Archive for the ‘Best Seat in the House’ Category

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!

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.

The Belle Vue Room with its cozy library decor is a great way to enjoy the ambience of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn even if you’re not a current guest.  Just a few steps from the main lobby, this lovely room plays several roles throughout the day.

Light breakfast items are served from 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and can be enjoyed in the main room or outside on the balcony overlooking the green.

The room offers a peaceful retreat in the middle of the day. Take a break from the parks and curl up in a cushy chair with a newspaper or spend an hour at the chess board.  There are comfortable sofas and the sun spills through French doors onto polished wood floors. Shelves are filled with books, board games, and antiques; old-time “broadcasts” whisper from vintage radios.

As evening falls, the atmosphere becomes warm and intimate.  The bar opens at 5:00 p.m. making this the perfect spot for a cocktail before dinner or enjoying a nightcap with friends.  Guests are often treated to personal performances from entertainers wandering in from the Boardwalk. Don’t miss the signature beverage, “The Shadow.”   This drink alone is worth the trip!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Villas have more than their share of wonderful seating areas scattered around the property.  In addition to the lovely Solarium on the Resort side, guests can relax in the Breezeway, located in the Villas section.  Its proximity to the quiet pool means there is generally a bit of traffic through the area during the day, but the beautiful surroundings more than make up for the additional activity.

The Breezeway features some exquisite architectural details including a gorgeous two-story bookcase alcove, classic paneling, and charming furnishings.

With its soaring height and soft seaside colors, you can almost smell the ocean breezes blowing through.

The Library…even its name is welcoming.  Cushy sofas with high, carved backs invite conversation or quiet repose.  There’s a warm terra cotta hearth with sculpted niches showcasing native artworks in a flickering light, and joyful figures dance before the flames.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is a world apart, beyond the bustle of Jambo House, and this quiet location infuses the property with a sense of seclusion and peace.  The calm atmosphere permeates the lobby and lingers in the corridors, settling comfortably in the warm tones and cozy corners of The Library.

Walls of glass look out over an expansive verandah and the savannah beyond.  The Kidani butterfly, found throughout the property, flutters across the walls here too, leaving its trace – words of wisdom and kindness.

It’s the perfect location for Story Time, nightly at 7:30 p.m., and offers a variety of other activities throughout the day, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the many beautiful examples of African art that grace this serene room.

In the former Iron Spike Room, now rededicated as the Carolwood Pacific Room, Walt’s personal train memorabilia and photographs lend a palpable presence, as if he had just wandered through and would soon return to settle in one of the leather rocking chairs and enjoy the fire.

It’s a very inviting and intimate space, infused with the warmth of wood and stone; flames always glowing in the fireplace.  There are tables set with board games; pleasant woodland views; an inviting window seat with plump pillows.  Displays include two of the  cars from the original train that plied the “Fair Weather Route” in the Disney’s backyard.

Despite being just a short walk from busses and boats, this lovely room is seldom visited by any except those staying at the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and remains a tranquil retreat.

The Solarium at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is just the sort of airy space you’d like to build onto the back of your own home.  A windowed hallway lined with tables and chairs opens into a bright and spacious room filled with comfy sofas and sunshine. 

Its location away from the main lobby keeps traffic low, and many people walk right by the subtle signage, unaware of the beautiful space at the end of corridor.  Except for a few folks passing through on their way to the Beach Club Villas, and the occasional group rendezvous, you’ll most likely have this quiet, pretty spot all to yourself.  Overhead, the ceiling fans turn gently; through the windows you can see the activity; you are apart, but still a part of it all.

Find the entrance across the corridor from the Beach Club Marketplace, but don’t tell your friends – let’s keep it for ourselves!

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is known for its nooks. One of the nicest, overlooking the gorgeous lobby, is tucked away above the main entrance. Like every corner of this resort, it’s themed to perfection and infused with warmth. Boasting two distinct spaces, it’s a favorite spot to enjoy coffee with the morning papers, or check email.

In the evening, the cozy seating area with its own fireplace invites guests to relax with a book or enjoy a board game with the family. The charming writing area features glowing Mission-style lamps and is perfect for penning postcards or catching up on a little work that just had to be brought along. While the seating areas in the lobby draw the crowds, this secluded place offers a bit of privacy with views to the activity below. Even visitors not staying here have discovered this wonderful place to sit and experience a bit of Lodge living!

A pleasant boat ride from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the perfect choice for a break from the bustle of Main Street, U.S.A.