Disney Dining Reservations Glitch

By

-

November 6, 2010

Disney Dining Reservations Glitch

I am just about into the two-week window of my upcoming trip to Disney World. I have my notebook ready and I am going through my checklist. Being a planner, and ok a little OCD, I always check, double-check and triple-check the most important details.

While involved in this process the other day, I went into my profile page at Disneyworld.com, logged in and clicked on “My Reservations.” I have logged into this location many times while planning our trip and verified all of our dining reservations. As I checked through my itinerary and compared my confirmation numbers in my spreadsheet to those under my dining reservations, I discovered one was MISSING. Even worse than that, it was my LE CELLIER dinner reservation.

I tried to calm myself and convince myself that there was a logical explanation. I calmly dialed 407-WDW-DINE and assured myself that it would be alright since I have a confirmation number and, by golly, that is gold as far as I am concerned.

A very nice young man answered the line and his attitude already put my nerves at ease. I explained that one of my reservations was missing from my online reservation listing. He asked me if I happened to have a confirmation number for the reservation. My answer was a proud and emphatic YES. I gave him the number and he looked it up. He told me how many people had been calling with the same problem and he was rather enjoying playing with them at their expense – but only in fun. He said, “Well, no wonder you’re upset, your reservation is for Le Cellier, it is a miracle you are still on that end of the phone.” I laughed with him and he assured me that I had nothing to worry about.

Apparently, the Disney Dining reservation system had a glitch one day that affected all reservations made that day from home computers. He assured me that he could see the reservation. I told him that I was very glad he could see the reservation but I was worried about the cast member who would be working the check-in stand at Le Cellier. He assured me that if he could see the reservation, the restaurant check-in system would see it also.

I was very relieved when I hung up the phone. I had been quite worried but it turned out to be another positive experience when dealing with Disney staff. If you have a dining reservation that seems to have disappeared, just call Disney Dining. I am sure you will feel much better after you do.

Ask a Disney Question: When can I make advanced dining reservations? (chipandco.com)
Tuesday Disney Tips: What is a Pin Code? (theaffordablemouse.com)

Disneyworld Quick Tips – Advanced Dining Reservation Backup Plan

By

Chip

-

November 6, 2010

With the new Advanced Dining Reservation up and running. There is bound to be some glitches in the system. If you look closely at the picture above you can see a 24 hour outage window. Brenda yesterday was nice enough to point out a glitch in the system here.

I myself in the past have used a travel agent to make my reservations but with the new online system when I book my next years vacation I believe I will be trying the online route.

That being said I know it can be frustrating to get to a restaurant only to find out you don’t have a ADR. This has happened to me one time and luckily the hostess was able to seat us with a minimal wait.

Way back when, had I actually done today’s quick tip I wouldn’t have been in the predicament I was in. My quick tip for today is an easy one.

Call Disney before you leave to confirm your Advance Dining Reservation.

I like to do this atleast 3 weeks out just to make sure I have all my t’s crossed and my i’s dotted. The number is 407-WDW-DINE, the cast members on there are great and unlike the online system can offer up suggestions and recommendations.

Calls take about 5-10 minutes most times and the Disney Cast Members have no problems going over all your reservations with you.I will say every person I have ever spoken to there have been great and very knowledgeable!

So do yourself a favor use this quick tip/backup plan to help make your vacation much more enjoyable and less stressful.

If you have a suggestion or tip about Advanced Dining Reservations let us know in the comment section below.

Top Eats 5 Disneyworld Casual Dining Restaurants (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips – Should You Use A Travel Agent? (chipandco.com)
Ask a Disney Question: When can I make advanced dining reservations? (chipandco.com)

Disneyworld Quick Tips – Advanced Dining Reservation Backup Plan

Would Walt Disney Approve of Modern Disney?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 6, 2010

I don’t really know how many times I’ve heard a Disney employee say: “I think Walt would have liked this (or that)!” But I think it’s safe to say that it happens often. A new Promotion comes along, and it’s just what Walt would have thought up. A new Attraction is built, and it’s just what Walt would have designed. A new balloon color is chosen, and all of a sudden, it’s Walt’s favorite color!

