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Love is in the air at Disney World for Lovebirds on Valentine’s Day

February 10, 2012

The storybook setting and amorous ambiance of Walt Disney World Resort has lovebirds flocking to the Vacation Kingdom for a romantic getaway. Moonlit strolls, luxurious spas and intimate dining make it feel like Valentine’s Day every day.

With a romantic overlay for Valentine’s month, a new segment of the “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” projection show on Cinderella Castle runs through Feb. 15. Some of the most romantic moments in Disney animation inspire the special show as the iconic castle in Magic Kingdom is covered in red roses for one sequence and turned into a beautiful, star-filled sky for another. During part of the show, spectacular stained-glass windows grace the façades, depicting the stories of Cinderella, Snow White and Belle. “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” is a part of Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” in 2012.

But couples who’ve been bitten by the love bug don’t need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world’s most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast – and don’t forget America’s sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Throughout the 40-square-mile playground, love is in the air at the Vacation Kingdom. During a couples spa experience. In the middle of a romantic dinner. Or on one of the “love boats” that cruise Walt Disney World waterways.

Honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort – a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts. And for couples who want to make their own fairy tale dream come true – complete with Cinderella’s coach and her famous glass slipper – Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can create an unforgettable union.

The four Walt Disney World theme parks create a perfect setting for spontaneous romance – whether it’s a stroll along the lush Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or a relaxing stop for espresso and pastries at a sidewalk table in the France pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. Beyond the parks, couples can embrace a bouquet of romantic experiences that seem designed just for them:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ and ‘Flies’ Together….. – What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. The Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, features a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407/827-4455

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – fly through the sky with your loved one on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heightscan spend 10 minutes alone soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407/939-0754 for reservations for a tandem flight.

Magical Resorts – From the romance of an African lodge to the Victorian splendor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

The Love Boat – The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises include a captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/824-2682. At Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Marina, a 1920s-style 26-foot mahogany runabout is available for private rental. Half-hour afternoon cruises are available for up to six people. Up to six guests can take a Fireworks Cruise into Epcot (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind view of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The craft – complete with captain – travels across Crescent Lake for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).The name of the boat is perfect for couples in love: Breathless II.

Disney Dining Serves Romance – Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.

California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant’s award-winning selection of California wines set the stage. Lovebirds can catch a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.
One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air as “maids” and “butlers” provide stellar service to each of the tables in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.
For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom tailored to their specific tastes by Chef Scott Hunnel.
Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.
For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Nature Lovers – A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Romantic Evening – Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 25 minutes long. For reservations, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Weddings Around the ‘World’ – The epitome of Disney romance can be summed up in four words: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Since the first wedding at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion in 1995, approximately 1,600 couples each year have exchanged vows at Walt Disney World Resort.

For these couples, dreams become reality. Where else but at Disney could a bride arrive for her wedding in Cinderella’s glass coach, have a handsome major domo carry wedding rings to the altar in a glass slipper, or have Mickey and Minnie greet guests at the reception?

Whether it’s an elegant ball at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a traditional ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion or a beach-themed wedding complete with tiki torches, leis and luau on one of the Walt Disney World white-sand beaches, Disney custom designs each wedding with the famous “Disney Difference” – providing attention to the tiniest detail.

Disney’s wedding specialists incorporate all the elements in a one-stop shop including the ceremony, entertainment, cuisine, floral arrangements, audiovisuals and accommodations. For more information on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623 or visit disneyweddings.com.

Couples who are tying the knot back home can arrange a Disney’s Fairy Tale Honeymoon by calling 321/939-4623 or visiting the website at disneyhoneymoons.com.  

Renewing Vows – Many couples who’ve been married for years are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this family milestone. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple.

Table Service in the Parks vs the Resorts – Which is Better? Part 1 (chipandco.com)
Top Five Walt Disney World Resort News Stories in 2011 (chipandco.com)

Love is in the air at Disney World for Lovebirds on Valentine’s Day

Enter Disney Family.com’s “I Heart My Family” Photo Upload Contest for a Chance to Win $500!

Chip

February 10, 2012

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Disney Family.com and Welch’s are asking guests to show how much they love their family in the “I Heart My Family” photo contest. Guests are encouraged to upload their favorite family snapshot and explain why the photo holds a special place in their heart.

