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If you are fan of all things Star Wars related then you will be happy to know that Star Wars weekends will be returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios® located at the Walt Disney World® resort in Orlando, Florida every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 15-June 14, 2015. This event will be filled with special shows, parades, special celebrity meet and greets and "Symphony in the Sky" fireworks show each evening at 9:45pm duirng the event.
Due to the popularity of this event you can expect park crowds to be much higher than normal and wait times for special Star Wars events to be long. On the positive side, wait times for non-Star Wars events can be expected to not be much longer than they would normally be any other time. Keep reading because I have several important "tips" to help you navigate this event, as well as information about the new dining events being offered...so let's get started!
First, and most important, plan to arrive at Hollywood Studios® before park opening. There are usually some pretty cool character experiences that take place right before the park officially opens. Last year, it was called "Storm the Park" and featured storm troopers at the entrance. They do a funny skit that changes each year...but worth being there to see it. Next, "autographs"...if you want autographs plan to arrive an hour prior to park opening, which is usually around 8am on Star Wars weekends. The turnstiles typically open earlier than the official open time due to the high crowds.
*Tip: You should try to ride Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster as soon as you get into the park. This way you have done the big three before the Star Wars weekend events even begin.
Disney does offer a FastPass for celebrity autographs during Star Wars weekend events...1 per person/per day. Tip: Choose a FP for the most popular celebrity and do standby line for the less popular ones. You can expect lots of waiting in lines for character photos and meet and greets. Plan to do those later in the afternoon when it's not so hot. The costumes and back drops are pretty cool, so enjoy it! Check the times guide for the Star Wars-Legends of the Force motorcade so you can be sure to stake out a place to view it an hour or so before it begins. This is a pretty short event, but it's fun to see all the different costumes. There are several shows throughout the day that include behind the scenes presentations, humor and some form of demonstration. One last tip, be sure to purchase any souvenir merchandise you may like early on because the lines will get longer as the day goes on and limited edition souvenirs tends to sell out.
New Dining Packages being offered during Star Wars weekends:
1.) "Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine"
This is a dinner at Hollywood and Vine and features Disney characters in Star Wars outfits. The featured characters are Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Ewok Chip-n-Dale, Stormtrooper Donald and Darth Goofy. This character meal costs $57.99 per adul and $34.99 per child (ages 3-9). Sales tax is included but gratuity is not and would expected to be paid at the time of service. *As a Fantasmic dining package, it costs $63.99 per adult and $38.99 per child (ages 3yrs-9yrs). With this package option neither sales tax nor gratuity are included. Guests will receive a digital photo download of Ewok Chip-n-Dale . The meal is served from 4:15pm until park close time daily.
2.) "Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast"
The standard Star Wars characters for this meal will be Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Greedo and Jawas. This dining event takes place in the Sci Fi Dine-in Theatre with Star Wars clips being shown during the meal. This Star Wars character dining experience cost $49.99 per adult and $31.99 per chld (ages 3yrs-9yrs). Sales tax is included but gratuities are not, and would be paid at the time of service. Reservations for this experience are recommended and are accepted from 8am to 12pm.
Enjoy and May the Force Be With You!
Due to the popularity of this event you can expect park crowds to be much higher than normal and wait times for special Star Wars events to be long. On the positive side, wait times for non-Star Wars events can be expected to not be much longer than they would normally be any other time. Keep reading because I have several important "tips" to help you navigate this event, as well as information about the new dining events being offered...so let's get started!
First, and most important, plan to arrive at Hollywood Studios® before park opening. There are usually some pretty cool character experiences that take place right before the park officially opens. Last year, it was called "Storm the Park" and featured storm troopers at the entrance. They do a funny skit that changes each year...but worth being there to see it. Next, "autographs"...if you want autographs plan to arrive an hour prior to park opening, which is usually around 8am on Star Wars weekends. The turnstiles typically open earlier than the official open time due to the high crowds.
*Tip: You should try to ride Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster as soon as you get into the park. This way you have done the big three before the Star Wars weekend events even begin.
Disney does offer a FastPass for celebrity autographs during Star Wars weekend events...1 per person/per day. Tip: Choose a FP for the most popular celebrity and do standby line for the less popular ones. You can expect lots of waiting in lines for character photos and meet and greets. Plan to do those later in the afternoon when it's not so hot. The costumes and back drops are pretty cool, so enjoy it! Check the times guide for the Star Wars-Legends of the Force motorcade so you can be sure to stake out a place to view it an hour or so before it begins. This is a pretty short event, but it's fun to see all the different costumes. There are several shows throughout the day that include behind the scenes presentations, humor and some form of demonstration. One last tip, be sure to purchase any souvenir merchandise you may like early on because the lines will get longer as the day goes on and limited edition souvenirs tends to sell out.
