Be Our Guest Restaurant Testing “Order Ahead” Service This Week

With FastPass+ testing going on this week, Disney is also using this time to test “order ahead” dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Disney has released plenty of information internally on the new test, you may want to take a read:

As part of our efforts to continuously improve the Guest experience, we’re testing a new offering at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Be Our Guest Restaurant offers fast casual service for lunch including an innovative table delivery service.

There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal is delivered directly to their table.
Arrival window selection: In December, selected Guests (Club Level Concierge Guests at select resorts) will have the opportunity to select an “arrival window” for their lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant prior to arriving at the restaurant. This will happen via a website, similar to the FastPass+ testing that has taken place this year.

Order Ahead: As part of the test, the selected Guests will also have the opportunity to view the menu online and order their meals ahead of time in addition to selecting an arrival window.

All Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park will continue to have the ability to walk up and order from a kiosk, and then have their meal delivered to their table.
This is an invitation-only test. Participants in the test will be selected prior to arriving at Magic Kingdom Park.

The offer for select Guests to participate in the test will be made during the check-in process. They will then be given the Be Our Guest Restaurant test website to make their selections for same-day bookings.

Guests may select an arrival window and then order items from the menu once they arrive at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Once a participating Guest selects an arrival window, the Guest can view the menu online and choose to order their meal ahead of time as well. If a Guest does not order ahead, the Guest can place an order at a kiosk upon arrival at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

If a Guest chooses not to select an arrival window, they then have the option of ordering their meal ahead of time and arriving to Be Our Guest Restaurant between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guests will then experience an expedited payment process upon arrival.

Whether a Guest orders ahead or places an order at a kiosk upon arrival, they will receive a magic rose which enables their meal be delivered directly to the table, just like all Guests at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can’t I participate in the test of the arrival window selection and ordering ahead process?
The test of this new service has been limited to pre-selected Guests for the time being. Any Guest can dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch by ordering at a kiosk. As the arrival window selection and pre-ordering processes evolve, they will be available to all Walt Disney World Guests on a first come, first served basis.

2. Where can I get a FASTPASS for Be Our Guest Restaurant?
Disney FASTPASS is not currently available at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Pre-selected Guests are able to choose an arrival window and select items from the menu prior to arriving at Magic Kingdom Park as part of a test of a new lunch service at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

3. What if I am not interested in selecting my meal ahead of time?
You may select an arrival window only and order once you arrive at Be Our Guest.

4. Am I able to select my meal but not my arrival window?
Yes, you are able to select a meal ahead of time without also selecting an arrival window. However, you must arrive to Be Our Guest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to ensure you are able to enjoy your meal. Additionally, if you didn’t select an arrival window in advance you must wait in the standby queue, but you will have an expedited payment process.

5. How many days can I select an arrival window?
You are able to select one arrival window during your stay at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

6. Can I select an arrival window with another party?
Yes, as long as that time is offered to both parties.

7. What are the arrival window options that I can choose from?
Arrival windows are offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are subject to availability. You will have the option to choose an early, mid or late lunch arrival window. Each arrival window is 15 minutes long.

8. Why can’t I pick the exact time I want?
Arrival windows are limited and subject to availability. You will have the option to choose an early, mid or late lunch arrival window.

9. Are we able to select an arrival window for dinner?
Arrival windows are being tested for fast casual dining experiences at this location and are not available for table service experiences. Table service dining, including dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant, will continue to offer reservations. To book a reservation, please call 407-WDW-DINE or visit the website at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/ or visit the Be Our Guest Restaurant podium.

10. What is a FastPass+ selection?
Because this is a test, we are also testing language options for the options Guest choose. This may or may not end up in our theme parks and resorts.

11. Is there a cost to participate in this test?
Valid park admission is required to enter Magic Kingdom® Park, however, there is no additional cost to participate other than the price of your meal.

12. Are other restaurants participating in this test?
At this time we are only offering this test at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

13. Where do I check in once I arrive to Be Our Guest?
If you participate in this test you should proceed to the Cast Member at the front of the bridge prior to entering Be Our Guest. If you selected an arrival window in advance, your arrival window will be listed under the name you used to register online.

14. I will need to make a special dietary request. Can I still participate in the test and pre-select my meal?
If you have a lifestyle dietary request, such as a vegetarian option, you are encouraged to pre-select your meal. However, if you need to make a dietary request due to allergies you may select an arrival window in advance but should order at the restaurant. Upon arrival, you should request to speak to a chef or a manager on duty and they will be happy to assist.

15. What if I want to change my order after I have selected?
At any time prior to the start of your arrival window, you are able to view your order and arrival window on the website, based upon availability. Upon arrival, you may still change your order at one of our self-service Kiosks or with a Cast Member. Guests who have pre-selected their meal and arrival time will be guided to utilize a kiosk or make changes with a Cast Member upon arriving.

