Mouse Extra

Disney recently announced some upcoming refurbishments for WDW. One eye opener was the rather extensive closure of a classic, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The coaster is shutting down as of January 9th. It will not reopen until Memorial Day, May 28th. Thats a whopping near five month shutdown.

Space Mountain closed for nearly the same length recently. Clearly, like Space Mountain before it, Big Thunder will be getting a new track. But what else- if anything- will change? Some suspect there will be added special effects in the ride. Perhaps better bats? a more realistic falling boulder? We will see.

There is one thing I would like: an interactive queue. I recently listed my 5 favorite queues in Disney World. Soon, I will list the 5 I think most need an interactive element. Big Thunder will be on that list. The Big Thunder queue is frankly dull. This is one attraction that could really benefit from a more themed line. The possibilities for the old Western town are exciting and I am sure imagineers would love to take a crack at it. A shooting gallery style game? A bank robbery? Can can dancers? Ok, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.

It would be a hoot.

Cinderella’s Happily Ever After dinner located at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian is a royal character buffet featuring Cinderella, the Prince, Lady Tremaine, Drucilla, and Anastasia. A definite dining experience for children of any age.

This is certainly an entertaining character meal for kids and adults. When the snobbish Lady Tremaine greets your table you can’t help but laugh; and while the always sincere Cinderella may be the most photogenic of the bunch, the evil step sisters steal the show.

The buffet line up includes culturally diverse choices from around the world. If one so desired they could make four trips up to this buffet without having the same thing twice. I know I did. The buffet is set up not in the typical manner with all salads, sides, pastas etc. grouped in one spot. Instead, the items are separated by cuisine style. For example, the Nicoise salad can be found near the beef bourguignon and the edamame salad is next to the stir fry selection. Highlights include the numerous salads and soups including their famous chilled strawberry soup.

My family felt that out of all of the character meals we have tried, this was one of the better ones. The food and the step sisters are worth the price ($40+ for adults, $20+ for children).

Today’s posting is from Brooke, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

Disney has made some significant changes to the way people make reservations at restaurants in recent times. First, Disney allowed ressies to be made online eliminating the need to call WDW-DINE. Second, Disney has taken away the ability to double book eateries within 3 hours of each other.

Yet, Disney recognized that the second change is easily overcome by the public. So, starting October 26th, Disney will require that you provide a credit card number. In the event you do not show, you will be charges ten bucks a person. You will be able to cancel the reservation the previous day (likely up until 10pm the prior evening) without charge.

In theory, this will eliminate many of the double bookings that occur now. Until 10/26, there was really no reason (other than being plain considerate) to actually cancel ressies. On our last trip, I did overbook as I tried to manuever plans around in case I could get a spot at the Yak & Yeti. It never happened, although to be fair, I was able to just walk up to the Yak & Yeti for lunch. (And I am sure glad I did which is a story for another day). I cancelled my double bookings, though, weeks in advanced.

Not all restaurants will be a part of this. Currently, Disney will use this at about 15 eateries. Disney will also have a special phone number just for cancellations: WDW-CNCL.