Disney News

Tag: resorts

  • CONFIRMED: Disney Opening New Resort on Abandoned River Country Site

    CONFIRMED: Disney Opening New Resort on Abandoned River Country Site

    As we previously reported Disney has been laying the ground work for a new resort near Bay Lake. Thursday, the company confirmed in a statement that they are indeed building a new hotel where the former River Country water park was once located.

    A new nature-inspired, mixed-use Disney resort will welcome families in 2022 along the picturesque shoreline of Bay Lake. Located between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, this resort project joins three others underway at Walt Disney World Resort, bringing a total of more than 1,700 new hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas online over the next four years.

    The deluxe resort, which will be themed to complement its natural surroundings, will include more than 900 hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas spread across a variety of unique accommodation types.

    “Walt Disney World is in the midst of our most significant expansion in the last two decades and the combined 1,700 new hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas we are building at four different resorts will create thousands of new construction and permanent jobs and will drive economic opportunity and incremental revenue for Central Florida,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We continue to add new attractions, new lands — and these beautiful accommodations will be right in the heart of all that magic.”

    The soon-to-be named resort is slated to be Disney’s 16th Disney Vacation Club property and it will continue to build on the value and flexibility of a Disney Vacation Club membership.

    “This resort experience will be a celebration of Walt Disney’s lifelong love and respect for nature, with some fun and even surprising accommodation types that families will find irresistible,” said Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “It will give our members and guests yet another opportunity to stay in close proximity to all the newest attractions and experiences in our theme parks, and with the flexibility, value and world-class service families expect from Disney.”

    The new resort projects join a flurry of expansion at Walt Disney World Resort, including the highly successful Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the recent debut of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In early 2019, Walt Disney World will unveil a collection of shows, parties, Disney character interactions and more that will allow guests to cherish time with family and friends. And later in the year, guests will be able to travel to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where they can live out their own adventures in a galaxy far, far away. Guests will realize now more than ever is the perfect time to experience all of the fun and magic of a Walt Disney World vacation.

  • Digital Key Feature in My Disney Experience App Expands to Additional Disney Resort Hotels

    Digital Key Feature in My Disney Experience App Expands to Additional Disney Resort Hotels

    Disney has added a lot of new features to their My Disney Experience app recently including the mobile food ordering service, the new bus wait time feature and even an option to digitally unlock your room directly from your phone. Well the digital key feature has been a success and it will soon be rolled out resort wide.

    With the app you can now turn your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone into a digital key that unlocks your hotel room door, representing another seamless room entry option for guests to use in addition to their MagicBands. This technology made its initial debut at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge earlier this year, and this week, Disney is completing its rollout to Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney Vacation Club properties.

    Using a digital key can help add convenience and flexibility to your stay, whether you simply prefer the look and feel of your mobile phone or if you need a backup option after accidentally locking yourself out of your room (it happens to the best of us). The feature was designed with a distinctly Disney touch, and if you listen closely, you’ll hear the sound of pixie dust filling the air as your hotel door opens.

    Guests can also use their digital key to unlock the hotel entrance gate and common area doors requiring a key, which may include fitness centers, elevators and club level lounges. And arriving travel parties that have checked in online may even use their digital key to bypass the front desk, similar to what they are able to do with the MagicBand, giving them the opportunity to go directly to their room when it is ready and start their vacation even faster.

    Each guest staying in the room with a My Disney Experience account may opt in and activate the feature on their check-in day through a brief set up process in the app. To enter their room, guests tap the “Unlock Door” button and then simply hold their phone against the door lock.

    This is the latest in the evolution of keyless room entry, which began with the MagicBand, the unique all-in-one device that allows you to effortlessly access the plans and vacation choices you’ve made in My Disney Experience. Guests can choose to use either or both options for room entry throughout their trip, but please remember to wear your MagicBand for all other uses, including park entry, FastPass+ redemption, linking Disney PhotoPass images and more.

    Be sure to download the latest version of My Disney Experience today for iOS or Android to opt in and activate your digital key during your Disney Resort hotel stay and discover all of the other great features in the app.

  • Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Special “Magic of Fall” Rates from August 20-October 31

    Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Special “Magic of Fall” Rates from August 20-October 31

    There is so much going on at Walt Disney World Resort that you won’t want to miss out on and there is still time to make plans to experience all the special events this summer and fall! A great way to experience these events and new offerings is by taking advantage of the special “Magic of Fall” room rates that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels for stays from August 20-October 31, 2018.