Ten lucky winners will each receive a $500 gift card prize to spend on whatever their heart’s desire. After entering their favorite family photo, guests can check out “Meals in Mayhem,” a new web series with helpful tricks and recipes to help moms keep the daily household mayhem at bay.

Enter Disney Family.com’s “I Heart My Family” Photo Upload Contest for a Chance to Win $500!

Table Service in the Parks vs at the Resorts – Which is Better? Part 2

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 10, 2012

Table Service in the Parks vs at the Resorts - Which is Better? Part 2

There are many variables that affect whether table service meals are better in the parks or the resorts. Last time I looked at specialty dining such as character meals, signature dining, buffets, and unique and entertaining restaurants. Today, let’s evaluate table service meals by looking at the convenience factor and the time of day you’ll be eating, shall we?

Convenience

Transportation. Walt Disney World’s most common form of transportation, buses, connects resorts to theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney, and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) only, making travel between resorts time-consuming. If you’re staying at a Value Resort without a table-service option, chances are it is more convenient to eat at the theme parks while touring that to travel to another resort to eat. Guests staying at a monorail resort (Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Resort, and Contemporary Resort) or one of the Boardwalk area resorts (Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts) have a wide variety of table service restaurants that are relatively easy to travel to. Other Deluxe and Moderate Resorts have at least one table-service restaurant on-site but you’ll likely not want to eat at the same restaurant day after day.

Flexibility. Generally, it’s more difficult to get an Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) at a theme park restaurant than at a resort restaurant; it’s a numbers game, really. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, but if you’re not one to embrace planning your dining months in advance, eating at the resorts may be a better bet for you. You won’t have to worry about fitting your touring plan around your ADR times. Once you finish up for the day, you’ll be able to hop on a bus, monorail, or boat and have a better chance of getting a table at a resort restaurant without an ADR than in the parks.

Touring Plan. If your touring plan has you at the parks both before and after your meal without a rest period in between, it’s more convenient make an ADR at a theme park restaurant rather than exiting the theme parks and traveling to a resort to eat. Some exceptions would be eating at one of the monorail resorts if you’re touring the Magic Kingdom or eating at one of the Boardwalk resorts during a day at Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The proximity of some resorts to these theme parks make it pretty quick to leave to eat and return to the park after dining.

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner?

Breakfast. Rule #1 for my family when creating our Walt Disney World touring plan is to be at the theme park when it opens. We simply see more attractions with less wait. By the time the parks fill-up midday, we’re ready to take a break and head back to our resort. With that in mind, the only time I think eating a table-service meal for breakfast in the parks wins over eating at the resort is if you have an ADR prior to the park opening. You’ll experience a sight few rarely do – a nearly empty theme park – and you’ll have the opportunity to get those coveted photographs without strangers crowding the shot. By the time you’re finished with breakfast, the park is opening and you won’t miss out on a thing!

Lunch and Dinner. Whether eating at a table-service restaurant in the park is better than at a resort for lunch and dinner primarily depends on convenience. If you’re planning to be in the parks during a particular time of day, it probably makes sense to have your table service meal at that location to maximize your time enjoying the attractions.

In my experience, it’s usually easier to get an ADR at a popular theme park restaurant during lunch, when many people grab quick-service, than dinner. So if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant and cannot get that dinner reservation, try lunch.

If you’re paying out of pocket and wondering if you should splurge on a special restaurant, either at the resorts or the parks, lunch is an option to consider. The menu is usually more affordable for your midday meal than in the evening.

Whether eating in the theme parks or the resorts for your table service meal really is a personal opinion but there are some advantages of one over the other for specialty dining, convenience, and meal.

Eating Table Service in the Parks vs the Resorts – Which is Better? Part 1 (chipandco.com)
Best Disney Dining Plan Restaurants For Kids (onlywdworld.com)

Table Service in the Parks vs at the Resorts - Which is Better? Part 2

Eating Healthy at WDW – Lunch Time

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 10, 2012

Eating healthy at Walt Disney World isn’t always easy.

Often, salads and wraps are pre-made and coated in salad dressing, while the other standard options simply include different varieties of hamburgers. There are a couple of fantastic options for the health conscious and my personal favorite is Sunshine Seasons.

