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Top Tips for visiting Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Top Tips for visiting Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida, that features rides, attractions and live shows that are themed to movies and tv shows. The park, which opened in 1990, is owned and operated by NBCUniversal.

Know your parks

Universal Orlando Resort comprises of three parks: Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida, plus Universal’s Volcano Bay, which is a water park. Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida are walking distance apart from the entrances, or a short train ride inside the parks.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

While it is possible to do both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida in one day, you’ll only see the highlights and miss the bulk of the attractions. Each park has different themed areas, with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ crossing over between them.

Read about the attractions at Universal Islands of Adventure here, and Universal Studios Florida here.

Plan your visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

The biggest drawcard for Universal Orlando Resort is the incredible Wizarding World
of Harry Potter. While there is some overlap with the rides and attractions to other Universal Studios around the world, Universal Orlando Resort has two unique lands to explore: Universal Orlando Resort – Hogsmeade, located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

It also has Hogwarts Express: King’s Cross Station that links the two parks by train. This was a highlight of visiting the resort for us.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

To ride the Hogwarts Express, enter King’s Cross Station and walk straight through a solid brick wall onto Platform 9 ¾ to board the train to Hogsmeade. Ride the train in both directions for the full experience (you’ll need a park-to-park ticket to board the train in either direction).

This is a great, thorough guide to the complete Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

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Skip the queues with Universal Express

Add Universal Express access to your theme park admission, you get to skip the regular lines at most of your favorite rides and attractions. Universal Express lets you skip the regular lines one time per participating ride. Or, upgrade to Universal Express Unlimited and skip the regular lines an unlimited number of times at participating rides.

Read more about Universal Express passes here.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Get ahead of the crowds with Early Park Admission

One of the biggest benefits of staying onsite at Universal Orlando Resort is Early Park Admission. Universal Orlando Hotel guests and other select groups can access to Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure up to one hour prior to park opening.

This is a huge advantage especially for rides that aren’t covered by Universal Express, or if you don’t want to pay extra for it. Tip: Not all parks are open early each day, so check online or with your hotel to find out which park offers early admission on the day of your visit.

Get more info on Early Park Admission here.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Stay in an onsite hotel

We loved our stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The early park admission and easy (free!) transport to the park was worth it alone, and we found the hotel extremely well-priced as well as highly enjoyable with all of it’s amenities.

Hotel Review: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Explore Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk is a 30-acre entertainment complex at Universal Orlando Resort filled with restaurants and shops. It lies between the entrances to Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, making it easy to visit after your trip to the parks.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort Universal Studios Orlando Resort Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Watch the live shows

While there are countless amazing rides at the parks, we love the live shows, too. For us, it’s where the magic of movies really come alive. On this trip, we loved the Animal Actors on Location live show.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

There are also roaming live performers. We caught a fabulous performance by the “Blues Brothers” that was a lovely surprise.

Get a really thorough rundown of all the live shows here.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Try all the food

We love trying all the food when we visit theme parks. There are always unique snacks and food to try. On this visit we enjoyed trying Mel’s Drive In in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Orlando, which is inspired by Mel’s Drive In, a retro restaurant in Hollywood, California. The fast-service restaurant has a fun 1950s vibe to it and serves burgers, fries and shakes.

Read more about Mel’s Drive In here.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Meet all the characters

We are huge character fans and love seeing the characters around the parks. Keep your eyes peeled for lots of favourites such as Beetlejuice and King Julien.

Universal Studios Orlando Resort Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Take in all the details

What really makes Universal Orlando Resort special to us is the amazing theming around the parks. There is such an incredible level of detail in every area, and so many unique photo opportunities to be had. For a movie and TV show fan, Universal Orlando Resort is such a magical place, where you really can jump into the picture.

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Universal Orlando Resort
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
universalorlando.com

Best Attractions at Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Best Hollywood Studios Attractions

Best Attractions at Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort

Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks in Walt Disney World, Florida. It opened in 1989 as the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, created as both a working production studio and a show-business-inspired theme park.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

The park was renamed Hollywood Studios in 2008 and focused its attractions and theme around the imagined worlds of theatre, music, television, and film.

1. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

With the 2019 opening of the land Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios became a hotspot for Star Wars fans.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an incredible immersive experience that feels like a completely separate park to the rest of Walt Disney World thanks to clever theming that carries across to every element of the “land”. There are two incredible rides within the land that are both must-dos attractions at Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a trackless dark ride with multiple ride systems. It’s a completely immersive ride that takes guests on a thrilling adventure through the Star Wars Universe aiding a team of Resistance fighters rise up against the First Order.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

As there are multiple tracks this ride can take, it’s also possible to do the ride several times and each experience be different.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood StudiosCategory: Thrill Ride, Small Drops, Dark, Loud
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction

Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run

Ever dreamed of piloting the Millennium Falcon? Now is your chance! Millennium Falcon is an exhilarating interactive ride where guests take part in a smuggling mission through hyperspace.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops, Dark, Loud
Height Requirement: 38” (97cm) or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

2. Toy Story Land

The incredible Toy Story Land opened in 2018. The land has the most amazing theming, where guests feel like they have shrunk in size to fit in Andy’s toy box.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

There are three rides: Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, or Alien Swirling Saucers, plus a great quick service restaurant that we loved “Woody’s Lunch Box” and a new sit-down restaurant “Roundup Rodeo BBQ”.

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Slinky Dog Dash

Possibly our favourite rollercoaster at Wald Disney World, Slinky Dog Dash is an extremely family-friendly, smooth ride where the premise is that Andy has assembled the “Mega Coaster Play Kit at this attraction,” and you join Slinky Dog for a wild ride through Andy’s backyard.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Fly past giant toys while coasting up and down hills and curving around hairpin turns. We would describe this rollercoaster as pure joy.

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Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 38″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

Midway Mania

Very similar to its counterparts in other parks around the world, Toy Story Midway Mania! is a 4-D shootin’ game starring your favorite characters from Toy Story. The ride is extremely fun as it’s an interactive game where the goal is to hit moving targets using a spring-action shooter, competing against other players to get the highest score.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

We also loved the entrance and the exit to this ride – both have the most amazing photo ops with massive Toy Story-themed props.

Category: Spinning
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

3. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The first Mickey Mouse-themed ride at any Disney theme park, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a fun, gentle ride through a fantastical cartoon universe. Based on award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts (2013), the ride opened in March 2020.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a wild adventure through a colorful cartoon universe.

This is a fun, magical experience for Disney fans to enjoy their inner child. The technology and animation are truly amazing.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Category: Trackless Dark Ride
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+

4. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

A classic Disney attraction, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is located inside the massive  Hollywood Tower Hotel structure. Guests are welcomed by Rod Serling, the host of the classic television series The Twilight Zone, and informed you that some hotel patrons mysteriously vanished in the elevator during a violent storm in 1939, never to be seen again.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Enter the elevator-style lift and stow your belongings away very carefully – this is a wild ride that hurtles up and down a rickety old elevator shaft. The ride is one of Disney’s best – entertaining, terrifying and thrilling at the same time. A must-do attraction at Hollywood Studios.

Category: Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Scary, Dark
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

5. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (starring Aerosmith!) is a fast-paced roller coaster that is not for the feint of heart. Start the attraction with a glimpse of legendary rock band Aerosmith as they complete a recording session, then join them for a ride in their “limo” as they rush off to a concert on the other side of town.
Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Riders climb aboard the limousine (roller coaster) and race through the dark past and buckle up before racing off into the night past legendary Hollywood landmarks, set to a playlist of Aerosmith’s signature songs.

The rollercoaster features three inversions (2 rollovers and one corkscrew loop) and is the only Disney World roller coaster that turns guests upside down during their ride.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the fastest rides at Walt Disney World, reaching speeds of up to 57 mph. It is short, sweet and truly terrifying!

Category: Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Loud
Height Requirement: 48″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

More Disney’s Hollywood Studios Information

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is divided into 7 distinct lands. Initially each themed area was inspired by real-life areas within Los Angeles and Hollywood California (Disney Animation Courtyard, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue, Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard), with the addition of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

There are currently 17 rides and attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

We absolutely loved dining at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Hollywood Studios WDW, a themed sit-down restaurant where guests dine inside of “cars” at a “drive-in”. Truly unique!

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Read more tips about visiting Walt Disney World Resort Orlando here and here.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World Best Hollywood Studios Attractions Walt Disney World Best Hollywood Studios Attractions

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Best Attractions at Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Epcot

Best Attractions at Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

Epcot is one of four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Based on the themes of world exploration and discovery, Epcot is divided into four sections: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase.

The park itself is very spread out (twice the size of Magic Kingdom!), with a lake in the middle. There is a lot of walking to cover the entire park, which makes the park feel less crowded, as a bonus, however there are fewer rides, so the rides inside Epcot do attract long queues.

