The Disney Dining plan! 2013's Plan in action!

One of the most common questions I get when booking a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Package for a client is, "Is the dining plan worth it?"  To be honest with you, there really is no simple answer  because every family eats differently. Disney recognizes this and has come up with some cookie cutter plans that try to appeal to a broad audience. This is great for some families and not so good for other families. I am not going to debate the the pro and cons of the plans in this post because I did that  a while back in another post that you can access by clicking here.  While the plans have changed slightly over the years, the pros and cons have pretty much stayed the same.

Can the Dining Plans save you Money? Yes! Can a Dining plan waste your Money? Yes!


So that we are all on the same page, here are the current prices and a little video Disney has put together to tell you the benefits you get with a dining plan.(price can change at anytime and dining plans can be changed at anytime by Disney) I have also included short break down of what each plan includes for 2013! The breakdown below can be found just about every where you look when looking for information on the dining plans, but not many sites actually put the plan in action for you.

Quick-Service Plan
Price Per Night 2013
Adult (Ages 10+) $37.58
Child (Ages 3-9) $14.32

The Quick Service includes the following for each resort guest:
2 Quick Service Meals per night stayed
Each meal includes an entrée or complete combo meal, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage
1 Snack Option per night stayed
1 Resort Refillable Mug for the length of stay

Standard Plan- This plan is suggested by Disney and Myself
Price Per Night 2013
Adult (Ages 10+) $55.59
Child (Ages 3-9) $17.16
***During Peak Season (typically summer and holidays), prices increase for the Basic Standard Plan to $56.94/night for Adults 10+ and $18.16/night for Children ages 3 to 9****

The Standard Plan includes the following for each resort guest:
1 Quick Service Meal per night stayed
Each meal includes an entrée or complete combo meal, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage.

1 Table Service Meal per night stayed
Each meal includes an entrée, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage, or, if eating at a buffet, the full buffet.
1 Snack Option per night stayed
1 Resort Refillable Mug for the length of stay

Deluxe Plan
Price Per Night 2013
Adult (Ages 10+) $99.97
Child (Ages 3-9) $26.84
****During Peak Season, prices increase for Deluxe Dining Plans.to $102.27/night for Adults 10+ and $28.91/night for Children ages 3 to 9.****

The Deluxe Plan includes the following for each resort guest:
3 Meals per night stayed, which can be any combination of Table Service Meals and Quick Service Meals
Quick Service Meals include an entrée or complete combo meal, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage.
Table Service meals include an appetizer (lunch and dinner only), entrée, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage, or, if eating at a buffet, the full buffet.
2 Snack Options per night stayed
1 Resort Refillable Mug for the length of stay


Now that we have the details down, it is time to put the standard Dining plan into action!

Here is a good tip: While there are some exceptions to the rule, Table Service meals used for lunch are a waste of money. You get more bang for your table service meals during breakfast or dinner. 

I am going to use the dining plan I have set up for my family to show how you can use the standard dining plan.
Being the outstanding planner that I am, for our trip at the end of March through first week of April, I made our table service reservations right at the 180 day mark when they became available to get the times and restaurants we wanted. This is the peak season and the longer I would have waited, the less likelihood I would have gotten restaurants or time we wanted. The wild cards in our dining plan here will be our daily snacks and quick service meals. Since we are only getting 2 meals a day, we are going to supplement our dining plan with some items in our room to get those of us in our family that want 3 meals a day that "extra" meal. We are using a personal shopper that will deliver things to our room from the grocery store, beating the high cost of the onsite gift shop. We prefer to use Orlando Theme Park Shoppers. For about $35, they are delivering us groceries  that will supplement that extra meal for our 8 night/9 day visit. Their delivery will consist of  some snack items but mostly breakfast items. It will save us money and time in the mornings.

Day 1 is going to be a quick service meal for us based on our arrival time. So lets say because of our arrival time we are going to eat dinner at the food court of our resort.
Hypothetically, 2 from our family will get Carved Roast Turkey served with two sides that would cost out of pocket  $10.19 a meal. Another family member decides to get an Angus Bacon Cheese burger with Fries for $9.39 and then the final member(who is a child) decides to get a pepperoni pizza for $5.99.All meals come with a drink and desert. This meal would cost right around $36 out of pocket if we were not on the dining plan. Today we opted out of a Table Service meal because we are going to use a 2 table service meal credit dining experience later in the week.