English: The Land Pavilion at Epcot at the Wal... — Image via Wikipedia

Located in The Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World – West, Sunshine Seasons has more variety than any other counter service I’ve experienced. With an Asian foods area, Soup and Salad area, Sandwiches, “From the Grill,” and even an “on the go” section if you’re in a big hurry, this is also great stop for large crowds of picky eaters. At the grill stop, the options include rotisserie chicken, grilled fish, and roasted pork chop. The Asian selection includes Mongolian Beef, Tofu and Vegetable Noodle Bowl, and more. The soup and salad offers a variety of freshly made soups including black bean and vegetable and also a variety of salads – my personal favorite is the beet and goat cheese salad. They make them directly in front of you, allowing you to choose dressing on the side or to leave items out. Sandwiches options include vegetable flat bread and Reuben sandwiches.

As a health conscious eater, I loved the fresh roasted beets and goat cheese salad and enjoyed it with a delicious black bean soup. Even in the heat of Florida sun, sometimes a good bowl of soup can be very welcomed. For me, one problem with Sunshine Seasons is that there are almost too many options it can be hard to decide! And, with so many other excellent options located in the World Showcase, I personally wish a restaurant with so many fantastic options was also located in another park!

As for Future World and park Counter Service, Sunshine Seasons is not to be overlooked! It’s also a great place to relax while you’re waiting to use your Soarin’ Fast Passes!

Making Good Decisions at the World (disneybabiesblog.com)
Spring Break At WDW – How to Deal With the Crowds (chipandco.com)

$25 Disney Giftcard Giveaway

Chip

February 10, 2012

Chip and Co & Episodes & Reels is giving away some Free Money this week! With Valentines Day coming next week we thought it might be nice to giveaway some Disney Cash to use on your next Disney Vacation or Shopping Spree.

So our good friends at Episodes & Reels just shared with us The Top 10 Animated Disney Movies a few days ago! Where did your favorite Disney Movie place on their list? I was sad Wall-e didn’t make it as that was my favorite animated Disney Movie! What’s yours?

To enter just use the Rafflecopter form below. Try to do everything on the checklist. You can tweet and share this post on your Facebook wall as many times as you like! The more you share the more entries you receive!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest ends on 12:01am on Saturday February 11th. I will pick a winner that morning and notify them via Rafflecopter that they won. The winner has 24 hours to respond or I will pick another.

Join the Chip and Co Rewards Program and Win Free Giftcards! (chipandco.com)
Passporter’s 2012 Walt Disney World Guidebook Giveaway (chipandco.com)

Coming to ABC Family Bunheads

Chip

February 9, 2012

I had to check the date and make sure it wasn’t April 1st before I posted this news story.

ABC Family, the Millennial-skewing network, continues to expand its original programming slate, giving the greenlight to the new drama series “Bunheads” (working title), it was announced today by Michael Riley, president, ABC Family.

Executive-produced by Amy Sherman-Palladino (“Gilmore Girls”) and headlined by Tony Award®-winning actor Sutton Foster, “Bunheads” is the tale of a Las Vegas showgirl who impulsively marries a man, moves to his sleepy coastal town, and takes an uneasy role at her new mother-in-law’s dance school. “Bunheads” joins ABC Family’s recently announced new original series, “Baby Daddy” and “Beverly Hills Nannies.” All three series will begin production in Spring 2012.

Kate Juergens, executive vice president, Original Programming and Development, ABC Family added, “Amy and I had a great collaboration on ‘Gilmore Girls,’ which continues to find new fans here on ABC Family, and I look forward to this new partnership being just as successful. Her vision for ‘Bunheads’ aligns beautifully with our brand and is a wonderful addition to ABC Family’s original programming slate. I know our Millennial audience is going to fall in love with Sutton Foster the same way Broadway has.”

ABC Family Orders Baby Daddy, Beverly Hills Nannies and Greenlights 5th Season of The Secret Life Of The American Teenager (chipandco.com)
Official ABC Family’s Jane by Design Opening (chipandco.com)

Disney Close to Acquiring Script for ‘Saving Mr. Banks’

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 9, 2012

Disney Close to Acquiring Script for 'Saving Mr. Banks'

Deadline.com is reporting that Disney is close to a deal to acquire the script for Saving Mr. Banks. The script centers on the story of how Walt Disney convinced author P.L. Travers to sell him the rights to a little film you may have heard of, Mary Poppins.

Disney’s courtship of Travers took nearly 14 years. According to Deadline “Mary Poppins was highly personal, and reflected hardships in her own life and her relationship with her father, who died when she was 7.” She finally gave in but reportedly hated the film, especially the animated sequences, and refused to sell any more of her works to Disney.

