Disney Throwback: King Stefan's Banquet Hall

King Stefan’s Banquet Hall

Image courtesy of Imaginerding

Any Disney Devoted Fans born after 1990 are going to have no idea what I’m talking about.  So I’m going to get you all ready for the Double Jeopardy Question.  

When Disney World opened in 1971, the restaurant in Cinderella Castle was… 

If you guessed Cinderella's Royal Table would be wrong. The answer is…

King Stefan’s Banquet Hall

Yes, the restaurant featured in Cinderella Castle was named after Sleeping Beauty’s father.  It only took until 1997 for Disney to get sick of answering all the questions and change the name to Cinderella’s Royal Table.  Apparently the Disney Imaginers wanted to give the restaurant a regal name to match the dozens of Coat of Arms on the wall.  Since Cinderella’s father isn’t named in the movie, they decided on King Stefan.  Hence 25 years of confusing tourists and Cast Members.

 The menu was known for its Beef and Barley Soup and Fried Brie.  The Fairy Godmothers Vegetarian Plate was a gnocchi and vegetable combination, a favorite among diners.  The Kid’s menu resembles a fast food chain “crown” and joins other King Stefan’s Banquet Hall collectibles on Ebay.  Check here for recipes featuring menu items from the original Royal Table.

As my first Disney visit was as an adult, I never knew King Stefan’s Banquet Hall.   Please share your stories, favorite menu items and collectibles with Disney Devoted fans in the comment section below.

Maria aka Mickey Mom is a Snapshot Getaways travel agent, blogger and mom to two boys.  Follow her on Facebook!

Tips for T-Rex

So you have decided that T-Rex is one of your must go to places this trip. Here are a few helpful tips so you can make the most out of your dining time at T-Rex.

1. Your 180 days ADR date is here and there is no availability, do not panic. You can keep trying to secure that reservation through your my Disney experience.  You can also call T-Rex itself at (407) 828-8739 and they can usually get you a reservation.  T-Rex will also try to accommodate walk-ups.  

2. T-Rex is owned and operated by Landry's. If you have a Landry's card make sure you mention it to them when making reservations on phone or via walk up as you get priority seating. If you do not have one ask your wait staff for more details as it does have some nice perks.

3.  So you've walked up and now are waiting to be called and you have anxious children. Let them go play in the Discovery Dig where they can dig for bones. You can take them to inside the shopping area where they have great educational items, as well as souvenirs and Build-A-Dino. You can can also go in and look at all the animatronic dinosaurs but be aware if there are diners in that area and use manners so you do not disrupt their dinner.

4. The coolest place to eat while the meteor shower goes off is in the ice cave. You can ask to be seated in this area.  You see less of the animatronic but the ice cave lights different colors. If you have a small one be aware that with the meteor shower and all the dinosaurs may be a little bit overwhelming for them.

5.  T-Rex does offer the Disney Dining Plan. It is one table service per a person. However, T-Rex can be reasonable if you choose to pay out of pocket.

Amanda Hansel is a mom of two pirates in training and a self proclaimed Disney junkie. She is also a Destination Specialist with Snapshot Getaways. You can reach her on Twitter or Facebook for questions or free quotes.

2015 Disney World Vacation Packages Available Tomorrow

How soon?  Disney World's 2015 Vacation Packages will arrive July 30th.  Now is the time to plan your trip for next year, which is approaching quickly.

Why book now?  By booking your package with a Snapshot Getaways agent right away, your resort requests are easier to fulfill.

Worried a promotion might come available after you book?  If one does, your Snapshot Getaways agent will notify you and call Disney on your behalf to apply the promotion (if applicable).  They will also work with you to make any changes to your reservation so you may take advantage of the best pricing.  

Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote for your upcoming vacation.  Exact pricing available after July 30th.

The Cheapest Souvenir in Disney

What kind of souvenir can you get for 51 cents at Disney?  A Souvenir Pressed Penny.  Every attraction in the country seems to know the power of the pressed penny machine and Disney is no exception.  What sets Disney World apart is the sheer number and variety of pennies available.  There are entire blogs and websites devoted to pressed penny collecting.  I'm going to keep it simple and give you the low-down on pressed pennies at Disney World.