Top Executives and Imagineers alike are apt to claim that they are certain that they have Walt’s stamp of approval.

But if Walt Disney were here today, would he approve of the Modern Disney?

To answer that, we need to look at another question: Did Walt Disney approve of everything in his day? After reading more books on the man than I can remember, I feel safe in saying ‘No’.

Starting in the early 1930’s, Walt always argued with his brother Roy about how to build their fledgling company. And almost always got his way. On into the 1940’s, Walt pushed the boundaries of Animation his way, often against the will of his staff. Many of these early Animators claim that the only way to get your idea approved was to make Walt think that it was actually his idea. On into the 1950’s and television, Walt reinvented the medium to reflect his vision of what it could be. And then went on to reinvent the Amusement Park, turning it into his own thing: The Theme Park.

I think we get the idea!

Walt Disney did things his own way. So if he walked down Main Street at Walt Disney World (which he never got to do as he died in 1966, with the Park opening in 1971) one must believe that the first thing he would do would be to notice some little thing that should have been ‘plussed’. Then he would likely launch into an elaborate description of what the whole thing could, or should, be!

Does this mean that Walt would disapprove of the Modern Disney?

He definitely hated corporate structure, even in his day. So it is likely that he wouldn’t enjoy how involved the Hierarchy of his company has become. But I believe that as he would look at the overall results of his legacy, he would be proud of how it has all turned out. But would he be satisfied?

He might look at Soarin’ and say: “Why not have it fly over the world?”

He might look at Splash Mountain and ask: “Where’s Uncle Remus?”

He might look at… just about anything and say: “We can make that better!”

And knowing him, he could! So the good thing about worrying if Walt would approve is that the final product is bound to be the best it can be, without Walt’s direct supervision. But can we ever claim that Walt would approve, without even one suggestion to improve it?

The Point: No. But kudos to the Modern Disney for trying to gain the Vintage Disney’s approval anyway!

Would Walt Disney Approve of Modern Disney?

Winter Weather Tips for Your Disney World Vacation: Don’t Leave the Coat at Home

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 6, 2010

Winter Weather Tips for Your Disney World Vacation: Don’t Leave the Coat at Home Ahhh Florida: the land of sunshine, warm weather, and year-round sandals. For those of us from “up north” the chance to visit this sunny paradise is just an added bonus to having a Disney vacation in the winter months. But if you are making your first visit to Florida during the winter months, here’s a little secret you should know before you leave your winter coat at home and pack your swimsuits….

It can get cold in Florida. Like in-the-30s-cold….

Like winter coat, scarf, and gloves cold. Seriously.

This is not to say that you will have cold weather like this on your winter Disney trip, because you may not. And it certainly does that mean there is no chance of jumping in the pool during your December trip! I have had glorious 80 degree days in Florida in the winter. I have also experienced 25 degree nights that are, well, absolutely frigid.

So, you just need to be prepared. Plan for it, and then no matter what, you’ll be ready!

With that in mind, here are my top ten tips for being weather-prepared on your winter Disney World vacation:

