All About the Disney Dining Plan Updated

All About the Disney Dining Plan Updated

When we post photos of the amazing food we’re enjoying while on vacation at Walt Disney World, many of our friends and family are surprised at the gourmet offerings featured at the parks and resorts. It definitely isn’t all chicken nuggets and corn dogs, but those food types are readily available too because sometimes you need a little fried goodness. There are also farm-to-table, fresh options as well as restaurants helmed by some of the world’s top chefs.

Disney makes it easy for you to sample typical theme park food and more discerning palate pleasers with the Disney Dining Plan. Today on the blog, we’re breaking down the Disney Dining Plan to help you decide if the vacation add-on is for you!

The Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World

The Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World

The most frequently asked question that we receive is “When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World Resort.” That’s a complicated question because there is no longer a slow season. The Disney calendar is filled with specially-ticketed parties, events and festivals year-round. Today on the blog, we’ll examine monthly trends as well as weather and events that might impact your trip to Walt Disney World.

Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

When vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, staying at an on-property hotel is a no-brainer. It keeps you enveloped in the “Disney bubble” after leaving the parks, and offers incredible benefits exclusive to Disney hotel guests. Considering there are nearly 30 hotels from which to choose, it can be difficult to narrow down your selection. We’re here to help, of course. Today on the blog, we’re sharing an updated list of our five favorite hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.

All About ... Navigating Walt Disney World's Transportation System

All About ... Navigating Walt Disney World's Transportation System

You’ve made all the critical decisions - when to visit; where to stay; and which attractions to tackle. Now, you’re finally at Walt Disney World! But how do you get from your hotel to one of the parks, Disney Springs or evening another hotel for a dining reservation. We’re breaking down Walt Disney World’s transportation system for you today on the blog!

Friday Fives: Our Favorite Romantic Spots

Friday Fives: Our Favorite Romantic Spots

It’s Valentine’s Day, and romance is in the air. Although a box of chocolates and bouquet of roses are incredibly sweet gifts, we at Beyond Imagination Vacations prefer expressing love with - you guessed it - an outing, near or far. We asked our travel planners to share their favorite romantic destinations to share with you, perhaps giving you some travel inspiration for wedding, anniversary and other special occasion sites.

Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?

Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients is whether they should add the Disney Dining Plan to their Walt Disney World Resort vacation package. A hotel stay and park tickets are no-brainers - you need somewhere to sleep, and you need entry into the theme parks. But to include the Disney Dining Plan? That’s a little more complicated to answer. Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner Stephanie Orlowski shares her recent experience at Walt Disney World Resort with the Disney Dining Plan. Was it worth it? Read on to find out!

All About ... My Disney Experience

All About ... My Disney Experience

Admittedly, planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation can be a complex affair. Where else do you make dining reservations 180 days before your vacation starts? With the right tools and resources (and a Beyond Imagination Vacations planner by your side), planning a Walt Disney World vacation doesn’t have to consume your every waking moment. In fact, Disney provides the most important tool at no cost - My Disney Experience. On today’s blog, we’re diving deep into the various features offered through My Disney Experience and how it can help while planning as well as during your vacation.

Disney's Beach Club Resort

Disney's Beach Club Resort

If you follow Beyond Imagination Vacations on social media, you know that we’ve got some mad love for the newly reimagined Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. We’ve recently been sharing images and the many things we love about it. But there’s another beach-themed hotel on Disney property that has been a perennial favorite - Disney’s Beach Club Resort. A Deluxe resort located in the Crescent Lake area, the Beach Club transports guest to a mid-Atlantic shorefront holiday. Featuring an enviable location within the Walt Disney World Resort, an assortment of dining options and the best pool on property, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is where you’ll want to find yourself during your next Disney World vacation.

Friday Fives - Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Friday Fives - Disney's Vero Beach Resort

It’s a new year, a new decade. In 2020, why not consider visiting somewhere new for vacation? For the Disney vacation enthusiasts out there, there’s more to Disney in the United States than Walt Disney World and Disneyland. How about a stop at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort? Located only two hours southeast of Walt Disney World and on Florida’s scenic Atlantic Coast, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort offers an elegant, laid-back experience perfect for loungers, nature lovers and active vacationers. Katie Young, Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner, shares with us five reasons why you should consider visiting Disney’s Vero Beach Resort this year!

