Walt Disney World: Meals Fit for a Princess

There are many character dining experiences available at Walt Disney World, and of course, some of the most popular ones are the meals with the Disney Princesses.

Ariel at Akershus

Do you have a princess who wants to dine with her Disney peers? There are three Disney Princess character meals available at Walt Disney World. Each has its own style, so read more to find out about each one!

Cinderella's Royal Table

The most well-known of the Disney Princess dining experiences, Cinderella's Royal Table is located on the second floor of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. The main appeal of this experience is of course the magic of dining in the castle!

Cinderella's Royal Greeting

It is absolutely necessary to make reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table as early as possible. Advanced dining reservations are accepted up to 180 days in advance, and this highly-sought-after experience fills up quickly. This is the most popular character dining experience at Walt Disney World! The earlier you can make reservations, the better your chances of choosing the date and time you prefer.

Aurora at Cinderella's Royal Table

All three meals are available at Cinderella's Royal Table. Breakfast times start at 8:05 a.m., so it is even possible to have a breakfast reservation before park opening! Likewise, dinner is served until 10:00 p.m., so on nights the park closes early, you may be in the park after closing. This is an advantage because it offers prime opportunities for pictures on Main Street without the usual crowds, as well as allowing you to be well into the park before the main groups of people enter.

Bella at Cinderella's Royal Table

When arriving at Cinderella's Royal Table, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet with Cinderella. A picture is taken by a Disney photographer, and the price of the meal includes the photo package, delivered to your table before the end of the meal. The package arrives in a special Cinderella photo holder, and includes one 8x10 and two 4x6 copies of the picture with Cinderella, plus one 8x10 picture of Cinderella Castle. A group of up to 4 guests receives one photo package, while a group of 5-8 receives 2 photo packages, and a group of 9-12 receives 3 photo packages! In addition, children receive a special gift, usually a wand or sword.

Cinderella's Royal Greeting

The meals at Cinderella's Royal Table are all-you-care to enjoy, but vary slightly in choices. Breakfast includes pre-plated plates of American breakfast food. Lunch consists of a pre-selected appetizer, with choices from the menu for the entree and dessert. Dinner allows for choices of appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Jasmine at Cinderella's Royal Table

Of course, next to dining in the castle, meeting the Disney Princesses is the highlight of the meal! Cinderella does not come to tables during the meal, as she is busy greeting guests downstairs. Her friends come to each table for autographs and/or pictures. Princess characters are subject to change, and may include: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, and/or Snow White. There are usually 4-5 princesses in addition to Cinderella.

Snow White at Cinderella's Royal Table

Prices at Cinderella's Royal Table range from $35-$75, depending on the meal and ages of the guests. The price includes the photo package, meal, tax, and gratuity. Payment in full is required at the time of booking. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 2 table service credits, due to its popularity.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

If preferences or circumstances prevent dining in Cinderella Castle, the Disney Princess dining experience at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is another wonderful option. Located in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, Akershus also provides a royal experience for visiting guests.

Belle's Royal Greeting

Although this experience is not as popular as dining in Cinderella Castle, advanced dining reservations are still highly recommended in order to be able to dine on the date and at the time you prefer. Advanced dining reservations are available up to 180 days in advance.

Snow White at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

All three meals are available at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Breakfast times start at 8:00 a.m., so it is even possible to have a breakfast reservation before park opening! This is an advantage because it offers prime opportunities for pictures without the usual crowds, as well as allowing you to be well into the park before the main groups of people enter. We were able to walk on to Test Track at park opening, since Akershus is closer to the attraction than the entrance is!

Mulan at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

When arriving at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet with Belle in her yellow ball gown. A picture is taken by a Disney photographer, and the price of the meal includes the photo package, delivered to your table before the end of the meal. The package arrives in a special photo holder, and includes one 8x10 and two 4x6 copies of the picture with Belle. A group of up to 4 guests receives one photo package, while a group of 5-8 receives 2 photo packages, and a group of 9-12 receives 3 photo packages!

Belle's Royal Greeting

The meals at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall vary depending on the meal. Breakfast includes American breakfast food served family-style. Lunch and dinner begin with a Norwegian cold buffet, with choices from the menu for the entree, and a dessert plate to share.