Day 2 For breakfast, those that choose to, will be having bagels with cream cheese, granola bars and some bananas that have been delivered to us by Orlando Theme Park Shoppers.
Today hypothetically we are starting the day at the Animal Kingdom and will be using a quick Service meal at Flame Tree Barbecue (Great quick service meal highly suggest this place) for lunch.  1 adult choose the Rib and Chicken combo for $11.99.  Adult #2 orders The Pulled Pork Sandwich for$8.99 and Adult # 3 gets the 1/2 Slab of Ribs for $11.69. The child gets the Hot Dog for $5.99(the hot dog is enough for an adult) all meals  include a drink and desert. Lunch out of pocket would cost roughly $39, but we are on the dining plan and it already paid for!

Two Quick Service meals from Flame Tree barbecue

For dinner we are going to the very popular O'hana's at the Polynesian and this is a table service meal. This is family style all you care to eat meal is offering carved meat and other goodies brought to our table. This will run $59.99 per adult and slightly cheaper for children. This meal will be about $220 out of pocket but since we are on the dining plan, I will be responsible for the tip and any alcohol we may decide to purchase. We will be leaving stuffed.

Day 3 Today we are going to do breakfast in the room again and then another quick service meal for lunch that  will cost us about $40. Dinner is going to be a Character Dining Experience at Chef Mickey's which is a table service meal. This a buffet style meal all you care to eat. Again this meal will cost us $59.99 per adult and slightly less again for the child, putting us back at $220 for the meal. Again since we are on the Dining plan, I will only be responsible for the tip.

So you get the idea here that things are expensive out of pocket and paying for the dining plan in advance can lessen the burden on you paying out pocket while on vacation. The only thing you have to really worry about is choosing how you want to spend your dining credits for each category(a vacation planner like myself can help you choose really good meals), the tips, alcohol, and anything you may went to add to the meal i.e appetizers. For the rest of the post, I am going to skip putting in projected cost out of pocket. 

Day 4 We are going to shake thing up a little. Not only are we doing a table service meal for breakfast. We are doing a table service meal that will cost us 2 table service meal credits per person. We are having the Signature Dining experience/Character Dining at Cinderellas Royal Table! This plated meal, NOT all you care to eat.This a great location plus we get some one on one time with the Princesses when they come to our table for autographs and photo ops. Our princesses might not be so charming with the early morning wake up call to get here.
Later in the day will probably use a snack credit for something to munch on then have an early quick service dinner at which ever park we end up at for the evening. We love to park hop.

Day 5 Tonight we are dining at EPCOT for another great Character Dining experience table service meal at the Garden Grill Restaurant in the Land Pavilion  It is another all you care to eat family style meal and character meal with the added bonus of a restaurant that slowly turns while you dine! We will probably grab a quick service meal in the World Showcase for lunch and use a snack credit for Churros to watch Illuminations.

Intergalatic tunes from Sonny Eclipse

Day 6  Our table service meal will be at The Crystal Palace for dinner, another all you care to eat Character Dining experience. Again this morning, breakfast will be in the room and we may opt for an early quick service lunch at the the Magic Kingdom. One my Favorites is Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland  Not only is there a decent selection of quick service meals here, there is a great topping bar and you get entertained while you eat from Sonny Eclipse!

Day 7  We will be experiencing  the brand new Be our Guest Restaurant for dinner for our table service meal. We aren't sure what to expect here, but hear great things about it. During the day, if you want brave long lines, this restaurant is quick service meal. I hear it is great and maybe one of the days we are in the Magic Kingdom, we may try out the quick service offerings. This morning we be opting for a quick service meal at the food court of our resort.

Day 8 Tonight we will be dining at the Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano with and it will include the Fantasmic! package for our table service meal. What is the Fantasmic package? Well you will get your normal table service meal with reserved seating later in the evening at Fantasmic! We will probably have a quick service meal for lunch at  Typhoon lagoon today. We will also probably use some snack credits here for some treats while we wait for Fantasmic! to start.

