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"What's cookin'?" Pre-trip fridge clean out dinner tonight. Grilled cheese with thick cut bacon on excellent local Italian bread. Broccoli with cheese sauce on the side. Apple & cherry Paczki for dessert. What are your midweek meal ideas?

59 min ago by TacMed

Chicken tortilla soup and rolls for us.

32 min ago by TumbleMonkeys

Meatball subs, using frozen meatballs. Easy and yummy!

24 min ago by Jennyhirsch

Sam's Club enchiladas. Very yummy after a 5.7 mile walk. I was starving.

6 min ago by utang44

Do you have experience with staying in the Gran Destino tower at Coronado? I'm wondering if we need to have a car or if we can make do with Disney transportation. Any recent experience?

4:37pm by jkowens

No, you don't need a car IMO. The busses work just fine.

4:43pm by BlastThatPeterPan

Buses work just fine for Gran Destino. I always fly and I've never had my own car at Disney. We've always relied exclusively on Disney transportation.

5:01pm by JenniferB1975

Thanks! Good to hear your experience.

5:11pm by jkowens

The only time it really helps to have a car is when traveling to a different resort. Uber is available but cabs are virtually nonexistent.

17 min ago by MOJoe

Opinions on MK Dessert Party? Thinking of purchasing a post dessert party to get a better viewing spot. How close are you to the castle?

6:49pm on 1/27/26 by allanmayo

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It's not that close. Your in near main street green space and there are light poles in the way. It's good if you don't want competition and guaranteed spot not smashed together

7:08pm on 1/27/26 by melodicwords

We really enjoyed the preparty and seats & sweets, but we're crowding-intolerant and I can't stand for long periods. DD isn't wild about fireworks but made it through from TT with desserts.

9:28pm on 1/27/26 by Ali Ababwa

One word- Prosecco :-)

12:41am by hodg

I wasn't sure it wld be worth the cost & we're not big dessert eaters. Had to do pre as no post party set up until day of for our week. But we loved it- enjoyed the dessert, cheese & fizz. Got a spot near back of grass w bushes to protect the view.

12:43am by hodg

@hodg, I have not seen prosecco on any of the reviews of dessert parties that I have been watching lately! You know I love bubbles.

8:37am by melcort10

This is the only way we will watch HEA. I will not be smooshed up into 100k plus people's armpits in the mash on main Street/ in the hub :) You can see the castle projections perfectly. We also stay near the back sidewalk/fence area

8:45am by cdlla

We weren't fans but don't eat dessert nor drink alcohol in the world. (I feel like this is a duh, of course it's not for you.) Also it helps with crowds during the show but it's still crowded getting to and from the viewing area.

8:50am by popupcamper

I'm with @cdlla. In fact, this is the only way I *have* watched HEA, other than on the resort TVs as I do every trip. :-)

9:05am by TumbleMonkeys

We can't decide between post party and seats and sweets. Family wants to sit but I can't tell how much view we sacrifice.

9:59am by melcort10

For me (and I definitely see why some pay as mentioned above) it's in no way worth it. Key reasons are; Opportunity cost - would else could we do for that money-signature meal normally. HEA cancelled you still have to pay. Poorish view.

10:05am by Stu007

I also think the desserts are a bit meh. Like those little dessert on cruise ships. Last 3 times for HEA we've rocked at the 11th hour literally 5 minutes and been asked to fill the centre area. Great views no crushing. Risky but ace!

10:07am by Stu007

Bottom half of the castle is definitely obstructed by trees if you do the seats. And there's the chance you get the roof obstructing the higher FW.

10:46am by cdlla

When we were at seats and sweets we were at the railing to the right side pretty far back and still had a great view. The castle looks very small in photos (because it actually IS small) but we could still see most projections and fireworks fill the sky.

11:08am by Ali Ababwa

We will not/cannot stand in the hub for the 30+ minutes it takes to get in and out for fireworks, so it's the only good alternative for us, well worth the cost even if desserts are mediocre, POG mimosas are obligatory.

11:14am by Ali Ababwa

I too need to do the seats and treats. I could do the garden if I could stand against the fence, but I don't think that is an option? I cannot sit on the ground while waiting and standing in one place for long will not work.

11:50am by PrincipalTinker

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Very glad we did seats and treats on a rainy night. They moved all tables back from the railing so everyone stayed dry and still had a decent view.

11:50am by sragne

For DH & me we'd choose the garden pre or post. Likely will book seated for May to allow in-laws to sit down & risk the poorer view. Planning on turning up with a 60th wedding anniv table centre decoration in the hope Cm will be kind & put us at front.

3:13pm by hodg

Drop off your centerpiece early, "so you don't have to carry it in the park" and "to surprise them." Gives the CMs time to make magic happen.

18 min ago by Jennyhirsch

So my trip has been extended 1 more night due to weather ( I made the choice to fly to DFW Tuesday instead of Monday). Booked a quick room at the Coronado Springs. Excited to stay somewhere new.

