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Category Archives: Planning
Disney World Quick Tips: Count ALL of your family for ADRs
Most people know you need to make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) for your favorite table service restaurants at Walt Disney World. ADRs can be made up to 180 days before your vacation. One thing that some families don’t do is count ALL their family members in their reservations.
Many families with infants or toddlers, who will not be eating off the menu or buffet, will not include those younger members in their dining reservation number. Make sure you include EVERYONE in your party number, even if they are not eating.
Fire codes allow for a certain number of guests in the restaurant at a time- not a certain number of eaters! So don’t leave off your baby in your party number. I would hate for a family to be turned away because the restaurant had reached capacity.
Related articles
- Disney World Quick Tips – How to get those empty park photos (chipandco.com)
- Show Your Romantic Side – With a Disney Flair! (chipandco.com)
Military and Florida Residents Sail and Save!
Florida Residents and Military can save on select Disney Cruise Line sailings. Book by February 12, 2012 each sailing is subject to availability and the terms and conditions as outlined below.
- All sailings are on the Disney Dream
- Category 5A (Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah)
- Rates based on double occupancy
Florida Residents:
- 4-Night Bahamian cruise
- April 15, 2012
- $175 per person, per night
or
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise
- March 4, 2012
- March 22, 2012
- $190 per person, per night
Military:
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise
- April 15, 2012
- $175 per person, per night
or
- 5-Night Bahamian Cruise
- March 4, 2012
- March 22, 2012
- $190 per person, per night
or
- Disney Wonder
- 7-Night Los Angeles to Vancouver-San Francisco to Victoria, Vancouver
- Category 5B-Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah
- May 14, 2012
- $160 per person
or
- Disney Wonder
- 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
- April 15, 2012
- Call your travel agent for pricing and availability
Let me help you book your discounted cruise, these rates go quick so act fast! Michele@PixieVacations.com for rates and availability.
Terms and conditions:
- Not combinable with other discounts or offers
- Governmental taxes and fees and excursions are not included
- Disney Cruise Line terms and conditions apply
- Military personnel will be required to present valid military identification at time of check-in.
- Offer limited to a maximum of 3 staterooms per sailing
- Other staterooms and rates may be available at varying rates
- For military ask for booking code MTO
- For Florida resident ask for booking code FLR
- Florida residents must be at least 18 years of age
- Florida residents must provide proof of residency
Related articles
- First Timer Primer: Disney Cruise Line Planning (chipandco.com)
- 3 Day Disney Cruise Line Special Offers (pixievacations.com)
Disney World Quick Tips – Choosing Your Resort
There is more to choosing your ideal resort than just looking at a picture and clicking “book now”. I’m always sad to hear that someone had a bad experience at one of my favorite resorts on Disney property, basically because they didn’t know any better! That is one reason we started Chip and Co. We wanted to share our Disney knowledge and help you plan the best trip possible with offering Tips, Tricks, and Planning Info.
Disney has many “on property” resorts in various categories: value, moderate, deluxe and deluxe villas. There is something for everyone but not ever resort will fit your ideal vacation experience.
You have to keep in mind that at each resort are multiple buildings of rooms and offer a variation of rooms at different price points. Much of the price is decided by proximity to the main building and/or transportation and the view. Standard view, water view, garden view, theme park view…these all effect the cost of your room. Just because you choose a standard view room doesn’t necessarily mean you have to look at a parking lot or roof tops.
So how do you find out which resort and which room will work for you?
- Know the differences in category-obviously a value resort and a deluxe resort are going to offer different amenities and have quite a different effect on your bank account. Even if you are going deluxe you need to research. Many people don’t know that not all the deluxe resorts are on the monorail system. For us Disney veterans it’s hard to believe…I know, but we can’t blame them…they’re newbies!
- Book what you can afford-If your bank account is saying “value” and your mind is saying “deluxe”…you need to book what you can afford. It’s much more reasonable to book a vacation you can afford than to book and plan way beyond your budget and have to cancel. We all would love concierge level theme park view rooms but fortunately for all of us Disney offers other accommodations as well.
- Research the various resorts: Disney has a ton of information on their own website about their resorts including photos, virtual tours, floor plans, etc. They also give detailed informational sites to Authorized Vacation Planners like this one to give you even more information to pick your perfect resort.
