Wow-Thanks Janet for so much great information on this package. You answered my thread about the Christmas tree in my room at AKL and I forgot to mention that we had booked this package, also, for the first time. It seems like a good deal to us-there ar many of the things we wanted to do included, so it makes sense to go this way. I'm assuming that you used this package-did you find it to be a good deal. I love to eat in the nicer restaurants, so for me, it's perfect.
Discovery Magic Vacation Package (2002)
- Thread starter Janet2k
- Start date
Thanks for posting the entire Discovery Magic Wish Information Janet!
We have this package booked for November 2002 and we're more or less set on using our wishes for spa and golf packages, plus going for more expensive meals like Artist Point (WL), Boatwright's (POR), Jiko (AKL), etc.
We would like to hear anyone's pros and cons for different wish choices with the Discovery Magic plan.
One question: Has anyone heard whether or not wishes can be used for the Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages at EPCOT's World Showcase? We're interested in using wishes for the upper tier dinner package at Le Cellier in Canada. If anyone has had experience using wishes for this program, please tell us how it went! Thanks!
When November/December rolls around, we'll be sure to have a trip report that includes our wish choices and their ratings.
We have this package booked for November 2002 and we're more or less set on using our wishes for spa and golf packages, plus going for more expensive meals like Artist Point (WL), Boatwright's (POR), Jiko (AKL), etc.
We would like to hear anyone's pros and cons for different wish choices with the Discovery Magic plan.
One question: Has anyone heard whether or not wishes can be used for the Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages at EPCOT's World Showcase? We're interested in using wishes for the upper tier dinner package at Le Cellier in Canada. If anyone has had experience using wishes for this program, please tell us how it went! Thanks!
When November/December rolls around, we'll be sure to have a trip report that includes our wish choices and their ratings.
CaliforniaDreaming
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2001
- Messages
- 5,954
Wow, Janet! You've been busy! Thanks! 
Thanks! 
I'll be using the plan for my honeymoon at WL this August.I thought I would put a link in here that points to the "Deluxe Magic Vacation Package" thread so that you may compare that package to the Discovery Magic vacation package: Deluxe Magic Vacation Package.
disneyjunkie
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2001
- Messages
- 13,908
Drenkey, I was told by a WDWTC CM that wishes can not be used for the CP package. She said you have to pay for the dinner in advance. My son and I are using the package on our trip this Christmas.
I thought I would put a link in here that points to the "Grand Plan Vacation Package" thread so that you may compare that package to the Discovery Magic vacation package: Grand Plan Vacation Package.
Just back from WDW - AKL - Discovery Magic package...
Here's our experience and initial observations:
Dining:
We used our wishes exclusively for meals. We had lunch at Portabello Yacht club (twice!), Rainforest Cafe, Chefs de France and Mama Melrose. Dinners at Jiko, Flying Fish, Brown Derby, Fulton's and Citricos. Breakfast at Boma.
We actually found that restaurants requiring one wish per person were easier to "get your wishes worth" moneywise given that the wishes (depending on what you paid for your package) are worth somewhere between $30-35, with the exception of Fulton's. Our food bill portion at both Flying Fish and Citricos were very close in price to lunch at Portabello's and Chefs de France and one wish dinners at Jiko and Brown Derby! However, we did enjoy our meals at both Flying Fish and Citricos very much (will be posting a restaurant review sometime in the near future). We were not able to use our wishes for the Food Among the Flowers brunch (nor are you able to use it for other special holiday packages).
Actually using the plan for dinner was somewhat different than listed in the Discovery Magic booklet...
The plan states that for dinner - you may select an appetiser, soup or salad, entree, desert and non-alcoholic beverage...however all restaurants we dined at for dinner followed the lunch rule of appetiser or soup or salad, with entree, desert and non-alcoholic beverage. (Not that we needed the extra salad or appetiser) However, when we used this plan in Nov. 2000 dinners included both appetiser and a salad. All restaurants allowed us to share the appetiser and would split the salad onto 2 plates for us as requested. The plan states that you need to inform your server that you are on Discover Magic prior to ordering...I don't know what would have happened if we had just ordered and then let the CM know we were on the plan afterwards.
Our server at Portabellos was the only one who volunteered the addition of lobster to our entrees!
If the service was especially good, and in most cases it was, we did tip extra (above Disney's included 15%) and many CM's were incredibly surprised. We always tipped on any wine purchased with our meal.
AK parade, Illuminations and MK Fireworks viewing:
This is available with the plan purchased through the WDTC or Disney Club (also WDTC) - no through CRO.
