Archive for the ‘Resorts’ Category

What was once simple is becoming increasingly complex with each passing year.  Not so long ago, Walt Disney World had four “seasons.”  Guests could travel during the Value, Regular, Peak, or Holiday season and their stay would be priced accordingly.  Better yet, with a little flexibility, a trip could be planned with an arrival date in a lower-priced season, and even if the season changed during that stay, the price for the entire trip still reflected the less-expensive rates.  This made it easy, not just to plan a vacation, but to compare various options.

In keeping with the policies of most of the hospitality industry, Disney began to tweak this arrangement by pricing on a day-by-date basis.  Rates changed to reflect the start of a new season in the middle of a vacation; weekends became more expensive than weekdays.  Instead of simply Christmas and New Year, a premium was assessed for a number of different holiday periods throughout the year.

2011 sees the addition of a secondary, more expensive, Value season and a brand new Fall season.  The primary Value season of the past has been reduced to a few weeks in January and February, interrupted by increases for holiday weekends and the Marathon period.  The months from September through December, which were previously a mix of Value, Regular, and Holiday Seasons, with lots of Value weeks, will now reflect some Holiday rates, as well as the pricier Fall and secondary Value prices.

Coupled with a number of new room categories, the jumble of rates presents a challenging terrain for those navigating the vacation-planning process.  Let one of the Concierges at Whimsical World Travel be your guide!

For 2011 Walt Disney World has announced a variety of changes to package inclusions and cancellation policies, room rates, and seasons; all of which we’ll be sharing over the next weeks.  One of the most interesting modifications is the addition of new room categories at a number of the resorts.  While this will allow guests to reserve guaranteed room locations and views, it means that preferences which previously could be requested will now come at a fixed additional cost.

Of note is the fact that particular views are perceived as having so much importance that in some instances, a standard room with a premium view costs more than a concierge-level room with a less-desirable view.

Here are some of the categories for Standard and Concierge rooms; keep in mind that Deluxe Resorts also offer a variety of Suites and Deluxe Rooms with prices that are determined by category rather than view:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A new Arusha Savannah View is an addition to the previous Savannah View.  This pertains to non-concierge rooms only and includes an option for Arusha View with standard bed configuration and Arusha View Bunk Bed rooms.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Concierge rooms are now available in Standard, Garden, or Lagoon Views.  The Standard View is parking lot or rooftop, while the new Lagoon View guarantees a fifth-floor room with a Crescent Lake vista.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: Regular rooms can have a Standard View of gardens, leisure pool or parking lot, or a Water View which looks out over the Boardwalk and Crescent Lake.  In concierge, all standard rooms will overlook a courtyard, leisure pool, or the Boardwalk.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The Standard and Garden Views in the Garden Wing, and the Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom Views for both Standard Tower and Atrium Club Concierge rooms have been retained for 2011.  The 14^th floor Tower Club is still priced according to room or suite type rather than view.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Regular rooms continue to be offered in Garden, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views, while the Standard Royal Palm Concierge rooms in the main building come with or without a guaranteed Theme Park View.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Garden, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views are offered in both Standard and Concierge rooms.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: No changes for 2011; Standard, Woods, and Courtyard views are still available for regular rooms, with hit-or-miss on the concierge floor.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Same options as Disney’s Beach Club although overall, the Yacht Club views tend to be superior.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Room types include Standard View and a Water View that can be either pool or lake, King-bed, Preferred location, and Pirate-themed rooms with either Standard or Water Views.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: This resort also features Standard and Water Views, King-bed and Preferred location rooms, as well as a range of suites.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort: Standard and Water Views and a King-bed room are joined by the new River View category for 2011.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort: In addition to King-bed and Preferred location, Standard View, and Water View which may be of the river or pool, room choices now include a guaranteed River View for an additional charge.  Trundle-bed rooms will always be assigned to parties of five since other room categories only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

Value Resorts: Both Standard and Preferred location categories remain for 2011 as well as the Family Suites at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.

Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with all the different room categories and views at each resort and will help you choose the perfect “room with a view” for your vacation.

The turn onto Timberline Drive is a detour to another place and time.  Through the pines, past topiaried wildlife, around a bend, and the magnificent Wilderness Lodge emerges from the trees.  A cheerful group of “park rangers” waits to greet guests and usher them into the spectacular lobby – a sight which never fails to astonish the first-time visitor.  The subject of so many superlatives, this glorious interior is a study in contrasts: at once soaring and snug, dark but colorful, animated yet calm.

The architecture, art, and artifacts compose a harmonious song which echoes with the notes of grand national park lodges and Native American culture.  The stones of the massive fireplace replicate the Grand Canyon’s geological strata and specially-commissioned totem poles rise more than fifty feet, adding to the majesty of the space.  A small bridge spans the bubbling source of Silver Creek which meanders outside and tumbles down as a splashing waterfall on its “journey” to Silver Creek Springs Pool and Bay Lake.

All of the 727 guest rooms are housed in a single building designed in a rough “V” shape with the main entrance at the bottom and the wings enclosing the pool and courtyard and extending out towards Bay Lake.

Although it’s located right next to the park, this is the only deluxe Magic Kingdom resort not connected via the monorail, investing it with a sense of peace and seclusion.

Outdoor Pleasures

Despite its location in the heart of central Florida, there is a true sense of the great wilderness here, with towering pines, berried branches, and woodland animals.

Nestled in the trees, this beautiful resort extends an invitation to spend time outside, enjoying the woodsy surroundings.  Guests can rent bicycles, surrey bikes, and boats from Teton Boat and Bike Rentals to explore the grounds and the waterways of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.  A mile-long bike path runs between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.  Bay Lake Beach provides a sandy stretch along the lakeshore which is not only a great spot for relaxation and playtime during the day, but the perfect place for viewing the Electrical Water Pageant each evening.

There’s catch-and-release fishing for some old-fashioned fun – arrange for a two-hour guided excursion out on the water, or mosey over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness for the dockside cane-pole variety.

The perfectly-themed Silver Creek Springs pool has a water slide, wading pool, and spa, and guests also have use of Hidden Springs pool and spa at the adjacent Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Transportation

In addition to bus transportation from its conveniently-located bus stop, boats travel from the dock to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

The boat ride to the Magic Kingdom may be the most pleasant transportation option at Walt Disney World; it’s certainly a great way to begin a day at the park.  There is valet parking available, as well as self-parking in the main parking area, a short walk from the lobby.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

901 Timberline Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Phone 407-824-3200
Fax 407-824-3232

Some guests mistakenly assume that the elegant Grand Floridian is less kid-friendly than other Disney resorts.  In fact, it’s a wonderland for children of all ages.  In addition to two large pools and a children’s water play area, there’s a sandy beach, a playground, and a variety of exciting meals and activities with a Disney touch.

1900 Park Fare Choose the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast with Mary Poppins, Alice, and the Mad Hatter or dine with Cinderella and her Prince at Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner.

Wonderland Tea Party Alice and the Mad Hatter return to 1900 Park Fare for an hour in the afternoon to entertain small guests between the ages of four and twelve with stories and games, and help them decorate their own cupcakes.   The price is $40.00 plus tax.
Hours: Weekdays 2:00p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Phone: (407) 939-3463

My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party A Royal event takes place in the lovely Garden View Lounge where small Princesses, ages three to eleven, and their adult companions, can enjoy an hour and a half of singing and storytelling, characters and crumpets.  Each child leaves with an armload of special gifts which contribute to the cost of $250.00 plus tax for a party of one child and one adult.
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Phone: (407) 939-3463

Captain’s Shipyard Cruise Kids from four to twelve can head out into the wild blue of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake in search of adventure, treasure, and lunch!
Hours: Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Phone: (407) 939-7529

Gasparilla Grill and Games A small video arcade is nestled into the corner of this quick-service dining location that features a selection of salads, sandwiches, desserts, drinks, and ice cream.

