Category: Resorts

  • Refillable Soap Dispensers Showing Up at More Disney World Resorts

    Refillable Soap Dispensers Showing Up at More Disney World Resorts

    The soap opera created over the installation of refillable soap dispensers in Walt Disney World Resorts continues in what looks to be an effort to “clean” up the budget…

    One of the best parts of staying on Disney World property is all the extra toiletries, like soap and shampoo, that you get to take home. Well, that seems to be changing and Disney is moving ahead with its plan to replace the soap and shampoo within its resorts with refillable dispensers.

    Everyone’s favorite “free” souvenir looks like it could be a thing of the past and online reports say Pop Century will be seeing them installed in rooms as early as this week.

    Port Orleans Riverside was said have them installed back in August of last year and we knew it would only be a matter of time, before we started to see them show up at other resorts.

    The dispensers hold conditioner, shampoo, and body wash, but many guests feel it’s unsanitary and are not happy with the idea of having to share community hygiene products.  It’s unclear if this is still a testing phase or if a full resort-wide rollout is expect soon.  No word on if this will be rolled out beyond value and moderate resorts, but if you are paying deluxe resort prices the extra little soaps should be included if you ask me.

  • 2018 Florida Resident Resort Offer With Rooms as Low as $79 Per Night

    2018 Florida Resident Resort Offer With Rooms as Low as $79 Per Night

    Florida residents can take advantage of rates starting as low as $79* (per night plus tax) in a standard room at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. There is a long list of other resorts available for the offer and the rates are low as we have seen in a while. Rates vary depending on the resort.

    The offer is good for stays most Monday through Wednesday nights Jan. 1 – Feb. 7, 2018. Additional discount rates and Resorts may be available for stays most nights Jan. 1-Apr. 14, 2018. Book through Apr. 14, 2018.

    Booking Window: Nov. 28, 2017-April 14, 2018
    Travel Window: Most nights Jan. 1-April 14, 2018

    Resort Hotels Included in This Offer:

    • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
    • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
    • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
    • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
    • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
    • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
    • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
    • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
    • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
    • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
    • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
    • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
    • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
    • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
    • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
    • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
    • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

    Eligibility Restrictions:
    To book this offer, you must be a Florida Resident. Proof of Florida residency required at Resort hotel check-in.

    Book Today as offer is limited based on availability.
    If you need help booking this special offer, contact Travel Time with Vikki for a free quote. I will always find you the lowest rates and my services won’t cost you a thing. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • Dole Whips Now Available at Pop Century

    Dole Whips Now Available at Pop Century

    Disney‘s Pop Century Resort has a tasty new treat that will have you whipping and nae nae-ing. If it doesn’t get you dancing, it will definitely delight the taste buds, because Pop Century is now offering Dole Whips on their menu at the Everything Pop Food Court.

    No trip is complete without experiencing the legendary classic Disney treat, and now there is one more place you can whip one up. And if you don’t feel like waiting in the long lines at the park for one, it will be a great way to end the night at the resort.

    The much sought-after soft-serve delight known as Dole Whip is a popular frozen treat blended in pineapple, vanilla or swirled flavors. You can get the Dole Whip by itself (all pineapple or pineapple/vanilla swirl), or with Dole pineapple juice. The latter combination is called a Dole Whip float.

    If you haven’t stayed at Pop Century in a bit now you have a great new reason to head back so you can get your whip on.

  • Free Dining with New Summer Vacation Package Offer at Disney World

    Free Dining with New Summer Vacation Package Offer at Disney World

    We just started 2018 and Disney World already has a great new summer offer.  It’s a great time to get a jump-start on planning your next magical escape – especially when you can enjoy a little extra flavor with it. This exciting new package offers free quick-service dining!