New Dining Packages being offered during Star Wars weekends:
1.) "Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine"
This is a dinner at Hollywood and Vine and features Disney characters in Star Wars outfits. The featured characters are Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Ewok Chip-n-Dale, Stormtrooper Donald and Darth Goofy. This character meal costs $57.99 per adul and $34.99 per child (ages 3-9). Sales tax is included but gratuity is not and would expected to be paid at the time of service. *As a Fantasmic dining package, it costs $63.99 per adult and $38.99 per child (ages 3yrs-9yrs). With this package option neither sales tax nor gratuity are included. Guests will receive a digital photo download of Ewok Chip-n-Dale . The meal is served from 4:15pm until park close time daily.
2.) "Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast"
The standard Star Wars characters for this meal will be Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Greedo and Jawas. This dining event takes place in the Sci Fi Dine-in Theatre with Star Wars clips being shown during the meal. This Star Wars character dining experience cost $49.99 per adult and $31.99 per chld (ages 3yrs-9yrs). Sales tax is included but gratuities are not, and would be paid at the time of service. Reservations for this experience are recommended and are accepted from 8am to 12pm.
Enjoy and May the Force Be With You!
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If you haven't ever visited Epcot during the annual Flower and Garden Festival you are really missing a treat! This year's dates are March 4 - May 17, 2015. Springtime comes alive all around Epcot with an entirely new landscape design of fresh, brightly colored flowers everywhere, your favorite characters in beautifully designed topiary forms, play areas for kids (typically located near Pixie Hollow), outdoor kitchens with fresh healthy snacks (may be eligible to be redeemed with a snack credit on the dining plan), some of your favorite HGTV designers making appearances and this year's Garden Rocks concert series. Eleven pop acts will be performing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the American Garden Theater at 5:30, 6:45 and 8pm. There is truly something for everyone no matter what age you are.
There are some very good reasons to visit the Disney parks during this time. The weather is GREAT! It's not too hot nor too cold so you can enjoy walking around all day without ducking into the nearest indoor attraction or gift shop begging for shade and air conditioning. Another big reason...the park crowds are lower during this time. As long as you plan to be there before or after Easter and Spring break week you should be FINE. It's very pleasant walking around World Showcase looking at everything while enjoying a nice breeze coming across the lagoon not feeling so crowded like you may be during peak park times. Plus, Disney has some really good promotional offers for resort stays and park tickets you can take advantage of during this time as well...making it a great trip for all!
This year's Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-up:
March 6-8: Gin Blossoms
March 13-15: Pablo Cruise
March 20-21: En Vogue
March 27-29: Starfish
April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
April 10-12: Village People
April 17-19: Jon Secada
April 24-26: The Guess Who
May 1-3: Taylor Dayne
May 8-10: Little River Band
May 15-17: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
There are some very good reasons to visit the Disney parks during this time. The weather is GREAT! It's not too hot nor too cold so you can enjoy walking around all day without ducking into the nearest indoor attraction or gift shop begging for shade and air conditioning. Another big reason...the park crowds are lower during this time. As long as you plan to be there before or after Easter and Spring break week you should be FINE. It's very pleasant walking around World Showcase looking at everything while enjoying a nice breeze coming across the lagoon not feeling so crowded like you may be during peak park times. Plus, Disney has some really good promotional offers for resort stays and park tickets you can take advantage of during this time as well...making it a great trip for all!
This year's Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-up:
March 6-8: Gin Blossoms
March 13-15: Pablo Cruise
March 20-21: En Vogue
March 27-29: Starfish
April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
April 10-12: Village People
April 17-19: Jon Secada
April 24-26: The Guess Who
May 1-3: Taylor Dayne
May 8-10: Little River Band
May 15-17: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
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If you're reading this, my guess is no, you really have no idea what is considered to be a "snack" when redeeming these credits using your Disney dining plan. It tends to be the one aspect of the dining plan that is less understood and probably underutilized as well. That's why I decided to give this topic it's own post. You will be AMAZED once you realize what options are available to you and will help you to better maximize the value of your dining plan credits. Remember, this is available to anyone in your travel party age 3yrs old and above. Disney does NOT distinguish between children and adults when it comes to snacks...they are one in the same. Your Disney dining plan credits can be used anytime between check-in and midnight the day you check-out.
Where can I find snacks? You can typically find snack items at most food carts, stores and quick service restaurant locations in the parks, Disney resorts and in the Downtown Disney area. If you are traveling to Epcot during Food and Wine Festival or the Flower and Garden Festival you can redeem snack credits at most food booths for most items. Just look for the DPP logo and you're all set!
The Disney brochure lists some examples of snacks as being: frozen ice cream, popcorn scoop, 12oz coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea, single-serviing prepackaged milk/juice, single piece of whole fruit, single-serving bag of snacks, 20oz bottle of water or Coke products or a 22oz fountain soft drink. While these options aren't bad, a snack credit is valued around $5.00, and there are sooo many more (and better) options available for you to use these credits. Let's take a look at what's available around the "World."
