Where is it? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Sanaa Restaurant – Walt Disney World.
What is it? Fresh vegetables and basmait rice, wrapped in bread dough served with pineapple raita.
Why you want it? A unique entree selection that is truly delicious.
If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected] or let us know on the Disney Food Confessions Facebook page.. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!
With the release of the brochures for the 2011 Disney Dining Plan to the general public this past weekend it has caused a panic for people planning a Disney Vacation for next year. If you look over the pdf’s you will notice that there are a lot of missing restaurants including one of my absolute favorites San Angel Inn. I am here to tell to quote you a line from one of my favorite non Disney movies.
Don’t Panic!
Right around this time last year I was planning my vacation for Jan of 2010. The 2010 Disney Dining Plan PDF’s came out and it was missing a ton of restaurants. You want to talk about anxiety I was on the phone in a matter of minutes asking where are all my restaurants!
For the rest of the year I called once a week asking for any updates. I had the DDP page bookmarked and checked for PDF updates religiously. But by the time our trip came in the first weeks of January there still was no news.
I picked some other restaurants, a few I wasn’t crazy over and descended on Walt Disney World. On our second day at the parks we were in Mexico Pavilion around lunch time and I walked over to San Angel Inn to complain about not being on the Disney Dining Plan. Before I could get the complaint from my lips the hostess told me they are on the DDP now. My jaw hit the floor! Without skipping a beat she asked me how many for lunch. I felt like a king strolling to that table. Sorry Biergarten maybe next time.
After having a great lunch I proceeded to call Disney and check on other locations that might have been added. Sure enough the remaining hold outs have stepped up and are now available. I was able to get 2 more reservations that I wanted and felt relieved.
So I am living proof that what you see on the Disney Dining Brochures now are not necessary of what is available at the time of your vacation. Keep checking, keep calling, and ask the restaurant when you are there cause you never know unless you try.
Our trip was the 2nd week of January so even if your favorite restaurant isn’t on the list now that doesn’t mean that it might not be added later.
Disney Dining Plans are options available exclusively to Guests of Disney Resort hotels with Magic Your Way Vacation Packages.
How Disney Dining Plans Work
Available Disney Dining Plans
To take advantage of a Disney Dining Plan, you must purchase one of the following Magic Your Way Vacation Packages that include a Disney Dining Plan.
2011 Vacation Packages are here!
Additional Disney Dining Plan Details
Gratuities are not included unless otherwise indicated. An automatic 18% gratuity charge will be added to your bill for parties of 6 or more. An automatic gratuity charge may also be added to your bill for items you order that are not included in the Disney Dining Plan (for example, alcoholic beverages).
Merchandise or photo-imaging products that may be offered at Character Dining Experiences are not included, except at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Many Disney table-service restaurants are quite popular and book quickly. Please make dining reservations up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Guests under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian’s permission to call.
Related Resources
This week we’re talking food and not just any food. Excerpt 2 from Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011) looks at some uncommon non-character dining restaurants where food and entertainment value for your little guys and girls are rolled into one. Please enjoy the excerpt below from Chapter 7, “Dining.”
Keep visiting Chip and Company for more excerpts as we get closer to the October release date of Beyond the Attractions.
Not interested in Disney’s character dining but still looking for an entertaining dining experience for your kids? These Walt Disney World Resort restaurants offer a unique dining experience that can be fun for preschoolers. The theming of a couple of these eateries may be intense for some small children. Parental discretion is advised.
Pricing information is for a typical entrée or a full buffet, if applicable.
Price Guide
$ under $15
$$ $15-25
$$$ $26-40
$$$$ $41-60
$$$$$ over $60
Disney prices vary during different seasons and are subject to change.
50’s Prime Time Café (Lunch, adult $-$$, child $; Dinner, adult $$, child $). Roll back the clock to the 1950s and have some good ole fashioned fun, courtesy of the Cast Members at this Hollywood Studios eatery. “Aunt” will remind you to eat your veggies and mind your manners while your “cousin” will give you some good-natured ribbing. Introduce your kids to a classic 50’s toy, the viewfinder; you’ll need to peer into one to read the dessert menu.
Biergarten Restaurant (Lunch, adult $$, child $; Dinner, adult $$$, child $). While Mom and Dad enjoy this German buffet in Epcot, your tiny dancers can boogie on the dance floor to traditional Oktoberfest music. You’ll get to know your fellow diners as you share tables with other Disney guests.
Coral Reef Restaurant (Lunch, adult $$, child $; Dinner, adult $$-$$$, child $). This seafood restaurant boasts incredible views of Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends’ coral reef. Fish lovers will enjoy the fascinating marine life swimming past the restaurant’s large aquarium window.