    In addition to the very appealing rates, guests staying at these hotels also enjoy the Extra Magic Hours benefit, and the FastPass+ benefit at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks up to 60 days prior to your arrival, which guests staying at these seven Official Walt Disney World Hotels receive throughout 2018. With valid theme park admission, the Extra Magic Hours benefit enables guests to experience extra time in at least one of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks each day, either before it opens or after it closes. This provides the opportunity to enjoy select attractions, including the new offerings at Toy Story Land and the popular attractions at the other three theme parks, such as Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

    Plus, guests staying at the seven hotels are also able to link their hotel reservation on MyDisneyExperience, and with a linked, valid theme park ticket, you have the ability to make FastPass+ selections up to 60 days prior to arrival.

    Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World Resort, the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are within an easy walk to Disney Springs. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, and boasting a picturesque waterfront setting and bubbling springs, the vibrant Disney Springs offers an impressive and diverse array of more than 150 retail, dining and entertainment establishments, which includes an exceptional collection of restaurants by award-winning chefs.

    In addition, the hotels also provide shuttle transportation approximately every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, two Disney Water Parks, and at night to the Disney Springs area.

    As a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2018 Disney Springs Passport” booklet that features discounts and specials from Disney Springs merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, T-REX Café, Rainforest Café at Disney Springs Marketplace, The Polite Pig and STK Orlando.

    The special “Magic of Fall” room rates for stays August 20-October 31, 2018 are:

    • B Resort & Spa — rates from $105 per room, per night
    • Best Western Lake Buena Vista – rates from $99 per room, per night
    • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando — rates from $101 per suite, per night
    • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – rates from $110 per room, per night
    • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $101 per room, per night
    • Holiday Inn Orlando – rates from $103 per room, per night
    • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – rates from $79 per room, per night.

    Visiting also provides the opportunity to take in such special events as the 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, from August 30-November 12, 2018, which has something for every taste bud, with truly delicious offerings and unexpected flavors from around the globe. In addition, the Festival includes the Eat to the Beat Concert Series each night, with concerts by such popular recording artists as Mercy Me, Glass Tiger, Baha Men, Plain White T’s, Living Colour, Sugar Ray, David Cook, Jeffrey Osborne, Air Supply, Smash Mouth, 98 Degrees, Kenny G, and Boys II Men.

    Also back again is the popular, separately ticketed Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which will be conducted at the Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from August 17-October 31, 2018.

    It also is a great time to take in the terrific all-new 11-acre Toy Story Land, which just opened in June at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where guests “shrink” to the size of a toy to explore the adventure and fun of Andy’s backyard and can enjoy such new attractions as the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers.

    Other benefits of staying at one of the seven hotels include:  the ability to purchase Walt Disney World theme park tickets at the hotels’ website, at their Guest Service Desk or the Disney Merchandise store located in the hotel; advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World Resort golf courses; and the ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.

     Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels includes:

    • B Resort & Spa — this lifestyle resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
    • Best Western Lake Buena Vista – the resort has spectacular views of the Walt Disney World Resort and offers two restaurants, a lounge and heated outdoor pools
    • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando — the luxurious resort hotel features 229 spacious and modern one- and two-bedroom suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs Resort Area
    • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace — just steps from Disney Springs, this contemporary oasis features 2 outdoor pools, beach-entry Float Lagoon, kids’ splash pad, 4 new restaurants and lounges, and Disney Character breakfast
    • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista — connected to Disney Springs via Pedestrian Skybridge, the resort features 2 heated pools with Jacuzzi, 7 dining options (including Benihana), exclusive Disney perks, Disney Character Breakfast and more.
    • Holiday Inn Orlando – located steps away from Disney Springs, the hotel offers the ideal setting to stay and play, featuring kids eat free and complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and public areas
    • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – featuring a Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

    With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney Springs area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations 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 Springs Hotels’ Are Great for Experiencing Toy Story Land — with Extra Magic Hours and 60-Day FastPass+ Benefits

    ‘Disney Springs Hotels’ Are Great for Experiencing Toy Story Land — with Extra Magic Hours and 60-Day FastPass+ Benefits

    If you want to experience the fun and adventure of the all-new Toy Story Land, which just opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018, you may want to consider staying at one of the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels. That way you can enjoy the Extra Magic Hours benefit and up to 60-day FastPass+ benefit at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, which guests staying at these seven Official Walt Disney World Hotels receive throughout 2018.

    Notably, in July and August guests at these hotels, with valid theme park admission, can access Extra Magic Hours daily to experience favorite attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the attractions in the 11-acre Toy Story Land, such as the new family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. This is in addition to enjoying Extra Magic Hours access to the popular attractions at the other three Walt Disney World Theme Parks, such as Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

    In addition, guests staying at the seven hotels are also able to link their hotel reservation with the My Disney Experience app, and with a linked, valid theme park ticket, you have the ability to make FastPass+ selections up to 60 days prior to arrival, which is another very helpful benefit.

    Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World Resort, the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are within an easy walk to Disney Springs, which now features more than 130 establishments, with a diverse mix of shops, an unprecedented collection of menus inspired by award-winning chefs, and exceptional live entertainment. In addition, the hotels also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, two Disney Water Parks, and at night to the Disney Springs area.

    As a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2018 Disney Springs Passport” booklet that features discounts and specials from Disney Springs merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, T-REX Café, Rainforest Café at Disney Springs Marketplace, The Polite Pig and STK Orlando.

    As a tie-in with the Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World, where there are new experiences throughout all four Theme Parks, the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are offering special “Summer is Incredible” room rates for stays through Sept. 3, 2018:

    • B Resort & Spa — rates from $110 per room, per night
    • Best Western Lake Buena Vista – rates from $101.99 per room, per night
    • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando — rates from $129 per suite, per night
    • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – rates from $124 per room, per night
    • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $115 per room, per night
    • Holiday Inn Orlando – rates from $95 per room, per night
    • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – rates from $85 per room, per night.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations 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!

  • Plan Your End-of-Summer Vacation to the Disneyland Resort with a Special Hotel Offer

    Plan Your End-of-Summer Vacation to the Disneyland Resort with a Special Hotel Offer

    With the newly reimagined Pixar Pier now open at Disney California Adventure park and the limited-time Pixar Fest going on now through September 3, it’s the perfect time to plan your vacation to the Disneyland Resort! If you are here for a few days, we have a summer hotel offer for you!

    Guests can save up to 30 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, save up to 25 percent on premium rooms at Disneyland Hotel and save up to 10 percent at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, on select Sunday through Thursday nights between August 5 and September 27, 2018. Book through September 13, 2018.

    As guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, you’ll be steps away from the magic of both theme parks, giving you more time to experience all-things Pixar! Plus, hotel guests can join the fun during Pixar-themed movie nights and pool parties this summer. Another perk of staying on-property is Extra Magic Hour, an early morning admission option, on select mornings (separate theme park admission and valid hotel key card required).

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations 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!

  • Florida Residents Get Incredible Rates This Summer At Select Disney World Hotels

    Florida Residents Get Incredible Rates This Summer At Select Disney World Hotels

    When you stay in the middle of the magic, you and your family will be incredibly close to all of the new and exciting experiences launching at all 4 Walt Disney World Resort theme parks this summer! Now Florida residents will discover great rates on Family Suites on select dates this summer at select resort hotels.

    You can book these incredible resort rates through August 30, 2018.

    These sample rates in the chart below are valid for stays most nights in a standard room or select Family Suites during the dates specified and give you a great idea of the amazing offers Florida Residents offers.

    Resort

    Sample Price

    Valid Dates
    Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

    $325
    per night,
    plus tax

    Sun-Thu
    7/15/18 – 8/29/18
    Disney’s All-Star Resorts (standard room)

    $117
    per night,
    plus tax

    Sun-Thu
    6/25/18 – 8/30/18

    The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Length of stay requirements may apply.

    You can immerse yourself in the artistry of beloved Disney and Pixar tales with an enchanting stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or the magic of of any of the resorts listed below.

    Resort Hotels Included in This Offer

    • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • 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
    • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

    For exact rates contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki today. 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!

  • No More Ketchup? Disney Putting a Stop To Sassy Antics at Whispering Canyon Cafe

    No More Ketchup? Disney Putting a Stop To Sassy Antics at Whispering Canyon Cafe

    Some of the usual entertaining antics you’ve come to expect from Whispering Canyon Cafe could be a thing of the past. Folks have been whispering about the changes on social media in recent days and it appears a response from Disney on Twitter confirms some of the changes.

    Whispering Canyon Cafe surrounds you with log-cabin atmosphere, and serving you will be, in the company’s own words, “colorfully named Cast Members who have a reputation for sassing customers.” Whispering Canyon is a lively dining spot known for loud whoops and songs.

    Among some of the popular antics is the surprise guests get when they ask for ketchup the and the staff brings them out a ton bottles basically filling up their whole table with them.

    As you can see in the tweet below these are some of the shenanigans that guests are upset about losing. This tweet also is the one that contains Disney’s apparent response to the changes.

    It’s not an outright conformation of specific changes but it definitely not a denial to any part of the twitter users questions. The decision has many guest a little upset and you can see in some of the posts below.

    Other than the slightly vague and rather canned response its not exactly clear what the official changes are except for what guest have reported. We will keep you updated if Disney makes any further clarification.  For now we’ll hope that too much hasn’t changed and maybe they will listen to guests to keep the funny antics part of the ambiance.