    You and your family can delight in one FREE meal per person (ages 3 and up), per night at a select Walt Disney World Resort quick-service dining location when you buy a non-discounted 5-night/6-day room and theme park ticket package at a select Disney Value Resort hotel. Offer valid for arrivals most nights May 29-Aug. 25, 2018 when you book through Feb.11, 2018.

    Booking Window: Jan. 3-Feb. 11, 2018
    Travel Window: May 29-Aug. 25, 2018

    Booking Information:

    • This offer is available to book as “Summer Meal Offer” through the “Room and Ticket Package” path in the “Quote or Book” module on DisneyTravelAgents.com, or by calling the Disney Reservation Center.
    • Minimum Length of Stay: 3 nights
    • Minimum 2-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket

    If you need help booking this special offer, contact Travel Time with Vikki for a free quote. I will always find you the lowest rates and my services won’t cost you a thing. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • Disney World Resort Pools Close Due to Cold Weather

    Disney World Resort Pools Close Due to Cold Weather

    Baby it’s cold outside. So cold in fact that Walt Disney World Resorts have closed their pools today due to the un-florida like temperatures.

    A massive cold snap that is covering much of the country and even Florida is feeling the effects. The lows on Wednesday to Friday will be around freezing (32F) and with the wind chill it will feel like it’s in the upper 20’s later in the week. Not until Sunday will there be a high into the 60s. Orlando hasn’t reached temperatures since January 2014. So it’s possible the they may close remain closed for a few days.

    If you need to warm up after a nice freezing day at the parks, the Hot Tubs will still be open at resorts that have them from 10am to 8pm.

  • Bluetooth Allows Guests To Open Room Without Tapping MagicBand

    Bluetooth Allows Guests To Open Room Without Tapping MagicBand

    Wouldn’t it be great if you could open your Walt Disney World Resort room door without having to tap your MagicBand. That just might be a reality with Disney adding bluetooth functionality to MagicBands.

    Rumors popped up all over the internet Tuesday about Disney adding Bluetooth functionality to MagicBands and that means no more ‘Mickey to Mickey’ as the cast members say. It also means no spinning that MagicBand around on your wrist trying to get the MagicBand in the right spot to tap and when you have bags full of merchandise in hands.

    First Disney introduced MagicBands with RF technology that allowed keyless entry which made things easier, but now they are adding another technology to MagicBands to make it even easier to get in your room. And if the rumours are true that’s Bluetooth Technology, which should allow guest to open their resort room door just by being near it.  Disney is always looking to expand ways to use new technology to create new and amazing Guest experiences and enhanced Guest service.

    Reports say that Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be the first to test out the new Bluetooth functionality.  This would mean that guests wouldn’t have to actually touch their MagicBand to the door at these resorts and they would be able to open the door with their MagicBand just by being near it.

    The bluetooth tech has technically always been in the MagicBands, but this would be the first time they have made use of it and the possibilities are limitless. No word yet as to if park entry, FastPass+, Dining Plan, etc. will start use the technology as well, but that would be the next logical step.  There is no official word on this from Disney yet, so we will have to wait and see.

  • 2018 Disney World Refurbishment Schedule

    2018 Disney World Refurbishment Schedule

    if you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World you may want to know what will be closed during your visit so you can plan accordingly.  Disney World Refurbishment is standard procedure to keep the rides safe and updated and the resorts looking fresh and new.

    refurbishment and temporary closures are subject to change without notice. Take a look below at the list of Walt Disney World closings and refurbishment taking place during 2018.

