Walt Disney World Resort Non-Park Discussion Thread

The Walt Disney World overhead sign on the highway into the property is a dangerous area. There is even signs saying don't stop.

I'm not sure if this is the right place but I have a question: are the Quick Service Dining Plans worth it? How much would it cost the same kind of service without them?

^If you look here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/vacation-packages/2013/dining/

We actually recommend this one: 2013 Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining

Disney is so awesome and has so many great sit down restaurants. I wouldn't want to limit myself to quick service. We've used the package above and LOVED it. We know friends who got the package above and said it was just way too much food.

Thanks for the advice!

My real problem is: I wanted to stay at WDW from Sunday November 3rd (check in) till Friday November 8 (check out). Today I found out that the free dining plan are avilable only from Monday November 11th. Is it worth it to reorganize my whole trip to Orlando for 4 days of free Quick Service Dining Plans?

^You have to decide that. A lot of times you can save money with the packages, but if you're smart and don't care about all the Disney restaurants you can also piece stuff together and get a good deal too. All the people I know and respect that have done the dining plan loved it and saved money. If you're not a big eater though (like many Europeans), or aren't bothered to try different Disney places, then you can probably get the same price or cheaper just doing things on your own.

Was there any final report on the bus accident?

As for the dining plans, if it's not too late, we loved it and it saved us a lot of money. However, it did take a little more work. To get the most value, you should look at the menus and compare what you may eat. If you're just a simple hamburger or pizza type person, even at restaurants, it may not be the best.

Was there any final report on the bus accident?

Last thing I read was the car was stopped in the left lane for an unknown reason. When the bus came over a crest in the road he was unable to stop in time and rear ended the car killing the woman in the car. She was also a Disney employee. Never heard why she was stopped in the road.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/10/no-tricks-just-treats-at-the-new-disneyquest-halloween-party/

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, partly for the candy but mostly because I love any excuse to dress up. As a kid, there was always something magical about putting on a costume, going trick-or-treating (especially when the holiday fell on a school night!) then trading candy with my sister into the wee hours.

 

This year, I think families will find even more to be excited about with the brand new Downtown Disney Halloween offering at DisneyQuest. Similar to the popular DisneyQuest New Year’s Eve event, this party is perfect for families – with unlimited DisneyQuest games, two DJ dance parties, character meet ‘n’ greets, photo ops and of course, trick-or-treating. It’s five floors of fun with something for everyone! And, no surprise, dressing up is encouraged … there’s even a costume contest that makes every kid a winner!

With Mickey’s-Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party already sold out for October 31st, I imagine tickets will go fast for this party, too!

 

Tickets are $45 in advance and $54 if you purchase the day of the event. To book your place at the party, or for more information, call (407) W-DISNEY.

In the meantime, get more info here, then let me know what your family will be dressing up as this year – any Disney costumes out there?

^It's wise to tie in Wreck-It Ralph to a Disney Quest event--who would be more appropriate?

Only a few days until my trip to disney and I have to ask how is disney quest? It's included in our tickets so we'll probably go at least once but I would like to know if it's any good.

^ It's pretty dated IMO, some neat games / simulators but it's seen better days...

There were whole sections closed off last time I went... (many many a moon ago) but I know they've repainted the outside so it could be getting some new love again.

Personally, I wouldn't prioritize it over anything else... but, if you have some time to kill in Downtown Disney, then give it a quick look, just don't expect to stay more than an hour really.

I've only been to DisneyQuest once, and I thought the Pirates of the Caribbean game was the best thing there.

The attractions are definitely dated, but also still lots of "silly fun" with a group. Plus, free arcade games! Classic ones and newer ones.

Do they still offer the VHS copy of your Cyberspace Mountain ride? If so, it could be the last place on earth!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/09/new-food-trucks-set-to-roll-into-downtown-disney-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

A few years ago, I visited Austin, Texas; I was there for a music festival, but one of the things I remember best is the food trucks. It was the first time I had seen anyone serve “grown-up” food from a vehicle. (Trust me, these were nothing like the ice cream trucks I chased as a kid!) Today, Food Trucks seem to be everywhere, though much to my dismay, they’ve been in short supply at the Walt Disney World Resort. Until now.