What are They?

Pressed Penny Machines are typically a crank-type machine which will elongate your penny and stamp a selected image on the front.  At Disney most of the machines have a button now instead of a crank.  The cost involved is two quarters plus the one penny you want to smoosh.  Although not prevalent,  there are also pressed quarter machines.  They are $1.25, four quarters and the additional quarter to be pressed.  After depositing your coins, you select an image from several choices and turn the crank or press the button.  For kids, this is their favorite part.  Hence the appeal of the penny machine.

Where are They?
Just about everywhere!  All the Parks and most of the Resorts will be happy to take your 51 cents.  Most of the attraction have a penny machine located near the exit or in the gift shop.  They will feature images and the name of the ride or attraction which makes them a great memory.

Why Pressed Pennies?
Besides being cheap, kids love them.  A penny from your resort is something you can look back on and stir up memories of your trip.  Kids can collect pennies from rides, especially the ones they have been waiting they've been waiting to be tall enough to go on for years.  A pressed penny can also solve that "gimme/getme" moment for minimal cost.  For 51 cents you've made your kids day...until you pass the next gift shop.  There are a ton of images and Disney changes them out occasionally, so they are something you can keep doing on subsequent trips.  A bonus benefit is the size.  They will not weigh down your backpack or require souvenir delivery.

Ready to hunt for some pennies?  Here are locations for Disney World and Disneyland.

Disney Devotee Tips:

• Buy a Penny Collection Book-This can be done ahead of time, but I recommend treating yourself to a Disney book.  Most of the gift shops carry them.  Organize your books by park, trip, etc.  If you plan to buy a book ahead of time, make a fun craft of decorating it for your trip.
• Be Penny ready-Before you leave, have your pennies at the ready.  The best method I've found is an old film container or mini M&M container (empty of course).  Put two quarters and a shiny penny in and repeat until full.  That way you are not fumbling in front of the machine for change.
• Avoid Repeats-If you are a frequent traveler, take a photo copy or cell phone pic of your pennies before you go back to Disney.  That way you will know which pennies you already have.
• Old vs. New Pennies-Older Pennies (Before 1982) that are all copper will "smoosh" cleanly, while newer pennies (zinc with copper outside) will have streaks from the zinc.  This is a choice you will have to make.  Older pennies can be soaked in vinegar to shine them up a bit.
• Heads vs. Tails-The head side of the penny is preferable.  The monument image on the tail can often distort the stamping.

Maria is a mom to 2 penny collectors and likes to eat mini M&M's.  She is also a travel planner with Snapshot Getaways and would love to help you plan your next trip.  You can follow her on her Mickey Mom Facebook Page.

Merry Christmas in July

Christmas in July and Happy Holidays!  I got Santa a great travel deal and he is currently sun bathing in St. Lucia!

I wanted to share some great events that take place in Walt Disney World for Christmas. Every resort and park is decorated to the extreme to get your holiday spirit ready. You will be able to purchase specialty holiday merchandise including: pins, shirts, popcorn buckets and more. Make sure you have your memory maker and your personal camera because you could take a whole day resort hopping and posing in front of Christmas Trees.

We have lots of favorites at the Magic Kingdom. Cinderella's Holiday Wish is where there is a celebration and then the castle glows with millions of white lights. It usually happens around 7 pm, but check your times guide to make sure you experience this breath taking celebration. Holiday Wishes Fireworks and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade are also added just in time for the holidays. 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the highlights for Magic Kingdom. It does require a separate admission and the party usually starts at 7 pm, but in the past you have been allowed in at 4pm or 5 pm. This event includes free cookies, hot cocoa, snow falling, toy soldiers and many more magical events. One of the lesser known events, but one of my boys favorite is Tomorrowland's Christmas Party.  This event takes place in Tomorrowland at a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It includes snow falling, interaction from the crowd, visits from Stitch, Buzz, Mike and a sing-a-long.