     

    Magic Kingdom

    • Cinderella’s Royal Table – February 28, 2018 to March 2, 2018
    • Liberty Square Riverboat – January 8, 2018 to TBD
    • Pirates of the Caribbean – February 26, 2018 to March 18, 2018
    • Splash Mountain – January 8, 2018 to February 1, 2018

    Epcot

    • The American Adventure – Early January to Early February 2018

    Animal Kingdom

    • Kali River Rapids – January 2, 2018 to February 10, 2018
    • Finding Nemo: The Musical – February 4, 2018 to February 25, 2018
    • Flights of Wonder – Closes Permanently January 1, 2018

    Water Parks

    • Blizzard Beach – October 29, 2017 to January 6, 2018
    • Typhoon Lagoon – January 7, 2018 to March 7, 2018

    Disney Springs

    • DisneyQuest – Now Permanently Closed
    • Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Now Permanently Closed; New Concept Opening 2018
    • Wolfgang Puck Cafe – Now Permanently Closed
    • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Permanently Closing December 31, 2017; New Concept Opening TBD

    Walt Disney World Monorail

    • Ongoing service until further notice could result in modified service and routes.

    Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

     

    Disney’s All–Star Movies Resort

    • The Duck Pond leisure pool will be under refurbishment – Jan. 2-Spring 2018.

    Disney’s All–Star Music Resort

    The Calypso Pool will be under refurbishment – Late February – Early March 2018.

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village

    • The Samawati Springs Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Early January – Mid-January 2018.

    Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

    • The Big Blue Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Mid-January 2018.
    • The Flippin’ Fins Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Late January – Early February 2018.
    • Cozy Cone Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Early February – Mid February 2018.
    • Disney Skyliner. There will also be construction of the new transportation system.
    • The resort is currently undergoing various other ongoing refurbishment projects.

    Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

    • The resort is currently undergoing various other ongoing refurbishment projects.

    Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

    • Ongoing: Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post will be closed.
    • Disney Skyliner. There will also be construction of the new transportation system.

    Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

    • Hard goods refurbishment will be taking place through Summer 2019.

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    • Meadow Swimmin’ Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Late January – Early February 2018.

    Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

    • The Grand Floridian Beach Pool & Pool Bar will be undergoing refurbishment – Jan. 2-Spring 2018.

    Disney’s Old Key West Resort

    • Room refurbishment will be taking place Aug. 1-June 28.

    Disney’s Pop Century Resort

    • Room refurbishment will be taking place Now through Summer 2018
    • Ongoing: The resort is currently undergoing refurbishment projects.
    • The Bowling Pool will be under refurbishment – Late February – May 2018.

    Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

    • Room refurbishment will be taking place Early January through late Spring 2018.

    Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

    • High Rock Springs Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Mid-January – Late January 2018.
    • The Paddock Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Late January – Mid-February 2018.

    Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

    • Copper Creek Springs Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Mid February – Late February 2018.

    Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

    • The Convention Center will be undergoing expansion work Now through Winter 2018.

    Guests may see or hear construction, but should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 a.m. Alternate amenities, including dining, merchandise and recreation locations, will be available.

    Walt Disney World Permanent Closures

    Magic Kingdom Park

    • Wishes: Closed permanently in May 2017
    • Stitch’s Great Escape – Closes Permanently in January 2018

    Epcot

    • Ellen’s Energy Adventure: Closed permanently Aug. 13, 2017

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    • The Great Movie Ride: Closed permanently Aug. 13, 2017

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

    • Flights of Wonder: Closed permanently Dec. 31, 2017

    Disney Springs

    • DisneyQuest: Closed permanently July 3, 2017
    • Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe: Closed permanently Aug. 3, 2017
    • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil: Closed permanently Jan. 1, 2018
  • Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Complete List

    Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Complete List

    Covering nearly 47 square-miles, the Walt Disney World Resort features four theme parks: Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, two water parks. They also have over 20 resort hotels and there is no better place to stay than at Walt Disney World Resorts.

    Here is the current list of Disney World Resort Hotels.

