Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort_® & Spa first opened at Walt Disney World_® Resort on May 17, 2004.  It was built on the site of the former Disney Institute_® and is one of several Disney Vacation Club_® (DVC) timeshare properties at Walt Disney World_® Resort.  The resort is themed to celebrate the legacy of a gentler era, and captures the spirit of the 1880’s resort of Saratoga Springs, New York. This lakeside resort is filled with Victorian architecture, meticulous landscaping and the horse-racing culture of the upstate New York community.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort_® & Spa includes 60 Treehouse Villas, but those are featured separately.  

The original resort has a total of 1,260 villas, comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.

Deluxe Studios are 365 square feet and can accommodate up to four guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, two queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.

• 1-Bedrooms are 714 square feet, and can accommodate up to five guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa plus a sleeper chair in the living room, whirlpool tub in the bathroom, and a private porch or balcony.
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,075 square feet, and can accommodate up to nine guests, plus one child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a second bedroom with 2 queen-size beds and a second full bathroom.
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villas are 2,113 square feet, and can accommodate up to 12 guests, plus one child under 3 in a crib. They offer all of the amenities of the 2-Bedroom, plus they include a third bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, a third full bathroom, a full dining room, additional private balcony and are two-story rooms.

As a DVC timeshare property, the villas are owned by members through DVC’s points-based system.  DVC maintains about 3-4% ownership of the total point allocation for each of their timeshare resorts, therefore rooms are available for rent year-round to non-members. 

The resort includes 2 feature pools and 4 leisure or “quiet” pools, a children’s pool, whirlpools, sauna, fitness center, Community Hall family recreation room, tennis courts, extensive jogging trails, arcade and recreational activities including Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.  It also features 1 table service restaurant:  The Turf Club Bar and Grill serving lunch and dinner; 2 quick-service counter locations: The Artist’s Palette, and the High Rock Grill. 

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort_® & Spa is a Deluxe Villas level resort located across the water from the Downtown Disney_® area.  Convenient bus transportation will take guests to all parts of Walt Disney World_® Resort, and water taxis transport guests to and from Downtown Disney.  The resort is also a short walk from Downtown Disney_®, and there are two different walking paths to it – one to the Marketplace area, and one to the West Side area. 

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Old Key West

Disney's Old Key West Resort_® first opened at Walt Disney World_® Resort on December 20, 1991.  It was the original Disney Vacation Club_® (DVC) timeshare property, and as such was originally named Disney’s Vacation Club Resort.  In January 1996 DVC expanded their timeshare offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort, and so the resort was renamed to Disney’s Old Key West Resort.  The resort is themed to celebrate the Conch Republic of Key West, Florida, and enjoys quite the laid-back feeling that a southern Florida provides.

The resort has a total of 761 villas, comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.

• Deluxe Studios are 376 square feet and can accommodate up to four guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, two queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1-Bedrooms are 942 square feet, and can accommodate up to five guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa plus a sleeper chair in the living room, whirlpool tub in the bathroom, and a private porch or balcony.
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,333 square feet, and can accommodate up to nine guests, plus one child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a second bedroom with 2 queen-size beds and a second full bathroom.
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villas are 2,375 square feet, and can accommodate up to 12 guests, plus one child under 3 in a crib. They offer all of the amenities of the 2-Bedroom, plus they include a third bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, a third full bathroom, a full dining room, additional private balcony and are two-story rooms.

As a DVC timeshare property, the villas are owned by members through DVC’s points-based system.  DVC maintains about 3-4% ownership of the total point allocation for each of their timeshare resorts, therefore rooms are available for rent year-round to non-members. 

The resort includes 1 feature pool and 3 leisure or “quiet” pools, a children’s pool, whirlpools, sauna, fitness center, Community Hall family recreation room, tennis courts, fishing, marina watercraft rentals, arcade and recreational activities.  It also features 1 table service restaurant:  Olivia’s Café serving breakfast lunch and dinner;  2 quick-service counter locations: Good’s Food to Go, and the Turtle Shack.  A bar is also on-site:  Gurgling Suitcase.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort_® is a Deluxe Villas level resort centrally located to the east of Epcot_® in the Downtown Disney_® area.  Convenient bus transportation will take guests to all parts of Walt Disney World_® Resort, and water taxis transport guests to and from Downtown Disney.