Our top attractions at Epcot:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind

The best attraction and EPCOT’s newest ride is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This is a mind-blowing enclosed roller coaster that hurtles forwards and backwards (!) through time and space. The ride opened on May 27, 2022 as EPCOT’s first roller coaster and marks the first ever Disney “Omnicoaster,” in which the individual coaster cars rotate in a pre-programmed manner.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Location: World Discovery
Category: Enclosed Roller Coaster / Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 42″ or taller
Duration: A little less than 4 minutes
Good for: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction

2. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

The 4D-ride is opened on October 1, 2021. It’s a replica of the original Disneyland Paris attraction based on the Pixar animated film Ratatouille.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has a fun storyline where guests are rat-sized and join Chef Remy scurrying through the bustling kitchen, fancy dining room, and into the walls of Gusteau’s restaurant. Featuring state-of-the-art animation, the experience is exciting and immersive.

Location: World Showcase; France Pavilion
Category: Trackless Dark Ride
Height Requirement: None
Duration: 4:40
Good for: Any
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction

3. Test Track

Test Track as the distinction of being the fastest Disney theme park attraction ever built. The ride is a simulated experience that takes you through the many rigorous testing procedures of Chevrolet’s concept cars. The highlight is a speed trial on a track around the exterior of the building at a top speed of 64.9 miles per hour (104.4 km/h).

Walt Disney World Epcot

Step into the Chevrolet Design Center to design your own car with the virtual concept. Then, enter your 6-passenger “SIM Car” for a high-speed go-around on the test track. After completing your test, the scoreboard will let you know how well you performed.
Walt Disney World Epcot

Location: World Discovery
Category: Thrill Rides, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Duration: 5:00
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

4. Frozen Ever After

Epcot’s Frozen Ever After attraction is a gentle, slow-moving boat ride through a frozen willow forest, where you will encounter Kristoff’s family from Troll Valley, the icy blue lands of the North Mountain and onwards into Queen Elsa’s ice palace. Anna, Olaf, and more Frozen characters are featured, with the Frozen songs playing in the background.

Walt Disney World Epcot

We were extremely impressed by the smooth, life-like animatronics on this ride. Please note that as this is a boat ride, you may get a little wet.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Walt Disney World Epcot

Location: World Showcase; Norway
Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops, Dark
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Duration: 5:00
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

4. Soarin’

Soarin’ is a flight motion simulator attraction that uses a mechanical lift system to raise you high into the air, creating a hang-gliding flight. The ride employs a 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome and artificial wind and aromas to give you an authentic experience of soaring over some of the greatest natural and man-made wonders in the world.

The original Soarin’ opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001, and EPCOT’s version arrived in 2005.

Location: World Nature; The Land Pavilion
Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Duration: 4:45
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

5. Mission: Space

You will either love this ride, or it will make you want to throw up. Mission: SPACE is a centrifugal motion simulator thrill ride that aims to simulate the experiences aboard a NASA-style spacecraft on a mission to Mars. After completing “training” for your mission, you will board your extremely tiny vessel and be slingshot around the moon. Throughout the ride, you will experience the g-force of liftoff and then the more relaxing hyper-sleep stage.

Walt Disney World Epcot

There are two missions to choose from. The Orange Mission is the more intense version, while the Green Mission is the tamer, family-friendly version that orbits the Earth. We chose the green mission and still felt quite queasy, so I would highly agree with the many warnings that attraction is not recommended for people with weak stomachs or who are prone to motion sickness.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Location: World Discovery
Category: Thrill Ride, Spinning, Dark
Height Requirement: 40″ or Taller
Duration: 5:38
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

More information about Epcot

Epcot opened in 1982 as Walt Disney World’s second theme park. It was designed to celebrate human achievements by showcasing international cultures and technological innovation.

We loved the Garden Grill Restaurant character dining experience.

Walt Disney World Epcot

World Showcase comprises 11 pavilions of different countries, including the U.S.A., the U.K., Japan, Morocco, France, Canada, Mexico, China, Norway, Germany, and Italy. They are extremely popular with local visitors, and have many educational aspects as well as good food options.

Walt Disney World Epcot

World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature are the new neighborhoods that cover the area previously known as Future World. These areas feature innovative technological and scientific themes and attractions that we highly enjoyed.

