(This is, of course, a little awkward with your non-Disney friends, when you see one and yell out  “Look, a Hidden Mickey!”….. Not recommended….)

In any event, looking for Hidden Mickeys can be a great way to spend an entire Disney day without ever going to a park! Using Steve Barrett’s Hidden Mickeys book, you can look for them while visiting resorts, Downtown Disney, and yes the parks too.

I discussed this over at Chip and Co. this week: Playing Hide and Seek with Mickey

Hope to see you on the hunt over there!

For me it is the stunning beauty of  Spaceship Earth that tells me that I am home at last.

So last Thursday was the first day that Candlelight Processional dinner packages were available to book, and since this was the last major item that I needed to reserve for now (until we do flights), I had the date noted in my planner to make sure I didn’t miss it. The thing is, I felt like Disney was late this year in opening up these packages: while it’s been 3 years since we went during the Holidays, I know that in the years that we have gone at that time of year, I was making these reservations a LOT earlier….like June/July earlier.

Not sure why Disney was procrastinating here, but I was starting to get a bit peeved. I get cranky like that when something interferes with my planning timeline.

In any event, over the past week, I had begun scouring Disney blogs, websites and message boards, trying to find out SOME KIND of information about the packages this year. We’re going to be on the basic Disney Dining Plan, so I already knew that it was probably going to cost 2 table service credits like last year apparently did. But I did want to know pricing, in case we decided to pay out of pocket and use those credits for another meal.

More importantly though, I needed to know what restaurants were going to be included, as my family had requested to eat at the new Hacienda de San Angel on this trip, and if we were able to do this, it would be our first night, the night we did Candlelight Processional. But would it be available for the package? That was the question….

Reading Chip and Co. and the Disney Food Blog, I knew that they were taking reservations for after Oct 15, but could not find out anywhere if this meant Hacienda was part of the CP dinner package or not.

And I have to say, the closer it got to August 26, the more annoyed I was getting. There was no information to be found about this anywhere. Not wanting to waste valuable time on Thursday morning by asking lots of questions (you can lose a reservation during peak times like this if you do!), I decided to just go straight to the source.

Wednesday evening, I called Disney Dining to ask.

And would you believe, it took the poor castmember almost 10 minutes to find out the answer? Finally, she was back: no Hacienda de San Angel was not part of the CP dinner package this year, nor was Via Napoli either.

OK, thanks, at least now I knew. Thursday morning, 7 a.m. I was requesting San Angel Inn for the package (our second choice).

So Thursday morning, I did my usual early morning walk, checked email and Facebook, and at 6:55 a.m. I was ready, at the phone, with pen, paper, and credit card in hand, waiting to get this done so I could then get ready for work.

At 6:57 I began dialing…and received the “office is not yet open” recording. Continued to power-redial (I have done this before and AM a “professional”   ) and at precisely 7 a.m. ET I got the “Thank you for calling Disney Dining, how may we help you today?”. Great! You can help me by getting me this reservation, so I can go shower and get ready to leave for work, thanks.

(You used to just “press 1 for this, press 2 for that”. Now you have to verbally tell them what you need, and hope the automated whatever on the other end understands what you need so you don’t waste valuable time getting sent to someone else…..But I digress….)

I announced as slowly and clearly as I could to the automated whatever, that I needed “Dining Reservations for Candlelight Processional” and then of course was put on hold to the kind-of-annoying-at-7 a.m. music of Haunted Mansion. Before I knew it, a recorded voice thanked me for holding, told me someone would be with me as soon as possible, and then informed me that “due to unexpectedly high call volume, your estimated wait time is at least………30 minutes.”…… WHOA!

Ummmm Dear Disney Dining:

• First, I do not have 30 minutes to wait, I have like a job that I have to go to, so we can pay to visit you.
• Second, I am trying to reserve this package for the last night of the Candlelight Processional, and during the busiest week of the year. I am worried that by the time you get to me, the dinner packages for that night will be gone. (Yes, I worry about these things. I clearly need a life.).
• Third, if you had only publicized the details of the Candlelight Processional package before TODAY, people might have actually known all of the details before calling….and could have had quicker calls, resulting in everyone having a shorter wait time.

Yikes. Well, I was clearly not going to hop in the shower while I waited. My luck, it would have been like a 5 minute wait. So I tried to do as many other things as I could while on hold, and wondered if my co-workers would REALLY mind if I just went to work without showering….

Happily for my co-workers, at 7:35 a charming and God-bless-her extremely cheerful castmember came on the line to ask me what she could do for me.

“IneedtoreservetheCandlelightProcessionalDinnerPackageforDecembe30for  SanAngelInnat5pm…..please”

The charming castmember of course understood this completely, asked how many it was for, and within 2 minutes we were done, and I had my confirmation number.

See Disney how nice that works when folks know before hand what they want?