 Animal Kingdom is my boys favorite park and they celebrate the holidays as well. They have a huge tree out front with the most unique ornaments on it. They used to change the Jingle Jamming Parade to a Christmas theme, however with the parade being removed earlier this year we are looking forward to seeing what additional items Animal Kingdom comes up with. It is also very interesting to see the ways to celebrate the holidays that include wildlife conservation and going green.

Hollywood Studios also celebrates the holidays in many ways. An absolute must see is the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights. It is breath taking and amazing.  It is a highlight when we go during holiday trips. There are so many lights everywhere and they are synchronized to music and a great soundtrack. It all started modestly in Arkansas as a single home's annual display. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights. Over time, the collection of lights grew and grew. In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world. Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer. Remember to find all the hidden Mickey's and the families black cat, which changes location every year. This event is included in the price of admission.

Now on to Epcot which is my absolute favorite during the holidays. To walk around the World Showcase and to see each country and how they celebrate the holidays including foods, drinks, music, entertainment and their Santa and what he is called. Epcot is not a park to skip for the holidays, it is a MUST! Epcot also has what is called the Candlelight Processional. Candlelight Processional is a holiday event held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot. The rich sounds of the full orchestra and choir fill the theatre as a special guest narrator takes the stage. Let the story of the babe in a manger touch your heart as it has for generations, accompanied by warm and inspiring holiday music. We have gotten to experience Neil Patrick Harris and Trace Adkins as narrators. The Candlelight Processional is a goose bump, put me in the Christmas mood event. There is a stand by line which you can wait to get in, and depending on the narrator you may not get into the theatre. My advice to you is take advantage of the dinner packages. Make advanced reservations, go and enjoy your lunch or dinner and then after you dine you get a sticker you wear that will get you a seat.

There are many restaurants that have Christmas Day dinners but make sure you or your travel agent calls ahead to make advanced dining reservations as they fill up fast.

There are religious services for the holiday and you can check your travel agent or when you check in to get a list of sites and times.

Don't forget the Gingerbread House at The Grand Floridan and the Gingerbread Tree at  The Contemporary. You can even get a yummy slice of gingerbread.

You can call a Disney shopper or the Disney Florist to get a tree for your room if you like. We just went to the local Walmart and got a little fiber optic tree. Make sure to take things if you have a window you would like to decorate. It is always cool to see the windows in the All Star Resorts with cards and lights. Also we had a hard time finding wrapping paper, tape, shirt boxes and other supplies on property. This is something you might want to go out and get or again call a Disney shopper. From experience it can be quite tricky to wrap present in a bathroom at 2 am so the children will not hear but celebrating Christmas morning in Disney is worth it.

If you have been during the holidays feel free to share what you like or don't like about the festivities at Disney World. If you have never been Snapshot Getaways can help with that. This holiday season the Snapshot Getaways family would love to help your family can get there. If you can't make it this holiday season all it takes is $200 down to get you set up for next holiday season. Contact us at Snapshot Getaways  so you can have an amazing holiday time like my family did.

Amanda Hansel is a mom of two pirates in training and a self proclaimed Disney junkie. She is also a Destination Specialist with Snapshot Getaways. You can reach her on Twitter or Facebook for questions or free quotes.

Disney's Salute To The US Military 2014-2015 Offer

As a military wife and Disney Devotee, personally I am always glad to see these offers renewed.
They have graciously extended the military offer from August 25, 2014-October 3, 2015.  This is in conjunction with the current offer that expires October 3, 2014.

Who is eligible you ask? All current military members that are Active duty, Reserves, Coast Guard and National Guard. Also all retired military members of the US military are eligible too.
Guests who are 100% disabled with the DAVPRM status, unmarried widows, spouses and foreign military who are stationed in the US that have a CAC card with a blue stripe are also eligible.

These tickets can be purchased at any ITT office with no tax OR you can purchase them at Shades of Green if you do not have an ITT office in your area.  If you purchase these tickets at any ticket window you will be charged tax on the sale.
The person with the military ID has to be present when activating these tickets at Guest Relations but they do not have to be in the park with all guests at the same time.

Walt Disney World

4 Day Park Hopper $177.00 

4 Day Water Parks and More $177.00

4 Day Park Hopper with Water Parks and More $207.00

**These tickets cannot be used December 22 2014-January 2 2015 and

March 29 2015-April 9 2015.