16. Can I choose where I sit ahead of time?
Tables are based on availability; all three of our dining rooms are open during lunch.

17. No arrival windows are being offered to me online, can I still participate?
Yes, even though arrival windows may no longer be available for the test, you may still pre-order your meal and arrive at Be Our Guest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

18. If I am a Disney Resort hotel Guest, can I pay with my Key to the World Card?
For Guests who select an arrival window and pre-select their meal, once you arrive we accept Disney Resort Key to the World Cards, Disney Dining Plans, Credit Cards, and Disney Gift Cards for payment upon arrival. Guests paying with Cash or vouchers will be directed to pay at a cashier at the restaurant.

19. I want to pre-select my meal and choose my arrival window, but I’m paying with cash, is this possible?
If you choose to pay with cash you may only select either your arrival window, or pre-order your meal in advance.

20. I purchased a package that includes a Disney dining plan; can I use my dining plan entitlements for my meal?
Guests who purchased packages that include a Disney dining plan will be asked to use 1 meal entitlement for their lunch.

21. What happens if I’m not able to make my arrival window?
If you are not able to make your arrival window, please cancel your reservation on the website at https://www.BeOurGuestLunch.disney.go.com

22. If I need to cancel my arrival window is there a fee?
No, Guests who need to cancel their arrival window will not charged a cancellation fee.

23. How do you know where I am sitting to deliver my meal?
There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests will instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal will be delivered directly to their table. We use wireless radio frequency (RF) technology, which is commonly used in everyday items like smart phones, video game controllers and credit cards.

24. Who can I contact if I have a question?
You can contact a Concierge Cast Member at your Resort with any questions prior to arrival.

New Concept Art Revealed for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Rejected New Fantasyland Concepts

Of all the places for it to surface, some never-before-seen concept art from New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom has surfaced ion the new “Realms of Fantasy” exhibit at the Disney Gallery in Disneyland Park. Thanks to our sister site Disneyland News Today for the following photos from the Disneyland Resort:

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These two pictures are never-before-seen conceopt art of the exterior of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coming to New Fantasyland in 2014

Here is the concept art we have seen thus far: The finale scene and the previously released exterior concept art

Concept art of the scene with the audio-animatronics Dwarfs in the mine

Interestingly enough, you can purchase the concept art through Art on Demand

Now for some “New Fantasyland that never was”… An Alice in Wonderland area was envisioned at one point, including a new entrance to Fantasyland and a new fancy roof for the Mad Tea Party

You can see the Barnstormer in the background, perhaps re-themed to the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. Also, notice guests sitting and dining in large tea cups.

In addition, two new pieces of Mine Train concept art are being shared on the construction walls in New Fantasyland:

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Both of these pieces show the queue

You can see guests playing with an interactive element in the mine portion of the queue

So, what do you think of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the rejected Alice In Wonderland section of New Fantasyland?

Adam Roth’s 12/17/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney on Monday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

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RFID turnstiles are installed and being used at the Magic Kingdom

Looks permanent this time

More track has been installed for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Looks like WDW Resort Hotel carpet on the roof so workers don’t slip

A lift hill now installed

A lot of dirt…

More rockwork is about to appear

Something interesting happened to all the new screen-based wait times signs

Yep, that’s there…

Instead of being a generic font with a black background, all of them are themed and match in color now

The Pete cut-out at Silly Sideshow now tips his hat

TA-DA!

Guests were getting confused, so Pete got an added uvula that is a sign…

WAIT! Is that a Maelstrom reference? IT IS! “… seek peril and adventure, but more often find beauty and charm.”

Mine Train track

Triton’s Treasures is coming along nicely

Work continues on Princess Fairytale Hall

Work also continues on the new Tangled area

We think there might be a small counter-service location (more of a cart in terms of size) over here that looks like the “Snuggly Duckling”

As we reported over a year ago, there will also be an area for guests to charge their electronic devices

One wall is done

Yankee Trader came out from behind tarps, this is on the Fantasyland side

You can start to see pathways taking shape

Art on Demand is now selling a ton of Fantasyland concept art under “Realms of Fantasy”

Plenty of New Fantasyland concept art available

Kodak references are still up at Town Square Theater

Should be gone soon

Moving to Gaston’s Tavern, we find a display with pastries

They are also serving Hot Cocoa

So, some names were added to the barrels behind the register

EIGERBOCK? Looks a lot like the Matterhorn too

Staggs Ale… absolutely brilliant

The Gaston’s Tavern steins are available again

I love this shirt…

More Adventureland interactive game props have been revealed

Now there is a treasure chest

And another…

Pirate skeleton under the water

Looks like the lock was busted off by a pirate

You can see the entire mechanism that raises the skeleton… hope they fix that

FastPass+ installed at Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Grand Floridian DVC wing is coming along nicely

Moving to Downtown Disney, there is now a Wreck-It Ralph area in DisneyQuest

Plenty of Fix-It Felix machines

Adam then attended the Splitsville Parks Blog meet-up

The pizza is surprisingly good

These cheesecake bites were amazing

Let’s take a look at the drink menu

Ooooooo….