All kidding aside, I am clearly a huge Disney fan as you know by now, and I do really feel like this was just very uncharacteristically unorganized of them. So I jest now….and am just happy that I got what we wanted. My family is happy too.

So, we’re all set for dining now (unless someone changes their mind). Next on the planning agenda? Making those flight reservations some time in September.

I’ll keep ya posted!

• 2 Quick Service Meals (counter service or “fast food”) per night. Choose one entrée/combo meal, one single non-alcoholic beverage, and either dessert (lunch/dinner) or juice (breakfast).
• 2 Snacks per night. There are a large number of snack items throughout the Walt Disney World resort theme parks and hotels. What is available as a snack item is easily identified on the menu at all snack shops and counter service restaurants by the DDP snack item logo. Examples of the kinds of things you can get for a snack credit are ice cream (including Dole Whips and Mickey bars!), fruit, popcorn, chips, muffins, baked items, as well as a number of hot and cold drink items. It has been my experience that more items ARE snack credits on the DDP than not, but when in doubt, just ask the castmember at the register.
• One refillable resort drink mug. With this mug you get unlimited drink refills at any RESORT HOTEL only.

You can read more information about counter service meal choices and snack choices at Disney World here.

What Does the Quick Service Dining Plan Cost?

The Quick Service Dining Plan prices for 2010 are: Adults $31.99 per person per night; children 3-9 are $9.99 per person per night. This fee is added on to the cost for the Magic Your Way package (if not already included), or to the room cost for Annual Passholders or Disney Vacation Club members.

You can download the 2010 Quick-Service Dining Plan brochure here.

You can download the 2011 Quick-Service Dining Plan brochure here.

As already mentioned in Disney Dining Plan 101, everyone in the room must be on the same package. In addition, there is no charge for children under 3: they may share an adult meal, or you may pay separately for them. Children ages 3-9 must order from a kid’s menu when available. All dining credits must be used by midnight the last day of your stay, otherwise they expire.

Tips for Using the Quick Service Dining Plan

It’s important to realize that while each person has the above noted credits for each night, you are by no means REQUIRED to use them that way. In other words, if on one day you want to have 3 counter service meals, and the next day just have 1 counter service meal and 4 snacks each, you can. You can also, of course, supplement the food options in the Quick Service Dining Plan with other meals/food that you pay out of pocket for (say you want to eat at a table service meal one night). Just be careful and think about this first, as a lot of supplemental meals can make this not such an affordable choice.

You can also feel free to be creative, and consider sharing meals, as you will find that it is a lot of food for many folks. Consider also getting dessert to go, or getting fresh fruit or a muffin as a healthy snack for later, or for breakfast the next day.

And if you find you have leftover snack credits, use them for non-perishable treats like Mickey Krispie treats that you can take home with you…or to snack on during your journey home.

One of my favorite new blogs is the Disney Dispatch where Bob reviews a variety of other blog posts, with his own viewpoint…and a heavy dose of humor. I was privileged to have him review two of my posts this week, but one of my favorite reviews of his this past week is this one, about the *new* Fairy that is being introduced at Disney World and in an upcoming movie. I got quite a chuckle out of Vidia the (Bulgarian?) Fairy Looks Like Trouble

Chris, who also writes for Chip and Co. had some excellent advice on her own blog Everything Walt Disney World: Do You Need a Parkhopper with Small Children?

Another favorite blogger of mine, The Disney Chick introduced us to Five (More) People You Meet in WDW (And you know that you know these people…..)

AJ at Disney Food Blog continues to keep us all up to date with the 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations Booking Info

Chip and Co offered an excellent Disneyworld Quick Tip – Getting Those Character Pictures and Ken continues his Oldies But Goodies series with Should Seniors Use Disney’s Magical Express?

Lastly, in case you missed it, my article at Chip and Co. this week was: A Ride-Wimp’s Guide to Disney World

and Bob’s review at the Disney Dispatch of my dining post this week and Ride Wimp post at Chip and Co. may make you smile as it made me smile.

That’s it for this week everyone! Have a magical weekend!

You can get some great savings from using Restaurant.com at selected Disney property restaurants! In addition, Expedia.com is still running summer sale that expires at the end of August. And be sure to also note the great sales at Hotels.com, and Travelocity for more ways to save money. PLUS the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are having a great promotion for the month of September as well!

Restaurant.com Promotions

Did you know that you can use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates to save up to 60% off on some meals at Walt Disney World? When you go to the Restaurant.com site and enter “Lake Buena Vista, FL” into the search field, you will find the following Disney property restaurants participating: Todd English’s bluezoo, House of Blues,  Garden Grove,   Kimonos,  Shula’s Steak House , and Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

Save 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates! Use code CLEARANCE at checkout Expires 8/31/10.