Cinderella at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Meeting the Disney Princesses is always the highlight of the meal! Belle does not come to tables during the meal, as she is busy greeting guests. Her friends come to each table for autographs and/or pictures. Princess characters are subject to change, and may include: Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, and/or Mary Poppins. There are usually 4-5 princesses in addition to Belle. There is also a "Princess Parade" for younger guests to follow their princesses in a parade around the dining area.

Aurora at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Prices at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall range from $25-$60, depending on the meal and ages of the guests. The price includes the photo package, meal, and tax, but not gratuity. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 1 table service credit.

Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner

Another Disney Princess dining experience is Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This experience includes Cinderella and her entourage, and the character interaction is top-notch!

Fairy Godmother at 1900 Park Fare

Advanced dining reservations are always recommended in order to be able to dine on the date and at the time you prefer. Advanced dining reservations are available up to 180 days in advance. However, this meal is generally available even on short notice.

Anastasia at 1900 Park Fare

As the name would suggest, this experience is offered at dinner only. An advantage to this location is that it does not require park admission, since it is located at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It is also a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom, if you do go in to the park on the day of this experience. The meal at 1900 Park Fare is a buffet dinner, including dessert. Many guests have commented on the strawberry soup served here!

Little Princess at the Grand Floridian

When arriving at 1900 Park Fare, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet have a photo taken in front of a fairytale backdrop. Characters are usually not included in this photo. Photos are then brought to your table and you have the choice to purchase them. This photo is included as part of the special Photopass + package, which allows you to prepay for dining and attraction photos, as well as a photo CD.

Drizella at 1900 Park Fare

Characters appearing at this meal are all connected to Cinderella. Characters may include: Cinderella, Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother, Anastasia, Drizella, and Lady Tremaine. Many guests have commented on the fun interaction with the characters, including shenanigans from the stepsisters.

Drizella at 1900 Park Fare

Prices at Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner range from $20-$45, depending on ages of the guests. The price includes the meal and tax, but not gratuity. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 1 table service credit.

Overview

There is a Disney Princess dining experience to fit many preferences. Which is the right one for you and your royal family?

Cruising the Bahamas: A Disney Dream

The Disney Cruise Line began with one cruise ship (the Disney Wonder) sailing 3- and 4-night itineraries to the Bahamas. These itineraries are being continued, now on the Disney Dream.

Would you like to take a cruise to the Bahamas, and experience all that the Disney Cruise Line has to offer?

 Itinerary

The only difference between the 3-night and 4-night itineraries to the Bahamas is that the 4-day itinerary includes a day at sea before returning to port.

The cruise begins at Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship arrives in Nassau in the morning of Day 2. Time in Nassau can be spent exploring, or experiencing one of several excursions, including tours of the island and snorkeling.

Day 3 is spent at Disney's Castaway Cay, a private island offering relaxation and fun. Castaway Cay offers:

• 2 beaches: Castaway Family Beach and Serenity Bay Beach (for adults only)
• 2 water play areas: Pelican Plunge and Spring-a-Leak
• The Hide Out: a teens-only activity area on the beach
• Scuttle's Cove: a child's area offering free childcare by Disney counselors
• Cabanas
• Swimming, kayaking, and other water sports
• Open-air massages and yoga
• Port Adventures, including glass-bottom boat tours, parasailing, and fishing
• Disney character interactions
• Open-air BBQ locations
• 2 souvenir shops

On the 3-night cruise, the ship returns to Port Canaveral on Day 4. On the 4-night cruise, Day 4 is spent at sea, with many activities available onboard the ship. For more information about the Disney Dream, see my blog post: A Disney Dream Vacation.

The ship returns to Port Canaveral on Day 5 of the 4-night cruise.

Great Deals

The Disney Cruise Line offers deals on particular sail dates. There is a current offer available for 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas sailing between August 25 and September 26, 2013.

In addition to a lower cruise rate during those dates, Disney is also offering onboard credit between $50 and $100 depending on the type of stateroom booked. Plus, Disney Vacations by Katherine is offering an additional $25-$50 onboard credit depending on the type of stateroom booked. That adds up to $75-$150 onboard credit when you book these certain cruises through Disney Vacations by Katherine!

