World and you can even find them for less than $19!

Here are my top Table Service meals under $19:

11. Build Your Own Angus Burger, Sci Fi Dine-in Theater, Commissary Lane, Disney’s Hollywood Studios: I tried to avoid burgers on this list – just because they can be found at pretty much every quick service location but this burger is pretty awesome! This is served on a Brioche Bun, Flame-broiled Beef Patty topped with your choice of the following: Swiss, Cheddar, or American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Jalapeños, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, Bacon, Onion Rings, or Barbecue Sauce with a side item. It’s filling and I like being able to customize my burger!

10. Sod the Stew, Raglan Road, Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney: Raglan Road at Downtown Disney is always a fun time. The name of this meal is always a tad off putting to me but it’s totally worth trying! It’s beef stew infused with a hint of Guinness. I had it with a side of green beans! And, if the budget allows it, they have some pretty amazing beer flights you should check out.

9. Penne a la Vodka, Mama Melrose’s, Streets of America, Disney’s Hollywood Studios: I’m a big fan of pasta and it’s usually pretty filling while remaining on the inexpensive side. The sauce is really good in my opinion and the Pancetta adds a little something special!

8. Honey Sesame Chicken, Nine Dragons, China Pavilion, Epcot: The sauce on this dish is really, really good! It is really packed with flavor. The chicken is breaded and served with a side of rice and vegetable slaw.

7. Cousin Ann’s Traditional Meatloaf, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Echo Lake, Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The atmosphere here is enough to keep me coming back time and time again! The meatloaf is pretty amazing though – it is a blend of Beef and Pork topped with Tomato Glaze served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans. It is a family favorite for sure and one you should definitely try.

6. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Tony’s Town Square, Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom: In my mind, you can’t go wrong with Spaghetti and Meatballs! And what better meal to enjoy in this Lady and the Tramp themed restaurant. It’s a very generous portion of spaghetti topped meatballs and marinara sauce. It is served with a slice of cheesy garlic bread. This is one meal that is sure to please!

5. Piccante Signature Pie, Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion, Epcot: Okay so I’m cheating on this one a little. Technically if you get a pizza for one person it is over $19 BUT if you and a friend or two split one of the larger sizes it comes out well under $19 per person. The pizza at Via Napoli is a fan favorite! You can’t go wrong with any of them but I really the Piccante, which is the sausage pizza. The sausage is a little spicy and pairs well with the sauce. Another really good one to try is the Carciofi (white pizza, artichoke, fontina, mozzarella, truffle oil).

4. Sheppard’s Pie, Rose and Crown, United Kingdom Pavilion, Epcot: This is a pretty traditional dish and it is very filling – at least I think so. It’s Ground Lamb, Seasonal Vegetables, English Peas, Mashed Potatoes, and McCall’s Irish Cheddar. It screams “comfort food” to me, although it’s probably something I’d try during a fall visit and skip in the summer months! Plus, if you time it right and can get one of the more coveted tables, there is a chance you’ll be able to see Illuminations while you enjoy your dinner!

3. Crispy Honey Chicken, Yak and Yeti, Asia, Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Tempura chicken, broccoli, carrots, honey sauce and choice of jasmine or brown rice – just screams YUM! to me. It’s a nice size portion and I think the flavor is wonderful!

2. Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken, Olivia’s Cafe, Disney’s Old Key West: As someone who currently lives in the south, I must say this is a hidden gem! The chicken is perfect and served with Mashed Potatoes, Southern Gravy, and Seasonal Vegetables. It is a really filling meal and totally worth the cost – especially since it’s under $19!

1. Boatwright’s Jambalaya, Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Port Orleans Riverside: I love Boatwright’s! Maybe it’s because I just love the feel of Port Orleans Riverside but no matter what we love stopping by for a meal if we have time on our trips! And nothing screams New Orleans to me like Jambalaya! The Jambalaya at Boatwrigtht’s is fantastic – Slow-cooked Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, and Chicken in a spicy Sauce served over Rice. And it’s a huge bowl. You can’t go wrong trying this meal on your next visit.

Well now that I’ve gotten myself good and hungry, do you have a favorite table service meal under $19? I’d love to hear what your favorites are so make sure to share in the comments below or on Facebook!

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World on a budget? Let me help! I love sharing tips to stretch your dollars at Disney! I am 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

Inside Out Continues Record Breaking Numbers

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2015

Disney’s “Inside Out” is hitting record breaking milestones. Global box office numbers show “Inside Out” as crossing the $700 million mark, placing the movie in seventh place for a Disney animated film and fifth for a a Pixar film.