Know what is realistically “cold” for you and for your family. This is truly all relative: you hardy souls from Minnesota may have no problem wearing shorts at Disney when it’s in the 40s. Those of us who think that 75 degrees is darn near perfect on the other hand should be prepared…
Pay close attention to the weather forecasts before you leave home. Most folks are familiar with Weather.com and Accuweather.com, but I actually like to check the National Weather Service, as well as a local news station, to get a more detailed picture. Because I have learned, the hard way, that temperatures in the 50s may seem pretty decent if it is below 0 back home and there’s 3 feet of snow on the ground….but those 50s can be brutal if there is a biting wind that goes along with it. (And as a former castmember told me once: that humidity that Florida is so famous for in the summer becomes just plain dampness in the winter.)
Think layers. The temperature swing can really be extreme, and if you are going to the parks early in the morning or will be staying late into the evening, you will need more warmth than during the afternoon high temperatures. Don’t want to carry all that around with you? Then…
Get a locker. It actually took me two winter trips to realize that this was honestly the best solution, because no one wanted to lug around the coat/sweatshirts all day long while we didn’t need them. If you’re trying to justify the cost of a locker, consider that it is less than what you will pay if you need to buy everyone in the family a new sweatshirt because they are turning blue because no one wanted to carry around all those coats.
Think about bringing a lightweight blanket if you will have little ones in a stroller: tucking them in all nice and cozy is a great way to keep everyone warm and happy, with minimal fuss and outwear. Cold children are sad children. (Blankets also work well if you will be sitting around waiting for the Candlelight Processional or Fantasmic.)
Boat rides are *very* cold first thing in the morning/at night….and the inside (ie: heated) seats fill first.
When buying tickets, think long and hard about getting that Water Parks Fun and More option, as the winter months are when both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon close for maintenance. While both are not closed at the same time, keep in mind that you really can’t guarantee that it will be warm enough for you to want to take advantage of going there. It might be….and it might not too. If you really hope to go swimming, take your swimsuits and plan to use your hotel pool: it’s free, so if it’s too cold to swim you won’t be out any money.
Yes bring a winter coat. Yes you might need it. Bring gloves and scarves too. Unless you want to buy them at Disney World….because just like those ponchos that Disney sells like crazy when it rains, when the temperatures dip into the 30s, Disney WILL be ready to sell you scarves, gloves and sweatshirts.
Just like when it’s so hot in the summer that everyone gets miserable and can benefit from a break, so it goes when it is very cold: a break inside *heated* shops and attractions can do wonders for everyone’s frame of mind. Breaks are good at Disney no matter what time of year!
Walt Disney World sells hot chocolate. It is delicious and highly effective. 🙂

Top Ten Must Do’s for the Disney Dad. (disney4dads.com)
Celebrating Holiday Magic At Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Winter Weather Tips for Your Disney World Vacation: Don’t Leave the Coat at Home

Oldies But Goodies…Minimizing The Cost Of Getting There

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 6, 2010

Oldies But Goodies…Minimizing The Cost Of Getting There

Vacationing at Walt Disney World is an expensive proposition and most of us (particularly us, frugal Oldies) generally look for whatever ways we can to minimize costs without impacting the fun. One way you can impact these costs, even in today’s expensive air travel market, is to look for the flights or other travel options that fit your needs best. There are many options, some of which are cheaper but may not meet your needs. Cheapest is not necessarily the best especially if you look at just the basic cost and convenience of the tickets or means of travel themselves. Here are some ways to get the best travel situation for you.

DRIVE – This is good if you have the time, like to drive, live fairly close to Orlando, and consider the expense of hotel accommodations in your travel costs. It works well if you really like the person you are traveling with because you will be spending a lot of time together in close quarters.
TRAIN TRAVEL – This is a wonderful way to go if you have the time, which many of us Oldies do. It’s also a great way to really get a good look at our beautiful country. It’s not really inexpensive but may well be worth it.
LOW COST NO FRILLS AIRLINES – These airlines (Jet Blue, Southwest, etc.) have become a huge part of the travel scene to Walt Disney World because what they do is get you from point A to point B and that’s it. It does need to be mentioned though, these airlines are among the safest in existence, an important point to us Oldies. One precaution, if you are planning on using Disney’s Magical Express, make sure the airline you choose participates in the program (both Jet Blue and Southwest do participate).
FREQUENT FLIER MILES – A lot of folks, including us Oldies, charge most of their day to day living expenses to an airline frequent flier miles card and pay it off monthly. This eliminates interest charges on the card and rapidly accumulates miles to be used for airline travel. A lot of cards also pay double miles for purchases such as groceries and gasoline so you can maximize your purchase dollars.
COMPANION TICKETS – This is what I do. I use a Delta Platinum Sky Miles card as do several people I know. Each year when I pay the renewal fee I receive a certificate good for a free coach companion ticket. The renewal fee is $95 and when I pay for the tickets using this card the first bag for both me and my wife do not have the customary fee of $25 each way for each bag. This puts us ahead $5 and the ticket for my wife is free. The only costs involved on the companion ticket are the standard taxes and fees that are on every ticket, currently $42.80 for a one stop round trip ticket. That’s a pretty good deal.
DISNEY’S MAGICAL EXPRESS – Always, always, always use Disney’s Magical Express. It’s free and it works beautifully, enough said!!

