Category: Characters

Character Dining at Walt Disney World Complete List

Breakfast with Donald Duck, lunch with Mickey Mouse and dinner with the Disney princesses — that might comprise a perfect day for some young visitors to Walt Disney World Resort. Character Dining is one of the best ways to get to see some of your favorite characters.

The lovable Disney characters get up close for photos and autographs at special dining experiences in the theme parks and resorts. Meals generally are buffet style, and every character promises a stop at each table.

Here is a run down of the Character Dining Options you’ll find at

In the Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom

Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle, with Cinderella and friends; breakfast: 8-10:20 a.m., lunch noon-3 p.m., dinner 4 p.m. (closing varies with park closing).

A Buffet With Character at The Crystal Palace, Winnie the Pooh and friends; breakfast 8-10:30 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner from 4 p.m.-closing.

Epcot

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at The Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land, with Mickey and friends; breakfast and lunch, and dinner from 4:30 p.m.-closing.

Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion, with Belle, Snow White, Aurora, Ariel; breakfast from 8:30-10:10 a.m., lunch from 11:40 a.m.-2:50 p.m., dinner from 4:20-8:40 p.m.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Playhouse Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine featuring Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake and Handy Manny; breakfast from 8-11:20 a.m., lunch from 11:40 a.m.-2:25 p.m.

Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine featuring Minnie Mouse and the gang dressed in each season’s best looks, dinner from 4 p.m. (closing varies with park closing)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Donald’s Safari Breakfast and Lunch at Tusker House Restaurant in Harambe, buffet with Donald Duck and friends, breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

In the Resort Hotels

Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with Mickey Mouse and friends, breakfast and dinner buffet daily, breakfast from 7-11:30 a.m.; brunch from 11:30-2:30 p.m.; dinner from 5-9:30 p.m.

Beach Club Buffet at Disney’s Beach Club Resort with Beach Club Goofy and friends, daily at Cape May Café, from 7:30-11 a.m.

Chef Mickey’s Fun Time Buffet daily at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with Mickey and his gang; breakfast from 7-11:30 a.m., dinner from 5-9:30 p.m.

The Bon Voyage Breakfast is an all-new character dining experience at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk, with appearances by adventurous royal couples from beloved Disney films. The celebration features popular characters from favorite Disney stories like “Tangled” or “The Little Mermaid.”

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, with Mary Poppins and friends; breakfast from 8-11:50 a.m.; dinner from 4-9 p.m.

Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, “tea party” for children with Alice and the Mad Hatter from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Includes lunch.

Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea at Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 10:30 a.m.-noon on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, dinner buffet with Cinderella and friends from 4:30-8:20 p.m. daily.

`Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, family-style breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto, 7-11 a.m.

Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue stars The Big Cheese himself, Mickey Mouse and friends at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, seasonal.

If you need help booking your magical vacation and making sure you have all the best dining reservations, contact Travel Time with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

December 29, 2017
Disney Cruise Line Top Ten Ways to Experience Star Wars Day at Sea

This is the cruise you are looking for. If you are a Star Wars fan then get ready to set sail aboard the Disney Fantasy for Star Wars Day at Sea for galactic adventures in 2018.

To prepare your family for the out-of-this-galaxy fun, check out these top ten ways to experience Star Wars Day at Sea.

1. Choose your costume wisely. Before you even step on the ship, choose a side and plan your day’s attire. Whether you resemble Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers or other iconic Star Wars characters, dressing up adds to the fun for young and old alike.

2. Indulge in the Star Wars films. In the days leading up to the epic celebration, check out all of the Star Wars feature films in the Buena Vista Theatre, culminating in a showing of the newest film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

3. Encounter heroes who inspire you. New in 2018, you are guaranteed a time to meet and take photographs with C-3PO and R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Before you even step onboard, reserve these character encounters on disneycruise.com.

4. Celebrate with other fans. The family costume party in the atrium is one of the day’s epic events not to be missed. It’s a great chance to celebrate your love for Star Wars and meet other fans who share your affinity.

5. Be open to making new friends. You never know who you might meet roaming the ship. Jawas, Rebels, Storm Troopers and others are often spotted out on the deck. Plus, your kids can meet C-3PO, Storm Troopers and more at Star Wars: Command Post in the youth club.

