Walt Disney World

Disney survey asks guests how they would feel about $15/night resort fee to cover DME, MagicBands, FastPass+, EMH pic.twitter.com/KYteMjQGD0

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 9, 2016

Surveys went out to guests that have stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel asking their opinions on a $15 per night Resort Fee. The fee is described as including Disney’s Magical Express, MagicBands, FastPass+ access 60 days prior to stay, Resort entertainment and children’s activities, Wi-Fi, Extra Magic Hours, and Parking at the resort and theme parks.

All of these services are currently included in the hotel rate, without a resort fee. At one time, the hotels of the Disneyland Resort assessed a resort fee, but have since abandoned that practice.

Walt Disney World has raised the prices of the Disney Dining Plans. The Quick Service Plan, which includes two quick service meals and one snack per night of a guest’s stay and one refillable mug. The old price was $42.84 for adults and $17.47 for children (ages 3-9) and the new price is $44.13 for adults and $19.04 for children.

The Regular Dining Plan includes one table service meal, one quick service meal and one snack per night of stay, plus one refillable mug. The old price was $61.84 for adults and $20.96 for children (ages 3-9) and the new price is $63.70 for adults and $22.85 for children.

The Deluxe Dining Plan includes three table service meals and two snacks per night of stay, plus one refillable mug. Previously this plan cost $111.73 for adults and $32.56 for children (ages 3-9) and now is $115.08 for adults and $35.49 for children.

There have been no changes made to the offerings of the plan at this time.

Magic Kingdom and Epcot

Reports indicate that Walt Disney World will be testing premium parking at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot from March 15-17. The cost would be $15 in addition to the standard parking fee of $20. The parking spots designated for this initative are designed so that guests could avoid using a parking lot tram.

It should be noted that at the Magic Kingdom, the spots are still at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and guests will still need to take a monorail or ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom.

Those that have parking included, such as annual passholders with a parking benefit, could pay the $15 surcharge to upgrade to premium parking.

This is not the first time Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has tested premium parking. In the 90’s Disneyland offered a premium parking option. In addition, paid premium parking has been used at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex where regular parking is complimentary.

Epcot

It was announced today that Epcot’s Character Spot is expanding to include Joy and Sadness from Pixar’s Inside Out. This location recently expanded to include Baymax from Disney Animation’s Big Hero 6.

Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy will continue to meet guests in the original Character Spot location, while Baymax, Joy, and Sadness will meet in the former Innoventions West location.

Joy and Sadness are expected to begin meeting guests in April.

This week’s Garden Rocks musical act is Little River Band. They are known for the song “Reminiscing”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The rotating seasonal character dining experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s Hollywood & Vine has unveiled its latest incarnation. Guests will be able to meet Minnie and her friends in their garden party outfits during Minnie’s Springtime Dine.

The menu will feature classic picnic food with a twist, like coconut-lavender lemonade and springtime salads like watercress or basil-lime fruit salad. Entrees include barbecue meatballs, buffalo baked chicken, lobster and shrimp mac ‘n cheese, herb-roasted pork and more. Most importantly, for dessert, guests can enjoy passion fruit cheesecake, key lime tarts and banana cream puffs.

Minnie’s Springtime Dine costs $46.99 per adult and $27.99 per child, plus tax and gratuity.

Reservations are now open, and are available online at DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

With many new offerings coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, sadly some must go. Gi-Tar Dan had his final performance at the park after an 18-year stint. For those that want to keep tabs on Dan (a.k.a. Dean Daniels) you can follow him on his official Facebook page.

Disney Springs

Some of the dining locations within Disney Springs have announced some of the special meals they will be offering guests this Easter. Check out some of the highlights:

Fulton’s Crab House: For its final Easter service before it temporarily closes for renovations, Chef Mark Boor will offer a Lobster Ravioli with tear drop tomatoes, asparagus, prosciutto, chive, basil and champagne beurre blanc ($34)

Portobello Restaurant: Chef Cristobal Lopez offers a 3-course prix-fixe menu that includes a glass of Cantele Primitivo. Guests can start off with a mixed green salad with fennel, cucumber, and cherry tomato red wine dressing before enjoying an Italian spin on Easter lamb with Lamb Ravioli with roasted mushroom sauce, and finish off on a sweet note with Carrot Cheesecake with caramel sauce. ($50)

Wolfgang Puck Grand Café: For a seasonally-inspired 3-course menu, Chef Robert Leonardi starts guests off with a Caeser Salad with a goat cheese crostini, tomatoes, and parmesan followed by a Roasted Duck Breastwith ricotta gnocchi, wild mushrooms, and huckleberry reduction. For the grand finale, guests can enjoy a Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing, caramel sauce, and spicy pecans ($75 without wine pairings; $115 with wine pairings)

To book reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Events

This week’s schedule of Atlanta Braves Spring Training games at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.

March 16: Vs Cardinals 1:05pm

March 17: Vs Astors 1:05pm

March 18: Vs Marlins 1:05pm

March 20: Vs Tigers 1:05pm

Merchandise Events

March 16 – 18: Givenchy will be highlighting new releases at Plume et Palette in the France Pavilion at World Showcase and meet international make-up artist Hocine Zeghichi

March 17 – 18: Meet Kit Heath representative Mary Finnegan from 2- 7 p.m. and learn more about the beautiful, classic and contemporary British Jewelry Designer and the jewelry designs available at The Queen’s Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot.

March 17 – 19: Uptown Jewelers inside the Magic Kingdom will be hosting a special PANDORA launch.

March 18-20: Guests can meet artist Jerrod Maruyama who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of some of his newest releases from 5 – 8 p.m., each day and March 20 from Noon – 3 p.m. in WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace.

Quick Takes

Get Free Sushi for Seeing La Nouba

Disney Springs Update — A Water Tower Springs Up As Construction Continues