Day 9 is our departure day. If we have any quick service meals left or snack credits left, before we head to the airport we will use them up at our resort. If we don't use them, we lose them. This is one way the dining plan can "lose" you  money.

So if you are keeping score, here is summary of the highlights of our Standard Dining Plan.
4 Character  meals
1 Fantasmic! Dining package meal
1 Signature Dining Experience that takes 2 table service meals.
Half of our Table Service meals are all you care to eat.
We haven't used many of our snacks or maybe we will along the way.  

Here is a tip: if you have snack credits at the end of your trip, stay away from bottles of pop and bottled water. Why you ask. You can't get past security with them at the airports and they will end up being put in the trash!

In my opinion, this is a lot of food to consume and more food than I normally would consume while at home, but then again, We are on Vacation.

While this is not an all-star line up for the dining plan, it more than meets my families needs and we save money and time in the mornings by using Orlando Theme Park Shoppers for breakfast items.

I hope that sheds a little more light on the value you can get with a dining plan and may help you choose one way or the other if you want to use it during your vacation. No matter how you look at it, using a Dining Plan or not using the Dining Plan will make Disney money no matter what, so ultimately it is your choice as to when they get your money.

I choose to promote Orlando Theme Park Shoppers because they offer excellent service at an affordable price. Orlando Theme Park Shoppers does not offer me any incentive to promote their business. I gladly promote businesses I believe in and never seek anything from them in return and believe word of mouth is one of best forms of advertisements. 

Tell us your experience with your dining plans at Disney.

Disney Cruises: What your cruise fare gets you!

Lets face it, there is a misconception out there that Disney Cruise Line® cruises are for only kids. That could not be further from the truth! Disney Cruise Line® is an award winning cruise line that caters perfectly to adults, children, and families! There is something for everyone on these luxury ships! You really can't go wrong when choosing a Disney Cruise!
Here is a sampling of the awards that Disney Cruise Line®  has recently earned:

The  Disney Fantasy®, recently earned the top honor of Best Large Ship, Large Ship Best Cabins, Best Entertainment, Best Public Rooms and Best Service in the Cruise Critic 2013 Cruisers’ Choice Awards.

Disney Cruise Line® was recognized as # 1 in the Large-Ship Cruise Lines for Families category in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2012, for the fourth consecutive year.

Disney Cruise Line® was recognized as the #1 Cruise Line in the Large-Ship category in the Condé Nast Traveler 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.

That is a lot of #1 especially with all the choices that are out there for cruise vacations. So what do you get with your basic cruise fare on this amazing fleet of ships?

After you choose from the large variety of  itineraries  that Disney has lined up, your basic cruise fare will get you:

• A stateroom that the rest of the cruise industry envy!
•  Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, along with soft drinks served at meals and at the beverage station on Deck 9
• Snacks and ice cream where they are offered on  the ship!
• All onboard activities and entertainment!

That is right just about everything on board is included in your fare

What will cost you extra:

• Port adventures 
• The spa or salon on the ships
• Phone calls and Internet usage(make sure your cell phone plan can make international calls)  
• Professional Photos taken on board and in port.
• Video games
• Alcoholic beverages(every cruise line charges for alcohol)

Want to know more?  Check out this video to see all the details that go into your cruise with Disney!

Disney Cruise Line® may not have mammoth fleet like other cruise lines, but their 4 ships dazzle everyone that steps onboard! Once you take your first cruise with Disney you will  want to continue to come back again and again! Check out the video below to see Disney's spectacular  fleet that make dreams come true!

Have you sailed the high seas on the Disney Cruise Line®? Tell us your experience!
Need a quote or to book a cruise on this amazing line of ships? Contact me today for your FREE, NO OBLIGATION quote!

What is included with your Cruise Fare On a Royal Carribean Cruise

In a previous post I detailed what is included when you book a Carnival Cruise.   Today, here is a look at what you get when you book a Royal Caribbean Cruise!

