Walt Disney World has announced some upcoming changes to current Advanced Dining Reservation policy. Beginning October 26, 2011, most character meal locations and all Signature Dining restaurants will require a credit card guarantee at time of booking, and all will carry a 24 hour cancellation policy.  The following restaurants will now require the credit card guarantee:

• 1900 Park Fare
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Artist Point
• California Grill
• Cape May Café
• Chef Mickey’s
• Cítricos
• The Crystal Palace
• Flying Fish Café
• The Garden Grill
• Hollywood & Vine
• Jiko – The Cooking Place
• Le Cellier Steakhouse
• Narcoossee’s
• ‘Ohana
• Tusker House Restaurant
• The Hollywood Brown Derby
• Yachtsman Steakhouse
• Victoria & Albert’s

Please note that if you cancel within 24 hours of your dining time, or do not show up, your credit card will be charged a $10 per person cancellation fee (Victoria & Albert’s is a $25 per person fee).

Several restaurants still require full pre-payment at the time of booking, unless you are participating in the Disney Dining plan, in which case, a credit card guarantee is required. These restaurants will carry a 24 hour cancellation policy, and the full amount of the meal will be charged if you cancel within 24 hours or do not dine.

• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
• Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Reservations can be cancelled at any Table Service restaurant podium, any Disney World resort front desk, concierge or guest relations, online at DisneyWorld.com/Dining or by calling the dining cancellation number 407-WDW-CNCL.

Travel Dates: April 17 – 23, 2011

Walt Disney World has brought back the popular  coupon for discounted food in the theme parks. During the travel dates listed above, you can redeem a voucher to save 25 percent off of your entire bill with the purchase of any entrée at select restaurants. One note, you can only use the coupons during off hours, so before 11:30 AM and between 3:00 and 4:30 PM each day.

You can print out the coupons from an online source, or they may also be found in the parks in the following places:

Walt Disney World – In the Times Guide, at the bottom of select merchandise receipts, or at the bottom of receipts from select resort quick-service restaurants.

To download the coupons and print them from home, here is the link for Walt Disney World.

The coupons cannot be used with any other offer, and you cannot use them if you are paying for your meal with the Disney Dining plan. Taxes and tips are not included, and as always, you must have theme park admission to eat at any in park restaurant. Coupons for Walt Disney World can be used until April 23, 2011. Coupons are free, there is no cost to print them out.

Participating quick-service locations:

Magic Kingdom Park

• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
• Columbia Harbour House
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Epcot

• Electric Umbrella
• Liberty Inn
• Sunshine Seasons

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Backlot Express
• ABC Commissary
• Studio Catering Company

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Flame Tree Barbecue
• Pizzafari
• Restaurantosaurus
• Tamu Tamu Refreshments

A similar discount is available for Disneyland restaurants for the same dates. Click here for the Disneyland Coupon.

Travel Dates: December 19 – January 1, 2011

For the first time that I can ever remember, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are offering a coupon for discounted food in the theme parks. During the travel dates listed above, you can redeem a voucher to save 30 percent off of your entire bill with the purchase of any entrée at select restaurants. One note, you can only use the coupons during off hours, so before noon and between 3:00 and 4:30 PM each day.

You can print out the coupons from an online source, or they may also be found in the parks in the following places:

Walt Disney World – In the Times Guide, at the bottom of select merchandise receipts, or at the bottom of receipts from select resort quick-service restaurants

Disneyland – On the Holiday Entertainment Guide or on select merchandise receipts

To download the coupons and print them from home, here is the link for Walt Disney World and the link for Disneyland.

The coupons cannot be used with any other offer, and you cannot use them if you are paying for your meal with the Disney Dining plan. Taxes and tips are not included, and as always, you must have theme park admission to eat at any in park restaurant. Coupons for Walt Disney World can be used until January 1, 2011 while coupons for Disneyland can be used until January 3, 2011. Both offers start December 19, 2010.

