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Which is better Tables in Wonderland or the Disney Dining Plan?

Saturday, January 12, 2013 Mike 20 Comments

Which is better: Tables in Wonderland (and out of pocket expenses) or signing up for the Disney Dining Plan?

For those that aren’t aware, the Tables in Wonderland program is a special discount card that you purchase to get 20% off of dining costs at various restaurants at the Walt Disney World dining locations. However, there are some things that you need to know about the TiW program:

1. The TiW card can only be purchased by a person that has an annual pass, or by a Florida Resident.

2. The card costs $100 for Annual Passholders, and $125 for Florida Residents.

3. As I mentioned, the TiW program will discount 20% off of all your food and drink purchases (including alcohol) at many of the Walt Disney World restaurants, but not all of them. Check here for a list of restaurants.

4. The TiW card can be used for the cardholder and up to nine guests dining with the cardholder.

5. An automatic 18% gratuity is included when using the TiW card, regardless of the size of the party.

6. If you are thinking of buying the TiW card, you need to do some research to make sure that the discount will be at least equal to the cost you are paying for the card.

On the other side of the equation, the Disney Dining Plan has several different choices available. The three main ones are the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan; the original Disney Plus Dining Plan, and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. You can also add the Wine and Dine component to your Dining Plan or Deluxe Dining Plan, but that is a separate add-on charge, also they have a Magic Your Way Premium Package that has all kinds of add ons.

Last Minute Advanced Dining Reservations at WDW

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 Jess No comments

When it comes to planning a Disney vacation there is perhaps nothing more anticipated than making advanced dining reservations (ADRs) Often, people plan their entire day around eating a special meal or dining in a popular restaurant. Dining reservations open for guests of the Walt Disney World resort 180 days prior to travel. Guests who have been planning their trip for weeks, months, or even years are prepared to make a dash for the computer or phone when this day arrives, ready to secure elusive experiences such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Cellier, and Chef Mickey’s. But what happens when you have planned a last-minute trip or had a change of plans or dates? Is there hope? I am here to give you a few tips on planning last-minute dining reservations.

First of all, I promise you there will be reservations open during your stay. You will not be subjected to eating quick service meals 3 times a day (though there are some spectacular quick service locations worthy of serving up many unique items!) The most important rule of thumb when planning last-minute reservations is to be open-minded.

If you are looking to get in Character Dining, try for restaurants that are off the beaten path or restaurants that are not headliners. Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club offers a spectacular Breakfast Buffet featuring Goofy, Minnie, and Donald all ready for a day at the beach. Another great choice is Tusker House at Animal Kingdom. You’ll get Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy doing the rounds here. Want Princesses? No problem! Try for Akershus in Epcot or 1900 Park Fare at The Grand Floridian.

Tables in Wonderland vs. Disney Dining Plan

Monday, May 28, 2012 Mike 3 Comments

Which do you think is better? Tables in Wonderland (and out of pocket expenses) or signing up for the Disney Dining Plan?

Character Breakfast at Cape May Cafe

Friday, May 25, 2012 DisneyDiva 1 Comment

It was so exciting try a different Character Meal during my February trip to Walt Disney World. My daughter and our two good friends, Les and Lisa had a “girls’ breakfast” at Cape May and really enjoyed it.

Cape May Cafe is at the Beach Club Resort on Walt Disney World property. We had a car so we just parked in the guest parking lot, but if you were staying on property you would want to take a bus to either Hollywood Studios or Epcot for your reservation and be sure to plan that into your travel time. Once we got to the host station, we received our buzzer and had a seat in the lovely Beach Club lobby for just a few minutes. We probably waited for less than 5 minutes before our buzzer went off.

The restaurant is much larger than I thought it was going to be, and could accommodate many guests. The dining rooms sport a classic 30’s beach theme and there is a buffet that will blow your mind. It’s also one of the most affordable Character Meals out there at $25.00 for adults and $12.99 for children, and a great way to see the some of the “Fab 5” ( Minnie, Goofy, and Donald).

Is Cinderella’s Royal Table worth the 2 dining credits?

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 DisneyDiva 6 Comments

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!