You get excellent value for your money in a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation which will include:

•   Royal Caribbean International representatives at most domestic and overseas arrival airports on standard departure dates

•   All meals onboard (excluding some specialty restaurants)

•   Complimentary room service from 5am - Midnight

•   All onboard activities and entertainment, including rock climbing wall, ice skating*, Flowrider®**, theatrical productions, and much more

•   Fitness Centers (some fitness classes and spa treatments will have additional fees)

•   Adventure Ocean®Activities Program

•   Adventure Ocean®Dining

*Currently available on Voyager and Freedom Class ships

**Currently available on Voyager and Freedom Class ships

What's NOT included in the price?

Additional costs include:

•   Flight upgrades, custom air arrangements, and transfers

•   Shore excursions

•   Gratuities

•   Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

•   Shopping and items of a personal nature

Have you sailed with Royal Caribbean before? Tell us what your favorite ship is and favorite Itinerary! Coming soon, what you get on a Disney Cruise!

Ever Wonder what You get when you Book a Carnival Cruise?

Many people might be hesitant to book a cruise because they don't know what is included or have been scammed by some "All Inclusive" Resort. You don't have to worry about that when you book a Carnival Cruise. Here is a list of thing that are and are not included when you Book your "Fun Ship" Vacation!

WHAT YOUR “FUN SHIP” CRUISE INCLUDES!

Food & Drink

Fine Dining in the dining rooms which includes lobster and steak served on every cruise!

24-hour Pizzeria, soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt around the clock

Sushi Bar!

Lemonade, coffee, tea, water from a fountain, not bottled water

Spa Carnival menu offering healthful selections low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol

Onboard Activities Day & Night

Serenity - adult only retreat on select ships

All onboard clubs, bars and lounges (activities including karaoke, dance lessons and more)

Stage shows, Live music, Comedy acts, and international singers

Fitness center, steam room, sauna and outdoor jogging track

All pools including children's wading pool (on select ships) and whirlpool/hot tubs

Carnival’s Twister Waterslide OR Carnival Waterworks (depends on ship)

Mini Golf

Basketball Court/Volleyball court (on select ships)

Library

Carnival’s Seaside Theatre (on select ships)

Sliding Sky Dome – enjoy the pool rain or shine (on select ships)

Table tennis

Poolside entertainment


WHAT’S EXTRA ON YOUR “FUN SHIP” CRUISE:
Below are things that will cost you extra on your Cruise

Various beverages (alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees and bottled water) These items can be really pricey, before ordering make sure you ask how much it cost!

Unlimited Soda Program (entitles you to unlimited sodas while onboard) This can be purchased before your step on board, it is a minimal cost that can save you big money on the boat if you are a pop drinker.

All items from the patisserie (pastries, baked goods, indulgent sweets, etc.)

Use of Spa Carnival and Cloud 9 Spa services

Ship-to-shore communications (i.e. WiFi capability, cell phone roaming charges apply) Check your phone settings also, you could be racking up huge cell phone bill with out knowing it or your phone might not be set up for international calling!

Internet Café

Photographs, portraits or film developing

Onboard duty-free shopping

Medical services

Shore excursions! These are not normally run by the cruise lines and are local businesses.

Casino, bingo,Arcade, and other gaming. You gotta pay to play!

Gratuities. You can prepay these also.

Golf Academy

Babysitting Services from 10PM to 3AM in Camp Carnival for ages 11 and under

The Steakhouse (on select ships) - reservations recommended

So there you have it, a nice look at what you get with your cruise fare and what you will have to pay for extra! Of course if you have questions, do not hesitate to shoot them my way. Have you been on a cruise before? What advice you would give to first time Cruisers?

Need something Special on your Orlando Vacation?

Challenges arise when traveling when it comes to bringing the stuff you want with you. As all air travelers are aware, there are strict guidelines for carry-on and checked luggage. Passengers may not carry any liquid or gel over 3.4 ounces including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and Snow Globes, yes Snow Globes! Most of the theme parks have them for sale. Then there are the times when traveling you forget something and walk down to your resort's gift shop to be limited with over priced merchandise that is not your brand! You may even have a special diet that can sometimes be a hassle. This should not be an obstacle and  ruin your vacation. The perfect way to hurdle this obstacle and carry on with your vacations is to use a personal shopper.