The kids balls have Mickey and Minnie on them

A mual downstairs depicts artwork from the old Walt Disney World shopping bags

Spaceship Earth is a bowling ball…

Dirk Wallen’s 12/18/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort on Tuesday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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IT’S ALMOST HERE!

All of the Kodak picture spots will be removed soon as the sponsorship has come to an end

The Cheshire Cafe sign is missing for some reason

Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Gaston’s Tavern now has hot cocoa

The Gaston’s Tavern stein is available again at Bonjour Village Gifts

2013 merchandise can be found just about anywhere at WDW now

2013 Duffy!

The Disney Afternoon pins are now available

2013 mystery pins were recently released as well

Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure mystery pin set

FastPass+ testing was still going

It’s Christmas at the Grand Floridian!

The gingerbread house

Work continues on the Grand Floridian Disney Vacation Club wing

You can now see the roof being installed

It’s really starting to take shape now

Even More Aerial Pictures of New Fantasyland – March 2012

Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of Fantasyland to share with you:

Supports for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train are going up

The base of the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is in place at Storybook Circus and the second tent is now fully covered

A lot of work still to go on the second Dumbo spinner

The bases for the Castle Walls are starting to go in at the old Dumbo site

Adam Roth’s 4/4/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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AVENGERAIL!

A look from the inside

The jet-black look is pretty sweet

A beautiful day on Main Street U.S.A.

Work continues slowly on the Castle Walls in Fantasyland

Supports for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train have risen

The little details on Prince Eric’s castle are beginning to emerge

The crane is still on site

It looks like they are trying to age the building a little

Looks like the Mine Train will block the view of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Shingles going on the rooftops in Belle’s Village

Work continues on removing the Tigger Bounce area from the Pooh queue

Posters line the construction walls on the way to Storybook Circus

The extended rock-work at Mermaid is still in the early stages

It looks like the Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station may be on a spinning platform like a roundhouse

Another look at the Mine Train supports

The remainder of the circus is coming along slowly

Another look at the Mermaid facade

There is a slight gap to correct…

Still a lot of walls…

Water level is a little low… and it’s a little green

The Adventureland Veranda was never so popular

A lot of guests want a Dole Whip

A reasonable line for a Sorcerers window? AMAZING!

The Sunshine Tree Terrace is out from behind tarps

The new sign, with a temporary sun on it

Well, it appears the Little Orange Bird is behind the sun…

Wow, they have food now

And the Citrus Swirl is back

I really want to try some of this stuff

AVENGERAIL!

MAY 4th!

A New Fantasyland Aerial Update – April 2012

Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of Fantasyland to share with you:

The former site of Dumbo looks clear and more Castle Walls are rising. Also interesting is that the excess Mermaid rock-work will hide a cast access road.

Gaston’s Tavern is still far behind the rest of the buildings in the Village as some are already getting roof shingles

The old Fantasyland Skyway site has been flattened, so we should see some vertical construction soon

I’d wager that we’ll see waterways and pathways within the next 6 weeks

A special bonus: a look at the ongoing Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment. Looks like all the new track is in place and they are now re-painting the finale scene with the geysers.

DCL Fantasy Maiden Voyage Exclusives

Update: 01/28/12 Pictures of packaging and figures from WDW trading event. This set is available in an RSP for guests booked on a maiden voyage and what’s left will be available for sale on the DCL Fantasy ship exclusively when it launches on March 31, 2012. This Maria Clapsis designed set is LE 2500 and $39.95.



Update: 1/14/12 Found the official pictures from the Fantasy site.

Guests who have registered to sail on the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Fantasy will have the first opportunity to pre-purchase select Limited Edition Disney Dream merchandise via the Random Selection Process (RSP).

We first saw some pictures posted on Vinylmation Kingdom that give us a look at the Vinylmation that will be available. We have since found these high resolution pictures.

There will be 2 RSP lots. The first is a 3/3/Jr combo similar to the DCL Dream Donald set. This LE 2500 set will retail for $39.95.