Disneyland

3 Day Park Hopper $132.00

** These tickets cannot be used December 25 2014-January 4 2015 and 

March 29 2015-April 9 2015

They have the same offer for the discounted rooms as in the past.  As with all Disney offers they do have limited availability. So it really does help to be flexible with travel or the resort you would like to stay at.

And you can always do a split stay if the resort you would like is only available for a few days during your trip.  This is a fun way to get to experience many of the great resorts Disney has to offer.

Walt Disney World

30% off of Value resorts *excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms

35% off of Moderate resorts 

40% off of Deluxe and Villas

**Offer not good for the following dates-November 27-29 2014,December 24-31 2014 and

March 30-April 4 2015.

Disneyland

30% off of Paradise Pier

35% off of Disneyland Hotel

40% off of  Grand Californian 

**Offer not good for the following dates-November 27-29 2014,December 24-31 2014 and

March 30-April 4 2015.

With the military packages you can always add the Disney Dining plan to enjoy all of the scrumptious foods on property. Epcot is by far our favorite place to eat when we are at Disney.They have so many different table service options to choose from. But almost anywhere you choose to dine at Disney is going to be good!!
We try to use it as often as possible when we travel. The dining plan is very useful if you are wanting to do a lot of character meals or enjoy some of the nicer sit down meals during your stay. Plus you are pre paying for your meals so you don't have to worry about adding the cost of food in with everything else.
So you can have dinner with Cinderella in her castle or you can enjoy a Luau without having to leave Florida!

I hope that your military family can take advantage of this amazing offer and make memories with your family soon.


                              
                               Thank you to our military and their families for your service.
                          And thank you to Disney for recognizing the sacrifice of our military.


                                  


*A little about Dulcie
I am a native Floridian who has been traveling to Disney World since 1976! I am Submariners wife,Mommy to a 9 yr old "Princess" Imagineer in Training and Travel Agent Extraordinaire with Snapshot Getaways. I earned my ears 4 years ago with Disney College of Knowledge and have enjoyed every Magical booking since.
Feel free to contact me for your FREE quote today and let's start Makin' Memories the Disney way.
Facebook-Dream Along with Dulcie
Twitter-DreamAlongWithDulcie 
Email-Dulcie@SnapshotGetaways.com

New Infant Policy on Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line recently announced changes to their policy on infants cruising on their ships.  Effective immediately for cruises sailing after Jan 1, 2015 the minimum age has increased from 12 weeks to 6 months for sailings on most itineraries.  The exception will be Transatlantic, Hawaii and Panama Canal sailings where the minimum age will be 1 year.

Guests with infants between 12 weeks and a year with current 2015 cruise reservations will be excused from this policy.

Disney Acronyms 101

So if all the acronyms that your teens and tweens use while texting don't drive you crazy enough-Welcome to planning a Disney trip.  You have started planing your vacation by joining forums, and reading blogs and listening to podcasts and you have noticed Disney has its own language. It can become confusing and frustrating, but have no fear. Disney Devoted has made a list to help guide you along.