Sweet Treats:
*Homemade ice cream sandwiches from Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom
*Cupcakes from Starring Rolls in Hollywood Studios..other treats available here at well
*Dole Whip-It may not be the best use as far as $$ but it's a great snack at Disney!
*Anything from the Boulangerie Patisserie in the France Pavillion in Epcot.
*Milkshakes/Malts from Beaches and Cream, located in the Beach & Yacht Club.
*DOH Bar from Cooke's of Dublin, Downtown Disney. It's a donut coated with Snickers or Mars bar and deep fried. I haven't tried this one, but they say it's fabulous!
*Zebradomes-Animal Kingdom Lodge
*Cinnamon rolls from Gaston's in Magic Kingdom (large enough for 2)
*Strawberry & chocolate crepe in France (Epcot)
*Germany (Epcot)-The candy store there has rice krispie treats covered in caramel and chocolate!
*Creme puffs in Norway (Epcot)
*Starbucks - Any size latte, most specialty drinks and assorted pastries. A $6 latte...why not?
"Snack" options that you could make a light meal out of:
*Croissant Jambon Fromage or Bisque de Homard from Boulangerie Pattisserie in Epcot. This is a ham and cheese croissant or a bowl of lobster bisque soup.
*Baked potato or baked sweet potato at Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom
*A bowl of chili from Casey's Corner
*Cucumber salad or bowl of chicken noodle soup at Cosmic Ray's
*Soup of the day at Sleepy Hollow Inn in Magic Kingdom
*Fruit and cheese plate at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot (located in the coolers)
*Bagel and cream cheese or yogurt parfait...for a quick breakfast
*Egg roll - can be found in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom
*French Onion soup or Potato Leek soup at Be Our Guest
*Ceasar salad at Pinnochio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom
*Mixed vegetable cup with dip or hummus and chips
As you can see there are a lot of options, with lots of variety, to be found to redeem your snack credits for maximum value. So, do you really want to use these credits for a $1-2 piece of fruit or a $2-$3 bottled drink? You certainly can, but just know that it won't be the best value for your money.
Where can I find snacks? You can typically find snack items at most food carts, stores and quick service restaurant locations in the parks, Disney resorts and in the Downtown Disney area. If you are traveling to Epcot during Food and Wine Festival or the Flower and Garden Festival you can redeem snack credits at most food booths for most items. Just look for the DPP logo and you're all set!
The Disney brochure lists some examples of snacks as being: frozen ice cream, popcorn scoop, 12oz coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea, single-serviing prepackaged milk/juice, single piece of whole fruit, single-serving bag of snacks, 20oz bottle of water or Coke products or a 22oz fountain soft drink. While these options aren't bad, a snack credit is valued around $5.00, and there are sooo many more (and better) options available for you to use these credits. Let's take a look at what's available around the "World."
Sweet Treats:
*Homemade ice cream sandwiches from Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom
*Cupcakes from Starring Rolls in Hollywood Studios..other treats available here at well
*Dole Whip-It may not be the best use as far as $$ but it's a great snack at Disney!
*Anything from the Boulangerie Patisserie in the France Pavillion in Epcot.
*Milkshakes/Malts from Beaches and Cream, located in the Beach & Yacht Club.
*DOH Bar from Cooke's of Dublin, Downtown Disney. It's a donut coated with Snickers or Mars bar and deep fried. I haven't tried this one, but they say it's fabulous!
*Zebradomes-Animal Kingdom Lodge
*Cinnamon rolls from Gaston's in Magic Kingdom (large enough for 2)
*Strawberry & chocolate crepe in France (Epcot)
*Germany (Epcot)-The candy store there has rice krispie treats covered in caramel and chocolate!
*Creme puffs in Norway (Epcot)
*Starbucks - Any size latte, most specialty drinks and assorted pastries. A $6 latte...why not?
"Snack" options that you could make a light meal out of:
*Croissant Jambon Fromage or Bisque de Homard from Boulangerie Pattisserie in Epcot. This is a ham and cheese croissant or a bowl of lobster bisque soup.
*Baked potato or baked sweet potato at Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom
*A bowl of chili from Casey's Corner
*Cucumber salad or bowl of chicken noodle soup at Cosmic Ray's
*Soup of the day at Sleepy Hollow Inn in Magic Kingdom
*Fruit and cheese plate at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot (located in the coolers)
*Bagel and cream cheese or yogurt parfait...for a quick breakfast
*Egg roll - can be found in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom
*French Onion soup or Potato Leek soup at Be Our Guest
*Ceasar salad at Pinnochio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom
*Mixed vegetable cup with dip or hummus and chips
As you can see there are a lot of options, with lots of variety, to be found to redeem your snack credits for maximum value. So, do you really want to use these credits for a $1-2 piece of fruit or a $2-$3 bottled drink? You certainly can, but just know that it won't be the best value for your money.
