Dine with an Imagineer

[Meriweather]

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!

It shows like this, so if you want it to be a surprise don't let him look at MDE

The Hollywood Brown Derby Dining with an Imagineer12:00 PM

 

[DreamIsaWish]

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.

Hmm... I assumed it was a recent change but to be fair I haven't read the description until super recently. When we went two years ago it was included but I think that may have been before dining was on MDE. Or, my husband made the reservation back then and I didn't see the fine print.

Well, if it's been listed this way for a while then maybe I will get a goodie! I'll enjoy it either way, of course.

 

[KadysMom]

We are dining with an Imagineer when we go! We are going July 23-31 so I can let everyone know about the plate and how it was after we get back.

 

[Aliceacc]

I got it as a Christmas gift for my husband in 2011 for our 2012 trip. (I would have love to have joined him, but someone had to be with the kids.) I gave him an IOU for Christmas, then made sure I booked it as soon as our date opened up.

He had lunch at the Brown Derby with one of the imagineers who worked on the queue for the new Test Track-- a delightful, very personable young woman.

I forget all the details of his lunch, but he really enjoyed the whole experience. I hope some day to do it myself.

 

[RedM94]

@KadysMom How did you enjoy dine with an imagineer. We will be doing it next month. If you have a chance, please post some detaills about the experience.

Thank you!

 

[CMNJ]

@KadysMom How did you enjoy dine with an imagineer. We will be doing it next month. If you have a chance, please post some detaills about the experience.

Thank you!

Not the poster you asked but my husband has done the lunch at HBD twice with his dad and we have done the dinner at Citrico's. It is a very interesting experience and each meal will be unique as the imagineer's job and background will vary. My husband really liked all 3 experiences but he said they were all quite different due to each imagineer's individual expertise and how they conducted the actual meal-I guess there isn't a specific format. At our dinner we had an imagineer who is one of the project managers overseeing the AK expansion (Pandora, ROL, nighttime activities, etc). He was very interesting but obviously couldn't give out any confidential info (to answer a previous poster's question). He also talked about past projects (was a new fantasyland project manager too) and was able to go into specific detail about how some elements work and how they worked through problems they encountered. Our meal lasted about 3 hrs and I think we had 11 guests and the imagineer at our table. We were in a private room at Citricos.
We were not given the plate for free but my husband received them for free when he went to the lunches

 

[CMNJ]

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!!!

It is only held 3 days a week for lunch and once a month for dinner with a max of 10 or 12 spots so it can be hard to book. A previous poster listed the costs. It is a set menu but you have a choice of two options for each course.

 

[KadysMom]

I went to the lunch at Hollywood Brown Derby and my husband and I enjoyed it. My daughter was bored, but she liked the food and was happy to be in the AC. We only had 8 people since another party had cancelled. The imaginer we met with was pretty engaging. She had a lot she wanted to talk about and got side tracked because of her own stories but then because of questions from us. She went into detail on how she was able to get to where she is with Disney and the education and qualities they look for. She explained how new projects come down the pipeline and how different areas interact and work together. She also discussed timelines because these projects take a very long time. All 3 of us did get plates and she autographed them. I am glad we took the time to do this on our trip.

 

[spritna]

We had the robotics supervisor, he said he was the highest in his Dept. He said he was also responsible for the aulani resort......everything! He said this was his biggest project "his baby" this was about 2 years ago. They will not give out any and he said any....info on current or future projects that hasn't been announced to the public. As for booking took us years of trying....we always take off work the 180 day mark and wait till 6 am and get our adr. We always try this first. Like someone else stated keep trying....we check 3 times a day looking for a cancellation. If you can go....get it. Also don't forget dining with an animal specialist at the animal kingdom lodge. The dis team did a review of this awhile back and loved it. This one you have to call to reserve it I think (never done it....yet lol).

 

[RedM94]

I went to the lunch at Hollywood Brown Derby and my husband and I enjoyed it. My daughter was bored, but she liked the food and was happy to be in the AC. We only had 8 people since another party had cancelled. The imaginer we met with was pretty engaging. She had a lot she wanted to talk about and got side tracked because of her own stories but then because of questions from us. She went into detail on how she was able to get to where she is with Disney and the education and qualities they look for. She explained how new projects come down the pipeline and how different areas interact and work together. She also discussed timelines because these projects take a very long time. All 3 of us did get plates and she autographed them. I am glad we took the time to do this on our trip.

@KadysMom Thank you for the update and glad to read you enjoyed the experience. We are very much looking forward to doing this in a couple of weeks. Do they still give the plastic "castmember type" name badges to everyone?

 

[spritna]

For some reason I'm thinking no on the tags, I do remember the menu has your name on it that u take

 

[Kricketnp]

I went to the lunch at Hollywood Brown Derby and my husband and I enjoyed it. My daughter was bored, but she liked the food and was happy to be in the AC. We only had 8 people since another party had cancelled. The imaginer we met with was pretty engaging. She had a lot she wanted to talk about and got side tracked because of her own stories but then because of questions from us. She went into detail on how she was able to get to where she is with Disney and the education and qualities they look for. She explained how new projects come down the pipeline and how different areas interact and work together. She also discussed timelines because these projects take a very long time. All 3 of us did get plates and she autographed them. I am glad we took the time to do this on our trip.

Awesome! Was this recent? Do you have a photo of the plates?

 

[Boardwalk III]

Does anyone know how long the lunch one lasts?

 

[brertoad]

Do they offer any discounts for Dine with an Imagineer? DVC/AP/TiW?

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Does anyone know how long the lunch one lasts?

Three hours.

 

[Meriweather]

Do they offer any discounts for Dine with an Imagineer? DVC/AP/TiW?

No discounts

 

[Boardwalk III]

All good info...is cost still $60? Website is unclear from what I could find.

 

[SA mom]

We went a few years ago and it was the best meal we've ever eaten inside a theme park. Our Imagineer was engaging and generous with his time. We were surprised to automatically receive the plate as we were told it was available for sell. Our Imagineer was in charge of the improvement in The Studios as well as managed the refit of the cruise ships.

It did not show up in the system at 180. I want to say we were either 90 or 60 days out. I just kept calling.