Mouseketeer Club Most kids love it when their parents decide on an adult evening and drop them off at one of Disney’s Children’s Activity Centers.  For $11.50 per hour with a two-hour minimum, potty-trained children ages four to twelve enjoy activities, games, arts and crafts, and movies.  Dinner is also included between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and is ordered at the time of arrival.
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to midnight
Phone: (407) 824-1666

Movies Under the Stars Arrive at 8:00 p.m. to enjoy the Dance Party and Campfire, before settling down to a movie at 9:00 p.m.  Check the schedule for featured movies.

Mousecraft at M. Mouse Mercantile Get creative on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. when “Grand” kids meet for arts and crafts.

Storytime at M. Mouse Mercantile A bed-time treat; Mondays at 8:00 p.m.

Thought you’d fallen through the rabbit hole when you saw the opening photo? Our friend Sam, aka Disney Resort, a consummate magician, created this custom image especially for this post.  Thank you, Sam!

Few visitors remain unimpressed when they first walk through the doors and into the beautiful lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  This resort is filled with references to the historic National Park lodges on which it’s based, Native American culture, the beauty of the natural world, and Disney icons.

While it’s fun to stroll the building and grounds, for a deeper appreciation we suggest the Wonders of the Lodge tour.  Follow your Ranger for an in-depth look at the architecture and landscape.  Hear the stories behind the hand-crafted totem poles, the art pieces, and the towering fireplace.  Explore nooks and seek out Hidden Mickeys and even hidden bears.  Listen to the lore and learn about the symbols and myths woven into the carvings and designs that are found throughout the lodge.

Every tour is unique, but you can make yours special by asking questions.  The guides truly love talking about their subject and will reward your enthusiasm with lots of fun facts!

No prior registration is necessary, there is no charge,  and you don’t have to be a guest of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort to participate.  Just join the Ranger in the lobby a little before 9:00 a.m.

Wonders of the Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Wednesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m.

After years of languishing in limbo, the area originally planned for an expansion of Disney’s Pop Century Resort will now be the site of a new Value property, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Building is slated to begin this summer with an opening in  2012.

Adding nearly 2,000 rooms to the current inventory, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will feature four of Disney’s more current animated films, Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.

Three of the wings will offer a total of 1,120 new family suites; welcome news for those needing a more moderately-priced option for parties of five or six.  The Little Mermaid wing will have 864 standard rooms.  All units will feature specially-themed interiors; an extremely popular choice at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where the pirate-themed rooms are in demand despite their higher cost.

Guests can also expect the same fun and fantasy they’ve come to appreciate at the other Value resorts, with work already begun on giant sculptures of the movies’ most well-loved characters.  Different, themed courtyards will allow guests to feel as though they have stepped into a movie!

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Smooth sounds waft from the second floor perch of this talented group.  Come, sit, enjoy!

Portrait ArtistCapture the memories with a special portrait.

The Grand Floridian Ladies On Monday and Thursday mornings, watch for parasols on parade as they make their serene way across the courtyard.

Afternoon Tea Enjoy mimosas and afternoon tea, served with elegance each day in the Garden View Lounge.

Victoria & Albert’s Transforming food into art, this incomparable restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience for the discerning.

Grand Pianist Every afternoon and evening, a white-tied-and-tailed pianist entertains visitors from the grand piano, taking turns with the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

The Grand I The fabulous Grand I yacht sits at the marina waiting to take guests on a first-class cruise around the lagoon.

Private Dining While room service is available at all of the Deluxe Resorts, the Grand Floridian’s Private Dining takes it to another level.  Dreaming of a picnic on the beach?  Have a hankering for a hot dog by the pool?  Just contact Private Dining.  Whether you’re hoping to enjoy a romantic dessert in a secluded location on the grounds, a family dinner in an upstairs lobby, an affair for 25 of your closest friends, or your favorite sandwich from a chaise in your cabana, they’ll make every effort to accommodate your wishes and even offer some magical suggestions of their own!