Minnie Mouse is the highlight of this set. This figure has Minnie in a purple dress with a band around the head and feather in the hair. This costume looks like a 1930’s entertainer. The Disney Fantasy ship is “designed to reflect the glamour of the golden age of cruising during the 1930s”, according to the DCL website. A Minnie in this costume will be the feature statue that sits in the Disney Fantasy’s atrium. Here is a model of that statue that was on display at last year’s D23:

Again, just like the Dream Donald, this set also has a statue version of the colorful Minnie figure that represents the statue on the ship. Then there is the Jr figure.

The Jr features the Fantasy logo on a red head and says “2012” on the blue body. The other Vinylmation up for sale on the Fantasy’s Maiden Voyage is an LE 750 9″ that will retail for $49.95.

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This figure matches the style of the previous three ship’s 9″ figures with the bow logo on the head. So, who has a trip booked already aboard the Fantasy? Did you see the Fantasy’s float out the other day?

A Look at New Fantasyland From High Above Cinderella Castle

Some Walt Disney World cast members were sent pictures taken from the large crane that was over Cinderella Castle a few days back, and the look into New Fantasyland is exquisite:

The Enchanted Tales with Belle and Be Our Guest Restaurant show building

Belle’s Village including Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour Village Gifts

Work continues on the former Mickey’s Toontown Fair tents, they will open late this year

The Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid building

The Fantasyland Station looks great, but the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is nowhere to be seen

The installed Dumbo spinner

An overall look

Not Fantasyland, but how often do you see this view?

I smell a new iPhone wallpaper…

 

Zach Larson’s 2/6/12 WDW Photo Report

From Super Bowl MVP parades to Animal Kingdom, WDWNT Reporter Zach Larson brings us around the world with him on a very busy photo report. Let’s take a look:

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Land clearing continues for the Grand Floridian DVC wing

overgrowth getting cleared away

Meanwhile, some brush is being cleared from this island in the Seven Seas Lagoon

The main street characters were out entertaining guests waiting for Eli Manning to parade down the street. I really don’t like the new one in the beige shorts…

They were offering free balloons with every audio guide purchased! 😉

Giants fans out in force

Here comes the Super Bowl MVP

Congratulations to our hometown champions, the New York Giants… even though I’m a Dolphins fan… stop laughing…

The Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment rolls on

I love this sign

The Pecos Bill’s facade is out from behind tarps and looks great

More of the facade still covered

The Frontierland Trading Post still behind tarps

Pathway work continues and Electrical Parade takes a break and Celebrate a Dream Come True stays on Main Street

Work continues on the old Fantasyland Skyway

Restrooms are coming, but rumors say to expect more

Rumors indicate that a Tangled play area and an area for guests to rest and recharge electronics is coming

Work continues on the Peter Pan’s Flight queue

Crane up in New Fantasyland

The new Tomorrowland/Fantasyland vending cart costume is a better fit for Tomorrowland in my opinion

Work continues on the castle walls

The crane! The crane!

Storybook Circus

The Dumbo queue is coming along

Beast’s Castle

They are finally topping Prince Eric’s Castle at Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

A spire finally appears at the very edge of the castle! PROGRESS!

Fantasyland Station is looking great

The old Dumbo spinner is now sitting next to the completed new spinner

I really love the pastels

It’s hard to improve a simple spinner, but I think they have

Circus tents

Awww….

Bye balloons… sniff…

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Main Street bridge work continues

Center Street still behind tarps

Chamber of Commerce/Package Pick-Up behind tarps as well

Cosmic Ray’s installed these screen menu boards a while ago

I like this shot…

Lights were on in Space Mountain

Long line for the Peoplemover

Something is missing…

Oooooo…

Walls still up behind the shrunken pet cemetery

Ooooo….

Another new Haunted Mansion shirt

On to Epcot

Test Track on the map, get them while you can

Kind of empty…

The screen works!

This scene may be gone soon…

GM cars out in the loop

Punch it Chewie!

Plenty of blue Chevy labeled cars out

The VISION House is coming to Innoventions soon

Habit Heroes is testing

Some clever puns… good thing this isn’t DCA…

The Final Boss, He's defeated with exercise.

There were quite a few bugs and they weren’t allowing pics inside, so listen to next week’s podcast for a full review

Doors locked for some reason

MINE!

No, they are not putting FASTPASS machines in…

Nemo?

In case you don’t know how to play Simon…

Preparations have begun for the Flower and garden Festival

They keep adding more and more signs for Kim Possible

The new Future World directional signs

The Canada facade refurbishment is done and it looks brand new

Leave a Legacy being fixed up

Over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, work continues on one of the paths in the Oasis

Kali River Rapids is closed for refurbishment

These were added some time ago, but the seating area at the Yak and Yeti counter service now has covered sections

I miss these signs that don’t say dream builders…

The drink window was open