You can also use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for local restaurants or any place you happen to be traveling. We have used the certificates on a number of occasions: it’s easy and it is a great way to save money! This is a great chance to stock up for gifts, and get a few for yourself,  in addition to using some for your Disney vacation.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Promotions

Book the beautiful Walt Disney World Dolphin, a 4-star Disney Resort, September 1 – 11 including Labor Day Weekend starting from only $99!
Rates from $109 September 16-21, and September 26-28. Rates from $149 September 22-25.

Book the beautiful Walt Disney World Swan, the Dolphin’s sister 4-star Disney Resort, September 1 – 11 including Labor Day Weekend starting from only $109! Rates from $119 September 16-21, and September 26-28. Rates from $169 September 22-25.

Must be booked by Sept. 3, 2010. Book online using rate code TZOO

DisneyStore.com Savings and Promotions

Halloween will be here before you know it! Find great discounts on your favorite Disney Costumes at Disney Outlet!

And you can also receive FREE Shipping on your shipment of $50 with Promo Code: SHIPFIFTY Expires 8/31.

Don’t forget: Buying Disney items at home BEFORE your Disney trip is a great way to save money.

And you can save $50 when you become a Disney Rewards Visa Cardmember at DisneyStore.com

Expedia.com Special Promotions:

Last weekend to save up to 40% on hotels with Expedia’s  Summer Sale - Expires 8/31/10

Travelocity Special Promotions

Travelocity has some great deals this week! Note that several are only good through mid-September:

Book a cruise with Disney Cruise Line and receive up to $100 Onboard Credit. Ends 9/16.

Book a room at the Regal Sun Resort across from Downtown Disney! Rates start at $55 a night. Ends 9/12.

And be sure to check this out to see if any might be a savings for you: Top Hotel Deals in Orlando

Hotels.com Special Promotions

Summer Sale – Save up to 40% on hotels. Plus book 4+ nights at select hotels and get a free Flip™ camcorder! Use code FLIP5 at checkout.

Walt Disney World Savings and Promotions:

• Book a Disney Vacation Package and Get FREE Dining!  NEW DATES ADDED Through 2011!!: Book a full price 3-night or longer vacation package for stays most nights 10/1/10 – 10/7/10, 10/22/10 – 10/28/10, 11/12/10 – 11/18/10, 11/27/10 -12/2/10, 12/10/10 – 12/21/10, 1/1/11 – 1/5/11, 1/9/11 – 1/13/11, 1/21/11 – 2/3/11, 2/11/11 – 2/17/11, 2/25/11 – 3/3/11, 5/27/11 – 6/2/11 and 8/19/11 – 9/29/11. Stay at a Value Resort and receive Free Quick Service Dining Plan. Receive Free Basic Dining when you stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Minimum 3 night stay, with 2 day ticket.  You must book by December 20, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

• Summer/Early Fall Room Discounts: Stay August 15, 2010 through Oct. 2, 2010. Get a 30%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book by 10/2. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

• Fall/Winter Room Discounts: NEW DATES ADDED Through 2011!! Stay October 3, 2010 through November 23, 2010, November 27, 2010 through December 25, 2010, and January 1, 2011  through February 16, 2011. Get a 25%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book  by November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

• Get a FREE Disney Gift Card for up to $500 when you book a full price vacation package, including hotel room and theme park tickets. Stay October 3, 2010 through November 23, 2010, November 27, 2010 through December 25, 2010, and January 1, 2011  through February 16, 2011. You must stay at least 5 consecutive hotel nights with at least a 2-day Base Ticket. Value resorts receive a $200 Disney Gift Card. Moderate resorts receive a $300 Disney Gift Card. Deluxe/Deluxe Villa resorts receive a $500 Disney Gift Card. You must book  by November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.

That’s it for this week everyone! Happy savings!

“One thing I have learned from my years of researching Disney vacations, is that people have lots of questions about “what the rides are like”. I know this because I have been that person on various Disney message boards who has wanted to know if Mission Space was really “that” bad etc etc…..

Yes. I am publicly admitting that I am a Ride-Wimp.”

Are you also a Ride-Wimp…or do you know someone who is? I know that there are a lot of us out there! Here’s your chance to stand up and be counted with the rest of the Disney Ride-Wimps….Read the rest of the article here at Chip and Co.: A Ride-Wimp’s Guide to Disney World.

And then be sure to enjoy that next ride on it’s a small world!

The are a lot of things I love about World Showcase in Epcot, at Walt Disney World. One of them happens to be the art and architecture depicted in each country. With respect for each country’s culture, heritage and traditions, and that Disney attention to detail, the imagineers have provided some true wonders. The temple in China is one of my personal favorites.

Last week I told you that I had a week’s worth of Disney souvenir giveaways for you this week, from our recent vacation at Disney’s Hilton Head Island resort.