- Research the rooms within your resort: Once you decide which resort feels like home you still need to keep researching. Much of your vacation experience can be affected by your room location, for example if you are staying at the Coronado Springs resort your vacation from a room in the Cabanas can be far different than a room in the Casitas. While both are beautiful and have a lot to offer, perhaps you’d prefer to be closer to transportation or the main building or don’t feel like a 10 minute walk to the main pool. You need to research building locations and pick one that would suit your families needs. You CAN make requests about which building you’d like to be in, Disney doesn’t guarantee this but they do their best to accommodate requests.
- Make an informed decision-Picking a resort can be overwhelming and there are so many options. If you’re having a hard time making a decision use a Disney Authorized Travel Agent to help you. We can answer your questions and give you information that will help you make an informed decision. Not all resorts are created equal and someone’s “perfect resort” may not be perfect for your family. Know what the benefits of staying at your resort are and make an informed decision!
Vacation planning isn’t for everyone. If you aren’t into the details or just want someone to do all the work for you, so you can have all the fun; contact Michele@PixieVacations.com for a free vacation quote and concierge level service upon booking. Personalized autograph books, spiral bound itineraries and personal service make your vacation Pixie Perfect!
Show Your Romantic Side – With a Disney Flair!
Valentine’s Day is upon us – and it’s one of those holidays you either love or hate. But no matter how you may feel about V-Day, showing you love someone and being romantic is a great thing to do not just on February 14th, but on any and every day of the year! When you’re taking a Walt Disney World vacation, romance might not be the first thing on your itenerary – but it should be! Here are some ways you can incorporate romance into your WDW getaway and show your someone special just how special they are to you:
Wine and Dine Them: Thanks to the Advanced Dining Reservation, or ADR system that Disney has put into place, you can plan a surprise for your loved one by booking a romantic meal for 2. And the great thing about dining at Disney World is there are so many choices, so no matter what kind of cuisine they are into, you can make sure you pick the perfect place for your meal. Some top favorites for romantic dinners include: California Grill (which can also be a great place to view the nightly fireworks from the Magic Kingdom!), Victoria and Albert’s (an upscale, intimate dining experience), or Cinderella’s Royal Table (a character dining experience like none other that takes place in the perfect setting – Cinderella’s Castle)
Plan A Special Delivery: “If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt himself said this, and the Walt Disney World Experience strives to embody this quote every day, and special occasions are no exception! The Disney Dream Makers can help you express your love with all kinds of gifts – from flower arrangements, to custom cake deliveries, to room decor, to gift baskets of all shapes an sizes – they do it all and more (check out this romantic “A Wish Come True” gift experience, which is just one of the many examples of gifting options)! If you know you want to celebrate but aren’t sure how to make it happen, check out the Dream Makers link or call them at 407-WDW-GIFT
Share your Love: Are you celebrating your engagement/wedding/honeymoon/anniversary, or even just your love for each other on your vacation? Show it with a pin – these are available at the guest services areas of each Park or at your Disney Resort – pins that announce you’re “Just Married” or “I’m Celebrating!” or “It’s My Birthday!”, and you can wear them while at the Parks. They definitely add to the magic, as Cast Members make a fuss over them, as do other guests – its a cute way that you can remind yourselves and the world about the love you share with each other!
Moonlit Stroll: There is nothing quite like a romantic walk after a delicious dinner in a setting as beautiful as Walt Disney World. I think every place is a great place for a romantic stroll in WDW, but some of the more beautiful ones include: The Polynesian Resort (the tiki torches light the pathways and make for a beautiful setting), The Boardwalk Resort (at night it comes to life and lights up in magical ways), and The Grand Floridian Resort (there is a reason this is the most popular place to have a wedding at WDW, its Victorian theming is charming and truly a sight to see!). In the evenings, people tend to flock to the parks to get a good spot for parades/fireworks viewings, so the Resorts are a great place for some quiet time to catch up and reconnect with your loved one
Carriage ride: There are few things more romantic than a horse drawn carriage ride, and Walt Disney World gives you two places where you can have this experience: ride through nature trails at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, or take a ride through old New Orleans at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Check out more info on the carriage rides here
Ultimate Relaxation: Surprise your honey with a couples massage or other spa treatments at one of Disney’s top rated Spas. This is vacationing at it’s finest – getting pampered, getting massaged and relaxing, all with your favorite person in the Happiest Place on Earth – Disney World!