Earning the spot of the highest grossing animated moive of 2015 and 2nd highest Pixar behind “Toy Story 3”, “Inside Out” brought in $90.4 million on opening weekend with $343 million.

“Inside Out” is the fourth biggest 2015 release domestically, behind “Jurassic World,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Furious 7.” It holds the spot of biggest opening at 90.4 million and stands at 81% at the international box offices with $358 million in sales. With numbers still pending from its upcoming release in China, Germany and Italy and this weekend’s debut in Sinapore, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, “Inside Out” is set to break records.

Have you seen “Inside Out” yet? This Entertainment Writer has! And can’t wait to see it again and again. One of Pixar’s Best in my mind!

Don’t miss all the greatest and latest entertainment news and updates on www.chipandco.com.

Is Free Disney Dining Coming in January?

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Anonymouse

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August 31, 2015

Hiya! How is everyone today? Better now that you are reading some juicy Disney Gossip from me! These 2 things go together so well, FREE and FOOD. Now, when you add Disney to that mix then it is like heaven on earth.

Free Dining is a huge promotion for Disney and needless to say it is very popular. So, I have been getting many emails and Facebook messages asking about free dining in January. Apparently some Disney sites an or forums says that is coming. I am skeptical as typically Free Disney Dining is released in the spring not really in Winter.

But as soon as I heard there might be some Disney news, I am on it like chocolate on a Mickey Premium Bar! The Chipster and I searched high and low and questioned all of our credible sources and there is nothing on the horizon, sadly. Hey, who knows they could just not tell me because they know it will not be a secret for long.

So take this gossip with a huge Space Ship Earth grain of salt… and remember nothing is official until Disney says it!

Anywho, 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.

Frozen, Jingle Cruise and More Return to the Magic Kingdom This Holiday Season

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2015

I know schools just started back and we haven’t even seen the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, but details are coming out about the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World and we just had to share!

Leading off the announcement of what we can expect this season, last year’s favorite “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” will make a return! Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff are back and lighting up the castle in true Frozen fashion!

Also back, the overlay of the Jungle Cruise attraction – turning it into the Jingle Cruise! The holiday decoration are so fun to see and our favorite Skippers have a crop of holiday inspired jokes they can’t wait for you to hear.

Previously announced, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be back November 8th through December 18th on select dates. This is a hard ticket event – so make sure you grab yours before they sell out!

The holiday season is a wonderful time to visit Disney and one you should really try and experience at least once!

The holidays magical at Walt Disney World. Looking to plan a holiday trip? Let me help you! I am 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

NEW! Limited Edition Disney Parks’ Twenty Eight & Main Collection

By

Chip

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August 31, 2015

On sale now for a limited time is Disney’s Twenty Eight & Main collection. These are a limited release for the discerning gentleman. Labeled as a high quality shirt for guys there is only a few designs available and in limited numbers. They are only $30 each if you buy 2 or more.

Twenty Eight & Main Fashion Tee for Adults - Limited Release

Twenty Eight & Main Fashion Tee for Adults – Limited Release

Disney Finds – The Perfect Pair

By

Chip

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August 31, 2015

Mickey & Minnie make the perfect couple. Our friend Danielle from DenileArts shared with us this fun Disney Vinyl to share with our fans. You might remember DenileArts as she is the designer of the Disney Princesses and Disney Villains vinyls we shared last month.

You can pick up this perfect pair for only $4 on her etsy store.

Walt Disney World Trip Countdown Timeline

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Catie

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August 31, 2015

So you’re thinking about taking a vacation to the Place Where Dreams Come True – Walt Disney World? Well – you must be a smart person because that is some good thinking on your part! If you’re considering a trip to Disney, but aren’t sure where to start or what you might need to do, then check out this list of important dates in the “Disney Planning Timeline”:

When To Vacation At Walt Disney World: This is a tough one to answer – as there used to be times where it was less crowded at the Parks, but nowadays that isn’t really the case – but if you want to try to go when it’s less packed, then you might want to invest in the amazing Touring Plans App. Disney also hosts a lot of special events – Halloween and Christmas parties, a food & wine expo, annual flower and garden festival, Star Wars themed weekends, and more – so if one of those interests you, you may want to plan your trip around those specific event dates. If you decide you absolutely can’t miss Disney at Christmastime or can only travel there during the summer or spring break, then you’ll want to check out my tips for dealing with the crowds. Personally – I would pick a late September/early October date – most kids are back in school, and the temperature has dropped a bit from the summer months

When To Book Your Trip: Generally the dates open up for booking through the next year on the Disney World website sometime in June, so even if you aren’t planning on heading to Disney until the fall/holiday season, you can actually book the trip over a full year in advance. Which may seem REALLY far out, but I love taking advantage of this ability to book so far out – gives me time to save up enough money for the trip (not having to worry about money makes a vacation all that much sweeter, doesn’t it?). I recommend you book your trip in June or July, so that you can start getting excited and ramping up for your trip ASAP!

