Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Review

One of my favorite events that Disney World puts on every year is in fall.  This is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and my review of it..

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday.  The only problem is that we live in Wisconsin… where it’s usually below freezing temperatures by the time Halloween rolls around.  Our costumes have to be covered up by winter coats, hats and sometimes snowsuits & boots.  Trick or treating in the cold is no fun.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is held in the Magic Kingdom on select nights in September, October and sometimes November.  This party requires a ticket separate from your Magic Your Way park tickets.  You will not be permitted with a regular park ticket.  These go on sale several months in advance (this year they are supposed to go on sale in April!)  Tickets are “around” $62-$77 per adult & $62-$72 per child.  Discounts are given for pre-purchasing your tickets for most dates… there are also minimal discounts available for annual passholders & DVC owners.

I suggest purchasing your ticket for an earlier night within your vacation.  If weather turns bad during your party and it’s considered to be a washout, Disney will either refund you or give you tickets for another night.  We’ve done this before… being rained on is no fun but we had a GREAT second night at the party and that made up for it.

The actual party begins at 7:00pm BUT with your party ticket, you will be able to enter the Magic Kingdom at 4:00pm giving you a full 8 hours (the party lasts until midnight) to make the most of your ticket purchase.

As you can see, cast members are dressed for the event as well.  As you enter the turnstiles with your ticket or magic band you will receive a wristband so that you can be easily recognized inside the park.  Later on, closer to 7pm, the CM’s will begin checking for bands at designated areas.  If you’re not wearing one, you’ll be directed to the front to exit the park.

If you’re already inside the park on this day, there will be stations set up all around to get your wristbands.

Once you’re inside, the decorations are everywhere!

Everything has an eerie glow to it… fog machines are turned on and special lighting effects are all over Main Street.  The music changes to Halloween classics and scary sound effects.  It’s scary but not too scary for little ones to have the most amazing Halloween experience ever!

What is so special about this party?  Here’s a list of reasons why I loooove it!

– Everyone can dress up (yes, even adults!)  And it’s FLORIDA so you can wear a costume without a snowsuit over it!  That’s extra special to me!

– Magic Shots!  If you prepurchased the Memory Maker, you’ll get all of these for no extra cost!

– Everyone can trick or treat!  Disney will provide you with small bags… these will get filled up in no time.  Be sure to bring along a larger bag or backpack to empty your candy into.  Trick or treat locations are throughout the park (they will be labeled on a map that you can pick up anywhere).  There are trails that include multiple stops.  At these stops, the CM’s will take HANDFULS of candy to empty into your bag.  I have noticed that at the end of the party, they are more and more anxious to empty their barrels so they’ll hand out much more than normal.

– Special treats everywhere you look! (Because you don’t have enough sugar yet…)

– Boo To You Parade… before the parade, Phineas & Ferb have a dance party in the street and invite everyone to participate (of course you get some candy afterwards!)  The parade is full of many rare characters and impressive choreography.  It is led by none other than the Headless Horseman!  The parade makes it’s way through Magic Kingdom TWICE each night.  My favorite place to view it is right in front of the castle but it’s less crowded in Frontierland if you need a last minute spot.

– Hallowishes Fireworks… these are my FAVORITE fireworks that Disney puts on!  All sorts of villain voices make guest appearances during the show and the finale is magnificent.  The fireworks go off in a “round”.. it seems as though they completely surround Magic Kingdom.  They begin at 9:30pm and are not to be missed!

– Dance Parties!  There are two dance parties going on during the Halloween party.  One is at the Diamond Horseshoe (a great place to escape to if the weather is bad)… the music is loud but the characters are so much fun!  Last year this one was hosted by several villains.

The other party is held in Tomorrowland and it’s full of Monsters!

Both have great music, excellent dj’s and are a LOT of fun!  I recommend checking them both out!