6. Make it a family adventure. Share your love for Star Wars with your kids by joining the special activities for families, such as droid racing in the atrium, learning to draw your favorite Star Warscharacters, and helping track the Porgs wreaking havoc throughout the ship.

7. Send your kids to Resistance training. At Star Wars: Command Post, Younglings can embark on an action-packed training adventure with members of the Resistance who will teach them how to hone their skills to defeat First Order Stormtroopers.

8. Cheer as Padawans face the dark side. In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children can learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skills in a final face-off with Darth Vader and, new to 2018, Kylo Ren.

9. Watch the epic saga come to life on stage. The “Summon the Force” deck celebration is where you can unleash the Force during games, music and a galactic dance party. The event features stunts, special effects and favorite Star Wars characters, including Rey for the first time in 2018.

10. Get inspired by a stunning fireworks show. The day’s grand finale is a spectacular pyrotechnics display set to John Williams’ iconic music. Both lifelong Star Wars fans and those new to the adventure are sure to get chills as you watch the pyrotechnic show with family by your side.

Star Wars Day at Sea returns to the Disney Fantasy from January to April 2018.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Travel Time with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

December 19, 2017
Surprise Visit From Mickey Mouse And $1.1M Donation For Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida

During a surprise visit from Mickey Mouse, students of the new downtown Orlando location of the Boys & Girls Clubs were among the first to learn that Disney Parks is donating $1.1 million to the organization this holiday season. The special donation will help cover construction costs at the Orlando location.

Just in time for the holidays, Disney Parks is lifting spirits and keeping future’s bright for thousands of children and teens of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

As you can see in the photo above, the look of pure joy on the students’ faces as Mickey surprised them was one of the greatest gifts from this holiday season. It was one of the many moments we cast members experience that remind us why we enjoy our work.

The donation represents the hard work Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida have demonstrated over the past seven decades inspiring children and teens to realize their full potential. Disney’s partnership dates back to Walt Disney himself, who served as spokesman and honorary board member for the organization.

December 15, 2017
Moana Comes to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Moana’s travels the ocean, but her latest landing spot is Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Starting today, guests can visit with the Disney heroine during a new premium experience!

During “Kakamora Chaos with Moana” at Aunty’s Beach House, Moana is eager to learn more about her new friends, especially the games they play.

During the interactive 90-minute experience, young guests will learn to play children’s games from Hawai’i, as well as a game from Moana’s home island of Motunui: the Kakamora Relay!

There are other fun ways to see Moana during her visits to Aulani Resort. Guests can join Moana and Aulani Resort’s beloved storyteller “Uncle” as they share the importance of the canoe—or wa‘a—during Kahakai Canoe Racing. The interactive activity concludes after building a canoe model and racing in the lagoon!

In the evenings, resort guests may choose to wind down around the fire pit as Moana and Uncle recount tales of adventure during Mo‘olelo Firepit Storytelling.

Guests attending the the resort’s KA WA‘A lū‘au will also be delighted when Moana makes a special appearance during the lively pre-show, which pays homage to the incredible journey the Hawaiian people made across the ocean.

December 10, 2017
15 Freebies from Disney Parks

Who doesn’t want FREE stuff!? Disney World vacations aren’t cheap experience that’s for sure. When you factor in travel, hotels, tickets, etc., the cost of a family visiting Disney World it can add up quick. However, while there are many costs associated with a trip to visit Mickey, there are many things at Disney World that can be done for free. That’s right…FREEBIES from Disney Parks!

There are numerous free items and experiences offered at Disney World – you just have to know where to look and who to ask. Out of various freebies available at Disney World, here are what we feel are the 15 most amazing ones!

15 – MagicBands

We’ve been to Disney World time and time again, and have never once had the need to purchase a MagicBand. Save on the MagicBand expense by receiving complementary MagicBands as Disney Resort guests or as Annual Passholders. Plus, use the same MagicBand visit after visit!

14 – FastPasses

The FastPass+ system at Disney World is one of our favorite freebies! Saving us SO much time, we try to take full advantage of the three initial FastPasses available to each guest, followed by additional FastPasses after that.