Participating quick-service locations:

Disneyland Park

• French Market Restaurant
• Hungry Bear Restaurant
• Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
• Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port
• Tomorrowland Terrace

Disney California Adventure Park

• Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
• Lucky Fortune Cookery
• Pacific Wharf Cafe
• Taste Pilots’ Grill
• Award Wieners

Magic Kingdom Park

• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
• Columbia Harbour House
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Epcot

• Electric Umbrella
• Liberty Inn
• Sunshine Seasons

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Backlot Express
• ABC Commissary
• Studio Catering Company

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Flame Tree Barbecue
• Pizzafari
• Restaurantosaurus
• Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Update 10/16/10 – WDW has released free dining for many dates in 2011!

Update 12/15/10 – New Dining Plan Brochures added including all restaurants previously included in Downtown Disney and Epcot, plus Via Napoli and La Hacienda. This should be the last update on the brochures for 2011.

Walt Disney World has announced 2011 dining plans, which include some small changes. Please find below a quick overview of all the available dining plans for Walt Disney World along with a downloadable brochure for each with more in depth information.

Please note, as you look at the brochures, many of the restaurants that will be included for 2011 are not currently listed on the brochures. This happens every year, as the agreements and contracts for non-Disney restaurants are negotiated each year when it comes to inclusion in the dining plans. As 2011 approaches, more restaurants will be included, and the list should be similar to 2010. Updates will additional restaurants or changes will be posted here.

Quick Service Dining Plan

Initially introduced in 2009, this plan has only changed slightly for 2010. The Quick Service dining plan appears to be a fantastic option for park guests who don’t want to be tied to eating at a sit down restaurant each day.

The Quick Service Dining Plan includes, per person, per night of your stay:

• Two counter service meals
• Two snacks
• One refillable resort mug

The cost of the Quick Service dining plan is $34.99 per night per adult (10 and older), and $11.99 per child (3 – 9).

Brochure: Disney World Quick Service Dining Plan

Disney Dining Plan

Not much has changed from the Disney Dining plan of 2010, except a small increase in price. Disney has also added the appetizer back, but only for kids 3 – 9. One change many people will notice is Le Cellier will switch to a signature restaurant starting March 1, 2011 for dinner only.

The Disney Dining Plan includes, per person, per night of your stay:

• One table service meal
• One counter service meal
• One snack

Please note gratuities are not included on the table service meals. Table service meals can also be used for signature restaurants, dinner shows, private dining or pizza delivery (these typically run 2 table service meals per person). More information can be found in the brochure.

The cost of the Disney dining plan is $45.99 to $47.99 per night per adult (10 and older), and $11.99 to $12.99 per child (3 – 9). The Disney Dining plan is priced based on your travel dates, and is higher priced during the following peak times:

• February 17 – 26, 2011
• March 11 – April 30, 2011
• June 3 – August 13, 2011
• December 21 – 31, 2011

It appears as though the cost of the dining plan is based on the day you check in, so if you check in one a date when the Dining plan is the cheaper price, and your vacation carries over into one of the higher priced times, you will pay the lower price for your entire stay.

Brochure: Disney Dining Plan

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

Again, nothing has changed from the Deluxe Dining Plan of 2010, with the exception of a small price increase.

The Disney Deluxe Dining Plan includes, per person, per night of your stay:

• Three meals, which can be used for either counter service or table service meals
• Two snacks
• One resort refillable mug

The policy is the same for table service meals on the deluxe dining plan (gratuities not included, can be used for signature restaurants, etc.). If you use the meal credits towards table service meals, your meal will also include an appetizer for each person, in addition to the entree, dessert and drink.

The cost of the Disney Deluxe dining plan is $78.99 per night per adult (10 and older), and $21.99 per child (3 – 9).