Grand Floridian Spa A peaceful retreat to relax and recharge during an active vacation; guests can take the experience home with a selection of their delightful, grapefruit-scented signature products.

Wedding Pavilion Although other resorts offer ballrooms, dining venues, balconies, gazebos, and gardens, only Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has its own dedicated wedding chapel.  Brides can plan every detail of their Fairytale Wedding at Franck’s Studio, adjacent to the pavilion.

Disney’s flagship resort offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy restaurants, refreshments, and retail therapy.   Boasting a greater number of dining and shopping options than any other Walt Disney World resort, there’s something for every age, every mood, and every pocketbook:

Table Service

• Narcoossee’s:   Seafood selections in a relaxed atmosphere with views of the Seven Seas Lagoon
• Citricos:    Inviting ambiance and imaginative dishes with a Southern European inspiration
• Grand Floridian Café:   Casual dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner at moderate prices
• 1900 Park Fare:   Charming character meals accompanied by the amazing organ, “Big Bertha”
• Garden View Lounge:   Afternoon tea with all the accoutrements
• Victoria & Albert’s:   Extraordinary fine-dining experience in elegant surroundings

Lounges

• Mizner’s:   Intimate room featuring vintage ports and brandies
• Citricos Lounge:  A well-kept secret tucked away on the second floor

Quick Service

• Gasparilla Grill and Games:   Pizza, sandwiches, and salads, with some arcade fun

Shops

• Basin White:  Bath and beauty in black and white
• Commander Porter’s:  Gifts and gear for men
• M. Mouse Mercantile:  Souvenirs and Disney-themed apparel and toys for little pirates and princesses
• Sandy Cove:  Sundries and daily necessities, Grand Floridian logo merchandise
• Summer Lace:  Women’s apparel, jewelry, fragrance, and gifts

Public Areas

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is probably best known for its magnificent lobby. Framed by more than 60 miles of fanciful, white-painted millwork, it soars five stories to a ceiling inset with intricate stained-glass domes.

It is a favorite destination of both resort guests and the visiting public who come to explore, take photographs, and pass the time.

Enormous floral arrangements lend their color and scent to the happy atmosphere.  Elaborate sofas with ornate cushions are an invitation to linger.  Bridal parties array themselves along the grand staircase for the photographs that will commemorate their magical Disney weddings.

Visitors can enjoy the shops and restaurants located on the first and second floors, commission a portrait, or relax and enjoy the sounds of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

Areas beyond the second floor of the Main Building are reserved for Concierge guests.  While not open to the general public, these floors do provide lovely shared spaces for those in Royal Palm accommodations.  The Royal Palm Club lounge on the fourth floor has wonderful views of the activity below and there are pleasant seating areas scattered throughout the top three floors, both inside, and on large exterior verandahs overlooking the grounds.  In Sugar Loaf Key, the small lobby of the ground floor has been transformed from the relatively open and empty area found in the other Keys to a pleasant, well-furnished lounge.

Guest Rooms

The Grand Floridian’s 867 guest rooms offer a variety of configurations and views; nearly twenty different categories are available.  Room types include the standard with two queen beds, many with a daybed which sleeps an additional guest; dormer rooms on the top floors of the lodge buildings which are slightly smaller with vaulted ceilings and enclosed balconies; lodge tower rooms with their semi-circular window bays and seating areas; several types of deluxe and king-bed rooms in the main building; and a variety of suites throughout the property.  Views may be of the gardens and manicured grounds, lagoon, pool or beach, marina, or the Magic Kingdom.  Garden, lagoon, and Magic Kingdom views can be reserved at varying rates.

Expect the usual amenities with the addition of robes, a keypad rather than keyed safe, upgraded bath amenities, turndown service, and numerous Private Dining options.

The “Garden View” can encompass anything from a view of the pool, a partial lagoon view, a room overlooking the marina, or a sweep of beautifully-manicured grounds.  For much less than the cost of the other rooms, you can still enjoy all the beauty that this lovely resort has to offer.

