Next TCM Treasures from the Disney Vault scheduled for June 2

Set your DVRs! June 2, 2017 brings the next installment of the Turner Classic Movies Treasures from the Disney Vault series. 

Hosted by film critic Leonard Maltin, this installment features some great Hayley Mills movies along with some classic animated shorts.

Here is the full schedule - all times are EST:

8:00 PM Summer Magic (1963) – A small-town postman helps a Boston widow and her family adjust to country life. Starring: Hayley Mills, Burl Ives and Dorothy McGuire

10:00 PM Pollyanna (1960) – An orphan's relentless optimism changes lives in a sleepy small town. Starring: Hayley Mills, Jane Wyman and Richard Egan

12:30 AM Mickey’s Polo Team (1936) – Mickey Mouse and his friends battle Hollywood stars in a polo match.

12:45 AM The Horse with the Flying Tail (1960) – A palomino goes through various owners before competing at the Pan American games.

1:45 AM The Tattooed Police Horse (1964) – A horse trained for trotting races, insists on galloping.

2:45 AM Hacksaw (1971) – A young girl sets out to tame a wild horse.

4:30 AM The Horse Without a Head (1963) – Thieves hide stolen loot in a children’s toy.

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It's official! Disney and LuLaRoe team up!

With the instant popularity of LuLaRoe leggings, many Disneybounders and fashionistas have used various designs to incorporate into their Disney "look". Putting together that perfect Disney look just got easier.

Last night, at their annual leadership conference held in Disney California Adventure, LuLaRoe announced their new partnership to bring us a Disney-themed line of clothing which will include classic Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie. The collection is reported to include leggings, shirts and dresses.

In case you've been living under a rock, LuLaRoe is a line of super-comfortable clothing made for women of all body types. Their most popular product are their leggings. The clothing is sold through independent retailers, much like Avon and Tupperware, through in-home and online parties and private Facebook groups. 

While there is still much more news to come, Babes in Disneyland has given us our first look at the reported designs. You can find them here.

While I have avoided it until now, looks like I will have to find myself a LuLaRoe rep! I'm sure we will have plenty joining our Disney Online Yard Sale Facebook group!

Check out this official LuLaRoe video introducing the new line HERE!

To discuss this and more Disney fun, join the BEST Disney SUPER Fans Group on FB!

Photo credits: Photos obtained through Google Images

What's the best Quick Service restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios?

It's a frequently asked question for any park. But, Disney's Hollywood Studios has undergone the most changes and closures of any park in the last year. To make way for construction of the new Star Wars and Toy Story themed lands, many familiar locations are no longer available. Others have been changed to better fit in with the future vision of this park. Guests planning a visit may find it harder than ever to find a Quick Service meal they will enjoy. So, here we will give you an overview of the current options available!

ABC Commissary 

Feast on fast food with international flair. An Art Deco setting features film posters of past and present while movie trailers play on TVs. Beer and wine are also available. You can find classic lunch options such as burgers, chicken and salads. But if you are looking for something other than the standards, dinner at this location features fish, chicken and ribs, and even steak! 

The facts:

Location: Commissary Lane
For dinner, this restaurant now features easy ordering. You can place your order, take a pager and find your seat. When your order is ready, it will be delivered to your table.
View the full menu HERE

Backlot Express

Here you can find some of the best food in this galaxy. Featuring a temporary Star Wars theme (I assume that will change with the official opening of the Star Wars land) you can find sandwiches, salads and even chicken and Star Wars waffles!

The facts:

Location: Echo Lake
This restaurant is one of the few places you can find a self-service drink station so you can get free drink refills.
View the full menu HERE

Min & Bill's Dockside Diner

Stop by the S.S. Down the Hatch, an open-air “tramp steamer” eatery that pays homage to the 1930 comedy, Min and Bill. Here you can find foot-long hot dogs, pulled pork and more! You can 
also enjoy a refreshing frozen lemonade, with or without 
alcohol or a heat-beating milkshake!

The facts:

Location: Echo Lake
This restaurant features limited outdoor seating.
View the full menu HERE

Pizzerizzo

Formerly Pizza Planet, this restaurant has undergone a re-theming to fit into the newly-named area of the park. You can still find your Italian favorites at this friendly neighborhood joint run by Rizzo, the wise-cracking Muppet.