What is a Personal Shopper?

Many personal Shoppers specialize in buying grocery items and delivering them to you at your resort. I prefer to use personal shopper that does more than that! That is why I choose Orlando Theme Park Shoppers. They do more than just grocery shopping. They can make Gift Bags for special occasions, grab that special souvenir you forgot to buy at the parks (if it still available) and ship it too you, grab those items you forgot or could not bring on the plane, and also deliver the groceries you want and the brands you want right to your resort.

How does Orlando Theme Park Shoppers work?

At least 7 days prior to your visit, orders can be sent to Orlando Theme Park Shoppers' email or Facebook page.  They will send you a quote (cost of items, sales tax, 18% service fee, $10 delivery fee) back to you. At that time they will send you a way to make payment to them  that is secure and then will purchase your items for delivery to your resort. Upon delivery of your items to your resort, they will notify you through email and Facebook to let you know your items have arrived to bell services/front desk of your hotel. The great thing is that all onsite hotels in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT and UNIVERSAL ORLANDO® RESORT are equipped to keep any perishables cold for you and have mini fridges in the rooms. Orlando Theme Park Shoppers handle emergency orders as well for an additional $15 fee that can be filled that day!

Suggested items to get from Orlando Theme Park Shoppers?

Have Orlando Theme Park Shoppers grab you a case of water for the warm sunny days, suntan/sunblock, Baby items, Ponchos, souvenir you forgot to buy, breakfast items, fresh fruit, juice, shampoo, sports drinks, the list goes on and on.

Orlando Theme Park Shoppers can make your vacation simpler and reduce your stress so you can enjoy your vacations more!
Make sure you stop by and like their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoThemeParkShoppers

Which Central Florida Attractions are best for you? Part 1

Most people know that Disney World is the big cheese in Orlando and Central Florida. Without a doubt since 1971 they have dominated the area. Since Disney rooted themselves on their 43 square mile goldmine, Central Florida has evolved around them and changed into what most dub the "Theme Park Capitol of the world"! There are more than 100 attractions in the area  that are competing for your vacation dollars and offer unique experiences for visitors, but which one is right for you? Here is quick and dirty breakdown of the some of the  player that make up the "Theme Park Capitol of the World".

Let's Wrestle!

Tourist Traps- There are tourist traps scattered through out the middle section of Florida. Central Florida is a mini golf mecca with many choices. Universal's Hollywood Drive-In Golf is one the newest and best themed in the all of Central Florida. Then there are the typical roadside tourist traps;each having their own gimmicks ranging from feeding the alligators to seeing authentic relics from the Titanic. Most of the tourist traps are a complete waste of money but their are some gems out there like GatorLand.
Audience-  All of these attractions are geared toward the entire family to try and separate you from your money. Proceed with caution with any of these attractions.

Dinner Shows- There are many dinner shows in the Orlando area. Some have been there for years, other open then quickly go out of business. Food is generally mediocre at these attractions and in essence you are paying for the entertainment. Some of the mainstays in the area are Medieval times, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Arabian Nights, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, and the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. Each have their pluses and minuses.  All the shows menus vary, so checking their website would be advisable before choosing one. They all of course strive to be as popular as Disney's Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Hoop-Dee-Doo is so popular, it is best to book it 180 days in advance!

Audience- The entire Family. These can be a nice filler on arrival days, days in between theme parks, or when there is really bad weather. Disney's Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a great show for the entire family and has had unprecedented run! Teens to adults would more then likely enjoy Medieval times,  Arabian Nights, and Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows. Families of all ages would more than likely enjoy Pirates Dinner Adventure and the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show.

Fun Spot. OK... Fun Spot can easily confuse people because there are 2 Fun Spots in the Orlando area. What started out as a go-kart paradises has grown and is posed to be even more popular in the near future. First there Fun Spot Action Park near Universal Orlando. Something that will cause even more confusion in the near future, Fun Spot Action Park is expanding majorly in 2013 and will be re-named Fun Spot America. They are adding 2 roller coasters, one wood and one steel along with a 250 ft SkyCoaster ride and a few other things. This will complement a large arcade, go-kart tracks, and some carnival rides.

