Mobile Order Service Expands to More Dining Locations

Did you know the mobile order service is now available at more than 35 locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels?

This popular service, available through the My Disney Experience app*, lets you order ahead from wherever you happen to be and pick up food and beverages at your convenience – from DOLE Whip at Magic Kingdom Park to Blue Milk at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and even some of our new, flavorful plant-based dishes. If you purchased a package with a Disney dining plan, you can also redeem meal and snack credits directly through the service.

Over the past several months, Disney has expanded the mobile order service to even more Disney Resort hotel dining locations, including Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. With these latest additions, the service is now available at 14 Disney Resort hotels, a great option whether you are looking to start your day with Mickey Waffles or enjoy dinner and dessert after returning from a fun-filled day at the parks.

So, if you are ready to spend less time waiting and more time playing, be sure to use the mobile order service during your next Disney visit!

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

App Store is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Google Play is a trademark of Google LLC.

Minnie Van Airport Service Add-On Now Available For Additional Resort Hotels

As of October 16th, the Minnie Van Airport Service Add-On expanded to include additional resort hotels. The new transfer option can be added to any available Walt Disney Travel Company Package from the following properties:

• Walt Disney World® Swan and Dolphin Hotels
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando
• Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels (B Resort & Spa, Best Western Lake Buena Vista, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista)
• Bonnet Creek Resorts (Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek)
• Flamingo Crossings Resorts (SpringHill Suites Orlando and TownePlace Suites Orlando)

Guests can add one-way or round-trip Minnie Van Airport Service between Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Please note the Minnie Van Airport Service Add-On for these hotels can only be booked by calling the Disney Reservation Center at (800) 327-2996.

Maximum number of Guests allowed per vehicle is six people. Maximum number of bags allowed per vehicle is six medium-sized suitcases. Gratuity is not included. Booking must be made at least three days prior to pick up. Guests needing ADA Accessible vehicles should reach out to Minnie Van team directly at (407) 828-3500. Vehicles are pet-friendly.

Disney World Changing Outside Vendor Delivery Procedure

The buzz in the Disneyverse today is that Disney’s policy regarding outside vendor delivery procedures for ECV's and strollers is changing.

According to Orlando Stroller Rentals, customers who have placed a stroller rental reservation before November 2nd, 2019 for travel before or after November 2nd will be able to pick up their rented strollers from Bell Services at their Walt Disney World resort as usual. For stroller rentals placed after November 2nd, 2019, customers will have the choice to pick up and return rented strollers at Orlando Stroller Rentals’ store or at their counter at Orlando International Airport. Customers will also be able to arrange for a personal meet and greet delivery at their Walt Disney World resort.

Buena Vista Scooter Rentals have commented that their team is still working with Disney to iron out specifics regarding the new policy. At this time, they have heard from Disney that the policy change date will be October 1st, not November 2nd. October 1st is the original date issued by Disney. For rentals placed after October 1st, Buena Vista Scooter Rentals customers will have the choice to arrange a meet and greet pick up and return or drop the rented item off at their store. The Buena Vista Scooter Rentals store is located between Universal Studios and Orlando International Airport.

From what I understand, this policy change potentially applies to deliveries from all outside vendors.

If you have any questions regarding a rental reservation and Disney’s new policy, please reach out to your specific vendor.

We will report on further details as we receive them.

New Plant Based Options Coming to DisneyWorld and Disneyland

Exciting news for our foodie fans! Disney announced that ALL of their major quick and table service restaurants will soon be serving up plant-based options at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort – along with a new plant-based menu icon coming to Disney dining. Guests will be able to choose from hundreds of sweet and savory creations, including many brand-new dishes destined to become fan favorites!

Disney is always looking for ways to bring more flavor, innovation, and creativity to the Disney dining experience – and guest feedback is first on the menu when Disney evolves their menus and develop new dishes. Guests have embraced Disney's plant-based offerings at the parks around the globe, inspiring  Disney to expand their menu and introduce a new menu icon, a green leaf, that will make it easier than ever to find these creations during your visit.