 

I’m delighted to share this delicious tidbit: Food Trucks are coming to Downtown Disney! Even better? They’re rolling in faster than you might expect, with the first truck expected later this fall.

 

I recently sat down with Chef James Kleinschmidt and Downtown Disney Area Manager for Food & Beverage, Matt Fisher, who have been working closely with our Walt Disney World Food & Beverage partners on the concept. They shared some early details with me and, of course, I wanted to pass along every morsel of information to you! According to the duo, there will be four trucks, each themed to portray the essence of a different Disney Park. Here’s what’s in the works:

• “Enchanted Fare” will serve favorites from Disney Parks around the world; think Croque Monsieur from Magic Kingdom Park, Glass Noodle Salad from Hong Kong Disneyland and (my favorite!) Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs from Disneyland park.
  
• “The World Showcase of Flavors” is expected to feature items from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival such as Grass-Fed Beef Sliders, Pierogies with Kielbasa and Lobster Rolls. Yum!
  
• “Superstar Catering” will shine the spotlight on a wide array of meatball options fit for a Hollywood set; the Lamb Meatball Flatbread with Tzatziki sounds especially credit-worthy.
  
• “Namaste Café” plans to feature a nice mix of spices with dishes including Butter Chicken, Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs and Tandori Spiced Shrimp. (I hear they’ll all come with Naan Bread, so you can’t go wrong!)

In the coming weeks, we’ll share additional details about the food trucks and hope to have photos of the menu items to whet your appetite. In the meantime, I’d love to know which truck you’re most excited about – I honestly can’t decide!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/10/dates-set-to-roll-out-food-trucks-at-downtown-disney-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Starting early November, Disney will roll out four fun new Disney Food Trucks at Downtown Disney, open Wednesday through Sunday, parked at Downtown Disney West Side near Cirque du Soleil and House of Blues.

 

Superstar Catering, “Favorite of the Stars of Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” features delectable variations on hearty meatballs: a spinach and feta beef meatball sandwich; turkey sausage and golden raisin meatballs on polenta; and a lamb meatball flatbread with tzatziki. And meatball sliders for kids. The truck’s design is stainless steel with teal, tan and orange accents – think sleek, retro, 1930s Art Deco diner.

 

Namaste Café, “Tasty Explorations from Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” serves irresistible butter chicken, slow-cooked beef short ribs and tandoori spiced shrimp, all served with basmati rice, naan and pickled veggies. This is the most colorfully decorated truck of all, with art inspired by the colors and textures of Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

 

The bright-red Fantasy Fare truck, “Delightful Dishes from Disney’s Magic Kingdoms Around the World,” brings the legendary hand-dipped corn dogs of Disneyland Resort to the East Coast. Also a Croque Monsieur with housemade chips from Magic Kingdom Park and glass noodle salad with chicken and pickled veggies representing Hong Kong Disneyland. The truck is designed with down-home appeal and a nod to the past.

 

World Showcase of Flavors truck, “The Best of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival,” offers fest favorites: lobster rolls, pierogies and kielbasa and grass-fed beef sliders. Vintage travel stickers decorate the big green truck.

^ that food looks really good and the different food for each trucks sounds delicious. This should be interesting to see if it becomes a hit for Downtown Disney like food trucks have in other places.

Well, I'm hungry.

Well, we know were Adam will be eating lunch (and taking 10,000 photos) as soon as these open...

Looks like a great addition to DtD. Should help bring some excitement to the area as they transition to the new DtD with all the work.

This is a great idea for Downtown Disney.

I'm always for more food options at Downtown Disney! Sounds like a great addition!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/10/celebrating-the-grand-opening-of-the-villas-at-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-spa-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Today, we are delighted to open our 12th resort in the Disney Vacation Club family – The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This resort shares the Victorian elegance of its neighboring resort, with luxurious accommodations and a perfect setting right along the monorail system, within view of the Magic Kingdom Park.

 

In fact, I like to say this is the second jewel in our monorail crown, following Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, just across the Seven Seas Lagoon.

 

Our Members and guests will find accommodations suited to every vacationing party, from couples to young families to multi-generational groups. It’ll feel like you’re at home right here near the Magic Kingdom Park!