4:41pm on 1/25/26 by mary32830

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I've been at the JW Bonnet Creek which is awesome but rates tomorrow night were too $$$

4:42pm on 1/25/26 by mary32830

I wanted to eat at Toledo but it's totally booked up (guess for a convention) so guess I'll try Maya grill. I am missing TexMex in this trip.

4:43pm on 1/25/26 by mary32830

I love CSR! How about 3 Bridges for dinner?

5:15pm on 1/25/26 by Jennyhirsch

Don't miss Dalhia lounge too. It's like a little sample of Toledo. Enjoy the extra day!

5:56pm on 1/25/26 by youcanfly

Loveeeee CSR and Maya Grill! Use the Disney visa discount

6:05pm on 1/25/26 by LaurenInWonderland

Coronado is a beautiful resort, the tower rooms are so nice. Would totally stay here again. I wound up at 3 bridges 4 dinnerThe variety of restaurants here (and that they're easy to get into relatively) is a big plus compared to most of the other hotels.

10:17pm on 1/26/26 by mary32830

I actually disliked the tower but loved the casitas. The tower room was beautiful, but on the 8th floor of our room facing the entry/circle, we could hear the "arrival ambiance" music all. The. Time. I'd stay at the casitas again in a heartbeat!

5:48am on 1/27/26 by BlastThatPeterPan

Oh my @blast! That would drive anyone bonkers. I was so worried about this with the poly tower but so far my experiences have not been the same as the GDT.

9:25am on 1/27/26 by youcanfly

As much as I like GDT, we could hear every sound, have to tuck a towel under the door it's so bad with hallway noise, not just the toilet flushing from every room around you. I still love that resort so next time I'm gonna try a Casita

9:26am on 1/27/26 by youcanfly

Same as @youcan with the GDT tower noise. Won't ever stay there in any future trips.

12:43pm on 1/27/26 by cdlla

Ok, yes I could definitely hear some sounds last night at the tower. Not too bad with my white noise machine. I don't know if it's the walls or the hardwoods. Either way, my flight was cancelled again so Springhill Suites 2nite

1:31pm on 1/27/26 by mary32830

Same, won't stay at GDT again but love the old rooms! Staying there again in May.

4:26pm on 1/27/26 by popupcamper

Mary, did your flight make it? Still pretty crazy around here with the ice.

4:47pm on 1/27/26 by matterhorn55

Nope. It was cancelled on me. I had them just totally cancel it and give me a credit. Then I booked a SW flight instead of AA. Send good thoughts that I get back tomorrow!!

5:25pm on 1/27/26 by mary32830

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Good luck getting home @Mary

6:11pm on 1/27/26 by JenniferB1975

Finally made it home. Had no idea it was day 2 of SW doing assigned seating. I kinda liked it. Less anxiety and I booked myself on my preferred aisle seat.

3:14pm by mary32830

Hooray!

19 min ago by Jennyhirsch

Going to after hours at HS tonight. Just realized that fantastic occurs during this event, 30 min after regular park close. Does it make sense to go to the show during this time?

3:53pm by hookedsince72

If you haven't seen it, otherwise I'd be all about the rides while everyone else is in the theater :)

3:57pm by cdlla

If you spent money on after hours, maximize rides! I'd only switch plans if my favorite rides shut down and I had to shift gears to make my party happy.

20 min ago by Jennyhirsch

My SW flight just got delayed two hours to 8:30pm out of DCA. It's hard not to freak out that it's going to cancel. I'm kicking myself for not just spending the airline miles it would have taken to get us out ahead of the storm. Please send pixie dust!

2:13pm by katienowaity

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Awwww I love this. Glad you got exactly what you needed.

2:57pm by youcanfly

Absolutely agree with @jenny that Flight aware is atGE app to have in travel days. Shows you exactly where your plane is. I often know of delays before my airline tells me.

43 min ago by evamarie320

Your plane is landing in 51 minutes. Looks like departure is now 7:33? You are good to go!!!

21 min ago by Jennyhirsch

Has anyone seen the announcements about Disney banning third party vendors who provide services at resorts?? Photographers, beauty services, etc... lots in the Ear for Us group impacted. It's very sad and disheartening. As a (New England) photographer..

8:28pm on 1/27/26 by LaurenInWonderland

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... I can fathom! Many of those local photographers are losing 80%+ of their business

8:29pm on 1/27/26 by LaurenInWonderland

No I hadn't heard. What's frustrating is some of those services Disney doesn't even offer.

8:57pm on 1/27/26 by youcanfly

I did see this. It's devastating for some of them I don't totally get why if Disney isn't offering some of them why the ban? They must have gotten complaints

9:03pm on 1/27/26 by VikeQueen

When will this ban happen?