The facts:
Location: Muppet Courtyard
This restaurant features abundant indoor and outdoor seating on two floors loaded with Muppet-style comedy themes.
View the full menu HERE

Catalina Eddie's

Cruise over to this island at Sunset Ranch Market to find quick and fresh fare, including pizza,zesty Caesar salads and delectable house-made desserts like banana parfait and vanilla cake with chocolate custard. Outdoor seating only.
Location: Sunset Boulevard
View full menu HERE

Fairfaxe Fare

Family favorites featuring Latino specialties, our signature salad and kid-friendly sandwiches. 
Outdoor seating only.
Location: Sunset Boulevard
View full menu HERE 

Rosie's All-American Cafe

Enjoy American classics like Angus cheeseburgers, crispy chicken nuggets, fries and coleslaw. Wash it down with an icy Coke or bottle of beer before topping off the feast with some banana parfait! 
Location: Sunset Boulevard
View full menu HERE

As you can see, there are still plenty of options to satisfy every appetite. I'm sure the new lands will also bring new and interesting dining choices. We'll just have to wait and see!

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Photo credit: some images obtained from Google Images

What's the best Quick Service restaurant in Animal Kingdom??

For people planning to spend a day at Disney's Animal Kingdom, it's the most common question. Where is the best place to eat? Animal Kingdom offers a variety of Quick Service choices with flavors inspired by some of the most exotic cuisines in the world (and other worlds too!). If you are looking for more than a burger, this is the place for you! Here, we will give you an overview of all your choices.

Flame Tree BBQ

Take a break on the boulevard with an assortment of smokehouse meats and chicken, all served with signature baked beans and cornbread.

The facts:
Location: Discovery Island
This restaurant offers outdoor seating with gorgeous views overlooking Discovery River.
Click HERE to view full menu.

Harambe Market

Venture to this seaside town where 4 walk-up windows await your arrival—each featuring a variety of African tastes. Here, the citizens of Harambe welcome travelers from all around the world, encouraging guests of every age to tantalize their senses at one of the following locations: Kitamu Grill, Famous Sausages, Chef Mwanga’s, Wanjohi Refreshments.

The facts:
Location: Africa
This location offers multiple ordering windows and outdoor seating that is amply shaded.
The offer grilled meats and skewers along with several unique vegetarian options.
Click HERE to view full menu

Pizzafari

Satisfy your appetite with a variety of pizza, flatbreads, pasta and more.

The facts:
Location: Discover Island
This restaurant offers mainly indoor, air-conditioned seating in six themed dining rooms. The rooms feature colorful murals and mosaics which also offer a few opportunities to discover hidden Mickeys!
Click HERE to view full menu

Restaurantosaurus

The zany theme of this restaurant makes it almost an attraction in itself. When the discovery of dinosaur bones hit this "town", the paleontology students who came to join the dig transformed this small-town restaurant into their dormitory. They soon began to use everything and anything to expand their space. Every inch is covered in cute, interesting and funny momentos the students put on display. And, their quirky sense of humor is evident in all of it.

The facts:
Location: Dinoland USA
This restaurant offers a variety of burgers, dogs and sandwiches including this vegetarian black bean burger. There is plentiful indoor seating with some outdoor seating as well.
Click HERE to view full menu

Satu'li Canteen

The newest Quick Service location in Animal Kingdom is scheduled to open May 27, 2017. You will be immersed in Na'vi art and culture while enjoying healthful dishes from the world of Pandora at this former RDA base mess hall now operated by Alpha Centuri Expeditions.

The facts:
Location: Pandora - The World of Avatar
This restaurant will offer the largest selection of vegetarian and healthy food options including create-your-own bowl choices. They are also one of the few Quick Service restaurants to serve breakfast.
Click HERE to view full menu

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

You will find a feast of Asian fare at this quaint village home-turned-restaurant located at the base of Mount Everest.

The facts:
Location: Asia
Offering a variety of Asian entrees, including fried rice and egg rolls, this location offers only outdoor seating.
Click HERE for full menu


Animal Kingdom offers so many interesting and exotic choices, you will have difficulty choosing only one. Of course, nobody said you had to choose just one!

To discuss this and more Disney fun, join the BEST Disney SUPER Fans Group on FB!

Photo credit: Some images obtained through Google Images 

Using Disney Dining Plans - Your questions answered!

