August 2013 – threestrandswdw

Mug Shot!

As many may know, Walt Disney World is introducing the Rapid Fill Mug (RFID) system at all on-property resorts. On the surface, this seems like a good idea. It seems Disney may be trying to control the inventory of sodas. But, as I think about the impact on my wallet, I’m beginning to think it’s just a money driven decision.

I love going to Disney World, but over the twenty-five or so years since I first began visiting WDW, there seems to be a bit of a lack in the magic that built the Disney empire. Sure, I agree they need to make money. But, as a father of three, I have to consider every dollar being spent.

For instance, on our upcoming trip we have 6 people traveling for a six-night stay. The cost of the mugs would be
$128. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t drink enough soda to make that worth the spending! I don’t think my kids could, either. Although, I’m sure they would try.

Photo from disneyfoodblog.com

That being said, if using one of the dining plans, it’s another thought all-together. These mugs are usable at any of the on-property resort food courts, if I’m reading this right. So, theoretically, you could be staying at POP and wander around the Boardwalk area, make a pass through the Beach Club Marketplace to fill your Rapid Fill Mug!
That’s the way I read it, anyway!

As always, feel free to leave your comments! I’d love to know your thoughts!

Disney Code…What Does THAT Mean?

When I first started visiting Disney specific chatrooms and social media sites, I found a nearly foreign language being used with abbreviations that made no sense to me. On my last visit, I found myself using the same speech pattern in my trip reports, some of which were read by non-Disney family and friends. So, in an attempt to help decipher the code, here are just some of the abbreviations and what they mean.

General
WDW – Walt Disney Resort (the entire place!) ADR – Advanced Dining Reservation
KTTW – Key To The World (the everything card) MB – Magic Band
FP – FastPass FPP or FP+ – FastPass Plus
PPP or PP+ – PhotoPass Plus DTD – Downtown Disney

Parks
MK – Magic Kingdom EP – EPCOT DHS – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
AK – Animal Kingdom TL – Typhoon Lagoon BB – Blizzard Beach

Resorts
Campground – FW – Fort Wilderness
Value Resorts –
AOA – Disney’s Art of Animation POP – Disney’s Pop Century Resort
AS – Disney All-Star Resorts
(Mu – Music Mo – Movies S – Sports)

Moderate Resorts –
POR – Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside POFQ – Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
CBR – Disney’s Caribbean Resort CSR – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Deluxe Resorts –
CR – Contemporary Resort POLY – Polynesian Resort
GF – Grand Floridian Resort and Spa AKL – Animal Kingdom Lodge
BC – Disney’s Beach Club BW – Boardwalk Inn
YC – Disney’s Yacht Club WL – Wilderness Lodge

Restaurants (this will NOT be exhaustive)

Magic Kingdom –
CP – Crystal Palace CRT – Cinderella’s Royal Table BOG – Be Our Guest
CHH – Columbia Harbor House LTT – Liberty Tree Tavern

Epcot –
GG – Garden Grill LeCell – Le Cellier SS – Sunshine Seasons

Disney’s Hollywood Studios –
HV – Hollywood and Vine 50s – 50s Prime Time Cafe FF – Fairfax Faire

Disney’s Animal Kingdom –
FTB – Flame Tree Barbecue TH – Tusker House

Basically, if you can match the first letters of most attractions, restaurant, etc., you can crack the code! I hope this was helpful and if anyone reading cares to add any other information, please add it below in the comment box.

Have a magical week!

My View of My Magic+, and What It Could Be

If you ask me, and nobody did, the evolution to the My Magic+ system and all that comes with it can be quite exciting! But, it can be scary, too. Nobody likes change! We have gotten so attached to the way things work, that making any changes just doesn’t meet with quick approval. However, I may be one of the few who thinks this can be a good thing. And, at least Disney is trying to make the Magic Band attractive. Personally, I’ll miss the use of lanyards with pockets to carry my Key to the Kingdom card with me. And, putting them in my scrapbook at the end of the trip.

It seems that with the My Magic+ program, the phrase ‘getting connected’ has a whole new meaning. Through the Magic Band we may be able to track all of our reservations. That means that Park Admission, Dining Plan, Room Access, Purchases, and of course, FastPass+ will all be on your wrist. It looks as though this will speed up the processes considerably once everything gets worked out.

As testing continues, reports are beginning to surface about how well, or not so well, the bands are working. For the most part, I’ve heard good things about the experiences that are being had as a result of this little piece of technology. I am hoping the bugs are worked out and that live usage will begin before our next family vacation to WDW!

If you have a smartphone, making use of ALL of the features is best through the My Disney Experience (MDE) app that is available for IOS and Android devices. However, there are kiosks available in the parks, also, to help make changes or additions to FastPass+ and Dining reservations. You can link all of your tickets, reservations, Photopass+ and planning to your Magic Band through the MDE. I found this video on YouTube, and thought it was the best at showing how it actually works.

I’d love to hear about how you all REALLY feel about My Magic+. Please leave your comments on the blog.

My Magic+, FastPass+, Disney Dining Plan, Photopass+, and My Disney Experience are all trademarks of The Walt Disney Company.

Experiences Add Magic!

If you’re looking to try some experiences that aren’t attractions, here are a couple to consider.

How about trying a Carriage Ride around the Port Orleans Resorts? It’s a beautiful setting and a nice easy ride for anyone looking to do something different with the family, or just with your sweetheart. It’s also a fine way to explore both the Riverside and French Quarter areas of Port Orleans. The setting is beautiful! It makes one think of what it might be like to take a tour of the old plantations of south. Or, the majestic setting of the Big Easy. But, for me and my family, it was a time of pure joy and splendor. The ride lasts about 30 – 45 minutes, and worth the moderate cost.

One experience I truly enjoyed was Dine With An Imagineer at the Hollywood Brown Derby. My son and I did this one together. You don’t know who you get until you get there, but I’m certain that it will be interesting. The setting at the Brown Derby is very nice. You are in a quiet back room, away from the rest of the restaurant. The imagineer introduces his(or her) self to the group with a bit of background and then the questions begin from those of us in attendance. The cost includes the meal, an autographed souvenir plate, and your own name tag. It is worth doing one time, for sure.

It is my hope that all who read this will find a bit more magic in every day!