Brochure: Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

Magic Your Way Premium Package

Again, very little has changed with the premium package, it now includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus two snacks, per person, per night. Available 100 Walt Disney World restaurants (includes tax but not gratuities, unless otherwise noted). More information is found in the brochure below
• One resort refillable mug per person
• Unlimited selected recreation, including Golf, Miniature Golf, Water Sports, Archery, Tennis, Guided Fishing Excursions, Cane Pole Fishing, Horseback Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Carriage Rides, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Bike Rental and Watercraft Rental. Some restrictions may apply and advance reservations may be required, and are suggested. More information is found in the brochure
• One admission per person to Cirque du Soliel La Nouba
• Unlimited use of Disney Children’s Activity Centers
• Unlimited admission to selected theme park tours
• Preferred fireworks viewing areas for Wishes at the Magic Kingdom and IllumiNations at Epcot. (Advance reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance and voucher is required.)
• One portrait session and photo package with professions PhotoPass professionals

The cost of the Premium package is $169 per night per adult (10 and older), and $119 per child (3 – 9). That is in addition to the standard cost of a Magic Your Way package.

Brochure: Magic Your Way Premium Package

Magic Your Way Platinum Package

Similar to the premium package above, the Platinum package is the ultimate in luxury. It includes everything the premium offers, plus:

• One Disney’s Photopass CD
• Private in-room child care (4 hour minimum, 6 hour maximum, gratuity is not included)
• One selected spa treatment per person
• Fireworks cruise (one per reservation, everyone on your reservation is included)
• Reserved seating at Fantasmic! (one per person)
• Nightly turn-down service
• Personalized pre-arrival itinerary planning
• Richard Petty Drive along experience
• Exclusive keepsake (one per room)

The cost of the Platinum package is $229 per night per adult (10 and older), and $160 per child (3 – 9). That is in addition to the standard cost of a Magic Your Way package.

Brochure: Magic Your Way Platinum Package

Disney Wine and Dine Plan

The Wine and Dine plan is available to add to any of the above dining plan options, with the exception of the Quick Service dining plan. The Wine and Dine option includes one bottle of wine per night of your stay, and can be used at most table service and signature service restaurants in Walt Disney World. The cost is $39.99 per night of your stay (price is per reservation, not per person).

Brochure: Disney Wine and Dine

For all of the packages above, there are a few things to remember:

• Everyone in your room must be on the same dining plan/package
• Dining plan credits expire at midnight the day you check out
• Dining plan credits are based on the number of nights you stay
• Dining plan credits and park passes are not transferable

Walt Disney World has announced 2010 rates, including small changes to their dining plans. Please find below a quick overview of all the available dining plans for Walt Disney World along with a downloadable brochure for each with more in depth information.

Update 1/4/2010 - New brochures were released today with updated restaurant listings, should be last update for 2010. All restaurants from 2009 are now included, including Teppan Edo, Yak and Yeti and Wolfgang Puck. Updated brochures are available from the links below.

Update 5/3/10 – Disney is currently offering the Disney Dining plan free! Travel dates of August 15 – October 2, 2010.

Update 7/6/10 – Disney extended the free Disney Dining offer for travel through December 21, 2010. Many dates are blacked out, so check carefully!

Update 8/7/10 – Information on 2011 Walt Disney Dining Plans has been released!

Quick Service Dining Plan

New for 2009, this plan has only changed slightly for 2010. The Quick Service dining plan appears to be a fantastic option for park guests who don’t want to be tied to eating at a sit down restaurant each day.

The Quick Service Dining Plan includes, per person, per night of your stay:

• Two counter service meals
• Two snacks
• One refillable resort mug

The cost of the Quick Service dining plan is $31.99 per night per adult (10 and older), and $9.99 per child (3 – 9).

Brochure: Disney World Quick Service Dining Plan

Disney Dining Plan

Not much has changed from the Disney Dining plan of 2009, except a small increase in price. Disney has also added the appetizer back, but only for kids 3 – 9.

The Disney Dining Plan includes, per person, per night of your stay:

• One table service meal
• One counter service meal
• One snack

Please note gratuities are not included on the table service meals. Table service meals can also be used for signature restaurants, dinner shows, private dining or pizza delivery (these typically run 2 table service meals per person). More information can be found in the brochure.