It is rumored that Tom Hanks is considering playing the role of Walt Disney and Meryl Streep is considering playing Travers. I would personally love to see both of them involved. Mary Poppins is one of my favorite movies and I think it would be interesting to see how the film came to be.

We’ll keep you updated. More information will come out once the deal is finalized.

Disney Characters Make the Rounds with a Special Dose of Magic at Florida Hospital for Children (chipandco.com)

Disney Close to Acquiring Script for 'Saving Mr. Banks'

New Kids Menu Items Starting Feb. 15 in Magic Kingdom Park

Chip

February 9, 2012

I know our little ones are content with mac ‘n cheese or a burger, but other young guests have a, well, more sophisticated approach to dining. Four Magic Kingdom Park table-service restaurants are adding some delicious new dishes just for kids for ages 3 to 9. At Tony’s Town Square, look for a steak skewer “spiedini” with roasted sweet potato fries and fresh fruit (spiedini refers to cubes of meat cooked on a skewer, an Italian specialty). Also at Tony’s, a grilled cheese sandwich on multigrain bread sliced into “dippers” with tomato sauce on the side should appeal to just about any child.

Liberty Tree Tavern is featuring a new barbecued chicken and pineapple flatbread pizza with a side of crisp veggies and apples, or oven-roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, veggies and fruit.

At Cinderella’s Royal Table, youngsters can try the new chicken drumette with rice and broccolini, grilled beef skewers with mashed potatoes and corn, or a chicken pot pie topped with a biscuit crust. (We want to try that one.)

And The Plaza Restaurant has a kids’ plate with grilled chicken slices, cous cous and a fresh fruit skewer. Ah, to be a young ‘un again.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom opens to Walt Disney World Guests in February (chipandco.com)
Is Cinderella’s Royal Table worth the 2 dining credits? (chipandco.com)

New Kids Menu Items Starting Feb. 15 in Magic Kingdom Park

Michelle Obama to Visit ESPN Wide World of Sports

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 9, 2012

Michelle Obama to Visit ESPN Wide World of Sports

Just a few short weeks after President Obama visited Walt Disney World, First Lady Michelle Obama is set to visit ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday February 11. The visit will celebrate the second anniversary of her “Let’s Move” exercise and diet campaign.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Obama will speak Saturday morning at Northland Church before heading to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex to workout with families that afternoon. Just like the Presidents visit, it is an invite only event. Tickets have already been distributed through local churches that are participating. She will also be joined by professional athlete’s and stars of the Disney Channel.

Disney’s 2012 Health & Fitness Expo Event Details (chipandco.com)
WOW Moment of the Day Sweepstakes from ESPN and 1-800-Flowers (chipandco.com)

Michelle Obama to Visit ESPN Wide World of Sports

Disney World Quick Tips: Count ALL of your family for ADRs

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 9, 2012

Disney World Quick Tips: Count ALL of your family for ADRs

Most people know you need to make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) for your favorite table service restaurants at Walt Disney World. ADRs can be made up to 180 days before your vacation. One thing that some families don’t do is count ALL their family members in their reservations.

Many families with infants or toddlers, who will not be eating off the menu or buffet, will not include those younger members in their dining reservation number. Make sure you include EVERYONE in your party number, even if they are not eating.

Fire codes allow for a certain number of guests in the restaurant at a time- not a certain number of eaters! So don’t leave off your baby in your party number. I would hate for a family to be turned away because the restaurant had reached capacity.

Disney World Quick Tips – How to get those empty park photos (chipandco.com)
Show Your Romantic Side – With a Disney Flair! (chipandco.com)

Disney World Quick Tips: Count ALL of your family for ADRs

Disney Food Confession – Shawarma Platter

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 9, 2012

Disney Food Confession - Shawarma Platter

Where can you find it at?
Tangierine Cafe-World Showcase Morocco Epcot

What is it?
Chicken served with side of Hummus, Tabouleh and a Tangierine Couscous Salad with fresh Moroccan bread.
Also available with lamb or a chicken and lamb combo.

Why you want it?

This was a nice lunch.You walked away feeling full but not so stuffed that you can’t enjoy the rest of the walk around the
World Showcase.It is a very good use of a counter credit.And there was room for dessert.
You can find this on the menu for $11.99 OR if you are using the Disney Dining Plan it is 1 Counter Service Credit.