These are just a few ways to minimize your travel costs. I’m sure there are many others and even when you find one that suits your needs, keep looking because a better opportunity just might come along. Start looking at ticket prices early and when one comes along that meets your needs, grab it because prices can vary wildly even from hour to hour. It’s like the stock market and almost impossible to time for the best price. Good luck and as always enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

PHOTO BY DISNEY

Oldies But Goodies…Minimizing The Cost Of Getting There

Best Thing I Love About Disney is Having a Bucket List

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 6, 2010

Best Thing I Love About Disney is Having a Bucket List
My family doesn’t embrace change so well. Nevertheless, we make it a point to try a couple of new things every trip to Walt Disney World, be it a new attraction or more often, a new restaurant. Even so, I’ve recently realized there are way too many things we haven’t tried. This unfortunate situation has evolved because we are creatures of habit and want to experience the many, many things we love at Walt Disney World every trip; we simply run out of time to try our “never done that’s” that we may feel meh about. This is short-sighted on our part because more often than not, when we try new attractions and food, they become must-dos on our next trip, which only exacerbates the situation. Add to this that Disney is continually reinventing attractions, developing new guest experiences, and coming up with delicious and inventive new places to eat. This leads me to what I love about Disney: I’ll always have a bucket list.

Luckily for me, my husband and I are planning a kids-free anniversary trip this winter. We’ve decided to do things a little differently and experience more new things than old favorites. It’s been lots of fun putting our bucket list together.

Here are some of the things we have so far. Expect it to grow over the next couple of months.

Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom
Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney
Yeehaw Bob Jackson’s Show at Port Orleans
Carriage Ride at Port Orleans
World of Gaming at Once Upon a Toy
Epcot’s Wine Walk

Joy of Tea in Epcot
Carrot Cake Cookie at Writer’s Stop
Tonga Toast at Captain Cook’s
Doh-Bar at Cookes of Dublin
Grey Goose Citron Slush in the Epcot France Pavilion
Yakitori House Counter Service
Raglan Road
Citricos
La Hacienda de San Angel

American Idol Experience
Finding Nemo – The Musical!
Swiss Family Treehouse
Liberty Square Riverboat
O Canada!
Impressions de France
Tower of Terror Queue – I’m terrified of freefall so although it’s a favorite of my husband, I think I’ll skip it.

What’s on your bucket list?

Photo Credit: Squidoo
Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe. You can follow her on Twitter @DisneyExplorer or become a fan of Beyond the Attractions on Facebook.

Disney Christmas Parade Taping in the Magic Kingdom.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 6, 2010

Disney Christmas Parade Taping in the Magic Kingdom.

Thanks to all of you who’ve emailed and commented on Facebook about the Disney Christmas parade taping. We now have several hundred of you on a mailing list and we’ll notify you personally as soon as we hear anymore details. As of right now, I don’t have anything new to report, but I wanted to let everyone know that we haven’t forgotten about you. Again, here’s what we know:

The parade is on 12/3-5. The 5th, which is a Sunday, is a make up day. Last year, the Jonas Brothers performed on that day, so if you can’t get tickets for the other days, you may still see some of the parade taping on Sunday.

Tickets last year were distributed by an outside company. In late October, Disney announced that tickets were available and you signed up. After a couple of weeks, confirmation emails were sent out and you picked your day(s), emailed Disney back, and showed up for the parade. The shifts were four hours long and you could pick two a day. This year, Disney is apparently doing it themselves and we don’t have any information yet.

Again, we’ll have information out to all of you as soon as it’s available. Send me an email at [email protected] if you want to be added to the list. I promise Chip and Co won’t use if for nefarious purposes!

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat Podcast.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol – Coming to DVD & Bluray November 16th

By

Chip

-

November 5, 2010

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment debuts its first Blu-ray™ 3D release with Academy Award®-
winning director Robert Zemeckis’ (Best Director, Forrest Gump in 1994) unique interpretation of
Charles Dickens’ beloved tale, A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey (Yes Man, Horton Hears a Who,
Bruce Almighty) as multiple characters including the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of
Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come. Rounding out the stellar cast are Gary Oldman (Harry
Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Collin Firth (Love Actually, The Accidental Husband, Bridget
Jones: The Edge of Reason), Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) and Robin Wright (State of Play
and Forrest Gump).