The cost of the Disney dining plan is $41.99 to $47.99 per night per adult (10 and older), and $11.99 to $12.99 per child (3 – 9). The Disney Dining plan is priced based on your travel dates, and is higher priced during the following peak times:

• February 12 – April 10, 2010
• June 4 – August 14, 2010
• December 17 – 31, 2010

It appears as though the cost of the dining plan is based on the day you check in, so if you check in one a date when the Dining plan is the cheaper price, and your vacation carries over into one of the higher priced times, you will pay the lower price for your entire stay.

Brochure: Disney Dining Plan

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

Again, nothing has changed from the Deluxe Dining Plan of 2009, with the exception of a small price increase.

The Disney Deluxe Dining Plan includes, per person, per night of your stay:

• Three meals, which can be used for either counter service or table service meals
• Two snacks
• One resort refillable mug

The policy is the same for table service meals on the deluxe dining plan (gratuities not included, can be used for signature restaurants, etc.). If you use the meal credits towards table service meals, your meal will also include an appetizer for each person, in addition to the entree, dessert and drink.

The cost of the Disney Deluxe dining plan is $71.99 per night per adult (10 and older), and $20.99 per child (3 – 9).

Brochure: Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

Magic Your Way Premium Package

Again, very little has changed with the premium package, it now includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus two snacks, per person, per night. Available 100 Walt Disney World restaurants (includes tax but not gratuities, unless otherwise noted). More information is found in the brochure below
• One resort refillable mug per person
• Unlimited selected recreation, including Golf, Miniature Golf, Water Sports, Archery, Tennis, Guided Fishing Excursions, Cane Pole Fishing, Horseback Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Carriage Rides, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Bike Rental and Watercraft Rental. Some restrictions may apply and advance reservations may be required, and are suggested. More information is found in the brochure
• One admission per person to Cirque du Soliel La Nouba
• Unlimited use of Disney Children’s Activity Centers
• Unlimited admission to selected theme park tours
• Preferred fireworks viewing areas for Wishes at the Magic Kingdom and IllumiNations at Epcot. ( Advance reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance and voucher is required.)
• One portrait session and photo package with professions PhotoPass professionals

The cost of the Premium package is $164 per night per adult (10 and older), and $114 per child (3 – 9). That is in addition to the standard cost of a Magic Your Way package.

Brochure: Magic Your Way Premium Package

Magic Your Way Platinum Package

Similar to the premium package above, the Platinum package is the ultimate in luxury. It includes everything the premium offers, plus:

• One Disney’s Photopass CD
• Private in-room child care (4 hour minimum, 6 hour maximum, gratuity is not included)
• One selected spa treatment per person
• Fireworks cruise (one per reservation, everyone on your reservation is included)
• Reserved seating at Fantasmic! (one per person)
• Nightly turn-down service
• Personalized pre-arrival itinerary planning
• Richard Petty Drive along experience
• Exclusive keepsake (one per room)

The cost of the Platinum package is $220 per night per adult (10 and older), and $154 per child (3 – 9). That is in addition to the standard cost of a Magic Your Way package.

Brochure: Magic Your Way Platinum Package

Disney Wine and Dine Plan

The Wine and Dine plan is available to add to any of the above dining plan options, with the exception of the Quick Service dining plan. The Wine and Dine option includes one bottle of wine per night of your stay, and can be used at most table service and signature service restaurants in Walt Disney World. The cost is $39.99 per night of your stay (price is per reservation, not per person).

Brochure: Disney Wine and Dine

For all of the packages above, there are a few things to remember:

• Everyone in your room must be on the same dining plan/package
• Dining plan credits expire at midnight the day you check out
• Dining plan credits are based on the number of nights you stay
• Dining plan credits and park passes are not transferable

Please note, as you look at the brochures, many of the restaurants that will be included for 2010 are not currently listed on the brochures. This happens every year, as the agreements and contracts for non-Disney restaurants are negotiated every year when it comes to inclusion in the dining plans. As 2010 approaches, more restaurants will be included, and the list should be similar to 2009.