Ohana (Dinner, adult $$$, child $). This eatery at the Polynesian Resort welcomes its guests warmly and treats dining “cousins” like family. Dinner entertainment includes singing with the children, coconut races, and hula hoops. If you’re not a meat-lover, skip this one – diners are served fire-roasted meats.
Rainforest Café (Lunch, adult $$, child $; Dinner, adult $$, child $). Dine among exotic animals and foliage when you immerse yourself in the jungle atmosphere of the Rainforest Café. This restaurant has two locations at the Walt Disney World Resort – Downtown Disney and Animal Kingdom. With an entrance to the restaurant outside the theme park, the Animal Kingdom location does not require park admission.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (Lunch, adult $-$$, child $; Dinner, adult $$, child $). Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this restaurant simulates a 1950s drive-in theater. Diners are seated in cars and served by carhops. Movie clips of old science-fiction movies are shown on the large movie screen.
Families with sensitive children should avoid this restaurant. Some movie clips contain large insects, “monsters,” and other sci-fi elements that adults will find corny but that may be too intense for very little ones.
T-REX Café (Lunch, adult $$, child $; Dinner, adult $$, child $). This lunch and dinner restaurant in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace will transport you back in time with its life-size dinosaurs, “meteor showers,” and other prehistoric theming.
The theming can be very intense for small children. Parental discretion should be exercised based on your child’s personality and fears.
Stop by the gift shop to Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop, for about $20.
Whispering Canyon Café (Breakfast, adult $, child $; Lunch, adult $-$$, child $; Dinner, adult $$, child $). This restaurant, in Wilderness Lodge, dishes out more than barbecue with its mischievous servers, games, and sing-alongs. The hilarity will ensue when your kids ask for ketchup!
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 call follow her on
Twitter @DisneyExplorer and become a fan onFacebook.
When Seniors travel to Walt Disney World we go in different configurations. We travel with extended family, we travel with friends, and we travel by ourselves. I’m going to address primarily those folks who travel by themselves as “empty nesters” or those who have never had children. For hints on traveling with extended family and friends I would suggest you read a recent Chip and Co. article by Lisa entitled Visiting Walt Disney World with Extended Family and Friends. The article is extremely well done, very logical, and has lots of very sound advice. It is well worth your time especially if you will be traveling with your family. It will save you lots of headaches by eliminating issues before they rear their ugly heads.
When Seniors travel by themselves a whole different approach to Walt Disney World is necessary. No longer are we asked to babysit or endure open to close “Commando” style touring. We can do exactly what we want to do. I have many visits to Walt Disney World under my belt and it’s only since our 2003 visit that I suddenly realized – hey, we’ll be back, Walt Disney World will still be here, and just like us Walt Disney World gets better with time. No more psycho touring with every minute planned, that’s for the younger folks. We need to take the time to appreciate everything that Walt Disney World has to offer.
A lot of folks develop detailed touring plans for every park day during their visit. They plan what time they get to the park, which attraction is first, which Fast Pass do we get and when, etc. etc. etc. This leads to a couple of things – disappointment and fatigue. I know most of you are familiar with Murphy’s Law, yes, if something can go wrong it will and when you plan too tightly something going wrong, no matter how minor, can throw your whole plan out the window. I can appreciate why families with children do this because a family vacation at Walt Disney World can be expensive and they need to maximize their visit. We, as Seniors, do not have a need to do that. Yes, we want to get our money’s worth but that comes from things other than just hitting as many attractions as possible in the shortest amount of time.
I plan which park we will visit on which day (my wife trusts me) and I plan our meal reservations. The meal reservations are based on where we will be rather than basing where we will be on our meal reservations. We love Disney restaurants but if one of them doesn’t work out this visit we will catch it next visit (remember, Walt Disney World will still be here). With few exceptions, that is the extent of our touring plans. We know what we want to see (experience helps here) and that’s how we tour. We definitely take our time in the parks and have rarely missed anything we wanted to see.
There are things one can take advantage of to aid in overall planning and I use some of them. A good planning site (unfortunately they are not free) is very useful. A lot of folks swear by Touring Plans.com but I prefer Tour Guide Mike (TGM). As I said above I do not develop formal touring plans and do not use TGM’s plans either. The things I rely on most from his site are the “Least Crowded Parks” charts and have always found them to be right on. I went against his advice on one day last November and paid the price by having to deal with huge crowds. I also rely heavily on his advice for “best locations” to watch parades, fireworks, etc. The locations he shares are never crowded and the views are always spectacular. These two things alone make the price of the site worth the dollars. Check both sites out to see which one meets your needs.
