A New Way to Order Food at Walt Disney World
Satu’li Canteen at Walt Disney World to feature Mobile Order
Mobile Order will be available at Satu’li Canteen restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park on opening day – May 27 – and then expanding to Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus during the summer. And better yet, more Mobile Order fast casual and quick service locations across Walt Disney World Resort are on the way.
Mobile Order, which can be found in the My Disney Experience app, offers the added convenience of being able to place orders and purchase meals on-the-go. You can select menu items, customize orders and pre-pay for meals during park visits – all within the app.
It’s easy to do. After you place your order, pre-pay in the app and arrive at Satu’li Canteen, you'll tap the “I’m here” button. That will notify the kitchen to prepare your meal. When ready, you will be alerted through the app to pick up your meal at the designated window with the Mobile Order pick-up sign.
Please note during the initial launch period of Mobile Order, the only form of payment accepted will be by credit card. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Adult Beverage ID Requirements Enforced at Walt Disney World
Disney is reminding all guest to bring the proper identification they’ll need during their stay. Please note the following ID requirements required to purchase alcoholic beverages at any establishment throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Alcohol will not be served to anyone who does not present valid identification upon request.
Visitors from outside the United States are required to present both a valid passport and another form of government-issued photo identification from their country of origin. Foreign driver’s licenses or ID cards are not acceptable by themselves.
The following forms of ID will be accepted as proof of age:
U.S. state driver’s license (includes U.S. territories – Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa)
U.S. state ID (includes U.S. territories)
U.S. military ID
Original passport
Copy of passport (either on paper or captured on a mobile device), along with a government photo ID that verifies the person and birth date show on the copy
NEXUS card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (Canadian Guests only)
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
First Look: Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort
Geyser Point Bar and Grill is a new but unremarkable restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort situated on the shores of Bay Lake. The lounge itself is a big improvement over the existing pool bar and will likely attract an evening crowd. The open air pavilion is reminiscent of a structure you’d find at a public park or a summer camp but with more comfortable furniture and a bar! There are plenty of servers are on hand but most didn't have anything to do. Disney's Wilderness Lodge isn’t fully operational at this time due to an extensive, down-to-the-studs refurbishment so crowds should pick up once construction is complete.
The nearby quick service restaurant feels like an afterthought being tucked away in the corner. It's an attempt at rustic, Pacific-Northwest cuisine offering a bison burger and a smoked salmon BLT. Neither will impress you but overall they're acceptable. There’s absolutely nothing special about the bacon cheeseburger, it’s the same frozen beef patty you can get anywhere at Walt Disney World: overcooked beyond recognition and dry. In fact, it was so dry, it wasn't edible. If Wendy’s and McDonald's can make a decent burger, why can’t Disney? The oversized waffle-fries are fresh, crispy and will certainly be a signature item here.
Service is painfully slow at Geyser Point Bar and Grill. I was the only customer at the restaurant, shortly after 12 noon. After 15 minutes I approached the counter again to ask if they forgot about me. Nope. But a Cast Member was indeed working feverishly in the kitchen. It took 22 minutes for the order to arrive at my table but the place is still new so I can understand that some things might need to be worked out.
The open air design is only as good as the weather outside. Visit on a breezy winter day and you’ll fight to keep your plate and cup from blowing away. You can also expect cold food. It will be interesting to see if insects become a problem here - being that the pavilion has no screens. Disney has a great pest management system in place so it shouldn't be an issue.
Prices are reasonable, entrees range between $10 and $14. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. The lounge offers typical beverages found throughout Walt Disney World and even a few regional beers from the Pacific-Northwest.
If you’re staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Geyser Point is a good place for breakfast or an evening beverage after the theme parks, but overall it's just average for Walt Disney World.
A New Way to View Magic Kingdom Fireworks
Celebration at the Top, a new dining event coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort, allows you enjoy the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks from an intimate and private observation deck.
Celebration at the Top Guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you'll be taken to a banquet room to enjoy a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.
Just before the fireworks begin, you will be lead to a private observation deck on the roof of the Contemporary Resort, which offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park and the fireworks. After you can return to the private room for dessert including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts.
Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for select Sunday evenings from Feb. 26-April 16, 2017. Cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Re-Imagined Planet Hollywood Observatory Opens at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort
Planet Hollywood Observatory has opened its flagship location in the heart of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, transforming its iconic globe into a four-story stargazing observatory with new spaces including an outdoor terrace, a new menu and an exciting new look and feel.
Inside it’s an immersive theatrical dining experience, with each floor providing a different ambience, including the fabulous curated collection of film-making memorabilia and a 4,500-square-foot video wall the uses trompe l’oeil 3D technology – images with such realism that they appear to be in three dimensions.
Classic Planet Hollywood dishes, including the World Famous Chicken Crunch, are on the new menu, as well as a selection of over-the-top burgers and sandwiches by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri. Desserts are a hallmark of the restaurant, like the hand-dipped milkshakes.
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. The new 5,000 square-foot Stargazers Lounge that will let you relax under the stars will be opening soon.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
PRICE INCREASES AT THIS FAVORITE DISNEY RESTAURANT
Effective Nov. 4, 2016 on the Disney Dream and Nov. 5 on the Disney Fantasy, the price of Remy will increase from $85 per person to $95 per person for dinner, from $55 per person to $60 per person for brunch and from $50 per person to $55 per person for dessert offering.
New Restaurant Coming to Disney Springs
The Polite Pig coming to Disney Springs in spring 2017
I am a huge fan of smoked pork so I'm very excited to share with you that The Polite Pig will coming to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in spring 2017. A sister restaurant to The Ravenous Pig of Winter Park, FL, The Polite Pig will feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including locally-brewed Cask & Larder beer, wine and cocktails.
Muppets Fans Take Note: PizzeRizzo Coming This Fall
First Look: PizzeRizzo Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios this fall.
PizzeRizzo will open this fall in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Rizzo The Rat owns and operates the pizzeria, which is located in the former Toy Story Pizza Planet. Here, you'll enjoy a casual Italian-American dining experience in a whole new way, through the eyes of the lovable, wisecracking Muppet.
Walt Disney Imagineering hid hints of Rizzo, his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years throughout the two-story quick-service location. In addition to the expansive indoor and outdoor seating area, you'll be able to dine in a “cheesy” banquet room, or take five in a special booth designated just for Rizzo’s celebrity friends.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Magic Kingdom Dining Package Available. Is it worth it?
Is this Magic Kingdom Dinner Package Worth it?
Now you can take a mid-day break as you indulge in a three-course lunch, including your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and a beverage. Choose from favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti with meatballs or Margherita Pizza. And for dessert, there’s the classic Tiramisú or a decadent chocolate cake layered with a chocolate-hazelnut filling.
During the meal, you'll receive a voucher for reserved viewing of the Main Street Electrical Parade later that evening.
The cost is $45 for adults, $17 for children plus tax and gratuity. It is one table-service entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan.
Is this a good deal?
Tony's Town Square restaurant is comparable to your local Olive Garden Restaurant (only not as good). Still, it's a popular restaurant with guests and it does book up quickly.
So, is $45 for the dinner package worth it? Yes it is! Here's a sample order for one adult:
Caesar Salad appetizer $10.00
Chicken Parm entrée $26
Tiramisu dessert $8.00
Soft drink $3.50
Total Spent: $47.50 (Dinner Package $45 - Savings $2.50 + Parade Voucher)
The Dinner Package is appropriately priced at $45 because that's what most people would spend anyway, but you're also getting a voucher for a reserved section to view the Main Street Electrical Parade. It doesn't appear that Disney is charging a premium for the package. So get this one booked, especially if you're on the Disney Dining Plan, the extra perk definitely adds some value.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Tiffins Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom - Reservations now available.
Beginning May 28, 2016 Disney will open its newest signature restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort – Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, featuring cuisine and beverages from places that inspired the creation of the Park. Reservations open May 21, 2016.
Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffins is situated near Pizzafari on Discovery Island, near what will be the entrance to Pandora – The World of AVATAR, when it opens in 2017. (“Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling). Adjacent to Tiffins, Nomad Lounge features waterfront views in addition to hand-crafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors; beers, and sustainable wines from those regions, plus specialty non-alcoholic beverages and small bites.