    Magic Kingdom Area

    Disney’s Contemporary Resort – 633 rooms, 23 suites and 428 villas. Guests choosing Club Level accommodations at the Atrium Cluband Tower Club receive personalized concierge service and lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine, hors d’oeuvres, cordials and desserts. Inside, a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest. Dining options include California Grill, The Wave…of American Flavors, Contempo Café and Chef Mickey’s Fun Time Buffet, lounge serving appetizers, poolside snack bar and room service. Recreational amenities include two heated pools with slide, whirlpools, interactive water feature, leisure pool and poolside cabana rentals. Health Club, beach for sunbathing, tennis, fishing, marina watercraft rental, arcade and recreation activities including Disney movies under the stars and new balance® RUNNING TRAIL. The Resort is walking distance from Magic Kingdom Park and includes Monorail service to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and select Disney Resort Hotels, plus motor coaches and watercraft providing easy access to the theme parks. Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center features state-of-the-art audio and video equipment, full catering services and 115,000 square feet of event and meeting space to fit all your business needs.

    Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort -This Disney Vacation Club resort features 295 units (2-bedroom equivalents) including studio, one- and two-bedroom villas and is located next to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Most of the rooms boast modern artwork, flat-screen TVs, full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities. A rooftop lounge promises to deliver some of the most dramatic views available anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort.

    Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa –  842 rooms, 25 suites and 147 Villas. Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish Disney Resort hotel. Dining at Cítricos, Victoria & Albert’s, Gasparilla Island Grill, Grand Floridian Cafe, 1900 Park Fare, Narcoossee’s and two lounges.  Recreation and amenities include boat rentals featuring the Grand 1 Yacht, swimming, playground, health club, game room, shopping, child-care and laundry facilities. Meeting facility with nearly 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Easy access to theme parks via watercraft, motor coach and monorail. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Convention Center is perfect for events large and small, featuring 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space on one contiguous level.

    The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – This Disney Vacation Club resort – reminiscent of the golden age of a bygone Victorian era – resides alongside the picturesque shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, steps away from the myriad world-class dining and recreation offerings available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Deluxe studios and 1-bedroom villas sleep up to 5 Guests and 2-bedroom villas sleep up to 9—so there’s plenty of room for the family to unwind after an exhilarating day in the middle of the magic.Expansive grand villas sleep 12 guests and feature a large kitchen, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a media room with a home theatre system.

    Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – 478 traditional hotel rooms, 6 suites in addition to 20 over-the-water bungalows and 360 deluxe studio villas as part of the Disney Vacation Club Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and bungalows.  The resort is designed with South Pacific Island theming along the beach of Seven Seas Lagoon. Dining options include ‘Ohana, Kona Café, Captain Cook’s, the “Spirit of Aloha” dinner show, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, room service. Recreation and amenities include swimming, boating, jogging, playground, game room, shopping, child care, laundry facilities. Transportation by monorail, watercraft and motor coach.

    Disney’s Wilderness Lodge– 698 guestrooms, 27 suites and 181 Villas all reflecting a “woodsy” national park-like setting. Reminiscent of Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone Park — with distinctive Disney touches. A spectacular six-story lobby, replete with teepee-topped chandeliers, totem poles and an 82-foot-tall stone fireplace. A bubbling hot spring in the lobby expands outside the building into a roaring waterfall flowing into the swimming area (featuring hot and cold spas). A geothermal “geyser” erupts hourly from a rocky outcrop at the edge of Bay Lake. Recreation and amenities include bike and boat rentals, swimming, playground, laundry, game room and on-site child care. Dining options include Artist Point, Whispering Canyon Café, Roaring Fork, Territory Lounge, pool bar and room service. Easy access to theme parks via watercraft and motor coach.

    The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge –114 units (2-bedroom equivalents) including studio, one- and two-bedroom villas, located next to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This five-story Disney Vacation Club ownership resort surrounds visitors with the grandeur of the Old West and stories of the people who settled there. Art and architecture tell the tales of pioneers who built and stayed in late 19th century railroad hotels in the national parks region of the American West. Rooms include wet bar, microwave and small refrigerator, or a full kitchen. A unique feature of the resort is its themed living room area that features railroad memorabilia, including a special exhibit on loan from the Disney family of two of Walt Disney’s personal scale-model train cars and a piece of the original track. Also found at the resort is a quiet pool and state-of-the-art health club open to guests of both the lodge and villa properties.

    Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – This new idyllic retreat evokes a rustic-elegant vibe—a perfect nod to the rich and pioneering heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Consider this your new go-to vacation base camp when pining for serene surroundings located just around the river bend from Magic Kingdom park. Standout features include a full range of accommodations with modern amenities—from Deluxe Studios to 26 waterfront Cabins with wraparound porches. Choose from a Deluxe Studio, 1- or 2- Bedroom Villa, 3-Bedroom Grand Villa or a private waterfront Cabin—all infused with nature-inspired design elements. Dip into a pool area that suits your mood—choose from the playful Copper Creek Springs Pool or the easygoing Boulder Ridge Cove Pool.

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground– 784 campsites, 409 Wilderness Cabins all set in a relaxed 700-acre wilderness setting. Campsites are level, paved pads with electric, water and sewer hookups, charcoal grills and picnic tables. All campsites have close access to air-conditioned comfort stations with private showers, coin laundry facility, vending machines and telephones. Wilderness Cabins are air-conditioned accommodations that sleep up to six guests and feature vaulted ceilings, fully equipped kitchens, full bathrooms, television, VCR, outdoor grills, picnic tables and a private patio deck. Wilderness Cabins also come equipped with hairdryers, foldaway cribs and ironing equipment, and daily housekeeping is offered. Amenities include watercraft, beach, fishing, tennis courts, two heated swimming pools, arcade game room, laundry facilities and kennel. Groceries and camping supplies at Meadow and Settlement Trading Posts. Dining options include Crockett’s Tavern, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, Trail’s End Restaurant and “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” nightly dinner show at Pioneer Hall. Campfire and marshmallow roast with Disney characters and a Disney movie. Motor coach and boat transportation links campground with all Walt Disney World Resort areas.

    Epcot Area

    Disney’s Pop Century Resort– 2,880 room “time capsules” are available at this resort that pays homage to 20th century pop culture. This value-priced resort features lodge buildings and furnishings inspired by the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Larger-than-life icons from each decade are found all over the resort, from four-story Rubik’s Cubes to bowling pins that tower more than 65 feet high. Recreation includes three pools, a kiddie pool, the Pop Jet Playground and the Fast Forward arcade. Guests can feed their hunger and slake their thirst at the Everything Pop food court area or Petals Pool Bar.  The resort is located near ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

    Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort– Three colorful Caribbean-themed resort villages featuring 2,109 rooms located on 200 acres surrounding a 42-acre lake. Guestrooms include mini bars and coffee makers. Recreation includes a lakeside recreation area with a themed slide, boat rentals, swimming, playground, game room, bicycling, nature walks, jogging track, laundry facilities and shopping. Dining available at Shutter’s at Old Port Royal full-service restaurant and the Old Port Royal food court. Transportation to theme parks available by motor coach.

    Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – 623 rooms and suites in oyster-gray clapboard buildings set around 25-acre Crescent Lake feature hardwood floors and rich millwork in a nautical theme reminiscent of New England seashore hotels of the 1880s. All rooms feature French doors that open onto porches or balconies. The nautical theme carries through in the restaurants — Captain’s Grille, Yachtsman Steakhouse and two lounges. An expansive croquet lawn and marina lighthouse add to the resort’s ambience. The Yacht Club is the perfect complement to its neighbor, Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Centrally located to each resort is a 73,000-square-foot convention center that includes a 36,000-square-foot ballroom which seats up to 2,800 for dinner.