– Character meetngreets!  There are PLENTY of characters out during the party… many are rare and not usually out during regular park hours.  Here are just a FEW of the ones we have met during parties in the past:

If that’s not enough reasons for you there’s also something called the “Villains’ Sinister Soiree” which we absolutely LOVED!  It’s an added cost (last year it was $99 per person – yes, in addition to your ticket for the party).

This pass gets you into a prime viewing area for the parade & fireworks right in the center hub.

There are beverages available to those who purchased this package as well as a special magic shot.

At 10:15pm we were let into Cinderella’s Castle for the experience of a lifetime!  Drizella & Anastasia welcomed everyone downstairs… they took photos and signed autographs.

In a few minutes we were led upstairs and brought to our table by the window.  You are completely spoiled by received a personalized menu, Maleficent dragon cups full of candy, Captain’s Punch with keepsake glowing ice cubes and stir sticks along with a plate full of meats & cheeses and a plate full of delicious villain themed desserts (they even brought out a ‘smores dessert for my daughter).

Madame Tremaine is the host and she does a fabulous job keeping her daughters in line as well as entertaining the crowd with several songs and jokes.

AMAZING interactions with all of the characters.  Not to mention, this entire event is taking place INSIDE the castle!

If you’ve done the Halloween party before and you’re looking for something new, this is a GREAT way to celebrate Halloween!  It’s a bit pricey so don’t feel like you need to do it… however, we did love it and if I had the chance, I would probably do it again!

We were sent home with our leftover desserts as well as the rest of our goodies in a bag.

All in all, the Halloween party can be so much fun on it’s own.  You do not want to miss it if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during my favorite time of year.  Besides the Halloween party, there’s also Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival going on… great weather and crowds are not bad.

This is how much candy we ended up with after I trick or treated with my daughter for one night:

Don’t miss Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!!!

Foodie Friday – Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom

Who doesn’t just LOVE the fireworks at Magic Kingdom every night?  I know I do!  The one part I don’t like about it is having to find a spot to watch them from and then sit there for hours waiting for the show.  If you want that “perfect spot” I’m sure you’ll find that the cement is just not comfortable after an hour.

That is only ONE of the reasons why I LOVE the Dessert Party!  Reason number two is, of course, because of all the yummy desserts!

The price is not bad at all and let’s be honest here… we’re talking a guaranteed CHAIR to sit in and enjoy the fireworks!  The view is a little off center but you’re right below the line that Tinkerbell flies down so you get a great view of her as well!

We tend to line up around 30 minutes prior to our ADR time.  Once they start letting everyone in, the line moves quickly but each person needs to be checked in and everyone is given a wristband so you can leave the area and return with no hassle.  Tables are pre-chosen so it’s really up to Lady Luck on where you’ll be sitting.  The last two times we have gone, we were very lucky and got the best seat in the house (according to one CM).  The table seats 5 and it’s almost right up against the railing.

When the fireworks begin people will get up from their seats and stand against the railing.  You’re not allowed to move chairs up to the railing but you can also remain seated and still get a pretty decent view.

As soon as you’re seated you can go up to the buffet and start loading up!  There are all sorts of sweet treats to pick from including mango shooters, chocolate covered strawberries, tarts, mini pies, cookies, cupcakes, rice krispie treats, fruit & ice cream.  Beverages are also included such as lemonade, tea, coffee, milk & more.

The plates are small so feel free to take two!

My advice is to get up to the buffet as soon as you can and as often as you want.  Once it gets closer to the fireworks, items will not be refilled and once the show begins, the food is taken down and put away.

If the Main Street Electrical Parade is set to run before the fireworks, you’ll get to see it from afar.  The projection show as well will play before the fireworks and you’ll have a great view for that!  Here are pictures from the perspective of the Tomorrowland Terrace to give you an idea:

This is such a great experience and I think it’s well worth the extra cost to have an actual seat (and snacks) during the nighttime spectacular!

