Standby Changes at Be Our Guest Restaurant and How to Get In

As Walt Disney World adapts to changes brought about by the introduction of FastPass+ and the MyMagic+ program, crowd control solutions change nearly daily. The newest introductions to the way guests move through queues have been return time cards, which Disney says are meant to nearly eliminate standby lines. First introduced for the Frozen Summer Fun Sing Along, the cards are obtained from cast members throughout the day until all cards have been given out. Guests return to the line in the window of time printed on their card, turn the card in to cast members at the attraction, and enter a much shorter standby line or are immediately seated.

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Over the last couple of weeks, these return time cards have been tested at various attractions including the Princess Fairytale Hall Anna and Elsa meet and greet and Soarin’ at Epcot (neither attraction is still using them), with mixed guest reviews as to their effectiveness. The most recent venue to get return time cards, however, is Be Our Guest restaurant.

Be Our Guest is a modified quick-service restaurant during lunch time, which is served from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m. (the end of lunch service depends on several variables including crowd volume). In the past, resort guests were offered FastPass+ entitlements that allowed them to enter the line to order without waiting and guests not eligible for this option stood in a standby line that formed over the bridge and often out into New Fantasyland. While the line moved rather quickly in most cases, the lack of cover led to some pretty hot and sometimes wet waiting conditions.

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Currently (no one knows if this is only a test or if it’s being permanently implemented), guests who want to eat without a FastPass+ reservation are being given return time cards and no standby line is being allowed to form. While this makes for a much more pleasant wait (you can enjoy the rest of the park) it also means that if you don’t get a return time card while they’re being handed out, you’re out of luck for the day.

So how can WDWTools.com help you get into Be Our Guest while you’re at Walt Disney World? Because it may now be harder to get into lunch with standby seating filling up as the restaurant opens and people get return time cards, consider a dinner reservation at the restaurant instead, secured with our reservation sniper. We’re running a 50% off sale through this weekend on single searches using the code NKJKDGQX3T.  It may be just the time to secure your reservation rather than worrying about waiting to see if you can get in.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Construction Update: August 3, 2014

Renovation is now in full swing at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with lots of noticeable changes taking place. A new traffic light has been installed near the entrance, though it is not yet operational.

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The scrims that hide the work going on near the entrance including the new resort sign have been changed from an image of the concept drawings of that sign to decorative foliage scrims which have been put up all over the property.

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The major changes to the Grand Ceremonial House that have taken place over the last couple of months leave little room for more, but a temporary section of wall has been added to the ‘Ohana waiting area while another has been removed.

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Downstairs, the former exit to the pool area has been blocked off. The exits are now under the main staircase and near the former Captain Cook’s.

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Outside, the back wall of the former Captain Cook’s has been removed to allow for expansion and the waterfall and creek that we thought might stay safe is gone.

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Decorative scrims have been added to the fencing and guests must walk through the center of the property near the quiet pool to reach the longhouses.

DSC_0066The Nanea Pool area is now closed for major refurbishment. It has been completely fenced in and some of the beach is now inaccessible.

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Guests of the Polynesian who stay during the pool closure will be offered several “upgraded” options including free admission to Blizzard Beach for the duration of their stay. The guests’ admission will include a dedicated bus and park entrance as well as complimentary towels and use of their refillable mugs at the water park. When Blizzard Beach closes for refurbishment later this year, accommodations will be switched to Typhoon Lagoon. The quiet pool will remain open, and guests are not allowed to pool hop to the other resorts nearby.

Construction continues on the Disney Vacation Club bungalows, which don’t show too many signs of development at the moment. Earlier in the week crews were seen dropping plunge pools into place, confirming rumors that the bungalows may have their own pools and explaining the large hot-tub-like structures seen sitting on the former Paradise Point.

The front of the resort remains walled on the left side with major work going on behind the walls.

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Bobotie for Beginners: Food & Wine Booth Menus Decoded!

Food & Wine 2014Food & Wine 2014Navigating Food & Wine at Epcot is all about having as much information as possible before you go so that you can plan what you’re going to eat and drink. If you’re not a foodie, some of the preparations and ingredients can be pretty intimidating. We’ve collected the menus and added explanations to the food and wine descriptions to get you ready to eat and drink your way around World Showcase from September 19 through November 10. As always, the best tips include pre-purchasing the wristband gift cards to keep your purchases under control and attending on weekdays when crowds are more easily managed as compared to weekend dates.

Continue reading Bobotie for Beginners: Food & Wine Booth Menus Decoded!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Construction Update: July 11, 2014

This update is as of July 11, 2014. Visit our Polynesian Construction Updates category page for the latest information.

More changes are taking place at Disneys Polynesian Village Resort (including the full adoption of this name rather than Disney’s Polynesian Resort). Here’s the rundown on what’s changed since our last update. Continue reading Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Construction Update: July 11, 2014

Frozen Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

IMG_0363On July 5, Disney’s Hollywood Studios introduced “Frozen Summer Fun”, a summer celebration that will run daily in the park through September 1, 2014. The celebration includes several Frozen-themed events, Frozen merchandise, special treats and a themed fireworks show that wraps up each day’s festivities. Here are all the things you need to know about Frozen Summer Fun to make your time at Hollywood Studios the best it can be.

Continue reading Frozen Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Fourth of July at Walt Disney World

IMG_3441Celebrating a holiday at Walt Disney World can be so much fun, but the parks offer so many things to do and see that you don’t want to miss out on anything. The Fourth of July is no exception and this year the parks have a great lineup of entertainment to celebrate Independence Day. Here’s everything you need to know about the Fourth festivities so you don’t miss a thing.

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In the Parks: Magic Kingdom, June 20, 2014

IMG_0349At WDWTools we know you want to be up to date on the things that will affect your upcoming trips. We also know you like to get a look at the parks even when you can’t be here. So we’re starting a series of posts called “In the Parks” where we’ll take you around the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney, and even the water parks to keep you informed. Yesterday I took a walk around the Magic Kingdom and I’m excited to share my photos and information with all of you.

Continue reading In the Parks: Magic Kingdom, June 20, 2014

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Construction Update: June 12, 2014

This update is as of June 12, 2014. Visit our Polynesian Construction Updates category page for the latest information.

map-may-21Work continues at Disney’s Polynesian Resort (soon to be Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) with lots happening in the lobby this week, new concept art appearing in the hotel, and a look at what’s going on at the longhouses including Tokelau and Rapa Nui.

Continue reading Disney’s Polynesian Resort Construction Update: June 12, 2014