She Lights up the Orlando Skyline!

Fun Spot USA which is near DisneyWorld has the he world’s tallest SkyCoaster standing over 300 feet tall. This bad boy is very impressive at night with it's LED Lightshow! This place has some nifty go-kart tracks, a  wild mouse coaster, and carnival rides. 

Audience-This is your above average tourist trap that is geared more towards teens to young adults.

LegoLand Florida- This is the new/old kid in the area. It once was Cypress Gardens, flourished for a while, died, got new owners who brought in rides, died; now has been revived and made into a decent player in the area and rebranded LegoLand Florida. This park is more of visual feast than a thrill ride park. While there are some rides, couple of Coasters, and a WaterPark; the prize of this park continues to be the old Cypress Gardens section and all of the Lego sculptures and Lego Branding that has arrived. This park can easily be done in one day and is located about an hour west of Orlando.

Audience- This park is branded towards and most enjoyed by families with children 10 and under. The park even encourages this to be a family park by suggestion that Teens should be accompanied by adults (BRAVO LegoLand!) Teens will probably get bored here.

Animals and Coasters how could you go wrong?

Busch Gardens- This park is by far the Thrill Ride park of  the "Theme Park Capitol of the World". Busch Gardens has an amazing collection of  Roller Coasters, other thrill type rides, and some children attractions mixed in. Throw in the Animals and lush themeing, this park is a true hidden gem worth the hour drive to get to! Here you can see Big Bird, play tug of war with a tiger, and challenge one of  the two Floorless Dive Coasters in North America. This park can be done in a day and might require an up-charge Quick Queue pass on busier days so you can spend less time in line and more time enjoying the park.

Audience- Teens to Adults that are thrill seekers will get the most bang for their bucks here. The zoo aspect and Sesames Street area of the park will appeal to children. The Sesames Street  area is small and usually pretty crowed for the youngsters. With a slightly larger children's area this place can be a well rounded family park. Even in it's current form, bringing the whole family is well worth it. 

Peaceful fun!

Discovery Cove-  This is an intimate park experience like no other. One of a kinda animal interactions with a controlled snorkeling environment that has the feel and amenities of an all inclusive resort. The number of guest are limited each day so the park doesn't get or feel crowded. You are in a "controlled" tropical paradise where you can interact with aquatic life, small mammals, and birds. Don't forget the Dolphins!(Dolphin interaction and SeaVenture scuba helmet adventure are additional charges) This park is a great day park and you will need to be pried away from it once closing time arrives. There are a some drawbacks to this park.The biggest being the price. It really is expensive but worth every penny! This park is also very weather dependent. If there a storms your not going to be in the water or with the animals. The water is chilly year round so be prepared for some shivers.

Audience- The entire family can have a blast here, but remember this is a very water based attraction.While there are places for landlubbers and non-swimmers to experience Discovery Cove, the intent was for you to be in the water. Teens to Adults will cherish this experience for a lifetime. The chilly waters and animal interactions maybe huge turn off for children. Dolphins can be scary duh!

Stay tuned to Part 2 and find out even more of what Central Florida has to offer.

Have you been to these places? What do you think of them? Want to know more, just ask!

Disney's "New" Technology to Enhance your Vacation!

This will be an important Icon
for your Next Disney Vacation

Updated Monday 1/7/2013 at the bottom of the post
This new program has been officially named MyMagic+ Experience.

There are many benefits to using a travel agent when you go on any vacation. Disney in the near future will introduce some "New" Technology to enhance your vacation that maybe confusing. A travel agent, like myself, will help you understand and help you utilize this technology to get the most out of your Disney vacation(for free even).Disney has been quietly working for a number of years on "new" technology to make your vacation extremely unforgettable. How quiet you ask? Unless you are directly involved in the project, the project doesn't exist. The only idea that something was going on was/is the massive dollar amount that has been spent on "something" keeping profits down in the year end reports to stockholders. How big of a dollar amount? It has been estimated that Disney has spent close to $1.5 billion dollars on this project  nicknamed by insiders as NextGen. My personal speculation is that NextGen has been in the works since before My Pal Mickey made his debut(click here to learn more). It appears as 2013 approaches, we are inching closer to the big reveal of what NextGen is and how it will enhance your vacation experience.