The location in AK is right on the Harambe bridge - there is no shade but the character interaction is great. Guests without the coupons are not allowed to line the bridge.
The location for Illuminations viewing is on the Morrocco boat dock waiting area (not the actual dock itself). This was a wonderful location for viewing Illuminations (but not as good as the Patio at Rose N Crown).
The location for viewing the Fireworks in Magic Kingdom is the patio below the Plaza and Pizza restaurants across from the Castle. If you arrive early enough you can grab a chair and be seated throughout the show. You also have a great view of Tinkerbell's flight. You can not see Spectromagic from this location and if there is a parade prior to the fireworks, be careful your location for viewing the parade so as not to get caught across the park or main street from the reserved location! This location is also a desigated smoking area - and the CM did not ask guests to refrain from smoking if they have coupons for the reserved viewing.
In addition to the coupons, guests must call and reserve their viewings...we called 45 days out from our visit. You must have paid for your package in full prior to making reservations.
We still feel that this an excellent package in 2002 - but not the bargain it was for us in 2000! We did enjoy the additions of the reserved viewing locations and didn't forget to pick up our pins!
For us, two adults, who enjoy eating at least one sit-down meal per day, it is still a great package.
Happy to answer any questions.
-LA
Here's our experience and initial observations:
Dining:
We used our wishes exclusively for meals. We had lunch at Portabello Yacht club (twice!), Rainforest Cafe, Chefs de France and Mama Melrose. Dinners at Jiko, Flying Fish, Brown Derby, Fulton's and Citricos. Breakfast at Boma.
We actually found that restaurants requiring one wish per person were easier to "get your wishes worth" moneywise given that the wishes (depending on what you paid for your package) are worth somewhere between $30-35, with the exception of Fulton's. Our food bill portion at both Flying Fish and Citricos were very close in price to lunch at Portabello's and Chefs de France and one wish dinners at Jiko and Brown Derby! However, we did enjoy our meals at both Flying Fish and Citricos very much (will be posting a restaurant review sometime in the near future). We were not able to use our wishes for the Food Among the Flowers brunch (nor are you able to use it for other special holiday packages).
Actually using the plan for dinner was somewhat different than listed in the Discovery Magic booklet...
The plan states that for dinner - you may select an appetiser, soup or salad, entree, desert and non-alcoholic beverage...however all restaurants we dined at for dinner followed the lunch rule of appetiser or soup or salad, with entree, desert and non-alcoholic beverage. (Not that we needed the extra salad or appetiser) However, when we used this plan in Nov. 2000 dinners included both appetiser and a salad. All restaurants allowed us to share the appetiser and would split the salad onto 2 plates for us as requested. The plan states that you need to inform your server that you are on Discover Magic prior to ordering...I don't know what would have happened if we had just ordered and then let the CM know we were on the plan afterwards.
Our server at Portabellos was the only one who volunteered the addition of lobster to our entrees!
If the service was especially good, and in most cases it was, we did tip extra (above Disney's included 15%) and many CM's were incredibly surprised. We always tipped on any wine purchased with our meal.
AK parade, Illuminations and MK Fireworks viewing:
This is available with the plan purchased through the WDTC or Disney Club (also WDTC) - no through CRO.
The location in AK is right on the Harambe bridge - there is no shade but the character interaction is great. Guests without the coupons are not allowed to line the bridge.
The location for Illuminations viewing is on the Morrocco boat dock waiting area (not the actual dock itself). This was a wonderful location for viewing Illuminations (but not as good as the Patio at Rose N Crown).
The location for viewing the Fireworks in Magic Kingdom is the patio below the Plaza and Pizza restaurants across from the Castle. If you arrive early enough you can grab a chair and be seated throughout the show. You also have a great view of Tinkerbell's flight. You can not see Spectromagic from this location and if there is a parade prior to the fireworks, be careful your location for viewing the parade so as not to get caught across the park or main street from the reserved location! This location is also a desigated smoking area - and the CM did not ask guests to refrain from smoking if they have coupons for the reserved viewing.
In addition to the coupons, guests must call and reserve their viewings...we called 45 days out from our visit. You must have paid for your package in full prior to making reservations.
We still feel that this an excellent package in 2002 - but not the bargain it was for us in 2000! We did enjoy the additions of the reserved viewing locations and didn't forget to pick up our pins!
For us, two adults, who enjoy eating at least one sit-down meal per day, it is still a great package.
Happy to answer any questions.