Behind the Magic: Disney World Resort Options

For those of you who are just starting to learn about all of the wonderful options that Disney offers, sometimes the choices can be overwhelming. One of the main choices to make when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort is where to stay.

I always suggest staying on Walt Disney World property, as there are some special advantages. In addition, when you purchase a package from Disney, the complete package is cheaper than the sum of the individual parts (especially if you purchase a package with room, park passes, and dining). Plus, it's so much fun to be in the middle of the magic all the time!



When I was a little girl taking vacations with my family, we hardly ever stayed on Walt Disney World property, because the options were limited to deluxe resorts (prohibitively expensive) and Fort Wilderness Campground (too rustic, though we did try the cabins one year; those were fun!). Now, however, there are over 25 resort hotels on Walt Disney World property, ranging in price, size, and location! Disney specializes in offering something for everyone, and this has become true when it comes to accommodations as well as theme parks.

There are four categories of Walt Disney World Resorts. I will discuss each category in detail, plus give a brief description of each resort in that category.

Value Resort Hotels

The value resorts were designed to accommodate the family on a smaller budget, allowing that family to stay on Walt Disney World property and take advantage of the special privileges. The standard rooms at value resorts are smaller (accommodating up to 4 people with 2 double beds or 1 king bed), the resorts are further from the 4 main Disney theme parks, and they do not offer amenities such as table service restaurants or room service, though they do have food courts.

These resorts are the definition of basic hotels; however, they still have the Disney touch! Each resort has a fun theme and fun activity areas for children and families. Another benefit is the addition of family suites to some value resorts; these suites include a bedroom and living room area, including one queen-sized bed and double- or single-sized convertible beds to accommodate up to 6 people.

• All-Star Movies Resort: The inspiration is Disney movies, and there are 2 pools, including one with a Fantasia theme.
• All-Star Music Resort: This hotel plays homage to various music genres, with a pool shaped like a guitar. This is the only other value resort besides Art of Animation to offer family suites.
• All-Star Sports Resort: The name says it all: this resort's theme is all about sports. Two pools feature surfboard decorations and a Goofy fountain.
• Art of Animation Resort: This newest resort at Walt Disney World opened in 2012, and boasts fun theming related to four Disney films. Most of the rooms are family suites, with a choice of theme: Cars, Finding Nemo, or Lion King. The standard rooms have a Little Mermaid theme. There are 3 pools, including the largest pool on property (inspired by Finding Nemo) and a kids' play area.
• Pop Century Resort: This resort is themed around fads from the 1950s to 1990s, including: yo-yo, Rubik's cube, roller blades, Play-Doh and more! The pool is a fun play area including water jets.

Art of Animation Cars Family Suite

Moderate Resort Hotels

Caribbean Beach Resort

The moderate resorts have slightly larger rooms and are located a little bit closer to the main theme parks and other areas like Downtown Disney. Amenities do include table service restaurants. Rooms accommodate up to 4 guests with varying bed sizes.

• Caribbean Beach Resort: Part of the Epcot resort area, this resort with a tropical theme includes brightly colored buildings and rooms, and a pool built to resemble an old citadel. Special Pirate Rooms are also available for the adventurous at heart! All rooms include 2 double beds or 1 king bed.
• Coronado Springs Resort: Inspired by the Southwest, this resort is part of the Animal Kingdom resort area. The pool is built around a replica of a Mayan pyramid and a 24-hour health club is available. There is a wide range of room options to accommodate up to 6 people, with queen- and/or king-sized beds, and including suites and business class rooms.
• Port Orleans - French Quarter: This resort is located in the Downtown Disney resort area, and is inspired by the historic French Quarter in New Orleans. A pool with a Mardi Gras theme and horse-drawn carriage rides help set the mood at this quaint resort. Rooms accommodate up to 4 people with 1 king or 2 queen beds in each room.
• Port Orleans - Riverside: Also in the Downtown Disney resort area, this resort is based on the style of the Louisiana Bayou. The pool is inspired by the story of Tom Sawyer. Rooms accommodate up to 5 people, with 1 king or 2 queen beds and a possible bunk-size pull-down bed. Royal Guest Rooms are also available, including decorations based on Tiana and other Disney Princess friends. Royal Guest Rooms accommodate up to 4 people, with 2 queen beds.
• Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort: Located along with the Fort Wilderness Campground in the Magic Kingdom resort area, these cabins have a rustic theme with the amenities of home. Cabins accommodate up to 6 people in 2 double beds and a set of bunk beds. The cabins include a full bathroom, living room, and equipped kitchen.