7DMT - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 
AA - The American Adventure
AA - Audio-Animatronics
ADR - Advance Dining Reservation
AK - Disney's Animal Kingdom
AKL - Animal Kingdom Lodge
AKV - Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas
AoA - Disney's Art of Animation Resort
AP - Annual Pass
AP - Artist Point
APer - Annual Passholder
AS - Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
ASMu - Disney's All-Star Music Resort
ASMo- Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
BatB - "Beauty and the Beast" - Live on Stage
B&C - Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club
BB - Blizzard Beach
BC - Beach Club Resort
BCV - Beach Club Villas
BLT- BBay Lake Towers at the Contemporary
BoG - Be Our Guest Restaurant
BTM - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
BTMR - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
BTMRR - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
BW - Disney's BoardWalk
BWI - Disney's BoardWalk Inn
BWV - Disney's BoardWalk Villas
 CB - Character Breakfast
CBJ - Country Bear Jamboree
CBR - Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
CG - California Grill
CM - Cast Member
Cont - Disney's Contemporary Resort
CoP - Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
CP - Crystal Palace
CS  - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
CS - Counter Service meal 
DAKL - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
DCA - Disney California Adventure
DCL - Disney Cruise Line
DD - Downtown Disney
DDP - Disney Dining Plan
DHS - Disney's Hollywood Studios
DL - Disneyland
DLH - Disneyland Hotel
DLP - Disneyland Paris
DLR- Disneyland Resort
DQ - Disney Quest
DTD - Downtown Disney
DVC - Disney Vacation Club
EC - Epcot
ECV - Electric Convenience Vehicle
EE - Expedition Everest
ELP - Main Street Electrical Parade 
EMH - Extra Magic Hours
EWP - Electrical Water Pagent
ExE - Expedition Everest
F&G - Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
F&W - Epcot Food & Wine Festival
FF - Flying Fish
FLE - Fantasyland Expansion
FoTLK - Festival of the Lion King
FP - Fast Pass
FP+ - Fast Pass Plus
FtW - Fort Wilderness
FW - Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground
GF - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
GMR - The Great Movie Ride
GS - Guest Services
 HDDR- Hoop De Doo Review
HH - Disney's Hilton Head Resort
HM - The Haunted Mansion
HM - Hidden Mickey
HoP - The Hall of Presidents
HS - Disney's Hollywood Studios
IASW - "it's a small world"
IG - International Gateway
IN - IllumiNations
ITTBAB - It's Tough To Be A Bug (at Animal Kingdom)
JC - Jungle Cruise
JIYI - Journey Into Your Imagination
KRR - Kali River Rapids
KJS - Kilimanjaro Safari
KTTW - Key To The World Card (being replaced with magic bands)
KV - Kidani Village 
LC - Lobby Concierge
LMA - Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
LTT - Liberty Tree Tavern
MB - Magic Bands
MDE - My Disney Experience
ME - Magical Express
MI - Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
MK - Magic Kingdom
MM - Memory Maker
MNSSHP - Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
MS - Main Street USA
MSEP - Main Street Electrical Parade
MVMCP - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
MYW - Magic Your Way tickets and/or packages
NoJ - Night of Joy
NOS - New Orleans Square
OKW - Disney's Old Key West Vacation Club Resort
PAP - Premium Annual Pass
PC or POP - Pop Century Resort
PH - Park Hopper
PO - Disney's Port Orleans Resort
PoC - Pirates of the Caribbean
POFQ - Port Orleans French Quarter
Poly - Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
POP - Pop Century Resort
PORS - Port Orleans Riverside
PotC - Pirates of the Caribbean
PPP - Pirate and Princess Party
QS - Quick Service
RC - Rainforest Cafe
RnRC - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster 
SAB - Stormalong Bay 
SDMT - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
SE - Spaceship Earth
SGE - Stitch's Great Escape
SM - Splash Mountain
SM - Space Mountain
SoG - Shades of Green Resort
SP - Seasonal Pass
SplM - Splash Mountain
SSE - Spaceship Earth
SSR - Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
ST - Star Tours
SWW - Star Wars Weekend
TDS - The Disney Store
THV - Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort
TiW - Tables in Wonderland
TL - Typhoon Lagoon
ToT - "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror"
TS - Table Service
TSMM - Toy Story Midway Mania
TT - Test Track
TTA - Tomorrowland Transit Authority
TTC - Transportation and Ticket Center
V&A - Victoria & Albert's
VB - Disney's Vero Beach Resort
 VotLM - Voyage of the Little Mermaid
VWL - Disney's Villas of Wilderness
WDW - Walt Disney World Resort
WL - Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort
WLV - Villas at Wilderness Lodge
WoD - Disney's World of Disney
WPF&M - Water Park Fun & More
WS - World Showcase
WWoS - Disney's Wide World of Sports
Y&B - Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort
YC - Disney's Yacht Club Resort






As Disney changes and goes through expansions this list will change. This is just to get you started so that planning is not as confusing.





Amanda Hansel is a Destination Specialist with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her deals and tips at her Facebook page or you can follow her on twitter .