***Edited to Add*** The dessert party has been unable to be booked for some time now.  It is reopening bookings as of today (after I had written this blog post about how wonderful it is).  The party itself will feature more choices for desserts along with a selection of cheese, hot chocolate, teas & specialty lemonades along with sparkling cider.  The price has also unfortunately gone up to $49 per adult and $29 per child.  I no longer think this is a great deal but it can still be a very special event to add onto your vacation if you can swallow the price tag.

No dining plans can be used on this and no discounts… If you’re looking to do something special for your next trip, consider booking this!

Contact me if you would like FREE help planning your next trip.  I love what I do 🙂  youcandreamittravel@yahoo.com

Thanks for reading along!

Foodie Friday – Cinderella’s Royal Table in The Magic Kingdom

I get a lot of requests for character dining WITH the princesses.  There are two options when wanting to meet a lot of royalty while dining.  You can go to Akershus which is located in the Norway pavilion in Epcot OR you can go to the obvious choice, Cinderella’s Castle in The Magic Kingdom (Cinderella’s Royal Table).  In my opinion, you cannot beat getting to actually step foot inside the iconic Cinderella’s Castle.  Here are just a few reasons (and pictures) why I say this:

1. It’s THE Castle!!!

How can you top that location?

2. Early Morning ADR.  Let’s say the park opens at 9am.  You can make a breakfast reservation for 8am.  Only those who have early dining reservations are let into the park early.  This makes for some wonderful, empty park photo opportunities!

Unless you have a couple million dollars laying around to pay off Disney and close the park down, this is your only opportunity for pictures like this!

3. GREAT food!  Cinderella’s Royal Table is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Each of these meals requires 2 credits on the dining plan (and for good reason, this place is EXPENSIVE).  A family of four can easily end up paying close to $250 to dine here for dinner.  Tax & gratuity is included on the dining plan so be sure you purchase one so you don’t have to worry about sticker shock when the check comes.

By arriving early, you may just luck out and become royalty yourself!

When you arrive at the castle for your meal, check in at the podium right across from the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  It’s always a great idea to get the kids dolled up at the Boutique before going to eat at the castle!  If you plan to do this, coordinate your times and be sure to give at least 90 minutes-2 hours between your appointment and dining reservation.  Sometimes the Boutique can be running late and there’s more to it than just the appointment!

Cinderella is waiting before you head upstairs to take a picture with everyone in your party (such a gracious host!)

Every seat is wonderful in the castle.  If you get a window seat, you will be lucky enough to be looking over Fantasyland!  It’s such a beautiful sight!

 

Waiting for each boy & girl is a wishing star.  These are used later on during your meal when the stars start to twinkle and a special announcement is made.  Boys will get plastic swords & girls will get plastic wands.  These are included in the cost of the meal and great souvenirs for your meal inside the castle!

Breakfast begins with a platter of danishes.

Then you order off the menu for your entree.  There is plenty to choose from… things like lobster & crab crepes, steak & eggs, cream cheese stuffed french toast and more traditional items as well as a simple choice for kids (scrambled eggs, french toast sticks and a choice of sausage or bacon).

 

I really do love the lobster & crab crepes.  It’s plenty to eat and fills me up every time we go.

The lunch offers things like short ribs, chicken, pork, cod… along with a dessert menu.

The dinner menu has a choice of appetizers like a salad, rock shrimp cocktail, cheese plate & soup.

The kids get yummy choices as well like grapes & cheese.

Dinner entrees are a bit more fancy.  There’s pasta, swordfish, salad, pork loin risotto and beef tenderloin all accompanied with a complimenting side dish.

The kids are happy with their pizza & chicken nugget selections.

Desserts are always changing during different seasons.  I usually go with the trio so that I get to try a little of everything.

The kids love decorating their own cupcakes.  I mean really, who doesn’t?

During each meal, the princesses are introduced and begin to make their way around to each table for pictures & autographs.