Yesterday I ran a fun contest on my Facebook page. Today’s contest is here at The Affordable Mouse blog. And what will today’s lucky winner receive?

We love pin-trading, so I just fell in love with this Tinkerbell lanyard and pouch.

It’s a perfect way to get a head start on your pin-collecting plans before your next Disney vacation!

But in order to be eligible, you are going to have to do a *little* work……

As you know, I am in the process of a blog series related to affordable Disney World dining. With that in mind, I would love to find out from you:

“What tips, ideas, suggestions, advice, or information would you give to someone who is trying to save money on their meals at Disney World?”

To enter, simply leave a comment below before midnight ET today, Tuesday, August 24, 2010. One entry per person. I will choose a winner at random from all names who respond tomorrow morning, and announce the winner here in an update, as well as on our Facebook page and Twitter.

Good luck! Oh, and if you want to be eligible for the contests the rest of the week, be sure to *Like* us on Facebook and go to Twitter and *Follow* us!!

What Exactly IS the Disney Dining Plan?

Actually, the Disney Dining Plan is several different plans that allow you to pre-pay for most if not all of your food. In doing this, you (and everyone in your room) receive “credits” for a various number of table service meals, quick service meals, and/or snacks, depending on the Plan that you choose. Done with the eating habits of your family in mind, choosing to use a Dining Plan *can* save you a good amount of money on your meals.

How Do I Purchase a Disney Dining Plan?

You basically have two options for buying a Dining Plan:

1. You add it on to a Disney Vacation Package (or buy a package that has a Dining Plan already included in the cost) that includes accommodations and park tickets for at least one day for each person in the party.
2. If you are a Disney Vacation Club member or Annual Passholder, you may purchase a Dining Plan without purchasing tickets, by adding it to your room reservation or contacting DVC Member Services.

So in other words, you have to stay at a Disney owned/operated hotel. (And this is one very important reason why, when trying to make your Disney vacation as affordable as possible, you don’t immediately assume that staying off property will be cheaper. When you factor in the potential savings that you may get with one of the Dining Plans, it often *is* cheaper to stay with Disney.)

How Do the Dining Plans Work?

As already mentioned, depending on which Plan you choose, you and each person in your party will receive varying numbers of credits towards table service and counter service meals, and snacks. What exactly you get for each credit can vary somewhat, but roughly, with table service meals you get an entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic drink. With counter service, it’s an entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic drink. Snack credits can be used on hundreds of different types of items throughout property, and are identified on menus by the DDP snack symbol.

You can also usually use table service Dining Plan credits at buffets, signature dining (2 credits/person in most cases), as well as dining shows, and dinner packages.

So, once you get to Disney World and are ready to start eating, the process is very simple and works very smoothly. Your party’s total credits for each type are noted in your account: when you get ready to pay for your meal, the number of credits used are deducted from your account by swiping your Key to the World Card, and you get a receipt noting how many of each type of credit you have remaining.

So other than gratuity for table service meals (and any additional items you may order that are not included in your plan), you pay nothing, as it’s all pre-paid.

What Are the Different Disney Dining Plans?

There are a number of Dining Plans available for a wide range of costs as well, so no matter your budget and/or your eating preferences, you are likely to find a plan that works well for your family. Briefly, the most popular choices are:

• The Quick Service Plan is least expensive and provides for 2 quick service meals, and 2 snacks per person/per night, as well as 1 resort-refillable drink mug per person/per visit.
• The Basic Dining Plan provides 1 table service meal, 1 counter service meal and 1 snack per person/per night.
• The Deluxe Dining Plan offers 3 meals per person/per night at either counter service or table service restaurants, 2 snacks per person/per night, and 1 refillable drink mug per person.
• There are also Premium, Platinum, and Wine and Dine Plans.

I will go into detail on each of these plans including costs in the next few weeks.

Is There Anything Else to Know About the Disney Dining Plans?

One of the major complaints about the Dining Plans is that it is a LOT of food. For this reason, it’s really important to think about the eating habits of your family, to determine if any of the plans are a good fit for you. Buying a Dining Plan and then throwing out half the food because you can’t eat it all is not a good value.

Likewise, you will want to consider how you eat and if your habits actually match the credits that Disney dining has allotted to each person each day: while many people love the convenience of having it already paid for, if you find that you are constantly buying additional food beyond what is on your plan, then again, it’s not really going to be a savings for you.

Finally, keep in mind that when you purchase a Dining Plan, everyone in the room must have the same package/ticket options. You cannot purchase a Dining Plan for children under the age of 3, but kids under 3 can eat from an adult meal, or you can pay out of pocket for them if you wish. Likewise, children ages 3-9 will be on the kids Dining Plan and must order from the children’s menu where available.

So there you have your first Disney Dining Plan lesson. Next week, we’ll start discussing the individual types of plans available, to help you decide which, if any, is right for you!