Pieces of NextGen began to emerge from secrecy and were installed around the Walt Disney World resort in the spring of 2012. While not ground breaking, these first pieces of technology came in the form of WiFi.  People in the resorts that it began to pop up in were overjoyed that they now had FREE  wireless connections for their laptops, tablets, and Smart Phones. Of course there were others that grumbled that it was about time. Then with the opening of the Arts of Animation Resort, a larger piece of the mystery of NextGen came to light. All of the locks at the Arts of Animation Resort were RFID locks. Those locks began to spread to every resort  and every guest room, one resort at a time. This process is still ongoing.

What is RFID? 

This is the quick and dirty look at  RFID. RFID or Radio-frequency identification is a wireless non-contact system that uses radio-frequency(RF) to transfer data from a tag to a sensor. This RF allows for automatic identification and tracking. It is speculated that Disney's RFID tags require no battery and are read at short ranges. The tag contains SECURED electronically stored information which can be read from up to several  yards away from a DISNEY sensor. Disney will be able to personalize RFID tags with specific information. This technology is not new, it has just become more affordable. It was invented in 1945 and began to have larger uses in the 1970's. 

Why it is important?

Disney's Point of Sale RFID Scanner

Disney is not stopping at door locks that use RFID technology. Test began at EPCOT using RFID Tickets. Disney removed a section of Turnstiles at EPCOT, gave a certain amount of test subjects RFID stickers to place on their tickets and told them when you go to EPCOT, walk near a specific entrance point to enter. It was virtually a barrier free entrance staffed by Cast Members that could rectify any problems that could occur. This meant no hold ups from  strollers being manipulated through gates and tickets having to be re scanned over and over causing lines to form.  Disney says it went off without a hitch. Since this original test,they have successfully tested at The Hollywood Studios and The Magic Kingdom.  So if you are keeping track, with RFID you can open your resort door and get into the theme parks with it. It doesn't stop there! A while back Disney did a small test with a certain mouse at his Town hall Meet-n-Greet. That test included a Talking Mickey Mouse......that could identify children by name.....Kid's and adults alike light up when they meet the mouse, but imagine their surprise when he knows your name without you telling him. Of course, the information on your RFID device is doing that seamlessly. Other aspects of RFID appear to incorporate payment options, pre-ordered meals, and FastPass+. More to come on those at a later time.

Disney's FastPass+  RFID Reader

 Wait a second, I thought you this was a quiet project that didn't exist how do you know so much?? 

I have been following this for a while, because it intrigues me. The possibilities seem endless on how RFID could be used with other technologies and the personalization that can come from them. Disney began to unveil how some of the technology will be used in a place most people over look. I guess you can say hidden in plain site.
   Over the summer, Disney released a new phone app called My Disney Experience. With that app, in the terms of agreement that many people don't read, there were many features of Disney's NextGen Technology that you had to agree to. Yes, you should read the terms of agreements! I was able to get some hands on experience with the app on my vacation to Walt Disney World in September. It worked wonderfully when connected to Disney's FAST WiFi network. Once off  WiFi, it was sluggish and not worth a damn to be bluntly honest. So as you can gather the WiFi is important.

When it came to RFID, Cast members and test subjects began to relay their experiences online in forums and videos( yes there were some hoaxes out there but there is also solid evidence). I also had my own experience with RFID in September when I wanted to check out the Big Blue pool area at the Arts of Animation Resort. Well, since I was not a guest at the resort and had no RFID "key", the only view I got of the Big Blue was from the fence surrounding the pool. Simple, yet effective. Think of the safety measure that has for kids that may sneak away from their parents! No Key, No Entry! I know its not a novel idea here, but most pools around the Disney Resorts aren't fenced in and pool hopping used to be a favorite past time.

