The Disney Traveler

Bon Appetit From Chef Remy

Jenni Ingersoll — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:03:28 +0000

When a chef comes out of the kitchen at a restaurant to greet his guests, it often causes quite a stir. This is exactly the case with Disney’s newest, smallest chef who’s a big hit with the guests enjoying meals at Les Chefs de France, one of the restaurants featured at the France pavilion in Epcot.

Escorted by a Maitre D’ rolling a gourmet food cart, Remy, the rat turned Chef from Disney-Pixar film “Ratatouille”, makes whimsical table side visits four times a day. Winding around the restaurant, the audio-animatronic Remy appears from underneath a silver-domed cheese platter, interacting with dining patrons as he and his Maitre D’ friend, make stops at each table. Entertaining with lively banter and hi-jinks, Remy may even “bust a move” to a variety of music during his 40 minute appearance.

Guests wishing to dine with Chef Remy are encouraged to make reservations up to 90 days prior to your visit. Bon Appetit with Chef Remy is currently scheduled to take place Monday - Saturday until September 5 following this schedule, though it is subject to change:

12:30 - 1:10
1:40 - 2:20
2:50 - 3:30
5:20 - 6:00

I am not sure I would ever be interested in dining with a rat, however, if it is one this cute, I just might be able to make an exception.

Photo Selection: WDW News, Gene Duncan photographer

Grand Opening Holiday Inn Downtown Disney Resort Area

Jenni Ingersoll — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:06:50 +0000

1 places are mentioned in this post!

Holiday Inn in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort

View Details on the Map

Click on the place name to learn more

I have heard when a new restaurant opens they often have a few nights where the prices are drastically reduced while they work all the kinks out — I believe they call it a “bug out”. When a hotel has a new opening and they try something similar — I call it “HUGE SAVINGS” !!

The Holiday Inn Downtown Disney Resort is set for a Grand Re-opening on November 15, 2009. Fresh from a $25 million, top to bottom makeover with new King rooms with pull out sofa and double Queen rooms — note: I said double Queens, not double Double beds!

As a celebration and in honor of the 57 years of business, Holiday Inn Downtown Disney will offer discounted room rates — From November 15 - December 21, 2009, King rooms will be available for $57.00 a night and Double Queen rooms for $67.00. Rooms at this rate are limited, so don’t delay making your reservations by calling 888-465-4329 or on-line at www.hiorlando.com. As an extra bonus, children can take advantage of Holiday Inn’s trademark “Kids Eat Free” program!

This property is located within the Walt Disney World Resort, within walking distance of Downtown Disney and offers complimentary transportation to and from all four Disney theme parks. So grab your calendar in one hand and the phone in the other, because reservations this low won’t last long.

Photo Selection: Flickr; Hat tip to Jill Martin, Family Travel Expert, Visit Florida

No More Hanging Out In The Lobby

Jenni Ingersoll — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:11:35 +0000

You know the drill — you are tired from your travels, the kids are so excited to finally be at Disney World they are bouncing off the walls asking every five seconds, “When can we go to the parks?!” — and you have to stand in yet another line to Check-In to your hotel.

You can now save time and simplify the check-in process by using a new service offered by select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts, a complimentary On-line Check-In Service. Within 10 days of your scheduled arrival date, guests are able to provide check-in information:

Arrival time
Request a room preference, though not guaranteed
Register the names of all party members
Provide credit card to cover resort hotel charges

Upon arrival at the resort, guests simply visit the special welcome location in the hotel lobby where your room key and registration materials will be waiting. How simple is that?!

Now, what if you get all checked in and your room isn’t quite ready? Those magicians at Disney have you covered here too with a Mobile Room Ready Notification Service. This optional service is offered by select Resort hotels, where guests will leave a cell/mobile telephone number and request either a text message or automated phone call. When the room is ready, a message will be sent alerting you and notifying you of the room number.

So don’t hang out in the lobby, wasting those precious vacation hours. Take advantage of these two time saving services and start enjoying your trip from the moment you arrive. For more information about these new services or to make a reservation, call 407-W-DISNEY.

Photo Selection: WDW News

Disney Advanced Dining Reservations Booked On-Line

Jenni Ingersoll — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:32:51 +0000

I remember the days — counting back exactly 90 days, making my list of first, second and third choices, setting the alarm to make that early morning phone call, then waiting on hold ….. for that next available Disney operator. It was a tedious job, but time on hold was much better than not having reservations for dinner, especially at those very popular destinations.

Thanks to a new on-line service from Disney, advanced dining reservations can now be made up to 90 days prior to your visit, without ever waiting on hold!! Guests can log on to review dining options, even view the menus. Once you have made your dining selection click on “make reservations” and proceed. If a reservation is not available at your restaurant of choice, alternatives will be suggested to you.

If you do have questions, or miss talking to the reservation assistant, you may still call 407-WDW-DINE.

Photo Selection: WDW News

Hail to the Chiefs

Jenni Ingersoll — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:26:07 +0000

A revised and refreshed Hall of Presidents show has reopened in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Envisioned by Walt Disney himself and originally opened in 1971, The Hall of Presidents features every US president, life-sized, three-dimensional and fully animated. The newly added figure of our 44th president comes to life with true mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded at the White House.

During an eight month makeover of the iconic attraction, other significant updates and re-imagineering included:

Abraham Lincoln, re-programmed to deliver the Gettysburg Address
George Washington stands and delivers a speech for the first time in the attraction
Show refocused to tell the moving story of the chief executives who have guided the country through the most troubling and trying times and the American people they have lead

Retitled, The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders, the Liberty Square attraction was developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Doris Kearns Goodwin. When adding the figure of President Barack Obama, the Imagineers worked very closely with White House staff to create realistic clothing and accessories right down to a lapel pin and watch.