Cabins at Fort Wilderness

Deluxe Resort Hotels

 

Beach Club and Stormalong Bay

The deluxe resorts are closest to one of the four major Disney theme parks. Amenities include club-level rooms, room service, table service restaurants, health clubs, spa services, children's centers and shopping areas. Standard rooms are larger than value and moderate resorts, and can accommodate more people.

• Animal Kingdom Lodge: This African-inspired resort is closest to the Animal Kingdom. There are 2 large pool areas including zero-entry and water play areas. Perhaps the biggest draw of Animal Kingdom Lodge is the opportunity to see animals on the private lodge savannah. It is even possible to have a room with a view of the savannah. Exclusive tours with animal encounters are also available for Animal Kingdom Lodge guests only. Standard rooms accommodate up to 4 people with varying combinations of king, queen, bunk, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 8 people.
• Beach Club Resort: Located near the Boardwalk, the Beach Club is a short walk or boat ride from Epcot, the nearest Disney theme park; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Themed after a New England seaside resort, the Beach Club shares a shipwreck-themed pool called "Stormalong Bay" with the Yacht Club. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms are available (some of which only accommodate 4 people), and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 7 people.
• BoardWalk Inn:  This waterfront resort hotel is modeled after the Atlantic City resort area, complete with Disney's BoardWalk. The pool has a carnival theme and the resort is a short walk or boat ride from Epcot, the nearest Disney theme park; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms are available that accommodate up to 6 people, and suites are available at the club level that accommodate up to 4 people.
• Contemporary Resort: This modern resort is located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, and has monorail service from the resort, in addition to a boat launch and walkway to the first Walt Disney World theme park. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of king, queen, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 8 people. Views of Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom are available.
• Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, with monorail service from the resort in addition to a boat launch, this Victorian-style resort is the picture of elegance. A new water play area with an Alice in Wonderland theme has livened up this resort, where guests can take tea in the afternoon if they wish. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of king, queen, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available (accommodating 3-5 people), and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 6 people. Views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom are available.
• Polynesian Resort: This resort with a South Pacific theme is located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, and has monorail service from the resort in addition to a boat launch. Hosting the Spirit of Aloha dinner show, this resort is also home to the Nanea Volcano Pool. All rooms and suites (even at club level) accommodate up to 5 people with queen beds and daybeds. Club-level rooms and suites are available. Views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom are available.
• Wilderness Lodge: This resort patterned after National Park lodges is closest to the Magic Kingdom, with boat service directly to the park. Offering natural surroundings along with luxurious service, this resort is a quiet respite from the bustle of the parks. Standard rooms accommodate up to 4 people with varying combinations of king, queen, bunk, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and deluxe rooms at the club level to accommodate up to 6 people.
• Yacht Club: Usually paired with Disney's Beach Club, this resort is also built in New England style, and shares Stormalong Bay with the Beach Club. The Yacht Club is also nearest to Epcot, a short walk or boat ride away; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms and suites are available that accommodate up to 4 people.

Polynesian Resort

Deluxe Villas

Deluxe villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club system, but may be reserved by anyone who would like some extra space. Many of the villas are located adjacent to deluxe resort hotels and share amenities and services with those hotels. Villa options include:

• Studio: accommodates up to 4 people, full bath, small kitchenette area with sink, refrigerator, microwave.
• 1-Bedroom: accommodates up to 5 people (depending on location), full bath, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.
• 2-Bedroom: accommodates up to 9 people (depending on location), 2 full baths, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.
• Grand Villa: accommodates up to 12 people, 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.

