Ask Magically Speaking

In each issue, we answer questions from our readers. Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or a cruise? You name the question and our great team of Disney experts and sleuths will answer it. Questions should be sent to magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com. If your question is trip-related, please include when you will be traveling. Thanks, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Ask Magically Speaking is a regular feature in the Magically Speaking newsletter. The following Ask Magically Speaking was published in the November 3, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Can anyone give me info on the Grand Gathering dining experiences? I know what they are, but how are they? How's the food and the experience? Are they worth it for a party of 10 or 11 including ages four through teen to adult? We're getting the dining plan, so the cost is not a consideration. (Submitted by Pam)

A. Pam, as with many Disney offerings, all four Grand Gathering events get some less-than-stellar reviews, so there are no iron-clad guarantees, but for the most part, people enjoy these special opportunities. The two that are almost universally applauded are the Safari Celebration Dinner and the Magical Fireworks Voyage.

For those unfamiliar with Disney's Grand Gathering event choices, there's an overview page on TheMouseForLess.com that was just updated with current prices and details. Briefly, Disney offers one breakfast event (Good Morning Character Breakfast at the Magic Kingdom), two dinner events (International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception at Epcot and the Safari Celebration Dinner at the Animal Kingdom), and an evening fireworks cruise (Magical Fireworks Voyage). Maybe it would help to look at some quick pros and cons for each of these choices.

The Magic Kingdom character breakfast is a no-brainer for dining-plan participants, since it only costs one credit, and offers more bang-for-your-credit than a Chef Mickey meal. Standard breakfast fare is plentiful and served hot. Tony (the restaurant "owner") visits each table with well-executed banter, then the characters come out for autographs, songs, and dance. After the meal, the events ends with a line-free viewing of Mickey's PhilharMagic. One downside to this offering, though, is that it begins at 9:00 a.m. By the time it is over, the attraction lines all over the Magic Kingdom are pretty long. Consider planning this as part of a down day.

The Epcot offering gets mixed reviews for food – the choices are good, and abundant, but many report that the food wasn't hot enough. The dinner entertainment, with hostess Auntie Roz and a Disney character or two, is a highlight. The dessert portion of the evening gets high marks for the unobstructed view of IllumiNations, and, of course, for the yummy sweets. There's no seating at the reserved viewing sections, and some shorter adults or children might find that others enjoying the Grand Gathering block their vantage point.

The Animal Kingdom safari and dinner are unique and most guests report enjoying this event. The safari portion of the evening is slowed down from the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction ride, and guests have an opportunity to see animals in a more relaxed fashion, and to ask some questions. Dinner is served, buffet-style, at The Tusker House. There's a nice mix of more exotic, African-inspired dishes and more traditional American buffet choices. After dinner, the Disney characters visit, as do Cast Members with exotic wildlife. Something for everyone.

While you seem mostly interested in the meal-oriented choices, Pam, and events that can be paid for with Dining Plan credits, know that the fireworks cruise is enjoyed by almost everyone who does it. While the dessert buffet at the Contemporary is disappointing (pre-packaged desserts and snacks), the cruise itself is entertaining and pure Disney fun. If you can fit it into your vacation, consider this a worthwhile option. And for those of you who don't have enough people in your party to be considered a Grand Gathering, know that as of March 1, 2009, any Disney guest will be able to participate in this memorable cruise. After plunking down $53.99 per adult and $30.99 per child, that is.

Since Disney is always tinkering with their programming, each of these events may have recent changes. We'd love to hear from any of you out there who have recently done one of the Grand Gathering events. Please contact us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com.

Q. Hi. During our last two trips to Walt Disney World, we stayed at Pop Century. I was just wondering if they ever completed the rest of it and, if not, what are they waiting for? (Submitted by Scott)

A. Scott, the question of what's happening with the Legendary Years portion of Pop Century is one that intrigues many Disney fans. Unfortunately, Disney isn't talking. We do know a few things, though. Construction on Pop Century in its entirety was halted following the events of 9-11-2001 and the following downturn in travel in the United States. The first half of Pop Century, the Classic Years, wasn't completed and opened for business until December 2003.

Since then, there have been lots of rumors about renewed construction on the Legendary Years, but nothing official. The most recent rumblings are 1) that there has been Imagineer work on the large icon choices for the early decades ('00-'40), and 2) that Disney plans to retrofit the Legendary Years buildings to accommodate family suites like the ones at All-Star Music. With current economic conditions, it's hard to believe Disney will be adding resort rooms, but if they do, we'll definitely report it here in Magically Speaking.

Q. We have been planning and saving for a trip to Walt Disney World for over a year now. Our expected journey is for June 2009. Our now five-year-old will celebrate her sixth birthday while we are there and I would love to have a Princess Party just for her. We are not planning on-property accommodations, as we would like to visit other places while we are there. My husband is very good at finding the best places at the best prices, but I would like to have some other ideas as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (Submitted by Christie)

A. Christie, it sounds like you and your husband are willing to do the necessary leg-work for a great Disney vacation. Many visitors make the mistake of not learning about Disney World and all its offerings prior to their visit. That can make for some frustration upon arrival, and a very steep learning curve.

If you are in Orlando on your daughter's actual birthday, be sure to take advantage of the free birthday park ticket Disney is giving as part of their 2009 "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion. Since you'll be buying multiple-day tickets for your vacation, you may be better off asking Disney for one of the alternate gifts, which include a birthday gift card in the amount equal to the price of a one-day Magic Your Way base ticket, a birthday FASTPASS badge for use on your daughter's actual birthday (for her and up to five additional guests), or a one-day base ticket for use within the coming 12 month period. To save time, you can register your daughter's birthday here. And don't forget to bring an original or certified birth certificate as proof that it's her birthday during your vacation.

There are a number of options for a princess-related celebration with your daughter. She can meet many of the Disney princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table in Cinderella Castle. Breakfast or lunch are the best bets there, as at dinner, the princesses do not visit diners' tables. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner feature the princesses at Epcot's Akershus restaurant, in the Norway pavilion. And dinner at the Grand Floridian's 1600 Park Fare is also a popular princess option. Cinderella and Prince Charming are joined by Lady Tremaine and the two wicked stepsisters for hilarious character interaction and decent buffet food.

You might also book a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique session for your daughter, ideally at the Cinderella Castle location (perhaps combined with a meal at Cinderella's Royal Table). Or look into the My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party, which is pricier, at $250 for one adult and one child.

Remember that all the princess experiences are very popular, so be sure to book them as soon as you can. Right now, Advanced Dining Reservations are only open through March 22, 2009, but when June dates open for booking, you'll want to be on the phone, right at 7:00 a.m. Eastern time, 180 days out from your dining date.

As for accommodations, the MouseForLess.com's lodging discount page might be a good place to start. MouseForLess.com list members can see all the discounts on hotels and vacation homes available there. I'd also recommend contacting a travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations. Their services do not add to the cost of your trip, and in many cases, the experience of a travel agent can be priceless.