Can’t afford a WDW getaway? Then get them the next best thing, something from the Disney Store that shows how much you love them – check out My Blog post for more info
Use these tips to make your magical Walt Disney World vacation even more special, and remember that while its definitely important to show your loved ones how much you care while you’re on vacation or on Valentine’s Day, its even more important to show them your love every day (so they don’t forget ha!)
Related articles
- What should I do? More Rides or More Relaxing at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
- Visiting Disneyland – What to expect from a Disney World point of view (chipandco.com)
Is Cinderella’s Royal Table worth the 2 dining credits?
Are you in the middle of planning your Advanced Dining Reservations for your upcoming Walt Disney World Vacation? You’re probably completely overwhelmed at all your many options and if you’re using a Disney Dining Plan you’re trying to figure out your meal credits as well. So you might be a little stuck!
If you’ve got a princess of you’re own then you’re probably already fantasizing about the first time your sweetie pie meets her favorite Princess. You may have seen that Disney World has two options for Princess-centered meals. You can either book Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom, or Akershus in Epcot.
You may have noticed that Cinderella’s Royal Table is two meal-credits and Akershus is only one and might be wondering how the two compare in order to make a choice.
Well, I can’t tell what is best for your family, but I can tell you about our family’s experiences. So before any of you FREAK OUT because you don’t like my opinion realize that it IS an opinion. 
So lets break it down: Akershus vs Cindy’s Royal Table… LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE <DING! DING!>
Characters
There is absolutely no difference in characters as neither of the meals guarantee which Princesses will be there at any given time. At both Akershus and Cindy’s you have a chance of catching Cinderella, Belle (either in ballgown or regular dress), Ariel (in ballgown), Snow White, Princess Aurora, & Jasmine. You’re definitely going to see Cinderella at Royal Table. Guaranteed! But we have been to Akershus three times and Cinderella has ALWAYS been there. Either way you’re getting 4 beautiful princesses coming to your table to give your princesses a squeeze, a photo, and an autograph. So this is not a deciding factor to me at all. You do not get more time with the Princesses at one than the other based on our experiences either.
Food
Breakfast
Akershus – Don’t be fooled, this breakfast may be in Norway, but its a typical all American breakfast. You can also eat all you’d like (but you have to ask). They will bring you get bacon, breakfast breads, fresh fruit, potato casserole, sausage, & scrambled eggs. Beverages such as coffee, juices and milk are all included.
Cindy’s – All you care to eat and they bring the food to your table. They bring you bacon, french toast, fresh fruit, granola, pastries, potatoes, sausage, & scrambled eggs. Beverages such as coffee, cocoa, ice tea, lemonade, milk, punch, soda, & tea. You can pay extra for cappuccino, espresso, or sparkling water.
Lunch
Akershus- Much more “Norwegian”. It begins with “Taste of Norway” deli meats, cold seafood, salads, cheese, and breads. For main course you can choose from Jarlsberg cheese & leek soup, Lamb, Pasta, Pulled Pork, Salmon, Soup & Sandwich, Traditional Kjottkake, & Trout. The dessert plate has Chocolate Mousse, Lingonberry Cheesecake & Rice Cream. There are many different Norwegian adult beverages to try.
Cindy’s – Appetizers, A choice of entrees – Grilled Chicken Salad, Pasta al Pomodoro, Pork Tenderloin, Shepard’s Pie, Salmon Salad, Salmon. Children can choose from chicken strips, pasta marinara, pretzel dogs, & shepard’s pie. Dessert options include Chocolate Cream Cheese Buckle, Rice pudding, Sorbet and a beverage. There is no alcohol served in Magic Kingdom.
Dinner
Akershus – Also very “Norweigen” it also includes the “Taste of Norway”. Dinner main course selections include: Beef Short Ribs, Cod, Lamb, Pasta, Salmon, Traditional Kjottkake, & Venison Stew. The dessert plate had Chocolate Mousse, Lingonberry Cheesecake & Rice Cream. There are many different Norwegian adult beverages to try.