These fun and flavorful options are made from plant-based ingredients like vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes – and are made without animal meat, dairy, eggs or honey. From comfort-food classics to exciting new dishes for the adventurer in all of us, everyone will find something to delight their tastebuds.

On October 1 at quick-service locations and October 3 at table service locations, Walt Disney World Resort will launch the plant-based menu icon and introduce new options at our theme parks and resort hotels. If you’re craving tasty plant-powered snacks and treats during your visit, you can explore more than 400 craveable dishes!

• Steamed Asian Dumplings from Le Cellier at Epcot – You’ll love these plant-based meat dumplings, served with bok choy, Chinese long beans, red peppers and radish in a delicious and fragrant Asian broth.
• Shiriki Noodle Salad from Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park – This refreshing salad is made with noodles, edamame beans, mushrooms, green mango and cucumber, tossed with a sweet chili sauce.
• Felucian Garden Spread from Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort) – Made with plant-based “kefta,” herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish and pita, this is the perfect bite for your visit to a galaxy far, far away.
• Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl from Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – This taste of Pandora features crispy tofu, seasoned with chili-spice and topped with a crunchy vegetable slaw, boba balls and your choice of base and sauce.
• Plant-Based Cashew Cheescake from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Just one of many scrumptious plant-based desserts available at Walt Disney World Resort.

We can’t wait for you to discover hundreds of delectable plant-based options at Disney parks and resort hotels. Whether you’re visiting Magic Kingdom Park, tasting your way across the globe at Epcot’s World Showcase, or grabbing a bite in a galaxy far, far away, you’re sure to find a plant-powered dish to enjoy.

Don’t worry, Disneyland fans – the menu icon and many new plant-based options are coming in spring 2020, so you won’t have to wait long to savor exciting new flavors. And across the world, we’re serving up delicious plant-based cuisine, including Risotto-style Spelt with Mushrooms at Disneyland Paris, Pan-fried Vegetables with Plant-based Dumplings at Hong Kong Disneyland, or Caramel Mix Nuts Banana Cake at Shanghai Disney Resort. When sailing the high seas with Disney Cruise Line there are bites to find, from a Plant-Based Chili Dog and Plant-Based Eggs to Chocolate Truffle Cake. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more foodie news!

Disney World Guests Not Happy With Automated PhotoPass Cameras

We've been hearing that new automated PhotoPass cameras have hit several popular character meet-and-greet locations at Walt Disney World, and so far guests aren’t happy about it.

Part of what makes Disney stand out from other companies is the magic they create for families all around the world. One of the many reasons I love visiting Walt Disney World is to capture the laughs and the memories I create while in The Most Magical Place On Earth, and this is done through photography.

Personally, I think the PhotoPass photographers at Walt Disney World are trained with such a great eye that a machine simply won’t be able to capture. I have gotten some great photos - the hugs I receive from the characters, the conversations and interactions that are told through one simple photo, these are the memories that keep bringing me back to visit Walt Disney World, and I know a lot of guests feel the same way.

According to several online Facebook groups, guests have reached out to Walt Disney Guest Relations, but unfortunately their objections didn’t seem to change Disney's mind as recent reports show automated cameras now in place at the Mickey and Minnie meet and greet as well as Tinkerbell’s meet and greet in Magic Kingdom.  We've even heard about some showing up at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios too.

PhotoPass Camera at Anna & Elsa's meet and greet

PhotoPass Camera at Star Wars Launch Bay

So how exactly does this new automated camera process work? When you walk into the meet and greet, there will be a character attendant there to guide you through the experience. There is a box across from the characters and the camera will take pictures every 3-5 seconds to capture multiple photos. The good news is the character attendants will still take pictures with your own phone if you would like some extra memories captured.

Once you finish meeting your favorite Disney character, proceed to the exit and scan your MagicBand at a kiosk to link the photos to your MyDisneyExperience account.