Many guests love the convenience of Disney Dining Plans. They are easy to use and offer the peace of mind of knowing all your meals are paid for in advance. No more carrying extra cash or credit cards in the parks or worrying about going over budget. However, figuring out how to use the plan can be intimidating, especially for first timers. Here, we will help you plan by answering the most common questions about dining plans.

Who can purchase a Disney Dining Plan?

The Dining Plan can be purchased by guests staying on-site at a Disney owned resort. This does NOT include Swan & Dolphin, Shades of Green or offsite hotels. If you are not a DVC member or AP holder, you may only purchase the dining plan as part of a Magic Your Way package which includes your Disney hotel stay and park tickets. The Dining Plan can not be purchased independently. You must purchase the plan prior to your arrival. You may not add it on after you have arrived. You must purchase the same plan for every person on your reservation. You may not select different plans for each of you and a guest on your reservation may not "opt out" of the plan. You will be charged for the same plan for every person on the reservation who is 3 and above. You are not required to purchase a plan for children under 3. 

Which plan should I choose?

The first step is deciding which plan is right for you. Disney offers three basic dining plans. Choose the one that best fits your family's eating habits. Keep in mind that portions at WDW are large. So large, in fact, that many people claim to be satisfied when sharing meals with another person. Most people that use dining plans agree that you get "a lot" of food. Just because a plan doesn't offer three squares a day, you really don't have to worry about going hungry. Also remember that eating multiple sit-down meals every day does take away a large amount of park time. Prices for each plan can vary by season and usually increase annually. You can check the WDW website for current pricing. Here is what you get with each plan:

Quick Service Dining Plan: each member of your party receives 2 Quick Service meals and 2 snacks for each night of your stay plus a refillable resort mug.

Disney Dining Plan: each member of your party receives 1 Table Service meal, 1 Quick Service meal and 2 snacks for each night of your stay plus a refillable resort mug.

Deluxe Dining Plan: Each member of your party receives 3 meals of any type (either Quick Service or Table Service) and 2 snacks for each night of your stay plus a refillable resort mug.

How many "credits" will I receive?

Dining credits are calculated based on the number of nights of your stay, not days. For example, if your resort is booked for 6 nights/7 days (you check in on Sunday and check out on Saturday), the number of credits you receive for each person will be multiplied by 6. Therefore, if you have the Disney Dining Plan, each person would receive 6 Table Service meals, 6 Quick Service meals and 12 snacks.

When can I use my credits?

Your dining plan is activated as soon as you check in to your resort. Even if your room is not ready, you can head directly to the food court or to a park and begin to use your credits immediately. Credits expire on midnight of the day you check out of your resort. Even after you check-out of your room, if you plan to spend more time on property before heading home, you can continue to use remaining credits until midnight.

Where can I use my credits?

Dining Plan credits are accepted at all restaurants and food locations at the resorts and in Disney parks. They are also accepted by most of the restaurants in Disney Springs. Contracts for non-Disney owned restaurants are negotiated yearly and there may be a few who don't participate in the dining plan, but most do. You can check the Disney website for a full list of participating restaurants.

Are credits assigned to individual people?

No. All credits are assigned in one "pool" and can be used how and when you want. For example, if you are a party of 4 staying for 6 nights/7 days as in the above example, each of your 6 credits will be multiplied by 4 people and put into one pool on your account. Therefore, you will receive 24 Table Service credits, 24 Quick Service credits and 48 snack credits. Everyone on the reservation can use these credits at any time.
Let's say one day Mom is not in the mood for a snack. Dad can use a snack credit for a churro in the morning and use another snack credit for an ice cream sandwich in the afternoon. Or if someone in your party doesn't want any snacks, someone else in the party can use the extra credits to get a second snack every day. The point being that no one in the group is limited to their allotted 6 snacks for the week. The same person can use all the credits if they want to.
As credits are used, your receipt will show how many remaining total credits you have.

Am I limited to what credits I can use each day?

No. You may use your credits how and when you wish. If you have the Disney Dining Plan, you received 1 Table Service credit, 1 Quick Service credit and 1 snack credit each day, but that does NOT mean you must use those and only those each day. For example, Day 1 of your trip, you may choose to eat a Table Service meal at breakfast and dinner. Day 2 of your trip, you may choose to eat all your meals at Quick Service restaurants. Day 3 of your trip, you may choose to eat at a Signature Dining meal which requires 2 credits. You may use as many or as few credits as you want each day. Keep track of remaining credits on your receipts and plan ahead. 

What happens if I use up all my credits?