“Lagoon View” denotes a room that looks out over the Seven Seas Lagoon; choosing a “Theme Park View” guarantees that your lagoon vista also includes the Magic Kingdom with premier seating for the fireworks right from your own balcony.

It’s difficult to come by a bad view at the Grand Floridian but some views are only available from specific keys.  Sugar Loaf Key, for example, has both garden and marina views, while certain rooms at Sago and Conch Keys offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom.

Each newly-refurbished unit features soft pastel colors and light pine woodwork, with heavy draperies and padded cornices, lace undercurtains, comforters and bedskirts, daybed and accent pillows, all in crisp fabrics with floral motifs.   There are various combinations of tables and chairs, daybeds, sofas, benches and footstools, depending upon the room.  Most offer a split bathroom with marble-topped double sinks outside of a separate room containing the tub and toilet.

Some of the most interesting rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are the “deluxe” rooms.  Most are larger and inclusive of a sitting area and a wet bar; many also have interesting floor plans that depart from the typical hotel-room rectangle.  For a modest additional cost over a standard club-level room, they are a great value.

Guests have a choice of two different Concierge Level categories – Lodge and Royal Palm.  Many guests are unaware of this when selecting their rooms and are disappointed upon arrival to learn that they have booked a room that is located in Sugar Loaf Key rather than the Main Building.  Royal Palm is certainly the more indulgent of the two, with a substantially higher price.

There are also a range of suites.  All units on the fifth floor of the Main Building are suites, including some which can be combined to provide a large unit for bigger families and groups.  There are also suites located in the Keys including a number of “hospitality suites.”

As with all hotels around the world, there are more- and less-desirable rooms.  Turn to your Whimsical World Travel Concierge for guidance in choosing the best accommodations for your next visit.

Hanging on the walls of its guest rooms are framed prints which seem to evoke perfectly the ambience of this resort.  They depict a carefree turn-of-the-century moment:  a dazzling white gingerbread fantasy of a hotel sporting a turreted, red-tiled roof.  There’s a sandy beach surrounding a placid water scene with small boats and frolicking children. Ladies stroll in summer gowns and parasols, while fleecy clouds graze in a sky of impossible blue.   Take away the elaborate dress but leave behind that sense of casual formality, and you have Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Meandering across 40 acres on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, this charming property includes a main building and five lodge buildings or “keys,” a spa and health club, a conference and business center, and a wedding chapel.  With many leisure and recreational facilities on the property, Disney’s Grand Floridian is a destination in itself.

Outdoor Pleasures

The spacious and beautiful grounds are one of the great delights of a stay at this resort.  There are manicured lawns, immaculate walkways and topiaried trees.  Geometric beds are densely planted with flowers that change with the seasons. Water sparkles from pools and ponds, fountains and falls, and the lagoon dances with Floridian sunlight during the day and Magic Kingdom fireworks at night.  Guests can choose from a zero-entry feature pool with rock formations, waterslide, and waterfall, or a large courtyard pool with a separate shallow pool for the little ones, and a large spa.  Seasonally, several cabanas are available for morning or afternoon rental periods.

A sandy beach offers lounge chairs with striped sun canopies and magnificent views across the water.   Go for a stroll or a run along the mile-long jogging path or enjoy a game of tennis on the clay courts.  A variety of watercraft, including Sea Raycers and pontoon boats, are available for rental, and arrangements can be made for waterskiing and fishing excursions.

Transportation

As one of the “monorail’ resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian is conveniently located just one stop away from the Magic Kingdom.  Epcot requires a change of monorail car at the Ticket and Transportation center, and there are regular busses to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney MGM Studios, and Downtown Disney.

Prefer the water?  Walk down to the boat dock and take a pleasant ride to the Magic Kingdom on the canopied launch, which also stops at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.  The Magic Kingdom transportation area also makes an excellent transfer point for traveling to any of the other Walt Disney World resorts.  There is self-parking, as well as valet parking for an additional charge.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

4401 Grand Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida  32830

Phone  407-824-3000
Fax  407-824-3186