If you have a Disney Food Confession email me at [email protected]. Let me know the What, Where, and Why you love it so much.
We would love to feature your picture and link to your website or blog if you have one.

Disney Food Confession – Mediterranean Sliders (chipandco.com)
Disney Food Confession – Wild Africa Trek Meal (chipandco.com)

Disney Food Confession - Shawarma Platter

Table Service in the Parks vs the Resorts – Which is Better? Part 1

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 9, 2012

Table Service in the Parks vs the Resorts - Which is Better? Part 1
This topic stumped me for a while since it clearly falls into the category of it depends. It’s always tough to make recommendations on matters of personal preference since a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Even if the same approach doesn’t work for everyone, do some options have a slight edge over others for a majority of visitors? I endeavored to find out.

In trying to answer whether eating at table service restaurants in the parks or the resorts wins out, I decided to break down the problem. Let’s take a look at type of dining today. Next time I’ll analyze the time of day and convenience.

Type of Dining

Signature Dining. If signature dining is your pleasure, eating at the resorts wins hands down for number of options. There are eleven signature dining restaurants at the resorts compared to a paltry four in the theme parks. For the most signature dining choices, try the Grand Floridian Resort or Disney’s Boardwalk area.

Signature Dining in the Parks

Bistro de Paris (Epcot)
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
Hollywood Brown Derby (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Le Cellier (Epcot)

Signature Dining at the Resorts

Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge)
California Grill (Contemporary Resort)
Citrico’s (Grand Floridian)
Flying Fish (Disney’s Boardwalk area)
Il Mulino (Walt Disney World Swan Resort)
Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian Resort)
Shula’s (Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort)
Todd English’s bluezoo (Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort)
Victoria & Albert’s (Grand Floridian)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club Resort)

Character Dining. The theme park restaurants and resorts are pretty evenly matched when it comes to character dining. Although with three meals each that feature princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, I would give the edge to the parks if you prefer dining with the princesses. Note that not every meal at the character dining locations features character dining.

Character Dining Locations in the Parks

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot)
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)
Garden Grill (Epcot)
Hollywood & Vine (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Tusker House Restaurant (Animal Kingdom)

Character Dining Locations at the Resorts

1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian)
Cape May Café (Beach Club Resort)
Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort)
Garden Grove (Walt Disney World Swan Resort)
Ohana (Polynesian Resort)

Entertainment while you Dine. Whereas signature dining was weighted heavily in favor of the resorts instead of the parks, the opposite is true for unique dining experiences that have some sort of built-in entertainment. If character dining isn’t your thing but you’re still looking for a unique experience, it’s best to dine in the parks.

Unique Dining in the Parks

50s Prime Time Café (Hollywood Studios)
Coral Reef Restaurant (Epcot)
Restaurant Marrakesh (Epcot)
Biergarten (Epcot)
Rainforest Café (Animal Kingdom)
San Angel Inn (Epcot)
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (Hollywood Studios)
Teppan Edo (Epcot)

Unique Dining at the Resorts

ESPN Zone (Disney’s Boardwalk Area)
Whispering Canyon Café (Wilderness Lodge)

Buffets. Sometimes there’s nothing like a buffet for dining value. Not only do you get to fill up, but many feature guaranteed character interaction also. You have a few more buffet options in the Walt Disney World Resorts. Please keep in mind that just like character dining, not every meal at these dining locations may be a buffet.

Buffets in the Parks

Biergarten (Epcot)
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
Garden Grill (Epcot)
Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom; Family Style)
Hollywood & Vine (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot)
Tusker House Restaurant (Animal Kingdom)

Buffets in the Resorts

1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian Resort)
Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Cape May Café (Beach Club Resort)
Captain’s Grille (Yacht Club Resort)
Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort)
Fresh Mediterranean Market (Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort)
Garden Grove Café (Walt Disney World Swan Resort)
Ohana (Polynesian Resort; Family Style)
Trails End (Fort Wilderness)
Wave (Contemporary Resort)

It looks like there’s a pretty even split between the resorts or parks being best for buffets and character dining. In the signature dining category, the resorts take it while theme parks are decidedly better for unique dining.

Show Your Romantic Side – With a Disney Flair! (chipandco.com)
The Best Things in the “World” are Free (chipandco.com)

Table Service in the Parks vs the Resorts - Which is Better? Part 1

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