Archive for January, 2010

#5 A Concierge Stay

Comparable to “club” in other deluxe hotels, and referred to as “concierge” for many years, this represents the elite level of accommodations at Disney resorts.  Having recently installed “concierge” desks in the lobbies of all the resorts to assist hotel guests, Disney is struggling with the nomenclature to set this service apart.  They have given names to all the concierge lounges and are attempting to make the transition from “concierge” to “club,” as in  Old Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Nonetheless, most guests still think of these rooms as concierge.  In each deluxe resort, most suites and a certain number of single rooms are designated concierge.  They may be located on certain floors, keyed sections of floors, or in specific buildings, and suites may be found throughout the properties, but they all share access to the concierge perks.

Those booking club-level rooms can anticipate certain extras:  food and beverage offerings several times each day in a private lounge area; separate check-in procedures; a dedicated concierge staff to assist with information, reservations, and myriad special requests.  Concierge guests may also take advantage of the pre-trip planning services available from the Itinerary Planning Office. An itinerary questionnaire is generally mailed a month or so before arrival.  They can be contacted by e-mail, phone or fax as soon as you have a confirmed reservation.

Although Disney is renowned for customer service, you can expect that to be taken to another level when you arrive as a concierge guest.  It is pampering, indulgent, and delightful.  All the lounges are extremely child-friendly and feature small furnishings, a separate television, and special food items especially for kids.  A family vacation at Walt Disney World is very demanding, and having the resources of concierge can be priceless.

Expect the benefits to be emotional rather than fiscal.  After a tiring arrival day, when most guests still face a wait in line to check in, concierge guests are greeted and whisked away to comfortable chairs and cool drinks, or sometimes escorted directly to their rooms, for a relaxed and hassle-free registration.  The push of a button from a room telephone will connect to a member of the concierge staff who will try his best to obtain tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, book a last-minute dining reservation, or give advice about park-closing hours or ordering a floral arrangement for a room.  Grabbing breakfast in the morning rather than spending the time in a restaurant offers the opportunity for the early start that’s so important in the parks.

Interestingly, each resort brings its own unique style to the concierge floor, and there are differences in service, food and beverages, extra amenities, and attitude.  Two resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, have two different club levels and uninformed guests are sometimes disappointed upon arrival.  Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with each and every program and can offer guidance in choosing the best one for your party.

#4 Grand I Yacht

She is the queen of the Disney Fleet, the seventh largest marine fleet in the world; the beautiful Grand I – the only vessel at Walt Disney World that boasts a bed and bath.  With salon, cabins, galley, and head complete with shower, it’s a comfy and indulgent “watercraft rental” that’s a world away from the pontoon boats.

Your captain and deck hand welcome you aboard for an unforgettable luxury cruise experience around Bay Lake and The Seven Seas Lagoon.  A truly special occasion calls for special arrangements, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Private Dining is happy to oblige with everything from champagne and strawberries to a multi-course dinner served by a private butler.  Whether it’s cake and ice cream for a birthday party or hors d’oeuvres for a sunset sail, they will help to make your voyage magical.

Cruises are available throughout the day, but the most popular time is during the evening when you can enjoy an amazing view of Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, complete with stereo sound.

Variously listed as accommodating 13 to 18 guests, the space is tight for more than ten or twelve passengers and we suggest fewer if you are planning a sit-down meal.  Prices increase often and are currently more than $500.00 per hour; definitely a significant splurge with your significant other, but more reasonable when shared amongst you and a dozen of your closest friends!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Villas probably boasts more wonderful seating areas than any other property at Walt Disney World.  In addition to several welcoming seats in the lobby, including sofas and footstools by the windows, quirky Porter’s chairs, and colorful painted benches, guests can retreat to the beautiful Solarium, the sunny Breezeway, and the Drawing Room.

Just off the small lobby at Disney’s Beach Club Villas, the Drawing Room sits behind French doors, giving it a private and cozy feel.  The painted furniture and seafoam walls lend a beach-cottage ambience.  There are several conversation groupings and a cluster of comfy seats in front of a television.  It’s a nice spot for a small get-together but is often deserted and peaceful – the perfect place for a quiet break from a busy Disney day!