Sunday Spotlight - Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort_® first opened at Walt Disney World_® Resort on August 4, 2009, as a Disney Vacation Club® (DVC) addition to the original resort.  The tower's design both complements and pays homage to the 1971 original just next door, featuring a modernistic design.

Like other DVC resorts located at or next to their Disney Deluxe level counterpart, the resort shares amenities with Disney's Contemporary Resort®.  

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort_® features 295 villas, comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.

• Deluxe Studios are 356 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, 2 queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1-Bedrooms are 727 square feet, and can accommodate up to 5 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa plus a sleeper chair in the living room, whirlpool tub in the master bathroom, a 2^nd full bathroom, and a private porch or balcony.
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,080 square feet, and can accommodate up to 9 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a 2^nd bedroom with 2 queen-size beds and a 3^rd full bathroom.
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villas are 2,044 square feet, and can accommodate up to 12 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all of the amenities of the 2-Bedroom, plus they include a 3^rd  bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, a 4^th full bathroom, a full dining room, additional private balcony and are 2-story rooms.

As a DVC timeshare property, the villas are owned by members through DVC’s points-based system.  DVC maintains about 3-4% ownership of the total point allocation for each of their timeshare resorts, therefore rooms are available for rent year-round to non-members. 

The resort includes 1 feature pool  with waterslide and 1 quiet pool;  a children’s pool and water play area; poolside cabana rentals; white sand beach for sunbathing;  marina for watercraft rentals; fitness center;  an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies in the evenings.

The resort features 3 table service restaurants:  California Grill, The Wave and Chef Mickey’s – and Chef Mickey’s features both a breakfast and dinner Character Dining experience daily. It also features 1 quick-service restaurant: Contempo Cafe; as well as 3 lounge/bar locations: Contempo Grounds, Outer Rim and The Sand Bar. 

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort® is located between the shores of the man-made Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, across the water from Magic Kingdom® Park, just a short monorail or boat ride away. The Transportation & Ticket Center is located just next door to the resort, where guests can easily transfer to the Epcot® monorail line as well.  Convenient bus transportation will take guests to all other parts of Walt Disney World® Resort. 


For more information and to reserve your next vacation, contact me at 855.776.1733 or via my websites:  www.neverlandadventurestravel.com or www.neverlandadventurescruises.com.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter, like my page on Facebook, and circle me on Google+.

stopher's theme park adventures - Father-Sons Adventure to Star Wars Weekends - May 2009

This past week marked the 10-day period prior to our next trip to the World.  Yes, that's right, we're heading south once again, going to Walt Disney World.  I'm getting pretty excited.  It's been over a year since the entire family was there together.  I've made two, or is it three, solo visits down there since our last family excursion... it's time for the whole bunch to be there together once again.  We'll be staying at Kidani Village, at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have a 1 bedroom, Savannah View, villa, and I've already done our online check-in. Fun stuff! 

This is going to be another No Parks trip for us.  Our first such trip was last year - the last time that we were all there together - though on that trip we did go to a water park.  But there are so many things to see and do at WDW, that you don't HAVE to go to theme parks.  Sure they are the primary draw for guests, but I mean really, with 43 square miles - there's a lot to see and do without ever stepping in the parks.  Plus the entire family is pumped about being able to sleep in.  We're at the stage in life, with 2 active teens, and 1 getting active elementary aged child, that we're on the move constantly going here, there and everywhere. The entire summer this year has been filled (will continue to be filled) with one activity or another - many of which taking one, two or more family members away from home for a night up to a week at a time.  This ONE WEEK where we're going to be in Florida is the ONLY week where we will ALL be together at the same time, for the entire time.  So way back in the early spring when we figured that out - we grabbed this reservation, deciding it was better to get away together - than be at home together and ultimately allow the temptation of friends pull our teenagers away from home for this, that, or whatever.