A" Blogosphere" controversy arose over another test that Disney attempted with the use of RFID. This test involved limiting guest of abuse of refillable mugs and pop purchases at one of the All-Star resorts. Lets face it, many return visitors bring back their refillable mugs from trip to trip. Some people even take them into parks or keep their other cups through out the day hitting unmanned soda fountains and getting free refills. Clearly when a refillable mug is purchased, it is noted that it is to be used for your length of stay at the resort you are checked-in to. Disney came up with this crazy idea of keeping guest honest by placing an RFID tag in the Refillable Resort mugs and cups purchased at the All-Star Resort. The soda fountain would only activate when the RFID tag was recognized. The Tag would expire in x amount of days, meaning if you came back months later, you had to buy a new refillable mug like the original program intended. CURSE YOU DISNEY for making people follow the rules! As you might suspect, if every soda fountain had this technology across the resort, it could save Disney money in the long run and "virtually" stop theft or bending of the rules.

I will take Blue....

Personalized "Magic Band"

The biggest piece of information to date fell into place in October when Disney filed with the FCC to be able to use RF devices and Wall Street wanting some answers from Disney's CEO Robert Iger. To appease Wall Street, Mr.Iger gave out just enough information to get them off the companies back. From that information surfaced pictures of the "magic band". It is a wristband that looks to be your room key, credit card, theme park ticket, FastPass+, dining plan, and identification. Then Last weekend, Disney selectively rolled out a new website for Walt Disney World(go ahead check to see if you were lucky enough to get it) that you had to have an account for called My Disney Experience....Yep Same name as the app. Right there in the Terms and Conditions again, that most people probably skipped over, Disney displayed what technology they will use and how it will work for you and them!

The big reveal date has not been announced by Disney yet. More than likely it will be a gradual roll out like the RFID locks at the resorts. Many details are still under lock and key but will leak out when more testing is done. A big detail still be determined is if any of the NextGen initiative will cost anything extra for you or if it would be included in your vacation packages. There is some speculation that some resort levels(moderate and deluxe) may have some perks added to entice you to stay there. Then there is that pesky wording in the terms of agreement that state "Depending on the Experience benefits you have purchased..." which opens the door to speculation that you will have to purchase certain items on top of your package or ticket.

Disney is not the only resort in Orlando eyeing RFID, Wifi, and other Technology to enhance your vacations. Last week Universal Orlando introduced an RFID refillable mug for their Coke Freestyle Machines. Darn you Disney for making Universal Orlando return visitors honest!!!! Universal Orlando also is currently looking to expand WiFi throughout their parks and resorts. There are even rumblings RFID technology might show up in a game or experience for the Harry Potter Expansion. That could give some interesting interactivity with those nice expensive wands people purchase!

As with any new program there will be a learning curve and growing pains.Some people that wear tinfoil on their heads and produce conspiracy therories will make up hoaxes and urban legends about what is to come. There are even those that are already making plans to break the system.( I prefere to enjoy my vacation, not get banned from Disney) Things will change and be tweaked. As for me, I am glad Disney's NextGen is ready to break out and enhance Vacations!
What are your thoughts on the enhancements on the way?

Officially announced enhancements by Disney 

• Hidden sensors will read MagicBand data, providing information needed for a personalized greeting: “Hi, Angie,” the character might say without prompting. “I understand it’s your birthday.”

• The Under the Sea attraction features a robotic version of Scuttle the sea gull from “The Little Mermaid” that will be able to chitchat with MagicBand wearers.

• An online options menu will offer various controls: Do you want park employees to know your name? Do you want Disney to send you special offers when you get home? What about during your stay?

• MyMagic+ will allow users of a new Web site and app — called My Disney Experience — to preselect three FastPasses before they leave home for rides or V.I.P. seating for parades, fireworks and character meet-and-greets.

* Disney plans to introduce collectible sets of MagicBand accessories and charms.

The  system will be available at no additional cost. The basic MagicBand RFID bracelet can be upgraded to a customized band, such as a Princess band, for an additional fee. This is only a cosmetic change however, and does impact the actual experience.

Guests will be able to use kiosks inside the parks to choose FASTPASS+ experiences as well as using smartphones or websites.

The system is opt in, and is not required. However, if you do not use 'MyMagic+' you will not be able to use FASTPASS+.

Stay tuned right here and I will get you the latest and greatest information on the new experience!