9:13pm on 1/27/26 by momma4fun

Totally depressing- and doing a disservice to guests that enjoyed these services (that yes, Disney does not offer)

9:44pm on 1/27/26 by LaurenInWonderland

Effective immediately I believe

9:44pm on 1/27/26 by LaurenInWonderland

I don't think they need to have gotten complaints. I think the accountants said to cut out the competition. No one can make money off of Disney.

9:55pm on 1/27/26 by evamarie320

Yes, I know a young mom who has done excellent photo sessions at various resorts with full welcome & cooperation from resort staff. Now she has sadly lost 90% of her business.

12:38am by snowdiz

Hey Eva, don't blame us Accountants

5:57am by ToddlerOfTerror

5:58am by ToddlerOfTerror

Bummer. To be honest im surprised this didnt happen sooner. Many of them either directly compete with a disney service or use character images in their product/service

9:06am by Totsypooh

Also probably a legal thing. If it's on property, people assume it's endorsed by Disney. If something happens, Disney is brought into it & Disney certainly doesn't want that.

9:28am by el_1102

It is sad though. I have a friend going for the first time in May & I was going to suggest she use services from the Ear for Us group.

9:33am by el_1102

I think @el nailed it. If WDW can't control or vouch for the quality of a service they are not going to want it happening on their property. It's a liability.

9:34am by melcort10

lol @ToT. I love some accountants. And the Disney lawyers and accountants are doing their job well for sure.

10:22am by evamarie320

The thing that's wild though is that Disney doesn't offer resort photography services although let me guess, that'll be next. An overpriced and underwhelming product

3:06pm by LaurenInWonderland

Also, more non-guest vehicles going through security to the resorts is more risk.

3:43pm by Ali Ababwa

Yeah agreed on this being a legal thing. Both in terms of increased general liability as well as keeping reins on Disney IP. Its unfortunate, but kind of surprising its jusyt happening now.

3:50pm by cobia

I was always under the impression you couldn't take a private photographer into the theme parks for photo shoots, that you had to use Capture the Magic. The ones at the resorts that we've seen have us scan a magic band.

3:59pm by cdlla

Exactly @lauren. I wonder what this will mean for other 3rd party things such as Journey Across the Board or other floral, dessert, cakes delivered.

4:19pm by youcanfly

It seems like it's only currently an issue if they provide the service on Disney property, not drop products off there like cakes and such. Otherwise, they'd have to ban groceries and other deliveries, too.

4:25pm by utang44

What about door dash, pizza delivery, grocery delivery? All kinds of third parties access Disney property. I wonder if they are going to start having allowed vendors.

4:27pm by popupcamper

I would guess that it has more to do with the liability associated with anyone providing a service on their property than just an outside business more broadly. Products dropped off/delivered wouldn't have that same problem.

4:45pm by utang44

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Looks like you're right @utang, after looking more into it myself I agree.

4:57pm by popupcamper

Where is this being reported? I've been waiting to see a wild Inside the Magic headline but have only seen this here.

5:16pm by melcort10

@Melcort, the letter is posted on Reddit and apparently the FB page for the Ear to Each Other group is talking about it as it effects many of their members.

30 min ago by popupcamper

How does the dining plan work for split stays on the switchover day? Is it a huge hassle if you need to use credits from the first plan on your switchover day?

12:11pm by HalfBludPrincess

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We didn't have issues with it earlier this month

3:08pm by LaurenInWonderland

In this scenario, assuming it makes sense, we'd be doing 2 plans (1 each night) and would like to use both snack credits at F&G booths midday on the switchover day but not sure if that would work relatively easily.

3:09pm by HalfBludPrincess

The only time it's almost made financial sense for me was for half of a short split stay.

31 min ago by moondance07

Did Disney World stop where you have to make a reservation for each park day

12:23pm by brerbadger

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Exactly! It's so frustrating for me as an AP. Half onsite is one link and the offsite is a separate link. Grrrrrr

4:15pm by youcanfly

Yeah, military tickets are undated so they still have to have reservations. Such a pain and it seems pretty pointless to me. Surely they aren't that surprised that a bunch of military families suddenly swarm EPCOT.

4:43pm by popupcamper

I changed my APR park at DS right before we drove over. Other than Disney knowing im coming that day, how does it help them? I can't see it helping balance park attendance either.

33 min ago by moondance07

DH & I each scored a 1 person reservation for Geo-82 at 8:15 PM. Assume that means bar seating, as there were no ADRs for 2 available? Hope we can see some of the FW and that we can sit together!

2:03pm by amywdw

I'd show up a few minutes early together and tell them you have two ADRs but want to sit together. Let them know if you have a table or bar preference. It all depends on what's available then. It isn't a reservation in the sense that they have x table

41 min ago by evamarie320

waiting for you. ADRs are instead estimates of how many people that place can handle in a given time frame.

40 min ago by evamarie320

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