So we're looking forward to sleeping in, hanging out in the room, playing games (regular, wii and whatever the Community Hall has), exploring other resorts, checking out the horses at Fort Wilderness, exploring Downtown Disney in a non-rushed manner, heading over to the Atlantic for a beach day... and whatever else suits our fancy.  There are other activities that we could do - several I've discussed previously in the blog - and we might do them, but we might not.  We're pretty much going to take each day as it comes with NO AGENDA.  Whatever we do, it will be nice to just be together.  Time with our eldest at home is fleeting now, as he prepares to begin his Junior year of high school, and soon enough prepares to head off to college.  We're grabbing the moments that we can and savoring them before life changes again. 

This past week was also the Fourth of July - Independence Day.  It's been very, very hot and dry here in Central Indiana, so our county banned all private fireworks for safety precautions.  While somewhat sad, I was pretty pleased that they made that call.  Just days prior to the decision, a grass fire was ignited in the common area behind our house... just about 4 houses away from our house. How did it begin?  By carelessness with fireworks.  The burned patch was pretty big too.  When I walked my daughter out there to take a look at it the next day, I commented to her that it was larger than her bedroom, she replied, "No daddy, it's much bigger than my room!"  We were both amazed at the size of it, but of course fire spreads - and quickly.  So there were no fireworks at our house last week.  The boys were bummed, my girls were sad for no sparklers - but all in all, it was ok.  Plus we'll have the opportunity to watch fireworks in just a little over a week now.  We've decided one evening - whichever it ends up being I cannot say yet - that we'll try to watch the fireworks either from the Top of the World lounge at the Bay Lake Tower (since DVC just opened up that perk to any DVC member staying on points at any DVC resort for a limited time), or from the beach at the Poly.  We've never done either... so we'll see which one works out for us.  (I've watched the fireworks from the ferry dock at the TTC before... but the family has only ever seen them from inside the Magic Kingdom). 

The BIG thing for us on Independence Day was going to the movies.  That is really not something that we do all too often, simply because of how expensive the whole experience has become - but from time to time we do it.  But an Independence Day Movie has become somewhat of a tradition for us.  This was the 4th year in a row that we've done that, but sadly this year we separated and went to two different films.  While I wanted to see The Avengers with the boys and my wife, neither of us felt that that movie was appropriate for our daughter.  Julie had been watching all of the other Marvel action hero flicks with the boys in preparation for The Avengers, so she went to see that one, and I took Annie to see Brave.  It was a good flick - I think it would have been better as a mommy-daughter venture, but I did enjoy it.  I most loved spending time with my daughter.  She's very much into Daddy right now... so I'm soaking it all in while it lasts.  

Coming up this week on Wednesday - the 2013 resort reservations will be available at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.  Plus it is highly rumored that a new round of Free Dining at Walt Disney World will be made available for the late fall months in 2012.  It's shaping up to be a good week for vacation planning. 

And now, it's time for another installment in stopher's theme park adventures (the continuing entries of trip report narratives originally posted over on the DIS boards).  This time we go back in time to May 2009, when I took my boys on a Father-Sons Adventure, for Star Wars Weekends at the Walt Disney World Resort.  We had a great time on that particular weekend in May, though both boys were a bit disappointed in that the events at Disney's Hollywood Studios were not Star Wars "enough" for their liking.  Neither one cares for the "Clone Wars" adventures that have been released in the past few years, and were very disappointed that any part of that was included in the weekend events. They WERE both very happy to have gotten Peter Mayhew's autograph, however.  The autographed pictures still hang in their respective spaces at home.  

Father-Sons Adventure - Star Wars Weekends 2009

Until next time,

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas_® first opened at Walt Disney World_® Resort on May 1, 2009 as a Disney Vacation Club® (DVC) addition to the original resort.  The resort is known alternately as Kidani Village, and both complements and pays homage to the original resort now known alternately Jambo House.  While not physically connected, both Kidani Village and Jambo House are connected and face each other through the shared Sunset Savannah which lies between the two structures.