    Disney’s Beach Club Resort – 577 rooms and suites in buildings of pale blue and white stick-style architecture inspired by New England beach cottages of the 1860s. The lobby features white wicker furniture, 24-foot-high ceilings and natural French limestone floors. The Beach Club is the perfect complement to its neighbor, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Centrally located to each resort: Stormalong Bay features three lagoon areas and a thrilling water slide; the Ship Shape Health Club with steam bath and sauna, and massage, weight and aerobics rooms; a marina with motorized watercraft; and Beaches & Cream, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Dining in Cape May Café and two lounges. Both hotels provide transportation via watercraft and motor coach. Child care, beauty and barber shop, and laundry facilities are available.

    Disney’s Beach Club Villas – Featuring an ambience of casual elegance, Disney’s Beach Club Villas (part of Disney Vacation Club) was designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern. Situated next to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, the 576-unit (2-bedroom equivalents) property offers studio, one- and two-bedroom vacation villas. The resort features Cape May-inspired theming characterized by the use of whimsical “stick-style” architecture, pastel colors, porches and other decorative elements.

    Disney’s BoardWalk– The BoardWalk Inn includes 352 guest rooms and 20 suites and is located alongside Crescent Lake and includes shopping, children’s activity center, health club, tennis courts, themed pool and a 20,000-square-foot conference center. Surrounding Crescent Lake and steeped in 1930s nostalgia and old-fashioned Atlantic seaboard charm, Disney’s BoardWalk restaurants include Flying Fish Café,  Big River Grille and Brewing Works, ESPN Club, Trattoria al Forno, Atlantic Dance nightclub, Jellyrolls dueling piano bar, Seashore Sweets’ and BoardWalk Bakery.

    Disney’s BoardWalk Villas– This 532-unit (2-bedroom equivalents) vacation ownership resort (part of Disney Vacation Club) is a place where guests can experience the romance and playfulness of a bygone era, both inside the elegant salt water taffy-colored vacation villa community and outside amidst the carnival sights and ragtime sounds of the boardwalk. Accommodations are available in studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas which offer kitchens, living areas and a variety of amenities.

    Disney Springs Area

    Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – This Disney Vacation Club resort features 1260 units (2-bedroom equivalents) that recall the late 1800s heyday of America’s first vacation destination – Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Victorian-style cottages line the streets and the historic influence of horse racing is found throughout the resort. Also featured is a full-service spa and health club and The Artist’s Palette – a counter-service restaurant and market. Bus transportation is provided to all four Walt Disney World theme parks. The resort is located across the lake from Disney Springs and adjacent to Disney’s Lake Buena Vista golf course. There are 60 three-bedroom Treehouse Villas, built on pedestals amid forested glens. The villas offer two baths, an open kitchen, flat-panel TVs and a barbecue grill.

    Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter – 1,008 moderately priced, French Quarter-style accommodations adjacent to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside. Located on a 325-acre woodland site between Epcot and Disney Springs. Sassagoula Floatworks food court and pizza delivery. Themed pool, boat rentals, lounges, game room and retail shops. Riverboat to Disney Springs. Linked by motor coach to all other Walt Disney World resorts and entertainment facilities. 

    Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside – 2,048 rooms in three-story southern-style mansions and two-story rustic bayou dwellings. Dining includes Riverside Mill food court and Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Recreation includes Ol’ Man Island, a 3 ½-acre old-fashioned swimming hole with slides, rope swings and playgrounds; quiet pools; boat rentals; game room; lounges and gift shop. Riverboat to Disney Springs. Transportation via motor coach to other Walt Disney World attractions and resorts.

    Disney’s Old Key West Resort– 761 units (2-bedroom equivalents) in a Key West setting (part of Disney Vacation Club). Accommodations include deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom homes and two-story, three-bedroom Grand Villas that sleep up to 12. Dining includes Olivia’s Café, poolside fare at the Gurgling Suitcase, and Good’s Food to Go quick-service restaurant. Rooms include wet bar, microwave and small refrigerator, or a full kitchen. Health club, tennis, swimming pool, sauna and planned recreation. Linked by motor coach to all other Walt Disney World resorts and entertainment facilities.

