Dine With an Imagineer

[MyGoofy26]

I was randomly searching the other day and two seats opened up for Dine With and Imagineer at the Brown Derby during our honeymoon trip the first week of March. It's something I've always been interested in but I'm second guessing. I'm the Disney park nerd in this duo so of course it's right up my alley. My husband has never been and while I'm sure he'd follow the conversation with interest, he doesn't have the attachment to the parks that I have so it's definitely an event that is for me and not him. I'm second guessing it (he isn't--he's all for going for me since the reservation is a day after my birthday) but it seems like a lot of time (three hours) and money ($120+) for an event that really only benefits me. I feel like I should find something special that we'll both enjoy.

Anyone who has done this have any thoughts or insight? Is this something a WDW newbie will ultimately enjoy or should I delay it for a later trip when he's more "seasoned" and I have him properly hooked on Disney?

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

I was randomly searching the other day and two seats opened up for Dine With and Imagineer at the Brown Derby during our honeymoon trip the first week of March. It's something I've always been interested in but I'm second guessing. I'm the Disney park nerd in this duo so of course it's right up my alley. My husband has never been and while I'm sure he'd follow the conversation with interest, he doesn't have the attachment to the parks that I have so it's definitely an event that is for me and not him. I'm second guessing it (he isn't--he's all for going for me since the reservation is a day after my birthday) but it seems like a lot of time (three hours) and money ($120+) for an event that really only benefits me. I feel like I should find something special that we'll both enjoy.

Anyone who has done this have any thoughts or insight? Is this something a WDW newbie will ultimately enjoy or should I delay it for a later trip when he's more "seasoned" and I have him properly hooked on Disney?

Go! DH may really enjoy it, and it IS your birthday, lol!
Don't overthink it, if you don't go you'll regret it, and it may not ever be an option again.
Plus, I'm sure the imagineers that are chosen to do this are outgoing and used to putting others at ease. It's not like an awkward first date... He he!

 

[quandrea]

I went on my own and loved it. Time well spent. It's worth its cost in food alone.

 

[minnie mum]

Go! Do you know how hard it is to get that ADR? It could be years before you get another one. And your honeymoon is a good time for your DH to learn the truth in the old saying "happy wife.....happy life".

 

[MyGoofy26]

Go! Do you know how hard it is to get that ADR? It could be years before you get another one.

I've checked at random a few times for this trip (and have always searched for it on prior trips and nada) so I believe my reaction when my search actually produced a hit was "Holy #%^*!" and scared him. I explained how many years I've checked availability for this so he was all for booking it even if it's my brand of geekery and not his.

He does want to eat at the Brown Derby so we already had an ADR there. He's a big movie buff so when he found out this was an option it was the only place he asked for. Win/win?

 

[MyGoofy26]

Go! DH may really enjoy it, and it IS your birthday, lol!
Don't overthink it, if you don't go you'll regret it, and it may not ever be an option again.
Plus, I'm sure the imagineers that are chosen to do this are outgoing and used to putting others at ease. It's not like an awkward first date... He he!

I'm hoping we get someone interesting who makes it comfortable. I went on a review search to share with him and they were overwhelmingly positive but then there's always that one...one reviewer had an Imagineer who didn't want to be there and openly admitted/joked he was there for the free lunch. That was when the doubt hit. But for as limited as the experience is I really hope Disney is selective and tries to weed those types out.

I went on my own and loved it. Time well spent. It's worth its cost in food alone.

Thanks for the reassurance! I was trying to also justify to myself based on food costs since we already planned to eat there. "Well we'd have spent more than half that price at lunch without the appetizers and dessert so a little more to splurge on the meal and add the experience..."

 

[wannabee]

Go..... I went this past July with some others who are not as into Disney as me. The meal was amazing and everyone enjoyed the imagineer.

 

[spritna]

It was probably booked by the time u posted your question.....that's an adr u don't think about

 

[MyGoofy26]

It was probably booked by the time u posted your question.....that's an adr u don't think about

Well I booked it immediately when I saw it so I have the reservation. Since it didn't need to be paid up front I booked it and figured I had a month to decide. They just need 48 hours notice on cancellation. I'm leaning toward keeping it because I don't know if I'll ever get the chance again. It helps that we just filed taxes and we're getting a little more than expected. Filing as a married couple brought my income down into a lower tax bracket, woohoo! Though I do still feel guilty and am trying to come up with ideas for something for him. A day trip to Kennedy Space Center is at the top of the list right now.

 

[Irishcastles23]

Does anyone know if there is a minimum age to dine with the imagineer?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

There is no minimum age, but it is a three hour lunch with a lot of talking. Disney "recommends" for guests 14 and older. I think it would be also great for tweens who are interested in how Disney works or who may have decided they want to be an Imagineer. I can't recommend it for small children. They're allowed, but they will get bored.

 

[HopperFan]

If it ever comes up for you BOOK IT. If you change your mind you can drop it but the odds of getting it later .... not good. DS has done it twice (once with DD) and is booked for another. Loved everything about it. Had two great Imagineers including Mark Kohl.

There is no minimum age, but it is a three hour lunch with a lot of talking. Disney "recommends" for guests 14 and older. I think it would be also great for tweens who are interested in how Disney works or who may have decided they want to be an Imagineer. I can't recommend it for small children. They're allowed, but they will get bored.

Agree. They said there were adults in there that seemed bored, just going along with someone. This is a couple of hours of discussion among the Imagineer and about 10 people in a private room. A child would be expected to sit at the table, either being quiet or contributing to the conversation. I would hate to spend that kind of money and have to leave before it is over. Now I do think there are probably tweens who would love it, I know my DS would have at that age.

 

[Meriweather]

Go! Go! One of my favorite things to do.
I have been 5 times now.....so worth it. Food is amazing and have had very interesting imagineers. All very different.
Plan to go again next Jan.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

DH and I did this in August. He is definitely not as in to Disney as I am and he really enjoyed it. The food was really excellent and we had a great Imagineer. I say definitely do it! I was lucky enough to get an ADR for DS and I to do it on our trip in March. I cannot wait!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

How long is the lunch? 1, 1 1/2 hours?

 

[HopperFan]

How long is the lunch? 1, 1 1/2 hours?

@ 2.5 hours

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Ah! Thank you! Just trying to figure out a schedule for the kiddos while Dad and Papa are having their experience!

 

[NuJoy]

What is so special about this experience is the added appreciation one gains for a particular Disney aspect. It has the ability to feed an obsession already there or spark an interest in a novice. Both you and your husband are sure to be enriched from an imagineer's perspective.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I know. Neither of them was very keen to do it but I booked it anyway. (They are both quiet). The closer it gets, the more excited they become. If they choose not, I'll do it! Thanks!

ETA: We go so much, we always look for a new experience. This works!

 

[MyGoofy26]

What is so special about this experience is the added appreciation one gains for a particular Disney aspect. It has the ability to feed an obsession already there or spark an interest in a novice. Both you and your husband are sure to be enriched from an imagineer's perspective.

I think he's getting excited about it to some degree. When we've talked to people about our plans he seems like he's looking forward to this. And who knows, since this trip is aaaaall about getting him hooked on Disney maybe we'll get an Imagineer that helps me to reel him in.