If you take the time to plan where and when and use the tools available you will not have to fight the huge crowds or have the backs of your ankles shredded by an over enthusiastic stroller pusher. Don’t just rush from attraction to attraction, take time to look around you and enjoy the detail all around you. As an example, in World Showcase as you leave the UK area headed toward France look off the right side of the bridge and you will see an easel, bicycle, and other accoutrements of an artist who has taken a break from his work, probably for lunch at Les Chefs de France. It is simple, yes but very appropriate for the area and totally charming. These types of things are everywhere in Walt Disney World and if you rush around you will miss so much. There are a lot of books available that tell you what little secrets to look for while you are at Walt Disney World. I have my share in my Disney library but when I find something on my own it is so much more enjoyable.
Don’t always take a bus. When a boat is available you will see so much more and have the time to take it in. You can cover a lot of Walt Disney World by boat if you take the time to look. Two examples are 1- The “Friendships” from World Showcase to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with stops at the Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin, and on to the Studios and 2- The boat from Port Orleans Riverside to Downtown Disney with a stop at Port Orleans French Quarter. Do they take longer than a bus – yes, but think about pleasant a boat is when compared to a crowded bus loaded with tired and cranky people. In November we met up with some old friends who knew nothing about the availability of boat transportation. They were overwhelmed at how pleasant and relaxing the ride was.
This will sound a bit trite, but as a Senior take time to smell the roses, and the candy, and the cookies, and whatever other wonderful smells and sights abound at Walt Disney World. Your visit will be enhanced and you will be less tired. Make sure you take rest breaks and PLAN a no park rest day in the middle of your visit. Trust me on that last one!!!
If you weren’t able to snag tickets to a showing of World of Color, then I’m sure you’re well aware of the glow-themed dance party happening in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Sarah Tully from the OC Register gave the inside scoop on the Around Disney blog.
If you loved Glow Fest, I bring sad news. If you disliked it, maybe this will better suit your fancy. Glow Fest is slated for its final party in the backlot on August 22, and performances in Sunshine Plaza will end after Labor Day weekend.
What is it that could be taking Glow Fest’s place? A performance based on the new “Tron: Legacy” film!
There is no confirmed date for the beginning of the Tron performances, but it is expected to make its debut in the fall.
Auditions for the new program are on Wednesday, August 11, in North Hollywood, CA. All information regarding auditions can be found here on the Disney Auditions website.
Actor Brendan Fraser, star of films including “The Mummy” and “The Mummy Returns,” poses Aug. 8, 2010 with a “step-mummy,” aka The Wicked Stepmother from “Cinderella,” at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Scott Miller, photographer
Orlando weather during the winter months can be tricky. At best, it’s fickle, hot and cold in the same week or even the same day. Sure, during the summer it’s easy predict what you’ll need to pack: Light clothing and maybe a sweater for nighttime or when you go into a restaurant. That’s simple. But the rest of the year can be all over the place. Many first-time travelers make the mistake of assuming that Florida is always warm, but Orlando is not Miami or the Keys. Did you know that it actually snowed during marathon weekend this past January? I’ve gone to Disney World for many years in December and I’ve often worn shorts, but just as often, I’ve worn a winter coat. If you want to be comfortable, you’ll have to pack with care from November through March. This is especially true for the little ones who may get cold when the sun goes down.
Obviously, you’ll want to check the weather ahead of time, but in all likelihood, it will change. The week before we left for our trip last December it was freezing cold–stores reported selling out of sweaters. The forecast called for much of the same during our stay there. Shockingly, the weatherman was wrong! I know! That never happens, right? When we arrived it was in the high 80s and there I was with a suitcase full of winter clothing. I spent the first full day of our trip at the mall (which, incidently, I kind of enjoyed). The pickings were slim but I managed to find a couple of pairs of capris (because I”m someone’s mother and it’s mandatory that I wear them when it’s above 75 degrees) and a few T-shirts. I could have easily avoided this problem by being smarter about what I packed. In fact, I did it for the kids, just not myself.
The smartest thing to do is to pack clothing that you can layer: Lightweight T-shirts, both long and short sleeve, lightweight sweaters, lighter fabric pants for warmer days, jeans for when it’s colder. And those trusty capris. Pack shorts as well and of course, bring your bathing suits, because you just never know. Polar fleece jackets are appropriate for most nights. To save space, think about bringing a light coat with a liner that zips out. I love theseones from LL Bean. You can wear both–and believe me, you may need it–or just the liner or the shell, depending on the weather. You can even use the liner for covering up on rides like Splash Mountain. I also like moisture wicking shirts, the kind that you normally see people run in. Layer one under a sweater for days that start out cold then heat up. A lot of guests eschew running shoes in the parks during the summer months because they’re too hot, but they’re perfect during the winter. If you do wear your Tevas or Chacas, don’t forget to put sunscreen on the tops of your feet–if it’s warm enough for sandals, it’s also warm enough to get a sunburn.