Personally, I hate to see the PhotoPass photographers leave because I don’t think automated cameras will be able to capture the magic like professionals can.

Details on Enchanted Rose – A New Lounge Coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney recently announced a new “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired lounge coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Today, we're excited to share the official name as well as menu details.

Located on the second floor of the lobby, this re-imagined lounge will be called Enchanted Rose and will celebrate the magic and romance of Disney’s popular live-action movie. Featuring four unique spaces inspired by Belle and the Beast, Guests will find charm and elegance around every corner. The lounge includes a chandelier inspired by Belle’s flowing ball gown as well as a formal library that will showcase classical baroque designs and French furnishing. A garden room will take its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding the castle, and an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.

Enchanted Rose will feature a delicious menu with a variety of shareable bites. Guests can snack on an artisanal cheese selection with pine nut bread and raisins or enjoy an exquisite dish of white sturgeon caviar served with egg timbale, crème fraiche, and chives.

In addition, you could try the Mini Smoked Short Rib Sliders with glacier blue cheese and onion marmalade on brioche buns. Or if seafood is more their style, also available to order is the Espelette Pepper-Spiced Shrimp or Octopus a la Plancha with black olives, blistered tomatoes, and fingerling potatoes. There’s also the Crab and Gnocchetti Gratin, which comes with jumbo lump crab, gnocchetti sardi, robiola bosina mornay, and citrus breadcrumbs.

Other options include truffle fries as well as a house-made flatbread pizza featuring charred broccolini, seasonal mushrooms, fennel sausage, ricotta salata, and tomato confits.

On the beverage menu is a variety of beverages including cocktails and martinis as well as spirits, beer, cider and even a few non-alcoholic options for guests of all ages. Featured cocktails include beverages such as the Island Rose with grapefruit and rose vodka, lime, orgeat, pineapple, bitters, and rose water. You can also sip on the Lavender Fog (dry gin, crème de violette, English breakfast tea, vanilla, and cream) or the Garden Daisy (tequila, midori, lime, egg white, and cucumber). The lounge will also be pouring an extensive collection of wine and Champagne by the glass.

Non-alcoholic options include a Garden Cocktail (non-alcoholic spirit, lime juice, agave nectar, and soda) as well as the B&B (fresh-brewed iced tea, lemon, blueberry, and basil) and the Rosemary Cooler (Odwalla lemonade, vanilla, and rosemary).

Enchanted Rose will open this fall at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Stay tuned for more details!


Source: Disney Travel Agents

Some Character Meet & Greets Being Discontinued

Some of the extra special character meet and greets at Walt Disney World are sadly winding down.

Exciting new things are on the horizon for Disney World, some of which will be open to Guests beginning October 1. Here are a few things at Walt Disney World that you’ll want to see, do, and experience before bibbidi, bobbidi, boo — they’re gone!

Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration

Last year marked both Mickey’s and Minnie’s 90th birthdays and this meet and greet will be available until September 30th. Guests can step inside Town Square Theater and say hello to the birthday mice and even pose for a picture with the two. Afterward, don’t forget to sign the Guest Book in the PhotoPass shop when you exit. Happy (almost 91st) birthday, Mickey and Minnie!


Mike and Sulley

Disney will say good-bye to Monstropolis on September 30. Since Mike and Sulley work evenings, we can only visit with them until 6:00 p.m. on most nights inside the Walt Disney Presents attraction. This is one of the most interactive and fun character meet-and-greets at the Walt Disney World Resort, so don’t miss it before it goes away.


The Incredibles and Edna Mode at Pixar Place

When the entrance to Toy Story Mania moved to Toy Story Land in June of 2018 and until September 30, Guests can dance with Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone at a dance party at Pixar Place. Or step inside Edna Mode‘s Super Suit Gallery to see her latest designs and meet the mini-Master of Design at a special PhotoPass opportunity at the exit to the gallery. Even look for clues to find Jack-Jack in the area. But hurry! Jack-Jack will disappear for good on September 30.