Walt Disney World launched the long awaited online reservation system for dining reservations. Originally due in 2008, it was launched late last night, currently for Travel Agents only. No indication was given when the tool will be made available to the general public, but my guess is 2 weeks of testing should do. Currently, only reservations May 26, 2009 and after are available in the system, so the logical launch date would be May 26, 2009. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Step 1

(Click to Enlarge)

Once accessed, you will see a front page, with a search box, along with options to see all Disney Restaurants, Dinner Shows and Dining Events. The search box is active, as you type, options come up below that you can click on. It is fairly easy to find a restaurant. A search for “Epcot” brings up all Epcot restaurants, including others in the general area. You can also search for character dining, or princess or whatever, it should bring up options for you. Once you find the restaurant you are looking for, just click on the link.

Step 2

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Once you click on the link for your restaurant, you will be taken to a page with information about the restaurant, including location, cuisine type, special dining events at that restaurant, etc.

At this point, you will be able to retrieve your WDW reservation, and attach it to any dining reservations you make. It pulls in the information about dates, resort, names and dining plan. It does not keep track of dining plan credits, number of people in your party, etc. Associating your reservation does not limit how you many reservations you can make, or for how many people, it just links all the information together.

Below, there is a window with dining options. There is a date box, where you input your dining date. You can also search up to 5 days in a row, which is very convenient if your dining wishes are flexible. You then input your dining party and preferred time. Once all your information in there is correct, just push the “Check Availability” button and away you go.

Step 3

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They system will now search for availability for your preferred restaurant, day and time. You will be presented with the closest option available for your party size at your restaurant. You may also be presented with different restaurant or time options, if your first option is not available. When searching for 1900 Park Fare, nothing was available, but I was presented with both the Princess Storybook Dinner in Epcot and Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom as options for my reservation. When you are able to find the restaurant with the date and time you feel comfortable with, you add them to the cart, just like you were shopping on Amazon.

Step 4

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Once your restaurant is added to the cart, you are given the option to add any dietary requests you have, including allergies, etc. Once completed, you can then search for more restaurants. You can make up to 10 reservations at one time. Once you have added all your times to the cart, you check out. If no credit card is required, the check out takes about 10 seconds, just put in your name and email address, all the information will be emailed directly to you. Some restaurants require a credit card guarantee, or in the case of Dinner shows, full payment is required at time of booking, so you will have to go through another step of inputing your billing information, but again, that process is fairly quick.

The entire process is very simple to use, though a bit slow at the moment. I made 2 dining reservations for June, it took about 15 minutes total of finding exactly what I wanted. I am hoping that before this is launched to the public that some changes will be made to make the process a bit quicker and easier to use. Overall, it works really well, I was pleasantly surprised with version 1.

Effective today, Walt Disney World has changed their policy regarding Advanced Dining Reservations, as well as advanced reservations for tours and recreation. As of today, all reservations can now be made 90 days in advance:

• Walt Disney World guest can make reservation 90 days in advance of the day they check in, for the first 10 days of their stay
• Non-Walt Disney World guests can make reservations 90 days in advance of the event.

This new policy covers all WDW restaurants that make reservations through central reservations, including Victoria and Alberts, as well as all Disney Dinner Shows. All Disney theme park tours and all recreation now also fall under the 90 day rule, making things clearer for all WDW guests.

The exceptions to the new rule are Grand Gathering events and La Nouba, which can be booked 180 days in advance.

There has been a long standing rumor that Disney World will be going to an online reservation system for dining reservation, for both travel agents and the general public. We heard it was to be launced a few days ago, but was scraped at the last minute due to continuing errors. This consolidation of reservation dates appears to be the first step. Hopefully we will see the online system launched sooner rather than later.