#3  concept^tm Itinerary

Expect White Glove treatment as you experience the Walt Disney World Resort in a unique new way with a customized itinerary from Whimsical World Travel’s concept^tm program.

Each themed vacation includes a comprehensive package of arrangements, events, recreation, and entertainment designed to appeal to guests who are looking for an innovative and immersive experience.

Choose from some of our most popular offerings:

Boo to You! Halloween is a month-long celebration at Walt Disney World® and we’ve arranged a frightfully good time!

Over the River and Through the Woods Share the joys of the holiday season with family and friends at the beautiful Wilderness Lodge; dressed to impress in its Christmas finery.

Honeymoon Dreams Celebrate a marriage or vow renewal in unforgettable Disney style with romantic activities and memorable surprises.

Grand Indulgence Relaxing, rejuvenating, restorative – sybaritic spa treatments and sumptuous accommodations make this vacation special.

Other current themes include golf, birdwatching, theater, engineering, hot-air balloons, horses, architecture, history, animals, and transportation.  Or, let us craft a one-of-a-kind stay especially for you.  From autographs to zebras, we have creative ideas for your next significant splurge!

#2 Illuminations Dessert Party

Lasers and lights, fireworks and flames; Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a spectacular nightly event at EPCOT’s World Showcase.  You can guarantee a premier view and enjoy it in an uncrowded and festive fashion by arranging an Illuminations Dessert Party.

Although it’s not inexpensive, it is one of the least-pricey private events making it one of the most popular, as well.

The party generally lasts about an hour with guests meeting at, or being escorted to, the chosen location for a half hour of grazing before the show begins.  Because this is a custom event, there are endless possibilities for 10 to 2,000 guests.

There are a number of standardized charges including a flat fee for the venue, a minimum per-person food and beverage charge, a viewing fee for anyone not entering with a park ticket, and an additional service charge and sales tax.

The menu can be expanded to include a variety of cold items and a limited number of hot items; cordials and other alcoholic beverages; and custom cakes and desserts.  Floral and decorative accents can also be provided.

While this is often a “stand-up” event, smaller parties can opt for tables and chairs at an added cost.  Parties may be required to utilize the services of Disney hosts or private Disney transportation, depending upon their arrangements.

Locations include several wonderful waterside terraces around the World Showcase Lagoon where the fireworks seem close enough to reach out and touch.  Planning an intimate celebration for two?  No problem – smaller parties are welcome but must pay charges for the minimum number of guests required at the venue.

We’ve shared our fav5 Splurges, both Small and Special.  Now, we’re moving to our top choices for a Significant Splurge!

#1 VIP Tour Services

For those of you who would enjoy the freedom of letting Disney be your guide, we highly recommend their VIP Tour Services.  While your Whimsical World Travel concierge will take care of all the details of your vacation, your private VIP Tour Guide will be your personal navigator during your stay.

After collecting information about the interests and expectations of your group, a custom itinerary will be created just for you.  Your Guide’s special expertise includes an in-depth knowledge of the parks; attractions, geography, trivia; which will guarantee a relaxed and carefree experience for your party of one to ten people.

What you can expect:

• With a touring plan and dining reservations based upon your preferences, your Guide will choose the best routes through the parks, obtaining new FastPasses for your party while you’re enjoying an attraction, to maximize your park-touring hours.
• You will be able to take advantage of special viewing areas for parades and fireworks, and enjoy premium seating at shows.
• There’s no need to worry about finding your favorite character or even the nearest restroom.  Your VIP Tour Guide knows the neighborhood!
• Your Guide has a wealth of stories to share about the parks, the buildings, the attractions, and the thousands of small details that make the Walt Disney World Resort so amazing.
• In the past, guests were expected to include the Guide in their dining plans, and pay for the meal, when a tour ran more than 4 ½ hours.  Currently, you may choose either to dine alone or include your Guide, with Disney picking up the tab for the Guide’s meal.
• The Guide’s pager number is provided to each member of the party, making it easy to reconnect in the event that anyone becomes separated from the group.