As a History major in college, this has always been one of my favorite attractions. I can not wait to see it in person.

Photo Selection: WDW News, Gene Duncan photographer

Starz on Demand “Watch to Win” Sweepstakes

Jenni Ingersoll — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:45:45 +0000

If you have watched High School Musical 1, 2 or 3 more than you would like to admit, a special sweepstakes being offered by Starz on Demand, just might inspire you to watch it one more time.

In honor of High School Musical 3: Senior Year, available this month on Starz on Demand, the network is offering the chance to win a trip to Walt Disney World including a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a night in Cinderella’s Castle Suite, theme park tickets and even some spending money!

To enter, simply select High School Musical 3: Senior Year from a list of on demand movies on the Starz network from now until July 12, 2009. At the beginning of the movie, a question will be asked and the answer will be revealed at the end of the movie. Then simply log onto Starz for more information and fill out the entry form, including your answer, on-line.

Along with Sharpay, Troy, Gabriella and all the gang at HSM, I wish you good luck!

Photo Selection: WDW News and Hat tip to Theme Park Mom

4th of July Fireworks

Jenni Ingersoll — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:48:18 +0000

A near disaster at a neighborhood fireworks/Bar-b-que last night has made me keenly aware of a holiday fact, LEAVE THE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS!! What better fireworks or professionals are there than at Walt Disney World Resort?! Guests celebrating the 4th of July at Disney World will have a choice as three of the theme parks will hold fireworks shows.

Magic Kingdom - “Celebrate America Fireworks” will light up the sky at 9 pm followed by Disney’s SpectroMagic parade of lights with music and magic beginning at 10:30. The theme park will be opened until 11:00 p.m.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios - The spectacular nightly entertainment, Fantasmic! will take place at 9 pm and 10:45 pm. A special fireworks presentation will be sandwiched in between, at 10 pm. Park hours will be until 10:00 p. m. on the 4th.

Epcot - Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, features special effects, colored lasers, fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to music and is shown nightly. On July 4th, in addition to the usual show, a special patriotic finale will be added. The performance begins at 10 pm, with park hours running until 10:00 p.m.

Happy Fourth of July!

Photo Selection: WDW News

Special Savings On Disney Resorts

Jenni Ingersoll — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:39:53 +0000

As a kid, I remember it seemed forever for July to arrive — all those long, lazy days of summer. Now, as an adult the summer days zip by. Even though it seems like the summer is almost gone, it is not too late to plan that trip to Walt Disney World and even cash in on some great savings.

Disney Resort hotels are offering a 35% savings on stays in select rooms at all the resorts, beginning August 9 through September, 2009. With these special rates, Value Resort rooms begin at $69.00; Moderate Resort rooms - $96.00; Deluxe Resort rooms - $149.00 and Deluxe Villas - $169.00.

Along with the magically affordable rates, as a guest at the resort you will receive all the additional benefits:

Complimentary transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport
Complimentary transportation to and from all theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney
Extended theme park hours through Extra Magic Hours
Ability to purchase the Disney Dining Plan for additional savings

Click here for more information and reservation assistance. Reservation must be booked by August 8, 2009.

Traditionally, the crowd sizes at the theme parks are smaller during this time as many schools return to classes. If your school begins after labor day, or if you have pre-schooler, this is a great time to visit. Say Hello to Mickey for me!

Photo Selection: WDW News

Proud To Be An American

Jenni Ingersoll — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:57:57 +0000

More than 1,000 immigrants will gather at Main Street, U.S.A. in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on July 3rd to take place in a moving ceremony of citizenship as each of them will be “sworn-in” as a US citizen.

In a celebration hosted by Disney Parks and Resorts and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, immigrants from 100 countries ranging in age from 18 - 82, will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. Following several speeches, including a keynote address from actor, Andy Garcia, a naturalized citizen himself, there will be a showing of the colors, playing of the national anthem, the administration of the Oath and a reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

During a year long Disney theme of “What Will You Celebrate?” it seems very fitting to honor these individuals with a celebration of their new citizenship. As part of the celebration these new citizens, their families and friends will be invited to be among the first to view the newly renovated attraction “The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders”, prior to its reopening on July 4th.

What a better way to start of the Independence Day weekend! Congratulations and welcome to each and every one of you!!

Photo Selection: WDW News

Anyone for a BLT?

Jenni Ingersoll — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:48:58 +0000

We have a small garden in our backyard, tomatoes, peppers, herbs — or I guess I should say, had a garden as it appears all the neighborhood rabbits have decided it is a nightly “all you can eat” diner!! Dreams of a ripe tomato from my own garden make me so envious whenever I visit Living with the Land in The Land Pavilion at Epcot.

I had always dismissed this attraction as, dare I say, boring, until I was in desperate need of diversion from the long line at Soarin’. However, this slow-moving, air-conditioned boat ride mixes a little science with horticulture and is really interesting. As you approach the experimental greenhouses, Living with the Land turns visually amazing.

Fruits and Vegetables are grown here like you have never seen before or like anywhere in the world. Plants hanging and growing in mid-air, without soil or lemons that weigh 9 lbs. — lemonade anyone? Our family favorite is the Mickey Mouse shaped cucumbers, watermelons and pumpkins that are grown here.

But what makes me the most envious is the tomato tree. Yes, I said tomato TREE. And not just any tomato tree, an officially recognized Guinness World Record Holder with a one year record of producing 32,000 tomatoes for a total weight of 1,151.84 pounds from a single vine. The golf ball-sized tomatoes are harvested and served at Disney Resort restaurants.

So the next time you are at Epcot, don’t wait for an excuse to visit Living with the Land. I know you will find it fascinating and will have you planting your own garden when you return home. Go ahead, the rabbits will love you for it!!

Photo Selection: WDW News