This is every prince & princess’s dream come true… eating in the castle is a MUST DO.  I often get asked which princess meal is my favorite and hands down, it is Cinderella’s Royal Table.  If you end up booking later on and CRT is not available then Akershus is a good alternative but keep checking back for CRT to open up.  The experience cannot be beat!

Feel free to contact me for a free, no obligation quote on your very own Walt Disney World vacation or any other Disney vacation for that matter.  I will help plan every aspect of your trip & answer any questions you might have as well as getting you the best price possible (even after you book!)  youcandreamittravel@yahoo.com

24 Hours in Magic Kingdom?!?!

With the recent news of the 24 hour event being announced for May 22-23, 2015 I thought this would be a great time to revisit our 24 hour experience from last year!

As soon as I heard the event was going to be held on May 23-24th I knew I had to be there.  My birthday is on May 23rd and how often can you say you spent your entire birthday in Magic Kingdom?  This was a must do but I didn’t want to go it alone.  I decided to surprise my 7 year old son with the trip.  It would be a short one but with hardly any sleep and jam-packed full of fun.

I waited until we arrived at the airport to tell him he was coming along.  The shock on his face said it all.  He couldn’t believe it.  Not only would he get to experience the 24 hour event but also Star Wars Weekend!  He was very excited to say the least.

I was awake by 1:30am (I literally cannot sleep when I’m in Disney!)  My son woke up around 3:30am and we made our way to the lobby where we met up with some friends to split the cost of the taxi.  We were let off at Bay Lake Towers and there was already a group forming near the crosswalk.  This was around 5am.  We eventually were allowed to cross the street and then stood in another line closer to where the buses let off for Magic Kingdom.  We were let through there before anyone else had arrived (the ferry was on it’s way).  We were let in and took our place to see the welcome show.  The characters came out in pajamas to greet everyone.

The show was very exciting!  It was announced that today was a very special day… we were all invited to “Rock Our Disney Side for 24 Hours!”

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was set to open on May 28th but we had a feeling that it may open early on this special day.  As we rounded the corner by the carousel, we saw they were letting people IN!!!  I could not get anymore excited… this was a great way to kick off my birthday!

People were jumping up and down and screeching with excitement when they saw the line was open.  We ended up in line right behind famous Disney vloggers “Joe & Ashley”.  You can check out their videos on their channel “See Ya Reel Soon”… it was great riding with them since they were lucky enough to ride earlier in the week… they calmed down my son who was a little worried about this coaster.

This was such an exciting ride… when it was over everyone screamed and cheered.  We loved it!!!  The line grew instantly and stayed long throughout the rest of the day/night.

Have no fear about crowds this early in the morning… they were NON-existant!

We were able to go on ten attractions and take a break to get some breakfast all before 9am which would be normal park opening… it was fantastic!

It was very hot being the end of May… our afternoon was spent on Splash Mountain and seeing the air conditioned shows.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Be Our Guest.

Then we found a spot for the new Festival of Fantasy parade around 2pm and waited for that to begin.

We met Mr. talking Mickey!

and then waved at the live feed camera to daddy & sister back home!

We met up with family members and enjoyed a few more rides before taking the boat over to the Polynesian Resort.  We enjoyed some time on the beach and got to see the parade & fireworks.

It was time for my birthday dinner at ‘Ohana.  We really enjoyed our meal here and it was a nice break from the park… it allowed us to recharge and regroup for our long night ahead!

We ended up back in Magic Kingdom around 11:30pm.  At 1am they put on the Villain’s parade so we caught that and then headed back to do some more attractions.

I will admit, I got pretty tired around 4am and asked my son if he would like to leave.  He said NO WAY MOM and kept me going.  There were dance parties going on in Frontierland and right in front of the castle.  These did a good job of getting me back in the party mood and getting my energy levels back up!

At 4:30am the wait time for the Mine Train was listed at 60 minutes.  We decided to go for it.  This would be our first and last ride of the event.  We rode it just as the sun was beginning to rise!