What you cannot expect:

• Back-door access to rides – while there may be special arrangements for entrance to shows, you will be expected to utilize regular stand-by and FastPass lines for other attractions.  Your Guide’s experience with crowds, wait times, and schedules will help to minimize time spent standing in line.

• Park admission – the cost for VIP Tour Services does not include admission to the parks which must be purchased separately.

Other services available at additional cost:

• Private transportation can be arranged for pick-up from your resort to the parks and between locations if you hope to visit more than one park on a given day.  This often involves access to the parks from backstage areas which is a real time-saver if you are hoping to experience shows and events scheduled close together in different parks.

• An Unlimited FastPass option allows your party to enter the FastPass lines as often as you want during your touring period.

VIP Tour Guides can be booked 180 days in advance.  Because this department was originally created to service high-profile guests who needed separation from the crowds, those guests remain the first priority and Guides may not always be available for the general public.

Guides must be reserved for a minimum of six hours and you may choose to take advantage of the service for only one day of your vacation, or arrange to be met and accompanied by your Guide from the moment you arrive, for the length of your stay.

Prices are per hour and vary widely depending upon a number of factors including the time of year, whether or not you are a guest at a Walt Disney World Resort, any additional inclusions, and sometimes, who you are talking to.  Current prices start at about $175.00 per hour.

VIP Tour Guides are a terrific option for first-time visitors and those looking for a stress-free, fully-planned experience.  They are wonderful for organizing the park time of an extended family group, and can be quite cost-effective, per-person, for parties of eight to ten.  For busy adults who spend their working hours planning and organizing, VIP Tour Services offers the opportunity to enjoy a true “vacation!”

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Ariel

AKA: The Little Mermaid

Current Address: Eric’s world

Previous Address:  under the sea

Interests: singing;  collecting gadgets, woozits, and thingamabobs

Facebook Friends: Eric, Flounder, Sebastian, Scuttle, King Triton

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed.  Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional.  Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, Ariel’s Grotto   NOTE:  As of April 12, 2010, Ariel’s Grotto will be closing to make way for the Fantasyland expansion.  Look for the new Grotto location and attraction scheduled for 2013.

Character Dining

• EPCOT, World Showcase, Norway, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Princess Storybook Dining

Attractions

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid

Shows

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic

Miscellaneous

• Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Philharmagic

Entering the Sunset Overlook, it’s easy to imagine you have stepped back in time and into the home of a fascinating couple; well-traveled and well-read, their captivating study a celebration of the destination they most loved – Africa.

The walls are a pictorial essay of amazing sights and unforgettable friendships; antelope and zebra, Ashanti and Zulu.  There are cabinets filled with mementoes of their journeys, taken at a time when the world seemed larger, travel more challenging, and Africa the unknown and mysterious “Dark Continent.”

Today, the Sunset Overlook continues its safari connection.  It’s the early-morning meeting place for Sunrise Safari participants.  In the evening, it hosts Cultural Safaris which feature representatives from different African countries sharing their stories.  For many guests, these Cultural Representatives are the highlight of a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Just outside, a balcony offers views of the Sunset Savannah where close encounters with ostriches and giraffes are commonplace.

Check the activities schedule for wildlife games and performances of traditional music, or plan a quiet visit during the day to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Colorful, interesting, with unique and one-of-a-kind merchandise, the Zawadi Marketplace may well be the best resort gift shop in all of Walt Disney World.

The African themes of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge open up entirely new possibilities for the Disney merchandisers and shoppers will discover a great deal more here than just the usual plush, pins, and pens found elsewhere.

There are a variety of handmade crafts including carved wooden animals, toys, masks, drums, and baskets.  Brightly-colored pottery incorporates Disney details into traditional designs and artwork celebrates the beauty of  the African continent.  Even the apparel items have a special flair, sporting elements from the savannah – animal prints and safari-inspired design.  Look for interesting textiles, unusual household items and decorative accessories, and plush characters dressed for the bush.

Open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Zawadi Marketplace at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House has a direct outside entrance from the walkway in front of the resort and is also accessible from the lobby.