Dear Monorails & Mickey Tales: How do I add a dining plan to a DVC rental reservation?

The DVC owner has to do it. They also have to make your Magical Express reservations and register your room requests. If you paid an owner directly, you'll need to make the request (and pay them) directly so they can pay DVC to add the plan. If you booked through a DVC rental broker, just reach out with your request. They'll take your payment and send an email confirmation. In both cases you'll be able to see the dining plan on your My Disney Experience account once it's added. 

Dear Monorails & Mickey Tales: I always see Disney Photopass photographers but never use them because the cost seems too high. Recently I saw one photog take a pic with someone's phone. Will any of them do that?

Yes, indeed! Photopass photographers will take a bunch of photos with their fancy cameras but will also take pics with your camera of choice if you ask nicely. 

Dear Monorails & Mickey Tales:

Help! I'm headed to Disney in 2 weeks and forgot I told my daughter we'd eat at Belle's castle. Everything is booked now. Is there a way to get a reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant 2 weeks out?

There are a couple approaches you can take: First, check out Disboards.com to see if other Disneygoers mention canceling reservation times that you can then swoop in and claim. If that doesn't work, check right after midnight the night before you want to eat, when most dining reservations cancelations have to be made. For example, right now (12:10am) I can get a breakfast reservation for tomorrow morning. 

Dear Monorails & Mickey Tales: We just booked a last minute trip leaving in 3 days. Our magic bands will be waiting for us at our resort. I don't know if our Magical Express paperwork will arrive before we leave. What do I need to show the cast members to board the bus?

All you really need is a reservation at a Disney resort. The Magic Band just speeds up the process a little. Without papers or a MagicBand, you'll need to check in at the Magical Express desk (it's very easy to find). Bring your ID. A reservation confirmation number is also helpful. They'll probably print out all the boarding passes you need for the bus, and you can proceed directly to the bus waiting area from there.

Dear Monorails & Mickey Tales: I have a friend who's obsessed with Disney and pregnant with a baby due next year. What Disney related gifts can I give her? Thanks in advance for your help!

Dear Monorails & Mickey Tales: Do you know of a credit card that would be more valuable to use for a $1500 Disney resort payment for the regular points vs. buying $500 Disney gift cards for $485 from Sam’s Club and saving $45? Thanks in advance...