The Happiest Place on Turf

The Happiest Place on Turf

There’s more to Walt Disney World than theme park parades, fireworks, and character meet and greets. What else is there, you ask? How about luxurious spas, five-star dining and shopping at unique boutiques? Today on the blog, we’re talking about something else people don’t normally associate with Walt Disney World - the sport of golf. Katie Young, Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner, schools us on the basics of golf at Disney World and shares her recent experience teeing up at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

Friday Fives ... More to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival

Friday Fives ... More to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival

With all of the changes happening at Epcot, one thing remains the same - the Walt Disney World Resort plays host to a number of seasonal festivals that feature food and drink tastings, live entertainment and overall fun for adults, kids and families. The most popular of Epcot’s festivals is every gastronome and oenophile’s dream come true - the fall Food & Wine Festival. Naturally, the annual event highlights the best of a number of country’s signature cuisine and libations. Admission to the Food & Wine Festival is included with Epcot admission, and guests are allowed to stroll the World Showcase sampling delish bites, paying out of pocket or with Disney dining credits. There’s much more to enjoy than visiting the Food & Wine Festival kiosks. What else you ask? Well, we’re answering on today’s Friday Fives blog post.

All About ... Our Experience at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - Treehouse Villas

All About ... Our Experience at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - Treehouse Villas

Last week, Beyond Imagination Vacations agents from across the country convened at Walt Disney World Resort for the company’s inaugural conference. We had an amazing time together, meeting and getting to know each other, experiencing new things and sharing best practices during learning sessions. The majority of attendees stayed in the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, which marked the first time our agents stepped foot, let alone slept, in one of the most unique accommodations on Walt Disney World Resort property. We’re sharing our experience with you today on the blog, including whether a stay at Saratoga Springs would be right for you.

All About ... Our Review of a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

All About ... Our Review of a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

Unlike at Walt Disney World Resort, a vacation at Disneyland Resort does not necessitate a stay at a Disney hotel. In fact, there are only three Disney hotels in Disneyland: Grand Californian Resort & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. With an estimated 17.9 million visitors per year and only a little more than 2,000 rooms on-site, it’s impossible for every visitor to stay at a Disney hotel. That’s why you’ll find that Disney partners with 49 “Good Neighbor” hotels that have received a seal of approval. There are a diverse suite of hotels with varying amenities, locations and price points. Last week, we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance, and we’re sharing our experience with you.

Friday Fives … Brunching at The Top

Friday Fives … Brunching at The Top

Is there any meal better than brunch? Forging the best of breakfast and lunch along with mimosas and Bloody Marys, we’d vote for brunch every day of the week! When you brunch at Walt Disney World Resort, the meal becomes truly magical. Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner Vicky Narde recently enjoyed “Brunch at the Top” at California Grill and reports on her experience. Spoiler: it was amazing!

All About ... Animal Kingdom After Hours

All About ... Animal Kingdom After Hours

There’s something extra magical about Walt Disney World Resort parks at night. During the exclusive After Hours events, the magic really heightens. In the summer, the temperature drops as the sun sets, making strolls in the parks more comfortable than in the scorching heat. Year-round, crowds decrease drastically, allowing for a greater appreciation of the details found in the architectural and natural landscapes. And of course, there are reduced wait times for the park’s most popular attractions.

Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner Vicky Narde recently attended a Disney After Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Today on the blog she reports on her experience and shares whether the ticket price is worth the magic.

Friday Fives ... Mobile Ordering at Walt Disney World

Friday Fives ... Mobile Ordering at Walt Disney World

As regular blog-readers, you know that we at Beyond Imagination Vacations are all about maximizing our time when vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort - whether it’s taking advantage of special events with limited attendance to ride our favorite attractions again, again and again without long wait times OR booking character meals because you’ve got to eat, so why not meet characters at the same time. Today, we’re talking about Mobile Ordering, a FREE service available to ALL Walt Disney World Resort guests that minimizes the time you spend in line to order food, thereby maximizing your fun time.

Fridays Fives ... Traveling during Hurricane Season

Fridays Fives ... Traveling during Hurricane Season

Summer is a season of frivolity, family … and vacations. Unfortunately, hurricane season coincides with summer, and severe weather can wreak havoc on what is supposed to be a carefree time of year. With Hurricane Dorian projected to intensify over the 2019 Labor Day weekend, travelers heading to the Bahamas, Florida and the southeastern U.S. are rightfully concerned about their vacation plans and safety. We have some tips to be prepared if you’re vacationing during hurricane season - there’s nothing earth-shattering on the list, but practical recommendations to ensure you’re ready to weather the storm.