When Payment Is Due: Speaking of paying for your trip…a $200 deposit is due when you book your vacation package through Disney, and then the remainder of the balance is due 45 days prior to your trip. You can go online or call Disney to make payments as often as you like in between booking and the due date (for example, I like to call monthly and pay a few hundred each time). Should you need to cancel your trip (and I hope you will NOT need this info!) – you can do so without penalty up to 45 days before the trip, after that a $200 penalty is taken (and if you cancel 1 day before your trip or simply don’t show, there is no refund at all).

ADR DAY: This is a really important day (at least it is in my house!) – that magical time when it is finally 180 days before your trip, and you can go online (or call Disney!) to make your Advance Dining Reservations, or ADR’s. Not sure what an ADR is? Simply put, it’s not a reservation, but it’s more like “call ahead seating” for a restaurant. You book a time to dine, and when you arrive at the restaurant at that designated time (or a little early if you’re like me….), then you’re put on the list for the next table available for your party. It doesn’t mean you will be instantly seated upon arrival, but it DOES mean you won’t be waiting 2 hours for the *chance* that a table will open up. If you think making these reservations 180 days in advance is unnecessary, and maybe you plan on just winging it and trying to walk up to a character meal while you’re at the Parks….all I can say is good luck. I HIGHLY recommend you do some dining research in the weeks leading up to the 180 day mark – and that you make those ADR’s on that day – you’d be surprised how fast the spots fill up!

Getting Mail From Mickey: When you book your trip on the Disney website, you will then have the ability to customize your Magic Bands, which are bracelets that will act as your key to your WDW Resort, your Park ticket, and your charge account (read more about those here). Typically the Magic Bands will ship about 30 days before your trip and will be mailed to the address on file with Disney (you can check the status of them on the Disney website). For me, when I receive that box in the mail and open the lid to see those Magic Bands tucked in there – that’s when it becomes real and I want to scream “I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!” If you don’t get your Magic Bands and you’re only a few days from your trip, you can call Disney – and they will have them waiting for you at your Resort when you arrive

Pack Early: Once I get those Magic Bands, I start making a list of what else I need to pack for Disney. I like to do this a few weeks before my trip, so that I have time to pick up last-minute items like sunscreen, snacks, warm weather-wear, etc. Once I buy that stuff, I stash it all in one place so that I can grab it all once I start packing (which I like to do about a week before my trip, so that I have time to go through the list slowly and carefully so I don’t forget anything!)

I am a HUGE planner in all aspects of my life – and the ability to organize and plan ahead really helps me out when I am planning my trips to Walt Disney World. For those of you who aren’t as organized, or who are planning your first Disney Trip, I hope this list helps you stay on track and make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your amazing Disney vacation!

NYPD asks Disney to remove fake characters from Times Square

By

Chip

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August 30, 2015

I was recently in New York City and while in the City the Disney Fashionista and I stopped by Times Square for a photo. There were some of the most hideous looking Disney, Marvel, Nintendo, DC Comic characters I have ever seen. Most were walking around with their heads off probably scaring little children and some adults too. I couldn’t believe there were so many, and that none of the cops were doing anything about it.

In the news this week the New York City police chief sent out a request to Disney and Marvel to start cracking down on all the characters in Times Square, especially near the Disney Store. The NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton asked Disney and Marvel to sue for copyright infringement but Disney is trying a different approach with very little success.

Disney Spokesperson Zenia Mucha had this to say:

“We have been for years working with previous and current administrations as well as the city council trying to get legislation passed that would require registration and identification of these costumed characters,” she said.

So does that mean we will start seeing less of them in the future or just documented cases of who does what?

Well something needs to happen… I would imagine if kids have never been to a Disney Park or even if they have, these characters that are walking around in these hideous costumes begging for money is not good for Disney at all, maybe the NYPD or local public officials can do something to clean up Time Square.

Have you been to Times Square to see these people? Did you get the same impression I did? Let me know in the comment box below.

Have some fun with this Disney Princess Dress Up Kit

By

Chip

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August 30, 2015

Your little ones will have hours of fun playing Disney Princess with the Disney Royal Dress Up Trunk. This 21 piece set includes Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White outfits with matching accessories. Princess decorated trunk with closure becomes a beautiful storage trunk for all your Princess dress up items. Cost is around $49.99 and goes perfectly with…

What Kids Want Deluxe Dress Up Shoes Collection! I picked this set because Disney doesn’t offer a set of shoes that goes with the Disney Royal Dress Up Trunk, don’t ask me why??? This set is much cheaper anyway at only $19.99 and even comes with a Tiara!