We did it!  24 HOURS!!!

On the way back to the buses I snapped this picture:

The sun was out by the time we got back to our room.

This was such a fun event!  I would do this again in a heartbeat.  Next time I would take things a little slower and not rush so much in the morning… the meal was a good way to break up the day/night and recharge.  It’s important to stay fueled and if you’re tired, REST!  There’s plenty to keep busy in Magic Kingdom.

If you’re looking to do the 24 hour event this year, I would LOVE to help you plan your trip!  Contact me today for a free, no obligation quote 🙂  youcandreamittravel@yahoo.com  My services are free and I’ll make sure you get the best deal possible!

What “Extras” Can We Do In Disney??? Part 1

Now that you have your Disney World vacation planned, what else can you add on to make it “extra special”??? Here are just a few options.  Keep in mind that all listed prices are subject to change and nothing is guaranteed until it is booked!

Backstage Magic
Ever wanted to see the inside workings of Disney World? If so, this 7 hour long tour is for you! Visit all four theme parks, the central shops, the Wilderness Lodge (for lunch which is included in the price of the tour) and the Nursery and Tree Farm! You will also get a keepsake gift at the end of the tour. Adults only for this tour. The price is set at $249.

Magic Kingdom
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
There are two Boutique locations. The most popular is inside Cinderella’s castle at the Magic Kingdom and the other is in Downtown Disney located in the World of Disney store. Both of these locations offer a photo shoot after the makeover. The photos can be purchased separately or are included if you have Memory Maker at no additional cost.
Packages available include:
The Crown Package ($59.95 plus tax)
– Hairstyling
-Shimmering make-up & face gem
-Princess sash & tote
-Nail polish
The Courtyard Package ($94.95 plus tax)
-Hairstyling
-Shimmering make-up & face gem
-Trendy tutu
The Castle Package (starting at $194.95 plus tax)
-Hairstyling
-Shimmering make-up & face gem
-Princess sash & tote
-Nail polish
-Complete costume of your choice plus accessories
-One 6” x 8” and four 4” x 6” photos in a princess-themed holder

There is also an option for boys:
The Knight Package ($18.95)
-Hairstyling with gel
-Mighty sword & sheild
-Confetti

Pirates League
This is located inside Magic Kingdom next to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. There is a photo shoot after this as well… photos can be purchased separately or if you have Memory Maker, are included with your package.
The First Mate & Empress Packages ($34.95 plus tax)
-Your choice of facial effect: Cursed Pirate, Captain Hook, Captain Jack, Blackeyed Jack or Shimmering Make-up.
-Reversible Bandana
-Earring & Eye Patch
-Sword & Sheath
-The Pirate League Bag
-Temporary Tattoo
-Unique Pirate Coin Necklace
-Personalized Pirate Oath
-Official Pirate Name
-Participation in daily Adventureland Pirate Parade
The Empress Package also includes vibrant make-up, lip gloss, nail polish & face gem.

Jack & the Never Land Pirates Package ($29.95 plus tax)
-Jake & the Never Land Pirates bandana with faux hair
-Jake facial effect
-Sword & Sheath
-The Pirates League bag
-Unique Pirate Coin Necklace
-Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade
*There is also a Deluxe Jake & the Never Land Pirates Package for $44.95.

The Mermaid Package ($39.95 plus tax)
-Luminous mermaid make-up & make-up palette
-Mermaid hairstyle and color-changing hair clip
-Distinctive mermaid necklace
-Nail Polish
-Mermaid Sash
-Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade
*There is also a Deluxe Mermaid Package for $74.95.

Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party
Reserving this yummy dessert party will get you a seat for the fireworks AND a dessert buffet full of all kinds of goodies (includes drinks & ice cream). Adults are $25.99 and children are $13.99. This is a very popular reservation. I highly recommend booking asap!

Family Magic Tour
This 2 hour tour is full of adventure and mystery. You’ll be given riddles to solve and experience all sorts of surprises as you make your way around the Magic Kingdom with your family. This tour is best suited for those over the age of 4. There is a lot of walking involved. Prices are $34 per person.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Explore the Magic Kingdom like you never have before on this 5 hour walking tour. Learn little known facts about the attractions inside the Magic Kingdom and take a tour of the utilidor tunnels located underneath the park. Lunch is included with this tour along with a keepsake for each person to take home. $79 per person and you must be at least 16 years old for this tour.

The Magic Behind our Steam Trains Tour
Learn all about the locomotives used in the Disney parks and get a backstage look at where they are stored and serviced. This is a walking tour and lasts 3 hours. This tour is for ages 10 and up and costs $54 per person.

Harmony Barber Shop
Looking for something special but don’t want to pay the prices at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Check out the barber shop located on Main Street! Adults can get their hair cut there for only $19. Children under 12 can get haircuts for $15 (ask for the pixie dust!) or how about that special first haircut for your little one? No place is better than the Harmony Barber Shop and the price is only $19 for a first haircut (you’ll get a very special souvenir!

Epcot
Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party
Included is a buffet of sweets from around the globe & beverages including a selection of sparkling wines. Admission is $49 for adults & $29 for children ages 3-9. Reservations open up at 180 days and are required for this event.

Behind the Seeds
This one hour long tour is offered several times throughout each day in the Land pavilion. You will get an in depth look at how Disney grows their vegetables, plants & even fish. All ages are welcome on this tour as there’s something to learn for everyone. Adults are $20 and children (ages 3-9) are $16. There is a discount offered for annual passholders, DVC members, AAA members & active military. Reservations are recommended but same day reservations can also be made at the desk next to Soarin’.

Disney’s Dolphins in Depth
This tour lasts 3 hours long and is only available for adults. During this tour you will be waist deep in water with the dolphins for approximately 30 minutes. The rest of the time will be spent backstage learning how they care for the dolphins and much more. You will also receive a once in a lifetime photo op with a dolphin (not guaranteed but more than likely). Prices are $199 per adult.

DiveQuest
Want to explore the depths of Epcot’s 5.7 million gallon saltwater aquarium and swim with over 6,000 creatures? Then this is the tour for you! The tour lasts around 3 hours long and you’ll spend 40 minutes of that underwater. You must be age 10 or older to take this tour and you MUST be SCUBA certified. No exceptions. This tour is $175 per person.

Seas Aqua Tour
If you’re not SCUBA certified but still want to experience the seas… this is the tour for you. This tour lasts 2.5 hours and you’ll spend 30 of those minutes in the water with the creatures. You’ll also go home with a photograph of yourself in your dive gear and a special souvenir. Guests must be at least 8 years of age and it’s $140 per person.

The UnDISCOVERed Future World
Take a look at Epcot’s Future World like never before. Visit the VIP lounge at the Living Seas with Nemo & Friends, walk beneath the outdoor portion of Test Track while cars go zooming by, go to the cast services building where you might catch a glimpse of wardrobe and go behind the scenes of Illuminations. Guests must be at least 16 years old to take this tour. It is $64 per person.

To Be Continued…

Foodie Friday – Review on Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom

“Take me back to the day Belle and Beast fell in love”… if you’ve ever visited Enchanted Tales with Belle in the Magic Kingdom, you recognize that magical sentence.  It’s those words that open the magic portal into the Beast’s castle.  Well, there’s another way you can get into that castle… you may need more luck than magic though.  Be Our Guest is Disney’s hottest reservation with dining spots filling up as soon as they open to the public (at 180 days prior).  Sometimes it’s full even before 180 days.  How is that possible?  If you book your Disney package (and you’re staying onsite), you will have access to book ALL of your dining for your entire trip beginning at 180 days from the first day of your vacation.  So that means if your trip starts on Monday, September 3rd, 2015 and you’re staying in Disney for 7 days, you can make reservations for Sunday, September 9th, 2015 beginning on March 7th.