Cindy’s – Appetizers, A choice of entrees – Beef Tenderloin, Braised Cobia, Duck Confit, Fried Chicken, Pork Chop, & Vegetarian Cassoulet. Desserts include the Chef’s Dessert Trio, Creme Caramel, Chocolate Mousse, and Sorbet, again, there is no alcohol served in Magic Kingdom.
As you can see food is comparable. Both are nice high-end restaurants from a food perspective and children can find things to eat at both.
Experience
Akershus – After you check in you will wait a bit and then be called to be seated. They will take you to a small nook where you will get your picture taken with a Princess. This Princess will not rotate through the meal, so this is your one and only chance to get your photo with her. This picture will be free to you, so don’t skip it. Then you will be seated. Your waiter (who will be Norwegian) will take your drink orders and meal order. While you wait you’re likely to have at least one Princess rotate to your table. The Princesses have an established pattern that they rotate through, so don’t bother calling over to them and do NOT let your children run across the room to Princesses while they’re at a different table. While you eat Princesses will rotate to you. Stay until you’ve seen all the Princesses you want to even if you’re done eating. They will bring your photo package to your table. When you’re done you’ll get your check and leave.
Cinderella’s Royal Table - After you check in you will will wait a bit and then be called to be seated. You will be taken into the “throne room” where you will have a picture taken with Cinderella and she will spend a little time with your family (she does not rotate upstairs, so this is your only brief time with Cindy). I don’t remember feeling rushed through that. Cindy’s dining room is much smaller than Akershus and so you might feel a little closer to the families around you in proximity (this is also why its so hard to get a reservation). Your waiter will come and take your drink order and the Princesses will begin their rotation similar to that of Akershus. One cool thing that Cindy’s does is periodically Princesses will be “announced” into the room and people will clap for them. At some point during your meal they will have a “Wishing Ceremony”. Princes are all brought a plastic sword and Princesses are brought a magic wand. They are each given a blue “wishing star”. When the ceremony begins it walks the Princes and Princesses through what to do: closing their eyes, making a wish, then they all do a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo and when you look up to the ceiling all of the lights twinkle momentarily. You’re allowed to keep the wand, sword, and wishing star.Then you will clear you’re check and leave.
Cost
Akershus – 1 table service meal credit.
Cinderella’s Royal Table – 2 table service meal credits.
Akershus – (includes tax & photo package) Breakfast $39.40/adults; $23.42/children 3-9. Lunch: $41.53/adult; $24.49/children 3–9. Dinner $46.85/adult; $25.55/children.
Cinderella’s Royal Table -(includes tax, photo package, & a wand/sword/wishing star) Breakfast $44.80/adult; $29.86/ children 3-9. Lunch: $48.54/adult; $31.11/ children 3-9. Dinner $54.76/ adult; $33.60 children 3-9.
The cost is much bigger issue for those people on the Disney Dining Plan who burn an additional meal credit, than for those people just paying cash. It’s basically the difference between paying (in credits) $300.00 for a meal for a family of 4 at Cinderella’s Royal Table instead of $128.00 for the same meal for the same family in cash. Essentially you could go to Akerhaus TWICE for the same amount of credits you can go to Cinderella’s table once.
Cost between Akershus and Cinderella’s Royal table is very comparable if you’re paying cash for the meal. And if you’re on the Premium Dining plan you’re not going to care anyway because you’ll likely end up with credits to burn.
The Verdict
So what is the Disney Diva’s verdict? Is Cinderella’s Royal Table WORTH the two dining credits? My answer would be, If you’re on Premium Dining Plan then Yes. The experience is great and you’ve got credits. If you’re not then I would say no. If you’re paying cash then all things being equal I’d say yes Cinderella’s Royal Table is great because it gives you the chance to eat inside the castle. If you’re doing Disney on a budget however and every dollar counts then the Akershus is great and will give you an awesome experience. Final say? Like everything.. . do what is best for your family and your situation!
Related articles
- Her Royal Highness Package-Cinderella’s Royal Table (chipandco.com)
- Everyone Gets The “Royal Treatment” When Dining With Cinderella (chipandco.com)