 Deluxe villas are located at:

• Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House or Kidani Village: near Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Beach Club Villas: adjacent to the Beach Club Resort
• BoardWalk Villas: adjacent to the BoardWalk Inn
• Old Key West Resort: Downtown Disney area, villas only
• Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa: Downtown Disney area, villas only
• Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Benefits

There are several advantages to staying on Walt Disney World property:

• Advance Dining Reservations: Anyone can make an advance dining reservation up to 180 days before the day of the reservation. However, only Walt Disney World Resort guests may make advance dining reservations for up to 10 days of their stay, starting at 180 days before their arrival date.
• Magical Express: Disney offers complimentary transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport for Walt Disney World Resort guests. This also includes luggage service.
• Disney Transportation: Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort may use all of Disney's transportation services, including the bus, boat, and monorail.
• Vacation packages: Purchasing park passes and/or dining along with the resort hotel room saves money!
• Extra Magic Hours: Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort are eligible to participate in extra park hours. The four major theme parks and sometimes the water parks are open one hour early in the morning and up to 3 hours late at night on certain days. Only Walt Disney World Resort guests may take advantage of these hours.
• Dining Plan: If you purchase your park passes through Disney and stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, you may opt to purchase the Disney Dining Plan, which saves a lot of money on food, and allows you to experience new restaurants.
• Resort Privileges: You may use your room charge to pay for anything at the Walt Disney World Resort. In addition, Disney will deliver purchases to your resort free of charge!

As you can see, Walt Disney World offers many resort options and many benefits to staying at the resort hotels. There is speculation that new benefits will be coming soon; I will be sure to keep you updated.

What do you think? Do any of these hotels strike your fancy? Do you have a favorite?

Discovery Down Under: Doing Australia the Disney Way!

One of the exciting Adventures by Disney vacations is called "Disovery Down Under." This active family tour vacation travels to Australia and Tasmania for 12 amazing days of discovery!

My parents just returned from their dream vacation to Australia, and they did it the Disney way, by traveling through Adventures by Disney! In addition to visiting this amazing location, they were able to spend Christmas and New Year's there as well!

I was privileged to help organize their vacation through Adventures by Disney, and they have been kind enough to allow me to share their pictures.

Find out more about their adventure...

In the beginning...

Adventures by Disney is happy to arrange hotel accommodations for guests who would like to arrive before the tour starts and/or leave after the tour ends. My parents took advantage of this opportunity, arriving in Cairns, Australia the day before the Adventures by Disney tour was to begin. One of the major differences with Adventures by Disney is that even arriving early, my parents were met at the airport by a representative so that they and their luggage could be transferred to their first hotel at no additional expense!

Itinerary

The first two days of the vacation were spent in Queensland at a seaside resort. My parents were able to snorkel and scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef!They also hiked in the rainforest, visited a crocodile farm, and pet a koala.

The next two days were spent visiting the Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park, where they learned to throw a boomerang and Aboriginal spears. From there they went to Ayers Rock and participated in a guided hike.

They then spent two days in Sydney, where they rode bikes through the city, went on a cruise in the Sydney Harbor and saw a concert at the Sydney Opera House (additional cost)! They also went surfing on Bondi Beach.

Tasmania was the last stop, where they spent five days. Activities included ziplining over a eucalyptus forest, sea kayaking, hiking, a winery visit, a market day, and a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary!

Trip Details

Included in the trip:

• transfers to/from airport
• hotel accommodations
• all inter-trip transfers
• breakfast daily (even on add-on days!)
• 8 lunches, 8 dinners
• all scheduled activities (see above!)
• tips

This trip was designed with families in mind. The minimum age is 4, though the suggested age is 7 and older. My parents mentioned that there was a 9-year-old on their trip who kept up with the group quite well and really had a good time.

The Disney Touch

The Adventure Guides really made the experience special. There were 2 Disney Adventure Guides who travelled everywhere with the group, as well as local guides to explain the local sites at each place they visited. The Adventure Guides were Dusty from Covington, Georgia and Daniel from Melbourne, Florida. My parents were really impressed with how knowledgeable they were and how well they worked with the locals.

On unexpected surprise was the special Disney pins! My parents received a special Disney experience pin at every new place they visited. Plus, they received a special holiday pin for taking the trip over Christmas, and another special celebration pin because they were taking the trip for their anniversary.

Another fun souvenir is the variety of group pictures. They received 6 pictures of the group at various sites on the trip. They will also receive a picture CD of all of the pictures the Adventure Guides took during the trip.

Adventures by Disney has many adventure options all over the world. Are you interested in traveling the world the Disney way? Feel free to ask questions in the comments section!