All you have left to do is pick up some accessories and you are all set for an afternoon of fun! So if you are like me and have a little Disney Princess at home this is a must have, it is hours of fun for them and you!

Disney Finds – Handmade Hooded Disney Towels

By

Chip

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August 30, 2015

I love handmade custom Disney items, especially unique one of a kind designs. Today I ran across Etsy designer LollysSewingRoom. She features some very cool hand made Disney Towels that is perfect for your Disney Prince and Princesses. Here are some of the designs they have available:

and many more! The only caveat to these one of a kind design is the creation time. They can take up to 3 weeks to make. Keep that in mind if you are ordering it for a Birthday or Christmas present. Drop by LollysSewingRoom for some of their other fun designs and as always Happy Shopping!

Please Stand Clear of the Doors – Disney Monorail Etiquette 101

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2015

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Monorail Etiquette 101

I have heard countless stories of children saying that their favorite ride in all of Disney World is the monorail. While it is easy to laugh at this and push it off as childhood amusements, the monorail really is a unique and innovative feature of Disney.

There is something about coming around that big curve and seeing the Magic Kingdom from the monorail window for the first time. It still gives me butterflies.

I get it. The monorail is great. However, there are some people who can make the experience less than magical. Let’s take a ride through Monorail Etiquette 101

Please Stand Clear of the Doors: “Please stand clear of the door”, “Por favor, mantengase alejado de las puertas.” This phrase will no doubt be running through your head on a loop after a week at Disney. They even make shirts with the phrase. But some people still don’t get it! Move away from the doors people! The monorail can’t get moving until all limbs, strollers, children, and churros are out of the way.

Personal Space: I get it, we all want to get on the monorail and get to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot as soon as possible. However, please do not attack my ankle and shins with your stroller or allow your children to kick me while you are holding him. There is room for all of us, but maybe you don’t need to stand quite that close.

Smells and Odors: Let’s see, a confined space with no way to escape and no fresh air streaming in; what a great time to change my kids diaper! Please, please, please, save the diaper changing for the restroom. Along with this, do not smoke (it’s against the rules anyways), or eat some kid of bologna sandwich. It’s a short ride people, smelly situations can wait until the doors open.

PDA: Disney World is a magical place, and a sweet kiss of excitement is totally fine. If you find that those around you are shielding their children’s eyes to spare them from your make-out session, you probably want to restrain yourself and wait until you are back at your resort!

Pick up After Yourself: It’s just a candy wrapper right? One empty water bottle won’t make a difference, right? Thousands upon thousands of guests ride the monorail every day. If each family left behind one piece of trash, the monorail would be a very unpleasant experience indeed! Please make sure that you take with you whatever you brought with you.

Mind Your Manners and Watch Your Mouth: It is not okay to use vulgar language on the monorail. Please leave the f-bombs and other curse words at home. Also, remember that there are little ears everywhere. Don’t spoil the magic for a child by discussing things like “I met a better looking Cinderella last time I was here” or “the person that plays Mickey must get hot in that costume.” Remember that to a child, there is only one Cinderella and Mickey Mouse is absolutely real. Put yourself in the shoes of a 4 year old before speaking.

Do you love the monorail or try to avoid it? What is the craziest thing that you’ve experienced on the monorail? Let me know in the comments!

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

You’re invited to an exclusive Star Wars event at the Disney Store

By

Chip

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August 29, 2015

2015 08 29 09 17 39 Updated Info Disney Rewards You’re invited to an exclusive Disney Store event

Like most Disney Addicts I have a Chase Disney Visa Card. It has many benefits both at the parks and at home. Just last night I got invited to a special Card-member only Star Wars event at the Disney Store!

Gear up your podracer for a Cardmember-only Star Wars event at Disney Store on September 5, 2015, one hour before the store opens to the public. Your little Padawans can learn to draw a Star Wars character, participate in a craft activity and take part in a fun Jedi training session while you shop the newest Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise with a special savings offer. Space is limited, so RSVP today to get your free pass and exclusive offer.

I planned on going to the Disney Store already for the Star Wars Force Friday event already but now I get to get in an hour early and I got a special gift that I am going to be using while in the store.

How about a 15% off coupon to use at the store. I am not crazy about all the exclusions but hey I know I will atleast get 10% off with my Disney Visa card.

So did you get a special invite like me? Are you going? Let me know in the comment box below.