  • Save 20% or More at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels this Spring and Summer

    Save 20% or More at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels this Spring and Summer

    If thinking about heading to Walt Disney World this spring or summer then we have some great news with you!  You can save 20% or more on select Walt Disney World Resort hotel stays this spring and summer.

    The spring resort offer has been extended for select Disney Resort bookings for stays through May 12.

    Then, during our Incredible Summer, guests can save up to 25% at select Disney Resorts for rooms booked between now and May 12. This offer is good for stays most nights from June 11 through August 1, 2018. If you need a little more time to make a decision, book by August 1, 2018 to save 20% at select Disney Resorts.

    You can also call about great rates for stays most nights May 28-June 10 and August 2-30, 2018.

    With new shows, first-of-their-kind character interactions, and the highly anticipated debut of Toy Story Land opening June 30, summer at the Walt Disney World Resort is shaping up to be absolutely “incredible!”

    Some of the experiences coming to Walt Disney World Resort include An Incredible Tomorrowland Expo at Magic Kingdom, The Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! concert series at Epcot, UP! A Great Bird Adventure and Donald’s Dino-Bash! celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations 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!

    Check out the stories below for more:

  • Disney World Introduces New Digital Key Feature For Keyless Room Entry

    Disney World Introduces New Digital Key Feature For Keyless Room Entry

    Entering your resort room on Walt Disney World property is about to get even easier. Coming soon, Disney will be implementing a new “Digital Key” feature to the My Disney Experience app that will allow guests to quickly unlock their hotel room using a digital key on their mobile devices.

    Guests staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will get to test the new technology first, providing them with another seamless room entry option that brings added ease and flexibility to their experience.

    Guests can also use their digital key to unlock the hotel entrance gate and common area doors requiring a key, which may include pools, fitness centers, elevators and club level lounges. Arriving travel parties that have checked in online may even use their digital key to bypass the need to visit the front desk, giving them the opportunity to go directly to their room when it is ready and start their vacation even faster.

    The feature represents the latest evolution of keyless room entry, which we began offering with the MagicBand, the unique all-in-one device that effortlessly connects the vacation choices guests make in My Disney Experience. Guests may use either or both options to enter their room during their stay.

    So how does it work? To use their digital key, guests can opt in and activate the feature on their check-in day through a brief set up process in the app. To enter their room, guests tap the “Unlock Door” button and then simply hold their phone against the door lock. Check out the video below to see a sneak peek of the feature in action.

    At Walt Disney World Resort, they are always looking for ways to wow their guests with new technology that enhances the experience. The My Disney Experience app is a perfect example, with recently introduced features like mobile order and online check-in that are providing families and friends with additional choices to make their vacation even more enjoyable and convenient.

    Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices with the latest version of the My Disney Experience app are required to take advantage of a digital key for room entry. And don’t forget to wear your MagicBand for all other uses including park entry, FastPass+ redemption, room charges and more.

  • Spring Savings Up To 20% Off On Select Rooms At A Disneyland Resort Hotel

    Spring Savings Up To 20% Off On Select Rooms At A Disneyland Resort Hotel

    At the Disneyland Resort spring has officially started, making it the perfect time to take advantage of great rates on select stays in the middle of the magic.

    For example, you can save 20% on Premium rooms and 15% on Standard rooms at the Disneyland Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights from April 15 through June 14, 2018 when you book now through May 31, 2018 (travel must be completed by June 15, 2018).

    Explore room savings available at all 3 hotels during select dates this spring:

    Disneyland Hotel

    • Save 20% on Premium rooms, April 15 through June 14, 2018
    • Save 15% on Standard rooms, April 15 through June 14, 2018

    Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

    • Save 15% on Premium rooms, April 15 through May 24, 2018
    • Save 10% on Standard rooms, April 15 through June 14, 2018

    Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

    • Save 10% on Premium and Standard rooms, April 15 through June 14, 2018

    Interested in creating a vacation package? Consider adding theme park tickets to this room offer. Staying at one of these Disneyland Resort hotels makes it easy and convenient for your family to experience all there is to see and do at both parks—including Pixar Fest, a limited-time celebration kicking off April 13, 2018 at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

    Plus, each day during your stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you’ll receive special benefits and a host of welcoming amenities with distinctive Disney touches that will enhance your overall experience.

    Important Details

    • Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for most Sunday through Thursday nights from April 15 to June 14, 2018.
    • Book from March 14 through May 31, 2018; travel must be completed by June 15, 2018.
    • Premium room types included in offer are Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and only Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Regal suites.
    • Offer is not valid on previously booked rooms.
    • Advance reservations required.
    • Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
    • Excludes applicable fees and taxes.
    • Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room.
    • Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers.
    • Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
    • Separate theme park admission required to enjoy the parks.

    The offers can be booked through May 31, 2018 and are valid for most nights from April 15 through June 14, 2018