Disney’s A Christmas Carol is available in Disney Blu-ray 3D on an exclusive 4-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo
Pack (Blu-ray 3D Disc™, Blu-ray Disc™, DVD and Digital Copy).

Also available on 1-Disc Blu-ray and 1-Disc DVD

Bonus Features:
BLU-RAY 3D Disc includes an exclusive 3D bonus feature, plus all the Blu-ray and DVD features:

Mr. Scrooge’s Wild Ride – In this 3D bonus feature, director Zemeckis and the cast explain

how 3D made the Dickens novella come to life. The feature explores how 3D technology
brought a whole new dimension to the story, from the Ghost of Christmas Past whisking
Scrooge through time, to the look and feel of the characters in 19th Century London.

BLU-RAY features include all of the DVD features plus:

Behind The Carol: The Full Motion Capture Experience – A feature length picture-in-picture

viewing mode takes the audience behind the scenes of motion capture filmmaking.

Countdown to Christmas Interactive Calendar – 25 days of holiday surprises extend the

holiday cheer, as viewers come back to discover what each door holds.

Deleted Scenes – Six deleted scenes on the Blu-ray Disc.

DVD features include:

Capturing A Christmas Carol – Actress Jacquie Barnbrook hosts a journey through the creative

process of Disney’s A Christmas Carol.

On Set With Sammi – Follow Sammi Hanratty, one of the film’s young stars, as she shares a

kid’s eye view of an “anything but average” day on the set.

Deleted Scenes – Three deleted scenes on the DVD.

Story:
From Walt Disney Pictures comes the magical retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale – Disney’s A
Christmas Carol, the high-flying, heartwarming adventure for the whole family. When three ghosts
take penny-pinching Scrooge on an eye-opening journey, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas
– but he must act on it before it’s too late. Complete with spirited bonus features, this exhilarating
and touching Disney classic is destined to be part of a family holiday tradition, adding sparkle and
heart to all Christmases yet to come.

Step Up 3 is dancing to 3D, Bluray, DVD and Digital Download on Dec 21st. (chipandco.com)
Well, There’s The Usual Things: Flowers… Chocolates… Promises You Don’t Intend To Keep… (imaginerding.com)

Disney's A Christmas Carol - Coming to DVD & Bluray November 16th

2 Lonely Deeks Takeover Mouse Chat Podcast

By

Chip

-

November 5, 2010

This past week George from Imaginerding & Chip from Chip and Company were the special guests on the Mouse Chat Podcast. Big Mistake!

George and Chip ended up taking over the show with their Disney Knowledge and Sarcasm! Hosts Steve and Lisa didn’t know what to think and do.

It was really alot of fun to be on Mouse Chat and if you give it a listen milk will shoot out of your nose.

Click here to check it out.

P.S. – The 2 Lonely Deeks now have their own jump page. Check it out here.

Geeks, Nerds and Disney Fans Unite! (imaginerding.com)
What’s a Deek? (imaginerding.com)

2 Lonely Deeks Takeover Mouse Chat Podcast

Hidden Mickeys author Steve Barrett featured on ABC

By

Chip

-

November 5, 2010

Most Disney World guests come to ride roller coasters, have breakfast with a character or to search for a bit of their childhood.

Steven Barrett is searching for something else: tiny Mickey Mouse patterns hidden in everyday spots throughout the parks.

From the Magic Kingdom to Epcot to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are three little circles — a head and the two mouse ears — hidden in carpet patterns, tiles, wallpaper and even in the gift shops.

“Whenever you are on Disney property, anywhere in the world, always look around you in the details because Mickey will be hiding there,” Barrett said.

Click here to see the video.

The Mystery of Disney World’s Hidden Mickeys (abcnews.go.com)
Walt Disney World Fun Facts (chipandco.com)

Hidden Mickeys author Steve Barrett featured on ABC

Your Photos from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

November 5, 2010