Dine with an Imagineer

[jawa7400]

I'm wanting to do something special for DH on our anniversary trip in June 2017. Who has done it? Tell me your thoughts. Cost? Length of time? Anything would be appreciated!

 

[jawa7400]

Bump

 

[Tink-aholic]

I am watching this thread because I am considering doing this in May for my son's graduation from college. I have read some reviews online and everything I've seen has been positive. It looks like the average is 2.5 - 3 hours and I think the costs this year are Brown Derby lunch: $60/Citricos dinner: $90.

 

[Luv2CDisney]

Hi!
We have done it at the Brown Derby about 2 years ago. We did have a really nice Imagineer who answered everyone's questions. They sign up for them so that they want to be there not like they are assigned to have to come to lunch. It wasn't rushed and he did try to give everyone a chance to talk. We sat a very long table and he was at the head of it. He stayed after to take pictures and signed a souvenir plate for all that attended. I would do it again.

 

[DreamIsaWish]

We did it two years ago and loved it. But, it looks like the plate is no longer included. It appears to be "available for purchase" rather than complimentary. I suppose that means I need to dig out my older plate and bring it next time I get to go with an Imagineer. Collect signatures, rather than plates.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I just did this lunch at the Brown Derby on June 27th. I had a very enjoyable experience. We were seated a little after noon and we were done around 3pm. Our group was pretty quiet but the imagineer did a good job sharing stories and gave everyone a chance to ask questions and contribute to the conversation. I would definitely do this experience again. The food was really good and plentiful as well and there was a diner that had some dietary needs and the staff was very accommodating. If you want to do this book right away at your window as it is hard to get in, but if you don't get in keep trying. I got my reservation a few weeks after my 180 day window.

 

[HappyHaunts999]

It has actually been 10 years since my DD and I did this. It was a lot of fun and the imagineer was wonderful. After lunch she continued to answer my DD questions and gave her email address to her. The people who take the time to do this really enjoy it.

 

[Flounder89]

We have done it 3 times, I highly recommend it! Two times we had fairly high level Imagineers, all of them were very nice and told great stories. The special room at Hollywood Brown Derby is also worth it and the food is good. First time we did dinner when it was still at Flying Fish, we enjoyed that as well.

 

[EpcotGuy]

They still give you a plate. There was no charge

 

[lovetotraveltx]

We sent my daughter as a birthday present quite a few years ago. She really enjoyed herself, even being alone. Nice group at lunch and she really liked her imagineer. She got the plate as a gift. I thought, especially for disney, it's a great value for the money!

 

[focusondisney]

Is this book able at 180 days & how quickly does it usually book? I tried searching for availability for 2 & nothing is showing up. I mean not 1 spot between now & Dec. Wondeing if it's really all booked, can't book yet or need to call. Also, is it a set menu or do you order off the regular menu. Oh yea, one other little thing... didn't notice the cost on the website either, lol!! Thanks!!!

 

[Kricketnp]

I have this booked for October and I'm really looking forward to it!!

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

For those who have done this, what tends to be discussed? Do the imagineers tend to talk about current/upcoming projects (including things that maybe aren't public knowledge)?

 

[Meriweather]

I've done it 5 times now with 6th booked on Nov.
Love it.
The price isn't too bad for all the food and time.
We have always gotten plates. The last time was January.
We've had a variety of imagineers and they all have great info and stories.
They do sign up and rotate through. We were told once a month for most of them.
Very small group......10-12, so do book as soon as you can. Usually available at the 180 days but sometimes (like a lot of other things) it is slower to get into the system. Just keep trying

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

We did it 2 years ago and loved it. We dined with Tim and he was very knowledgeable. We ate at the Brown Derby and it was delicious. My kids loved it too. My DS asked many hot topic questions and he would not reveal anything that was not going to be public anytime soon. Our kids are Disney obsessed and so they asked good questions and Tim said that it made it enjoyable. We will definitely do it again.

 

[DreamIsaWish]

They still give you a plate. There was no charge

I think it's a super recent change (maybe Jan 2017??). The description now says:

"To commemorate the occasion, you can also purchase a souvenir plate that's personalized by the Imagineer."


I've got it booked for January, but I can't find a price for the new upcharge. Maybe they're still doing complimentary at the moment, but it clearly states I won't be getting my plate for free (another example of taking away stuff/raising prices secretly). So, I think I'll bring my plate from last time and add a signature to it.

 

[DreamIsaWish]

Mind you, the free vs. purchase plate is not a dealbreaker since the experience is so much more. But I was just really surprised to see that change snuck in there. I also wish I could find the new price for the meal as a whole, but that's not on Disney's site right now.

 

[5DizFans]

We did this in August of 2014. It was a high school graduation surprise for my twins. Me had a great time. The food was awesome and our imagineer was fabulous. He did a great job of explaining how he worked on developing the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride. He also went into detail about how he became part of the Disney team. My daughters asked many questions about working for Disney and the college program. He was very helpful. I would totally do it again. We did receive the plates and a nice name tag.

 

[jawa7400]

I'm so excited about booking this as a surprise for DH now after reading all these great reviews!!! How will it show up on MDE? Will it just look like we have a lunch reservation at HBD or will it say DWAI? He gets on MDE occasionally as we get closer to a trip.... I'd like to keep this a surprise!

 

[Flounder89]

It has stated for quite a while on the website that the plate is for purchase, and it was only for purchase the first time we did in 2012, but since then we went 2 times and got the plate for free both times.