Dining credits and pricing is calculated based on the length of your stay. If you use all of your credits before your trip is over, there is no option to add on or purchase more. You will be required to pay out-of-pocket for any additional food you need until your trip ends. You can still save money by planning ahead. If you know you will not have enough credits left over, try to utilize them for the more expensive dinner meals and pay out-of-pocket for cheaper breakfast or lunch meals.

What happens if I have leftover credits?

Because of the generous portions, many people find themselves with leftover credits at the end of their trip. Any unused credits will expire at midnight on checkout day. These credits will NOT be refunded and they can NOT be transferred to another guest. So how do you keep them from going to waste? We have a few suggestions. You can use them to purchase a packable "to go" meal from your food court to take with your for the journey home. You can find other guests at a dining location who do not have the dining plan and offer to buy them a meal. Or you can purchase pre-packaged snack items to take home with you. They make great souvenirs for friends and family or a nice pick-me-up when you are suffering from Post Disney Depression! 

What can I get with a credit?

A Quick Service credit entitles you to one entree or complete combo meal and a non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, lunch or dinner.

A Table Service credit entitles you to an entree and non-alcoholic beverage or a full buffet and tax at breakfast. At lunch and dinner, you will get an entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage or a full buffet and tax. 
Note: gratuity is NOT included in your Table Service credit

A snack credit can be used for a large variety of foods or drinks at restaurants and snack carts throughout the resort. In general, a snack credit may be used for almost any snack, dessert, drink or side item under $5. Look for the Disney Dining Plan symbol on menus to see what items qualify. If you are unsure, just ask!

Appetizers, alcoholic beverages and any other items not covered by your meal credit must be paid for out-of-pocket.

How many credits do meals cost?

All individual snack items cost 1 snack credit
All Quick Service meals cost 1 Quick Service credit
Most Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per meal, but there are exceptions:
Enjoying any meal at Cinderella's Royal Table will cost 2 credits per person. 
A meal at any Signature/Fine Dining restaurant will cost 2 credits per person. This is the list of Signature Dining restaurants:
     EPCOT - Le Cellier Steakhouse
               Monsieur Paul
     HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS - The Hollywood Brown Derby
     ANIMAL KINGDOM - Tiffins
     ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE - Jiko's The Cooking Place
     BOARDWALK INN - Flying Fish Cafe
     CONTEMPORARY RESORT - California Grill
     GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT - Narcoossee's
     WILDERNESS LODGE - Artist's Point
     YACHT CLUB RESORT - Yachtsman's Steakhouse
     DISNEY SPRINGS - The Boathouse Restaurant
                                  Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe
                                  Morimoto Asia
Experiences at the 3 dinner shows can cost up to 2 credits per person. These shows are: 
     Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review (For Wilderness)
      Mickey's Backyard BBQ(Fort Wilderness)
      Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian VIllage Resort)
Pizza delivery to your resort room is available at select resorts and costs 2 Table Service credits.
Room Service dining is available at select resorts and costs 2 Table Service credits.

Can I use the dining plan to dine in my room?

Yes. Select resorts offer in-room pizza delivery. However, this option will cost you 2 Table Service credits per tray. Resorts offering this service are:
      Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
     Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
     Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
     Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – 4:00 PM to midnight
     Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – 4:00 PM to midnight
     Disney’s Pop Century Resort – 4:00 PM to midnight
     Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – 4:00 PM to midnight
     Disney’s Old Key West Resort – 4:00 PM to midnight
     Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – 4:00 PM to midnight

Select resorts offer a room service menu. You will also be charged 2 Table Service credits for this option. Resorts offering this service are:

      Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
     Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
     Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
     Disney’s Contemporary Resort
     Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
     Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
     Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
     Disney’s BoardWalk Resort

Can credits be converted?