-LA
disneyjunkie
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2001
- Messages
- 13,908
Wow, thanks for the wonderful review. I've booked the DM Package for our Christmas trip, can't wait to see how it works out.
Colette, I havent used the Discovery Magic vacation package myself, as I have only used the Grand Plan package. However, regardless of what package plan you have booked, as long as you know what is offered by your package and you plan to take advantage of some of the offerings, then your package can work out to be a nice way to vacation.
I have done a package twice, with a third one planned for later on this year. However, I have vacationed at WDW many, many times with just a room-only booking. For the vacations that I wanted to be more laid-back or that were shared with others, a room-only reservation was the only way to go (and then I just added activities on top of that). For my next vacation, however, I want it to be all go-go-go, and thus have chosen a vacation package. I already have lots of activities in mind for that vacation. Well have a fishing excursion every day, at least one sit-down meal every day, golf lessons at least once, water mouse rentals every day, and so on. If I didnt book a package for us, wed still be spending the same amount of money on everything separately. Since that is the case, a package will be much easier on us. Well have everything paid for ahead of time, and thus will only have to pull out our room keys anytime were hungry or want to have a little fun. That vacation package will help assure my family as stress free of a vacation as possible.
I have done a package twice, with a third one planned for later on this year. However, I have vacationed at WDW many, many times with just a room-only booking. For the vacations that I wanted to be more laid-back or that were shared with others, a room-only reservation was the only way to go (and then I just added activities on top of that). For my next vacation, however, I want it to be all go-go-go, and thus have chosen a vacation package. I already have lots of activities in mind for that vacation. Well have a fishing excursion every day, at least one sit-down meal every day, golf lessons at least once, water mouse rentals every day, and so on. If I didnt book a package for us, wed still be spending the same amount of money on everything separately. Since that is the case, a package will be much easier on us. Well have everything paid for ahead of time, and thus will only have to pull out our room keys anytime were hungry or want to have a little fun. That vacation package will help assure my family as stress free of a vacation as possible.
BetsyAnn, youre welcome. Are you thinking of booking a vacation package?
Drenkey, youre welcome, too. It sounds like you already have your future Discovery Magic vacation package pretty much planned out. Good for you! When I booked my first WDW vacation package, I had no clue where to begin. Luckily, today, websites like the DIS exist and many people can offer a helping hand. I look forward to your Discovery Magic trip report!
Gorechick, congratulations on your upcoming honeymoon! Youll have to let us know how the vacation package works out for you and your spouse.
Disneyjunkie, thank you for the information regarding the Candlelight Processional. I was curious as to what the answer would be. I look forward to your upcoming Discovery Magic trip report.
LAinSEA, welcome back! And thanks for the great Discovery Magic Trip Report. The brochure did not state anything about the parade or fireworks viewing areas so it was great to see you state where they were. Please let us know how someone on the package would go about getting a viewing coupon. Also, do you only get one coupon per person per vacation package, or do you get one coupon per person for each of the parade and fireworks viewing areas? Do these coupons require that a wish be relinquished in their place, or are the coupons a bonus for being on the vacation package?
Drenkey, youre welcome, too. It sounds like you already have your future Discovery Magic vacation package pretty much planned out. Good for you! When I booked my first WDW vacation package, I had no clue where to begin. Luckily, today, websites like the DIS exist and many people can offer a helping hand. I look forward to your Discovery Magic trip report!
Gorechick, congratulations on your upcoming honeymoon! Youll have to let us know how the vacation package works out for you and your spouse.
Disneyjunkie, thank you for the information regarding the Candlelight Processional. I was curious as to what the answer would be. I look forward to your upcoming Discovery Magic trip report.
LAinSEA, welcome back! And thanks for the great Discovery Magic Trip Report. The brochure did not state anything about the parade or fireworks viewing areas so it was great to see you state where they were. Please let us know how someone on the package would go about getting a viewing coupon. Also, do you only get one coupon per person per vacation package, or do you get one coupon per person for each of the parade and fireworks viewing areas? Do these coupons require that a wish be relinquished in their place, or are the coupons a bonus for being on the vacation package?
You should get your reserved viewing coupons - one per person for each event - about 2-3 weeks prior to your trip. They should come with a "personalized" trip planning report for your family. However, it is not advised to wait until you receive your coupons to reserve your family's spot for these events. As long as you have paid for your vacation in full, you may make reservations on the WDW-PLAY line 45 days from the start of your vacation with your trip confirmation number.
When you arrive at the reserved viewing locations your name will be checked against a list and you will hand your coupons to a Cast Member. Don't forget your coupons!
When you make your reservations, you will be advised to show up at least 20 minutes prior to the event. My DH and I did this and there were always other guests there prior to our arrival. I believe that the areas are set-up and roped off more like an hour to 45 minutes prior to the event so you may be able to arrive within this time frame. Other than the Harambe bridge at AK, the viewing areas at EPCOT and MK are quite large and will accomodate a large group of guests, So arriving early enough to have a front row spot could be a bonus.
These reserved viewing coupons are in addition to your magical wishes...and I've heard that they are only a part of the Discovery Magic package if you book through the WDTC or Disney Club (which is still WDTC). Packages sold through CRO do not include the reserved viewing coupons (please someone correct me if I'm wrong).
happy planning!
-LA
When you arrive at the reserved viewing locations your name will be checked against a list and you will hand your coupons to a Cast Member. Don't forget your coupons!
When you make your reservations, you will be advised to show up at least 20 minutes prior to the event. My DH and I did this and there were always other guests there prior to our arrival. I believe that the areas are set-up and roped off more like an hour to 45 minutes prior to the event so you may be able to arrive within this time frame. Other than the Harambe bridge at AK, the viewing areas at EPCOT and MK are quite large and will accomodate a large group of guests, So arriving early enough to have a front row spot could be a bonus.
These reserved viewing coupons are in addition to your magical wishes...and I've heard that they are only a part of the Discovery Magic package if you book through the WDTC or Disney Club (which is still WDTC). Packages sold through CRO do not include the reserved viewing coupons (please someone correct me if I'm wrong).
happy planning!
-LA
There were other guests in the viewing areas that were on the Deluxe Magic package while we were there. We didn't meet anyone on the Grand package.
The important thing is to make reservations for your preferred viewing dates as soon as you are able (within the 45 day window). While there seemed to be plenty of room while we were there (first part of May), the CM I booked the package with in February said that there have been disappointed guests who waited until they were at their resort to make the arrangements and didn't get their choice of dates.
I would imagine that those on the Grand plan will have help through their resort's concierge services in trip planning and making viewing reservations.
During the week that we there, MK fireworks were only offered one night, Saturday. This made for a very crowded evening at MK for the early Spectromagic parade and fireworks viewing (they did add a second Spectro parade after the fireworks). Hopefully guest visits will continue to normalize in the months to come and WDW will be able to release their park hours and events schedules enough in advance for guests to make preliminary plans including their reserved viewing arrangements.
-LA
(and I'm still "freezing" - missing that lovely Orlando heat!)
The important thing is to make reservations for your preferred viewing dates as soon as you are able (within the 45 day window). While there seemed to be plenty of room while we were there (first part of May), the CM I booked the package with in February said that there have been disappointed guests who waited until they were at their resort to make the arrangements and didn't get their choice of dates.
I would imagine that those on the Grand plan will have help through their resort's concierge services in trip planning and making viewing reservations.
During the week that we there, MK fireworks were only offered one night, Saturday. This made for a very crowded evening at MK for the early Spectromagic parade and fireworks viewing (they did add a second Spectro parade after the fireworks). Hopefully guest visits will continue to normalize in the months to come and WDW will be able to release their park hours and events schedules enough in advance for guests to make preliminary plans including their reserved viewing arrangements.
-LA
(and I'm still "freezing" - missing that lovely Orlando heat!)
BowlingAriel
Wishin Upon That Lottery Star
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2001
- Messages
- 331
Janet2k
What a helpful site u have created. I am going to BC concierge with the Discovery Magic plan in July. It is my daughter and a friends b-day, we are taking friends. Six in out party. We are really looking fwd to it.
I struggled for weeks trying to decide if the plan was right for us, and I finally just booked it. I figured that we'd do things that we would never really try on our own.
Watermice, Fulton's for 6 at Dinner, Cirque.
I wish you could use wishes for the Illuminations cruise !!
I can't wait.
Thanks
Michelle
What a helpful site u have created. I am going to BC concierge with the Discovery Magic plan in July. It is my daughter and a friends b-day, we are taking friends. Six in out party. We are really looking fwd to it.
I struggled for weeks trying to decide if the plan was right for us, and I finally just booked it. I figured that we'd do things that we would never really try on our own.
Watermice, Fulton's for 6 at Dinner, Cirque.
I wish you could use wishes for the Illuminations cruise !!
I can't wait.
Thanks
Michelle
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