Dine with an Imagineer?

[Infamousmare]

Has anyone done this? Was it worth it?

My kids will be 7 & 4.5 while we're at WDW next month - is this something they'd enjoy? Can we choose the type of imagineer we get to meet? For instance, my kids are very into some of the Disney movies (Nemo & Toy Story) - would a choice of an imagineer be someone who had something to do with the production of movies?

Or is this something we should wait and do when they're older?

 

[TDC Nala]

There's no age limit - but Disney recommends for 14 and up. Personally I cannot recommend this event for children as young as yours. It takes up to three hours and consists of a lot of talking.

No, you cannot choose the imagineer you get.

I have never heard of a participating imagineer who works in the movies. I am not sure Disney has any film production departments in Florida any longer. All the imagineers I've seen participating do work regarding some aspect of the theme park.

I also think it would be very difficult to get a reservation to this event at only a month out. They only take about 10 guests per session.

 

[Infamousmare]

Aha - thanks for all that info. I had a sneaking suspicion they might be too young; however, I had no idea this was only for parties of 10 or more. As for the timing, I would not normally plan a vacation to WDW this close to the travel date! Just so happened that the planets aligned and we were able to go.

 

[TDC Nala]

It's not for parties of 10 or more. They take up to 10 guests total. Maybe 12. That's why it will be very difficult to get a reservation a month out. The event has such a small capacity it books up quickly and the chances of a cancellation are lower.

 

[purple figment]

Here are some reviews that people have posted about their experience:

http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=514&cat=37

 

[Wild4Walt]

The experience is absolutely wonderful and worth every penny. That said though, it is a very small group and if you kids don't want to sit for several hours they may get a bit bored.

 

[ladyelenawf]

I'm really looking forward to doing this, but the Disney site is sadly lacking in additional information. Does anyone know how many Table Service Credits it takes?

 

[minnie mum]

I'm really looking forward to doing this, but the Disney site is sadly lacking in additional information. Does anyone know how many Table Service Credits it takes?

I'd be really interested to know this too. I know that it would be 2 TS credits, since HBD is a signature, but am not sure if this particular event is even covered by the Dining Plan.

 

[TDC Nala]

It's a special dining event and is not covered by the dining plan.

 

[angiejg]

It is awesome, but not for young children at all. My daughter did it last year. She is 14. She loved every minute of it. She was the youngest one there out of 10 guests. The imagineer was very helpful and took the time to talk to her in great detail. She and my husband were there for probably 2 1/2 hours.

 

[ladyelenawf]

It's a special dining event and is not covered by the dining plan.

Thank you for clarifying! I had already called Disney Dining AND the HBD, but no one had a clear answer & kept transferring me back & forth. Finally I remembered this forum. Such a wonderful place!

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

I have this booked for 6/1....

it will be DH, me, DS20, DSGF19, DSD19, DSD18....

I definately agree... wait until they are older... you'll get more out of the experience ...

Also FYI.... The week I'm going Flying Fish is not available. One CM told me Flying Fish was discontinued.

They are only doing this the Wednesday and Friday of our trip... Wednesday was already booked... so we got Friday for all 6 of us.... (Monday is Memorial Day)

That would lead one to believe that even if this were not a holiday week... there would only be 30 "slots" for lunch.... so yes - book in advance when you are ready, and PP's too.

Have a magical visit !
Mary

 

[ladyelenawf]

Also FYI.... The week I'm going Flying Fish is not available. One CM told me Flying Fish was discontinued.
Have a magical visit !
Mary

How Sad!!

The online ADR program on the disney sight did only list Jan/Feb/Mar...I was just hoping they hadn't posted the next dates. The FFC had a better sounding menu!

Thanks for the update!

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

YES!

I was hoping for a Flying Fish Ressie because.....

1) If we had a FF ressie we would not have to buy Park Hoppers!

and
2) I tried HBD last visit May 2010 and did not really care for it (although I am hoping the revised menus will remedy that)


Hugs
Mary