Yes, but with some restrictions. A Table Service credit can be used at a Quick Service restaurant. However, I don't recommend this as a good value for your money. One Table Service credit will only get you One Quick Service meal. But it does offer flexibility should you have leftover credits.
However, Quick Service credits may NOT be used at Table Service restaurants. For example, 2 QS does NOT equal a TS. You may only use TS credits at TS restaurants.
Quick Service credits MAY be exchanged for up to 3 snack credits. However, all three snacks must be purchased in the same transaction. If you use a QS credit to purchase any less than 3 snacks, you forfeit the remaining entitlement. You may do this at any Quick Service location, resort food court and certain merchandise locations. These merchandise locations are:
     Big Top Souvenir (Magic Kingdom)
     Confectionary (Magic Kingdom)
     Prairie Outpost (Magic Kingdom)
     Karamell-Küche (Epcot)
     Beverly Sunset(Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
     Writer’s Stop (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
     Mombasa Marketplace (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
     Candy Cauldron (Downtown Disney)
     Goofy’s Candy Co. (Downtown Disney)

Helpful tips you need to know:

The Disney Dining Plans have separate pricing for adults and children. However, Quick Service meals are no longer designated as adult or child.This means if your child is a hearty eater, he is welcome to order an adult size QS meal. If you have an adult that eats light, they are welcome to order a meal from the kid's menu. However, at Table Service restaurants that are not buffet, children must order from the children's menu. Note: If you have the Deluxe Dining Plan, most Table Service locations will allow children to order from the adult menu.

Guests using a Table Service credit may decline the dessert option and instead substitute a side salad, cup of soup or fruit plate.

If you don't want the drink included with your Quick Service meal, you can substitute a snack or side item instead or get a bottle of water to go.

Make the most of your snack credits. Don't waste snack credits on lower-cost bottled drinks, ice cream bars or bags of chips. Of course, you can if want to, but there are so many more options that will give you a better value for your credit. There are hundreds of delicious options priced closer to the $5.00 mark that are a better value such as delicious baked goods and candy. Or if you don't have a sweet tooth, use them for soups, salads and side items.

Don't forget there are many breakfast items (muffins, bagels, cereal, etc) that can be purchased with a snack credit. Therefore, snack credits used wisely can act as an additional "meal".

Don't forget! Be Our Guest is considered Quick Service for breakfast and lunch. You will still need to make Advance Dining Reservations for these meals because of the restaurant's popularity. But you will get a Table-Service type dining experience for the cost of a Quick Service credit. Dinner at BOG is charged a Table Service credit.

If you are using the Quick Service plan, you are still welcome to dine at any Table Service restaurant. But, you will have to pay the total cost out-of-pocket.

If you plan to eat at Table Service restaurants, be sure to make Advance Dining Reservations. You can make reservations up to 180 days in advance. Reservations go quickly so plan early. It can be very difficult to get reservations and most restaurants are nearly impossible to get into without one. You will generally have no luck with walk-ups at very popular restaurants or during busy times of the day or year so plan ahead to be sure you don't miss any meals you really want to experience. 

Maximize your credits by sharing QS meals when possible. Many QS restaurants offer portions generous enough to be shared by 2 people, especially if you have light eaters or fussy kids. Sharing meals reduces waste and leaves you more credits to eat more often. Meal sharing is generally not allowed at Table Service restaurants. You will be charged a credit for each person in your party.

Families on the dining plan do not have to eat together or use credits at the same time. This means, your family can split up or older kids can be sent off on their own and everyone can eat when they choose using credits from your plan. Your "pool" of credits will be reflected on everyone's magic band. Although convenient, be sure to keep track of what credits everyone used while you were apart so you are not surprised with a shortage of credits. In general, when our group split up, I would tell everyone in advance what the plans were. For example "We will meet back in front of the castle at 3. If you get hungry before then, you are each allowed to use one QS credit or one snack credit". This way you won't be surprised by finding out Johnny was very hungry and ate lunch at 3 different locations! You are also not required to all be present for Table Service dining. Mom and the girls can enjoy dinner with the princesses while Dad and the boys may choose to skip it or eat somewhere else. 

If you are doing a split stay at two different resorts, your dining plan will be treated as two completely separate reservations. This means your credits from your "first" reservation will expire at midnight on the day you check out of the first resort. Even if you are staying onsite at another resort, those credits will no longer be good and you will receive a new batch of credits at the second resort. So to minimize waste, be sure to manage your credits carefully and be sure you use up the first round before starting on the second round.

During EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival or Flower and Garden Festival, specialty booths accept snack credits for most of their tasting options! Sampling several of these "snacks" can easily replace a meal. Also remember that you can convert one QS credit for three snack options in the same transaction. Therefore you can use one meal credit to get a tasting portion for 3 people in your group. Or, you can get 3 different samples all for yourself!

I hope we have answered all of your questions about using the Disney Dining Plan, but if there is anything we missed, please just ask!

To discuss this and all things Disney, join the BEST Disney SUPER Fans Group on FB!