I’m sure it sounds like I’m telling you to overpack and in a way, I am. But if you bring the right kind of clothing and pack carefully, you’d be surprised what you can fit in a regular sized suitcase. I learned the art of rolling my clothing when I was in the army and it really does save a ton of space and most items come out looking fine. Hang anything that does wrinkle in the bathroom while you shower and the wrinkles will come out. Or don’t worry about it–everyone looks a little dishevled in the parks! Make it your project in the days leading up to your trip to see how efficiently you can pack. It’s part of the fun that gets you one step closer to your goal: Walt Disney World.
Orlando weather during the winter months is unpredictable, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Pack with fluctuating temperatures in mind and you won’t have to buy a $55 sweatshirt in the gift shop at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Good morning, everyone! It’s a beautiful day! The sun is shining, the tank is clean. THE TANK IS CLEAN!??
I hope everyone had a great week. Many families are trying to squeeze in some vacation time before school starts. I can’t believe that in a few short weeks school will be back in session. Where did the summer go?
Well here is some interesting articles I found around the Disney Blog-o-Sphere this past week.
AJ over at the Disney Food Blog (my favorite website) had a few articles I wanted to link to from this week.
Great Job AJ and thanks for sharing all these great Disney Food articles with us! Now onto the rest of the Week in Review.
Well I hope you enjoy a few stories that I really enjoyed reading this past week. I hope you have a great week and thank you so much for stopping by Chip and Company and checking us out.
In just a few weeks, the first of many Halloween parties will begin in the Magic Kingdom, followed by nearly two months of Christmas parties. These parties, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, will take place two to three nights a week. On those nights, the Magic Kingdom closes at 7:00 p.m., right after Wishes and the Cinderella Castle lighting ceremony (a must do, by the way). If you don’t have a ticket, you’ll be slowly ushered out of the park.
No big deal, right? Just keep in mind that if you have an advanced dining reservation for after the park closes, you won’t be able to get into the park, even though it’s clearly open to other guests. This is true even if you’ve pre-paid for Cinderella’s Royal Table. You will still be charged. Further, if you’re in the park when it closes and your ADR is after closing time, you will not be allowed into the restaurant. So a 6:30 ADR is fine; a 7:15 ADR is not. Disney cast members are very strict about this. I’ve actually been refused entry into Pecos Bills at 7:00 on a party night, so you can imagine how strict they are about table service meals.
If you’ve made your ADRs for any late dining in the parks during this time, make sure there are no special events on those nights. If your heart is set on Cinderella’s Royal Table and you can’t change your ADR, you can buy a ticket for the event but otherwise, make sure you cancel or you’ll be required to pay for each guest in your party who does not make the ADR.
Narrated by Jiminy Cricket, “Wishes” takes Disney guests through treasured tales of adventure and romance from classic Disney films, accompanied by bigger, brighter, bolder pyrotechnics never before seen in a Disney theme park. Wishes are performed most nights in the Magic Kingdom.
Now I may be giving away one of my top and most secret spots here. I stumbled upon this location at just the right time by accident a long time ago. Ever-since then we try to make it a point to go here while on vacation.
This secret location is outside of the Magic Kingdom and is more for adults. If you have kids with you I would recommend staying in the Magic Kingdom and watching Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes soon after. Try sitting near Crystal Palace for some great family views.
Ok now for the couples here is how to get to my secret spot:
If you take the monorail to the Polynesian Resort and head outside to the beach you can look across the lake and see Cinderella’s Castle. The Polynesian Resort has swings available on a first come first sit basis. To get one on these spots your going to have to get there early as they fill up fast. Anywhere on the beach is a great place to see the fireworks, but for a place even more romantic I suggest venturing just a bit farther.
If you walk past the beach and head out to this little peninsula and sit, it kinda feels like your on an island. (see picture above) There seems to be less people and kids and makes for the most romantic spot to see the fireworks at Walt Disney World. Bring a blanket to sit on, and before you head out grab a couple of drinks from the pool bar.
As your sitting there enjoying the fireworks and sipping on your drinks you will forget you are at Disneyworld and swear your in heaven 🙂
I hope you like it. If you have any secret spots let us know in the comment section below.
Right around this time of year everyone is looking for ways to stay cool while braving the heat at the Walt Disney World Resort. Some areas of the parks have full exposure to the hot Florida other areas just get really hot from being enclosed and not allowing for much breeze. Whatever the reason lets all just agree it can get quite HOT!
Here are a few tips for staying cool while at the Disney Parks.
Well thats just a few tips for staying cool while at the Walt Disney World Resort. Most of these tips people already know others might be something you never thought about before. Either way I hope you stay cool this summer and have fun your at DISNEY!
If you have a quick tip email chip at [email protected] and he will be glad to share them with everyone.