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Area

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge -Deluxe 955-room, six-story resort styled in a horseshoe shape after a kraal African village design, features 24-hour views to its own 46-acre savanna of free-roaming mammals and tropical birds. The resort features hand-carved furnishings, African art and a giant fireplace in a soaring lobby. Guests can stroll along a rock outcropping and enjoy nearly panoramic views of roaming animals and flowing streams. Features two full-service restaurants – Boma-Flavors of Africa and Jiko-The Cooking Place – plus a mezzanine lounge and a quick-service eatery with poolside dining. The resort is west of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. 

    The Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge– This Disney Vacation Club resort offers 449 units (2-bedroom equivalents) featuring studio, one- and three-bedroom vacation villas at Jambo House and Kidani Village. The resort boasts its very own 21-acre reserve  where over 30 species of wildlife roam. Accommodations feature intricate African-inspired details and home-like amenities, and most offer sweeping views of an expanded savanna inhabited by a variety of African animals.  Sanaa restaurant features “the art of African cooking with Indian flavors” and remarkable views of the resort’s savanna through nine-foot windows.

    Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – 1,912 moderate-price guestrooms, inspired by the American Southwest and regions of Mexico, encircling a 15-acre lagoon. Three “quiet” pools. A five-story Mayan pyramid serves as the splashy centerpiece for a family-fun pool with a water slide. Dining includes the Maya Grill full-service restaurant, Las Ventanas, Pepper Market dining court, Rix Lounge, Laguna Bar lounge, Siestas Cantina poolside bar and limited room service. Special services include in-room coffee makers and ironing equipment, La Vida Health Club, hair-styling salon, bike rentals, watercraft rentals, arcade, sand volleyball court, kiddie pool and playground. A 220,000-square-foot convention center includes 2 ballrooms, an exhibit hall and 45 breakout rooms. The facilities can hold over 6,500 people and are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, audio and projection systems.

    Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – 1,120 family suites and 864 standard guest rooms make up this family-friendly resort. The big blue world of Nemo and friends, the Pride Lands of Africa, under the sea in Ariel’s grotto, a super-charged adventure through Radiator Springs all come to life for vacationers in four distinctly designed wings. The resort celebrates rich storytelling, spirited characters, original sketches and playfulness with colorful icons and whimsical theming inspired by classic Disney and Disney Pixar films. Family suites include two bathrooms, a kitchenette and three separate sleeping areas that can sleep up to six; while standard rooms at The Little Mermaid can sleep up to four. Dining options in the main Animation Hall include a poolside snack bar, pizza delivery and Landscape of Flavors food court featuring many made to order offerings.

    Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – Features 1,920 value-priced rooms in buildings festooned with larger-than-life sports icons representing surfing, basketball, tennis, baseball and football. Located on a 246-acre site at the northwest quadrant of World Drive and U.S. Highway 192 interchange. Features a commercial center with check-in and guest service facilities, a food court, retail store and game room. Two swimming pools and a kiddie pool, a pool bar, pizza delivery and laundry facilities. Use of Walt Disney World transportation system is included.

    Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – 1,920-room resort with facilities and amenities that mirror Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. Giant icons from favorite Disney movies set the scene, and images from “101 Dalmatians,” “Toy Story,” “Fantasia,” “The Mighty Ducks” and “The Love Bug” adorn the resort hotel.

    Disney’s All-Star Music Resort– Features 1,489 value-priced rooms and 215 family suites in buildings with larger-than-life icons representing jazz, rock, Broadway, calypso and country music. Facilities and amenities are the same as Disney’s All-Star Sports and Disney’s All-Star Movies resorts. The family suites sleep up to six and offer two bedrooms, two full baths, a kitchenette and two 27″ flat screen TVs.

    Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort – 586 rooms in a relaxed, country atmosphere overlooking golf courses, gardens or pools. Full-service dining available, plus snack bars, lounge and room service. Meeting space includes 1,000 square feet. Tennis, swimming, fitness center and game room. Walt Disney World continues maintenance of golf operations on the two PGA championship 18-hole golf courses and nine-hole walking course located adjacent to this property, and golf is available to all Disney resort guests. Shades of Green is operated as an Armed Forces Recreation Center for the exclusive use of military members and their families. For reservations: 407/824-3600.

    Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin – 2,265 luxury rooms and 254,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. Seventeen restaurants and lounges, four swimming pools, two health clubs and a wide area of recreational activities. Connected to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s BoardWalk via water and walkway.

    Four Seasons – The 444-room Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is located within the gates of the luxury residential community, Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort, just five miles from Magic Kingdom and four miles from Epcot. Accommodations include 68 suites with versatile connecting options ideal for families and groups of friends traveling together. A Tom Fazio-designed golf course will be refurbished and managed by Four Seasons. Indoor and outdoor treatments will be enjoyed in the spa’s 18 treatment rooms and gardens. Three restaurants will include a modern Italian ristorante, a southern poolside BBQ experience, and a 17th floor rooftop steakhouse with views of the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Travel Time with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

     

  • Disney Staff Can Enter Your Room At Any Time With New Security Measures

    Disney Staff Can Enter Your Room At Any Time With New Security Measures

    Do you enjoy your privacy and not being disturbed when staying on Walt Disney World Property? Well those ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs that don many guests room doors to let the resort staff know that you want a little peace and quiet may be a thing of the past.

    According to a report by WDW News Today the ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs will be replaced with ‘Room Occupied’ signs.  The new signs are expected to show up at monorail resorts first and only serve to let cast members know that guest are in the room, but will not keep them from entering your room.

    Guests WILL be disturbed at some point because Disney will now require that your room be entered by resort staff at least once a day to “ensure guest safety”.  Even if you elect not to have Mousekeeping clean your room, they are still coming in.  In the most polite Disney way a cast member can of course…  Disney states that cast members will give reasonable notice prior to entering by knocking and announcing that they will enter according to the article.

    The is most likely a result of the recent security issues that have arisen in response to the incident that happened in a Las Vegas Hotel earlier in the year.  Like the Vegas Hotel, the Monorail resorts are quite tall and it makes sense to start with those resorts first.

    There is no public statement from Disney about the changes, but guests at Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian Resorts should find notification of the changes in their room possibly as early as today.

    It shouldn’t be that much of a disruption as many guests will probably be off in the parks enjoying their day anyway and won’t even be in their rooms when they are checked. I’m also assuming this would be during reasonable hours. It’s really just a sign of the times we live in.

     

  • Disney Springs Hotel Guests Now Get Extra Magic Hours and 60 Day Fastpass Bookings

    Disney Springs Hotel Guests Now Get Extra Magic Hours and 60 Day Fastpass Bookings

    Some new perks are coming to guests staying at Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels starting next year.  Starting on January 1 and going through December 31, 2018, the seven Disney Springs Resort Area hotels will offer guests special benefits historically only offered to guests staying at official Walt Disney World resorts.

    These benefits include Extra Magic Hours and being able to reserve FastPass+ selections up to 60-days prior to arrival. Currently, they can only book 30 days in advance like everyone else not staying on property.

    The seven resorts will now be part of Disney’s official Extra Magic Hours program. The program gives guests the opportunity to enjoy select attractions Walt Disney World’s 4 theme parks, before or after regular operating hours.

    Disney Springs area hotel guests can book their fastpasses 60 days in advance and they will be able to link their reservation on the My Disney Experience app if they booked a Walt Disney Travel Co. package with a stay at one of the hotels and a valid theme-park admission.

    Included Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

    • B Resort & Spa
    • Best Western Lake Buena Vista
    • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
    • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
    • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
    • Holiday Inn Orlando
    • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista