Lunch with an Imagineer

[jlovesee]

Well after talking about doing this for over a year now (I posted about this last year), Im actually doing it. I am going to try to book Lunch with an Imagineer for January 23, 2006, is anyone else thinking about doing this or has done this?

Also since it has a 30 day window I am set and ready to call on December 23rd, which I believe is 30 days out.

I will be booking this for my husband and I, my husband loves Disney Imagineering has the books on it, loves it so I think he will enjoy it a lot. This will be one of his christmas presents.

Jennifer

 

[MamaQuack]

ds then 12 and I did it in Dec '03 - it was, and remains, one of the most incredible Disney experiences we have ever shared - great food, great mix of folks in our group, great imagineer who talked and chatted and entertained us long, long past the "alotted time" - and the restaurant manager at Brown Derby was an added treat and a wealth of info - go for it but allow plenty of time in your day's schedule - it is so worth every penny you pay for it

MamaQuack

p.s. ds, now 14 and I are going to the World in Jan 06 and he is already begging to have another imagineer luncheon

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am hoping to be able to secure lunch for our group next August. DH, DS who will be 10 by then, 2 of our best friends, and me. Luckily we can try for a Monday or a Friday, so if I can't get it on the first try I will have a second shot at it!

I would love to hear more about how tough this is to book. I have successfully managed a CRT and an Illuminations cruise in the past, but I have never tried for the Imagineer lunch before. Obviously I will call IMMEDIATELY when the phones open on my 30 day mark - any other suggestions?

Jlovesee-
The new Imagineer Guide to Epcot is due to be released in June, 2006. I ran across that accidentally at the bookstore when I was looking on the computer for something else.

 

[jiminy14]

My DD (21) has done this twice and loved it both times. Great food and lots of inside information. I believe there are three entrees to choose from including a vegetarian (Thai Noodle bowl). You get soup, Cobb salad, entree and dessert. The soup and dessert change but you always get the Cobb salad. Non-alcoholic beverages are included, but you have to pay extra for wine.
At the end of the meal you receive a very large collector's plate that is black with gold writing. It commemorates 50 years of Disney Imagineering and the Imagineer will sign it for you. Make sure you bring your camera as you will be able to take a picture with your Imagineer.
As far as booking the event, I have never had a problem reserving this for my DD. As a matter of fact, at the last one there were only two other people at the lunch. It wouldn't hurt to have a first and second choice of dates available just in case.
The only complaint that my DD had about the whole experience is that some people showed up late to the lunch. I'm not talking 5-10 minutes but 20-25 minutes late. This cuts down on the time you spend with the Imagineer as he does actually have to go back to work after lunch. As with any ADR, you are advised to be at the restaurant 15 minutes before your scheduled time but my DD has never been seated on time as other people have come late.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Thanks for the info! With 5 of us we will take up half of the available spaces, so maybe we won't have to wait for late arrivals!

I have never read anything negative about this experience. I really hope we are able to participate!

 

[kjbstore]

How much does the lunch with an imagineer cost per person? Sounds awesome. I'm planning out our meals this weekend for our May 05 trip.

Thanks - Kathryn

 

[jlovesee]

Its about $60 PP, I am thinking about writing a trip report (since I love reading them!) when I get back and will include our review as long as I get get a reservation for it!

So is 30 days out from January 23, 2006, December 23rd or December 24th?
Its so funny that I always thought those that called at 6AM to get CRT were obsessed and here I am doing the exact same thing!

Jennifer

 

[Got Quattro?]

Sat next to one at Beaches and Cream bar a few years ago. He was just eating lunch. very nice, and was telling me about the new rooller coatser they were doing. He was pretty vague, but he was telling me about a RR well before it was announced.

 

[jiminy14]

The cost is about $60 or $65 per person and includes your lunch, non-alcoholic beverage and collectible plate (which is very large). It can only be booked 30 days out and at the time I booked it, was offered on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. I believe it starts around 11:30 and is scheduled for 2 hours but often runs longer. For the money, it is one of the best experiences on property.
Here's a spoiler so do not read on if you liked to be surprised. Try not to make plans for later on in the evening. In the past, the Brown Derby manager has provided VIP passes to Fantasmic to participants in the program. The vouchers are similar to those you receive with the Fantasmic dining package and provide a reserved seating section at the show. The vouchers are good for everyone in your party not just the person who went to the lunch. My DD received the vouchers at both lunches that she attended and our entire family was allowed to attend Fantasmic with her.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think the lunch is only offered Monday and Friday - Wednesday is a dinner and it is substantially higher in price.

 

[iwaseeyore]

We've done this twice. March and October 2005. Both were on Wednesday and both for lunch. I don't think they do dinner anymore.

It is an awesome experience. We'll do it again.

 

[jiminy14]

Dinner is no longer offered. My DD wanted to book the dinner last August and I was informed by Disney dining that it was discontinued. It was similar to the lunch but included wine pairings and cost $100 pp.

 

[Maude4Disney]

Is there an age limit on this?

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Wow! That is good to know! So we actually have three shots at getting in for lunch the week we are there! Unfortunately we are doing a tour on Wednesday morning so that creates a bit of a conflict. I guess if the only day we can get in for lunch is Wedensday we will have to try to move the tour. Decisions, decisions...

 

[cobbler]

Does anyone know if the cost is 60 for the kids as well? We have 2 young ones and I think they would get a kick out of this.

 

[Stacerita]

Sat next to one at Beaches and Cream bar a few years ago. He was just eating lunch. very nice, and was telling me about the new rooller coatser they were doing. He was pretty vague, but he was telling me about a RR well before it was announced.

This is the sort of lunch with an Imagineer that I would want. Actually, I would like to do the Lunch with an Imagineer on one of my next trips. It looks like a really nice expericence and I have only heard great things about it. I met an Imagineer through a friend so techincally I have done lunch with an Imagineer.....plus dinner, drinks, etc. Every time I see him I try to pick his brain for a bit more info. lol One day I will get something good that someone on the DIS boards hasn't already had.

 

[iwaseeyore]

Does anyone know if the cost is 60 for the kids as well? We have 2 young ones and I think they would get a kick out of this.

I'm not sure what you mean by "2 young ones" but both times we dined with an Imagineer the Imagineer was relieved there were no "young" ones. IMHO this is a young adult/adult experience. It's more about the back story or the project then Mickey and Minnie.

 

[jlovesee]

Well I called this morning at 6:05 approx to book, and got it no problem for Jan 23, they do require a credit card to hold, but do not charge anything. As I booked it as a christmas present for my husband, I went to the disney store bought $120 of Disney dollars (to cover the cost approx) and bought some nice stationary paper and printed out an invitation, then put it in a small box and wrapped it.

I got so excited (as I have been planning this for over a year now), he opened it this morning, and he was pretty happy to say the least, both he and I love Disney about the same, we go down there atleast once a year. I feel lucky on that respect because I know a lot of people on this board have the significant other who does not share the Disney passion.

I would mention in regards to age they did ask if any guests were under the age of 14 (I wish I was!), so I do think they may have a minimum age, and from what I've heard it does sound like something most children would not appreciate to the full extent.

Anyway counting down to Disney I can't wait!

 

[welovewdw]

Do you call the main number to book?

I can't believe I am still learning new stuff here at the Dis all the time!!! It's amazing how much I don't know. LOL I can't wait to take dh in Jan if I can get a reservation!!! Thank you!!!

 

[jlovesee]

I called 1-407-WDW DINE I think thats the normal one


Jennifer