Here's a look at Tiffin's Menu
The park’s culinary team is working on special dining packages which will begin May 28 at Tiffins and Tusker House Restaurant for the new limited-engagement nighttime show, The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic.
Similar to the popular Fantasmic! Dining Packages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Dining Package includes reserved seating for the nighttime show. At all-you-care-to-eat Tusker House Restaurant, you can choose the breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet on the day of the show (but you have to dine at least 2 1/2 hours before the show). Breakfast is $37, $23 ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity; lunch and dinner, $49, $30 ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House Restaurant is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as one table-service meal.
At Tiffins, the package includes the choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage at either lunch or dinner. The Dining Package is $67 for adults, $32 ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as two table-service meal credits.
Reservations will open May 21, 2016 for Tiffins restaurant as well as Dining Packages for The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic nighttime show, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist atMagical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.
Dine with Minnie Mouse at Walt Disney World
Join Minnie Mouse and pals in their garden party best, ready to host a springtime meal during Minnie’s Springtime Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Join Minnie Mouse and pals at a new Character Meal experience at Walt Disney World.
On the menu, you'll find classic picnic food like coconut-lavender lemonade and springtime salads like watercress or basil-lime fruit salad. Hearty entrees include barbecue meatballs, buffalo baked chicken, lobster and shrimp mac ‘n cheese, herb-roasted pork and more. For dessert, you can indulge in passion fruit cheesecake, key lime tarts and banana cream puffs.
Minnie’s Springtime Dine costs $46.99 per adult and $27.99 per child, plus tax and gratuity. Some dining plans accepted.
Reservations are now open, and are available online at DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. His favorite attractions are The American Adventure, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth. Favorite Disney Resort hotel: Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Dates + Offers
2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Returns + Special Resort Offers!
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016. That means almost two additional weeks – from 53 days to 62 – of deliciousness, foodie fun, culinary events, celebrity chefs, seminars, music concerts and more.
FALL 2016 WALT DISNEY WORLD OFFERS
▸ Late September Offer
Travel Window: September 17 through September 24, 2016
▸ Early October Offer
Travel Window: October 1 through October 16, 2016
▸ Late October Offer - Halloween at Walt Disney World
Travel Window: October 22 through October 29, 2016
▸ Epcot Wine & Dine Half Marathon Offer
Travel Window: October 30 through November 6, 2016
▸ Jersey Week Offer
Travel Window: November 6 through November 12, 2016
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com
Skipper Canteen Reservations
Skipper Canteen will take same-day reservations Feb 12-27, 2016
From February 12 to 27, Walt Disney World Resort guests will be able to make reservations at the new Skipper Canteen for either lunch or dinner that same day. Reservations are easy to make, just visit www.jungleskippercanteen.com or call 407-993-1933.
BOOK NOW! MERRY & BRIGHT DESSERT PARTY AND DINNER RECEPTION
As we shared last week, two new seasonal experiences are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort this year. The Merry & Bright Dessert Party and Dinner Reception will light up the season with special reserved viewing of over 5 million legendary lights during the finale of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
The Merry & Bright Dessert Party includes holiday-themed desserts, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sodas, water, tea and coffee. Each Guest in the party will receive a keepsake roll-up stadium blanket. The Dessert Party will take place Nov. 6-Dec. 24, 2015 from 7-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 25-30, 2015 from 8:30-10 p.m. Block-out dates include Nov. 17, Dec. 9 and Dec. 18. The price is $69 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3-9). Tax and gratuity are included.
During the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception, Guests can enjoy a holiday buffet including shrimp, beef, turkey and more, as well as specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine. Each Guest in the party will receive a custom keepsake shadow box featuring their own Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights bulb. The Dinner Reception will take place from 8:30-10 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2016 and from 7-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 2-3, 2016. The price is $99 per adult and $54 per child (ages 3-9). Tax and gratuity are included.
During both events, Guests can enjoy the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights from a reserved location at the end of the Streets of America near the entrance to Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Guests can check in at the location beginning one hour prior to the event.
Bookings can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE or online at Disneyworld.com/dine. Advance reservations are recommended as availability is limited.
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.