13 – Free App and Wi-Fi

Disney’s MyDisneyExperience App is completely free and incredibly helpful when visiting the parks. Maps, dining reservations, FastPasses – all managed right from your phone. Plus, the free Disney World Wi-Fi makes saving data a breeze.

12 – Free Vacation Planning

You can either request a Vacation Planning video directly from Disney, or better yet, have someone plan the vacation for you (with your specific requests of course)! This opportunity seems too good to be true, just like having a Fairy Godmother, but it’s not. Contact travel time with Vikki for your free quote today.

11 – Transportation

For Disney World Resort guests and for park guests, Disney’s transportation is a freebie essential! Park hoping is made easy with the bus system. Or maybe you want to catch the monorail from Magic Kingdom to dine at a resort restaurant. Wherever your plans take you on Disney property, chances are there is an easy way to get there for free.

10 – Celebration Buttons

You’ll see them throughout Disney World parks as people wear the bright buttons to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, first visits, and more! We still have people ask us how much they cost. They are FREE – just ask a Cast Member where you can snag one (usually Guest Services or a merchandise shop).

9 – Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

This is a fun activity for young and old alike! Disney provides each guests 5 free Sorcerer cards per admittance. Trek your way around Disney’s Magic Kingdom, defeating the evil Villains that are trying to take over! Each visit equals 5 new cards.

8 – Soda Tasting

Check out Club Cool while visiting Disney’s Epcot. It’s the perfect place for a middle of the day refreshment – for free. Little sample cups are available to park guests. Taste all the different Coke products from around the world!

7 – Jedi Training Academy

We absolutely love that Disney World has included Jedi Training in park admission to Hollywood Studios. Your young Jedi (4 to 12-years-old) can fight against Darth Vader or Seventh Sister after some Jedi training practice.

6 – Scavenger Hunts

Disney World knows how to keep us (and kids) entertained. Check out Kidcot at Epcot where children can color a Duffy souvenir and have it stamped at each of the 11 countries. Animal Kingdom’s Wilderness Explorers is another fun scavenger hunt throughout the park as you collect “badges” (stickers) in your Wilderness Explorer booklet.

5 – Pin Trading

Purchase a few Disney trading pins online before arriving at Disney World to save some money, then begin trading at Disney for free! Anytime you see a Cast Member with a pin, they are happy to trade. It doesn’t matter what pins you trade for what. Before you know it, you’ll have so super awesome pins.

4 – Pirate Contract

Located just outside of Disney’s Magic Kingdom’s Pirates of the Caribbean, you may time it right to watch Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial. This fun stage show is great for all ages. Watch out as Cpt. Jack recruits your young ones to join his scurvy crew as he provides them with a rolled scroll stating they are now one of his!

3 – Pixie Dust

Visit one of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at either Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs. Ask one of the Fairy Godmothers in Training if they will sprinkle you with pixie dust and they will for no cost! You can also get some sparkly dust from the Barber Shop on Main Street USA.

2 – Driver’s License

Dine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and have your young one sit in the driver’s seat location in your vehicle. A Cast Member may just provide him or her with a Sci-Fi Driver’s License! Transportation Cards are also available from bus driving Cast Members. We’ve caught on that these Transportation Cards aren’t available as often as they used to be.

1 – Sundry Items

When staying at a Disney World Resort you’ll spot Disney’s shampoo, condition, soap, and shower gel available for purchase in the gift shop. Folks love it so much they purchase the full bottles. But, keep in mind that you can get free sundry items like this from Mousekeeping. Save your money and ask for a couple of extra bottles in your room for free!

November 27, 2017
Fans Can Meet Thor and Loki at Disney’s California Adventure Park

With Marvel Studios recent released Thor: Ragnarok’s the timing couldn’t be better for the Asgardian brothers Thor and Loki to start appearing at the in the parks. The two are found meeting Marvel fans around the Disney California Adventure Park.

The two do a bit on the Hollywood backlot stage before they meet with the fans nearby. The “moment” is called “Thor and Lokis Heroic Encounter” located right in Hollywood land.

Some classic moments were photographed by @thelizziness. Thor and Loki do a moment on the Hollywood Backlot stage before meeting with guests nearby.

Thor is actually a returning character. He used to be across in Disneyland Park. He was located in Superhero HQ, but sadly closed on April 2, 2016.

November 27, 2017