Walt Disney World Epcot

I highly recommend staying till after dark to watch the light show on the Epcot ball. It is truly magical! Show themes and times change throughout the year.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Walt Disney World Epcot

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Walt Disney World Epcot

Garden Grill Restaurant Character Dining at EPCOT

Garden Grill Restaurant Character Dining at EPCOT

Garden Grill Restaurant is located in World Nature at EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

It’s a fun character dining experience where guests are served a “family-style” meal (shared plates of food) while meeting Chip ‘n’ Dale and their Disney pals.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

While dining, the seating revolves slowly so guests can enjoy views from Living with the Land, with scenes such as a rainforest, farmhouse, thunderstorm, sandstorm and prairie.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

For breakfast, enjoy cinnamon breakfast bread, scrambled eggs, cheesy potato casserole, Mickey-shaped waffles and more!

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

Delectable lunch and dinner highlights include highlights such as a harvest-inspired garden salad, grilled beef with chimichurri and all-natural sliced turkey with gravy.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

Vegetarian/vegan options are available as are kid-friendly plain dishes. Vegetables are grown especially inside the park greenhouse.

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Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

Bookings open 60 days in advance.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/garden-grill-restaurant/

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Cinderellas Royal Table Dining Experience at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Cinderellas Royal Table Dining Experience at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World

Dine inside the Cinderella Castle and meet Disney princesses at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida.

One of the most popular dining experiences at Walt Disney World, Cinderellas Royal Table is the only way to see inside the stunning castle that lies at the heart of the Magic Kingdom.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Our biggest tip is to book the first dining session of the day, which means you will be given early entry into the park and can score a much-coveted castle photo with no one else in it.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Then make your way to the entrance, meet Cinderella in the majestic Grand Hall and ascend a spiral staircase (or take the gilded elevator) to the banquet room above.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

At the time of our visit, no other princesses were present, however this has since changed and diners are now able to meet a variety of Disney princesses over their meal.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all offered as dining options for Cinderella’s Royal Table. Breakfast options include pastries, French toast, quiche, avocado toast and a traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and potatoes.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

There is a kids’ menu with plain options for picky eaters.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

The area around Cinderella Castle will be roped off shortly before the nighttime spectacular. If you wish to see the show or explore the park, please depart the castle at least 20 minutes before showtime.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Reservations
Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Cinderellas Royal Table
disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/cinderella-royal-table/

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Rainforest Cafe® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

Rainforest Cafe® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Dine in the middle of an animal-filled jungle at the Rainforest Cafe® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida.

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

This iconic chain restaurant is so much fun for families, and is an easy option as well with a wide American-style menu that has plenty of choices for even the fussiest eaters.

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

The restaurant can be entered from inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom as well as outside, so you do not need a park ticket to enter. You do however need to use the exit that goes outside the park when you leave, so you will need to re-enter the park again if you wish to continue your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

The Rainforest Cafe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is very similar to the other restaurants in the chain. Walk inside to find yourself in a dark, tropical rainforest, filled with animatronic animals. Periodically there are sounds of thunder claps and sudden rainstorms, along with singing birds, trumpeting elephants and chest-pounding gorillas.

There is a kids’ menu available for ages 9 and under with items that  will please most junior diners.

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

Before you leave, browse Rainforest Cafe shop, which is a greta place to find a tropical souvenir from your trip.

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

The Rainforest Cafe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is extremely popular, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

Rainforest Cafe® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/rainforest-cafe-animal-kingdom/

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Be Our Guest Restaurant Magic Kingdom

Be Our Guest Restaurant Magic Kingdom

Dine inside Beast’s castle, where the story of Beauty and the Beast comes alive at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

One of the hottest dining reservations at Walt Disney World Resort, Be Our Guest (called BOG in the forums!) is an elegant dining experience set across three rooms, each designed to immerse guests in a different part of the famous Disney story.

Upon arrival, guests are allocated a table in one of the rooms: The Grand Ballroom, with a high, domed ceiling, chandeliers and snow-laced Gothic arches, The West Wing, home to Beast’s enchanted rose, and The Rose Gallery, which has larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast dancing.

Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest

Guests are welcome to walk around the different rooms and take photos. We especially enjoyed watching the animations change in the windows and inside the West Wing.

Be Our Guest

The French-themed fixed prix menu offered some of the tastiest meals we had at the park. The kids meal included a really cute white chocolate “chip” cup to paint.

Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest

At some stage during the meal. Beast himself makes an appearance. He does not meet the diners, however, rather he strides quite quickly through each of the rooms and then out again, so have your camera ready to get a photo for when he makes a sudden appearance.

Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest Restaurant Magic Kingdom
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/be-our-guest-restaurant/

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Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Story Book Dining

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Meet characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs over dinner at Story Book Dining, Wilderness Lodge Resort, Walt Disney World Resort.

Story Book Dining

The magical story of Snow White comes to life inside Artist Point, where dinners enter an enchanted forest and during the evening meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and The Queen.

Story Book Dining

The first three characters visit tables during the meal, with the Queen ready to post for photos at the end of the dining experience.

Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining

The meal offers a choice of individual plated entrées and shared starters and desserts, with a story-book theme to the meals. Vegetarian options are available, as are plainer choices for kids.

Story Book Dining

Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining

The highlight of the meal was the dessert platter, featuring a “Poison” Apple, a dark chocolate-apple mousse, Fairy Tale Gooseberry Tart and Miner’s Treasures.

 

Reservations
Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/wilderness-lodge-resort/artist-point/

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Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

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Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party

Join the happiest of parties at Magic Kingdom: a dessert buffet followed by fireworks in a prime viewing area at Walt Disney World.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

For a special treat at Walt Disney World, reserve your spot at the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties Pre-Party. Indulge yourself in a massive buffet of desserts before the show, then move to a prime viewing area to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks extravaganza without the crush of the crowds (or waiting for hours to save a good spot!).

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

This fireworks dessert pre-party was an absolute highlight for us, and one of the few events where we have paid a bomb and felt like we got our moneys worth out of the cost.

The evening starts with checking in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where guests are given a wristband before entering the dining area to eat their heart’s desire from a huge array of sweet and savoury desserts including chocolate-dipped strawberries, so many pastries of all kinds, a variety of cheeses and crackers, fruit and cookies for kids to decorate.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party Unlimited beverages are also included, including an assortment of beer and wine for guests aged 21 and over.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

Shortly before the start of the nighttime spectacular, Cast Members escort party-goers to a prime standing area in the Plaza Garden. The area for the dessert pre-party is directly behind the viewing area for wheelchairs and scooters (as seen in the photo above).

The best viewing area is at the front of the garden, so my advice is to be in the first group to move into the Plaza Garden if possible to choose the best spot you can for fireworks viewing.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

There is still waiting involved before the show starts, so I suggest bringing something to sit on such as a jacket or even a blanket if you have one. Once the fireworks is about to start, guests are asked to stand up, so being as close as possible to the front of the area is beneficial particularly for shorter guests.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

After the fireworks is a great time to go back through the park and do a few last rides while the crowds are lower. This also avoids the crush of people trying to exit the park at this time.

Price (at time of writing)
Admission is $99 per adult (ages 10 and up); $59 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax included. Gratuity is not included or required.

Theme park admission is required, but it is not included in the price of this event. Theme park reservations are also required.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/fireworks-dessert-pre-party/

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Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

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Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Hollywood Studios WDW

Sci-Fi Theater Restaurant WDW

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

Enjoy the nostalgia of the 1950s with dinner and a show at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

Sci-Fi Theater Restaurant WDW

One of the most unique and fun dining experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort (as well as a challenging reservation to nab!) the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant features car-shaped booths and tables “parked” in front of a movie screen featuring non-stop old school sci-fi movie clips.

Sci-Fi Theater Restaurant WDW

When checking in at the restaurant, a car hop will escort you to your table or booth. The lighting is a bit dark so the menu is not the easiest to read (or food to see when it arrives!). The ambiance of this restaurant is what you’re really here for though, so check out the menu in advance so you know what you want to order, and settle in for the show while you wait for your food to arrive.

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant offers classic “American” cuisine such as burgers, salads, sandwiches, mac and cheese, fries and shakes.

Sci-Fi Theater Restaurant WDW

Sci-Fi Theater Restaurant WDW

The movie clips run on the scary side as a warning to those with younger kids: think attacking aliens, marauding mummies and rampaging robots.

Take your time and enjoy the show, and be sure to take a stroll around the theatre before you leave. There are road-ready picnic tables at the back of the theater, where you’ll also find an old-fashioned, drive-in-style concession stand.

Reservations
Tables and booths will be assigned upon your arrival at the restaurant, unless otherwise reserved. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Learn when advance reservations can be made.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Hollywood Studios WDW
disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/sci-fi-dine-in-theater/

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