Anyways!  Let’s get back to the review.  Be Our Guest is different compared to other table service restaurants.  This restaurant is open for dinner (beginning at 4pm) with a reservation.  It’s also open for lunch time but this is as a quick service location.  Reservations can be made for lunch but you don’t make them at 180 days.  Disney will send you an invite to make your fastpass lunch reservation.  You can even choose what you’re going to eat ahead of time!  Walk ups are rare but are possible if you time it right, you just might get lucky.

The restaurant is beautiful!  It is one of the most immersive places in all of Disney.  From the moment you check in outside the front gates and walk over the bridge and in through the beautiful castle, you will feel like you are in the movie.

Let’s begin with lunch.  After entering through the front doors, you will turn to your right and a cast member will ask if you have pre-ordered your meal online or not.  They will then place you in the appropriate line and you will walk past these guys:

Listen carefully as you walk by them… what they have to say might surprise you!  You will then be assigned to a kiosk where you can complete your order all by using the tap of your magic band.  You will be given a plastic rose and told to have a seat anywhere in the restaurant.  There are three dining rooms to choose from.  The most stunning is the ballroom.

With it’s high, painted ceilings and beautiful chandeliers you can’t help but feel you are indeed in the Beast’s castle.  The windows are huge and if you look closely, you can see white snow falling to the ground outside (yes, IN Florida!)  There are two other dining rooms adjacent to the ballroom.  The one to the left is the hauntingly dark West Wing.  On display in this room is the famous rose that periodically drops petals to the ground.

Occasionally you’ll hear thunder and see lightning in which the portrait that hangs on the wall will change from the prince to the Beast (but only for a moment).  The third room is the Rose Gallery.  There is a rotating statue of the Beast & Belle in the middle of the room and it’s decorated with all sorts of portraits.

Wherever you choose to sit for lunch, leave your rose on the table.  This rose will work as a GPS for the waitstaff and will help them to locate you once your food is ready.  Drinks are self serve for lunch.  The lunch menu is full of salads, sandwiches & a few other delicious choices.  We have tried the french onion soup (one of my favorites) as well as the braised pork.

The children’s menu offers meatloaf, turkey, grilled cheese & pasta.  My son had the grilled cheese.

The dessert choices are mostly cupcakes.  Most people want to “Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious!  Don’t believe me?  Ask the dishes!” And yes, it really is delicious.  So is the strawberry cream cheese cupcake!

When you’re done, you just up and leave.  It’s that easy for lunch!

Now onto dinner.  When your pager goes off for dinner, you take it up to the front gates where a cast member will lead you into the dining room where you will be seated (all three rooms are open for dinner as well).  Drink orders will be taken (Be Our Guest is the only location inside of the Magic Kingdom where alcohol can be purchased).

The appetizers range from cured meats to french onion soup to mussels and salads.

Entrees available include steak, lamb, chicken, seafood, pork & even ratatouille.

The kid menu choices include steak, chicken, fish, meatloaf, grilled cheese & casserole.

Dessert choices are brought out on a cart.  It’s hard to choose just one.

The grey stuff is a little different at dinner time (still delicious!)

After you’re stuffed, you are invited to meet the master in his study.  He was so happy to see Belle (my daughter) that day, he took her and danced with her for awhile.  When they finished everyone in the room clapped and cheered.  It was the most adorable thing!

He will then take pictures with everyone in the group (added onto Memory Maker of course).

All in all, Be Our Guest is a fantastic experience and I recommend everyone try it out at least once.  If the food choices don’t do it for you, the atmosphere will.  Be Our Guest is reason alone to book ahead of time.  I’m not saying it’s impossible to get a reservation closer to your travel dates but I would not take the chance if you have your heart set on dining here.  It’s only $200 down to reserve a package and then dining reservations can be made at 180+10 days.  Contact me today for a free, no obligation quote and I will take care of it all for you!