 

This morning, Mickey and Minnie Mouse were personally on hand to welcome families to this delightful resort in grand fashion.

 

The addition of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa represents an exciting new chapter for Disney Vacation Club – and provides even more vacation options, flexibility, affordability, and access for our guests to the special magic that only Disney can deliver.

 

Welcome Home!

A full kitchen at WDW - cannot wait till they add a supermarket...

Hey everyone!

Today we ventured to Downtown Disney to check out the 2013 "Festival of the Masters" - an art festival that takes over Downtown Disney for a weekend every November!

The festival features over 300 different independent artists from all over the USA, many Florida locals, about 25 featured "Disney artists" who are creating unique art pieces only available this weekend, and a whole lot more!

Please watch the following video for descriptions of what the Festival of the Masters is all about! You'll hear from the organizers of the event, featured Disney artists, and we even have an interview with one of the Lego Master Builders who are building a "Lego Star Wars" piece during the festival. And then to round out the interviews, you'll hear from the vice president of Downtown Disney as he talks about upcoming changes to the property.

Festival of the Masters is an art festival at Downtown Disney that runs November 8th, 9th, and 10th.

There are TONS of artists selling their creations from all over the USA! Many of them are local to Florida.

The festival has many themes built in...

Love some of the displays at the House of Blues "Folk Art Festival."

Cool stuff.

Funky!

At the Disney Artist Village, you can meet some popular Disney artists and they have available some unique pieces made specifically for the festival.

Want to take home some of Joe Kaminski's work? Now you can!

More art from the featured Disney artists.

We interviewed Disney artist Will Gay about some of his pieces available this weekend (Watch the video above!)

Dan, who is a Lego Master Builder will be inviting kids to help create a 9 foot Lego Star Wars Tie Fighter!

Here is the model...

...and as you can see, they have a long way to go...and they only have three days!

The first of the Downtown Disney "Food Trucks" was also introduced this weekend.

This one is themed to Disney's Hollywood Studios and features meatballs!

Elissa shows off her meat!

This is the spinach and feta beef meatball sandwich!

Lots of different styles of art on display at the festival.

Love what you've done with your hair!

Each booth features something very different and unique.

There are over 300 artists at the festival including 130 award-winning master artists!

And it's not just paintings, it's sculpture, topiary, all sorts of art!

In the "Michael's" area you can even do some crafty art yourself...

They are handing out frames and other art you can make.

Kids can color in images from the new Disney movie "Frozen."

Want your Vinylmations signed? Yup, they are doing that, too!

Personally, I'm pretty psyched about the new Starbucks coming to Downtown Disney! (The VP of Downtown Disney talks about this and more in the video interview!)

This gives you an idea of some of the other features of Festival of the Masters.

I have a feeling you won't be seeing these signs for very long!

Hey look! One of these artists has actually done a TPR shirt design!

The "Chalk art" displays is very popular at Festival of the Masters.

They have many chalk artists from award winning artists to local schools all creating their pieces on the ground!

KidTums school district REPRESENT!

VP of Downtown Disney, Keith Bradford talks about the changes coming to the Team Mickey shop. (Watch the interview video!)

Take a last look at Captain Jacks as that will be going away soon for the new Disney Springs expansion.

Many of the Downtown Disney restaurants have featured food items and "Mixers and Masters" for the festival.

Downtown Disney dining locations are offering specialty drinks to sip as you stroll around the festival.

As you can see there is a lot of construction going on at Downtown Disney right now.

Thankfully, they have added some new areas to help foot traffic bypass all the construction areas.

This new walkway recently opened to help bypass the old Pleasure Island during the construction.

Lots more work is going on, and will be for at least the next year and a half.

More chalk art over on the west side.

The most HARD CORE artists paint with razor blades!!!

And check out those results!

If you're looking to decorate your house with some awesome or bizarre looking art pieces, you NEED to check this out!

Festival of the Masters runs November 8th, 9th, and 10th, 2013, at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.

Must . . . have . . . meatball . . . spinach . . . feta . . . sandwich . . .

^Yes, that looked amazing.

Awesome report. I had no idea this event existed. Looks like a lot of fun!

dt