Like other DVC resorts located at or next to their Disney Deluxe level counterpart, the resort shares amenities with Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge®.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas_® features 493 villas comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.

• Deluxe Studios are 316 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, 2 queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1-Bedrooms are 710 square feet, and can accommodate up to 5 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa plus a sleeper chair in the living room, whirlpool tub in the master bathroom, a 2^nd full bathroom, and a private porch or balcony.
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,173 square feet, and can accommodate up to 9 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a 2^nd bedroom with 2 queen-size beds and a 3^rd full bathroom.
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villas are 2,201 square feet, and can accommodate up to 12 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all of the amenities of the 2-Bedroom, plus they include a 3^rd  bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, a 4^th full bathroom, a full dining room, additional private balcony and are 2-story rooms.

The resort includes 1 feature pool:  Uwanga Camp with waterslide, and  a water play area: Samawati Springs; it also includes access to Jambo House’s feature pool:  Uzima Springs with waterslide;  fitness center;  basketball court; tennis;  shuffleboard; charcoal grilles;  a Community Hall family recreation room; an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies after dark.  Simba’s Cubhouse provides supervised activities for children during the evenings on a fee basis.

The resort features 2 table service restaurants:  Jiko and Boma: Flavors of Africa.  It also features 1 quick-service restaurant: The Mara; as well as a lounge/bar location: Cape Town Lounge and Victoria Falls Lounge. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas_® is a deluxe villas level resort located just to the west of Disney’s Animal Kingdom_® Park.  Convenient bus transportation will take guests to all other parts of Walt Disney World_® Resort. 


For more information and to reserve your next vacation, contact me at 855.776.1733 or via my websites:  www.neverlandadventurestravel.com or www.neverlandadventurescruises.com.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter, like my page on Facebook, and circle me on Google+.

stopher's Theme Park Adventures - A Daddy-Daughter Adventure

For the past several years I have written down thoughts, impressions and general experiences that I have had inside Disney parks at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, and shared those in the online Disney community known as the DISBoards.  While I had fun writing these at the time, and enjoyed the comments and feedback that others in that community shared as they read through the adventures, I have stopped writing them simply because they became too time-consuming for me, as I simply had too many trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World to "document".  My participation in that online community has also dwindled following the career change I encountered in 2011.  I have less time to give in that arena, as practically all of my time now is devoted to the continued building of my own travel business.  Anything that I write now is geared for my own website, this blog page, and my other social media outlets.  While I miss the camaraderie and friendship that I enjoyed over there on a semi-regular basis, I still enjoy interacting with several of the "regulars" from that world in this world that I've created for myself. 

So with that, and not wanting to lose those entries, rather desiring to keep them "for posterity", I decided it might be fun to post links to those threads here inside stopher's stuff.  While the artwork above should probably read "stopher's theme park adventures" - I just kept it the same as the blog title itself... stopher's stuff.  

Each adventure that I post will have its' own entry.  For this initial entry, I'll start off with the Daddy-Daughter Adventure that I took with my sweet princess in September of 2010.  

A Daddy-Daughter Adventure TR - Sep'10@AKV 

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A long time ago, well not really that long ago in the scheme of things, but about 6 years ago… I had two sons that I treated each to their own Father/Son Adventure … to Walt Disney World. Both of them. Individually. Just my son and I. And both trips were awesome! The elder was just 8 at the time, and the younger was 5. And we had such fun together… making lots of cool memories that they both still talk about to this day. 

Earlier in that same year, my daughter was born. Now while we did in fact, as a family, take our daughter on a plane and head west when she was just 6 weeks old (and enjoyed both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure on that trip), her time would just have to wait to be able to fully enjoy a special one-on-one trip with her dear old dad. Well that time arrived this year, and that’s what this little narrative is all about: My Daddy Daughter Adventure with my own little in-house princess. A tale full of Disney princesses, characters, animals and other fun stuff.  for more... click the link  A Daddy Daughter Adventure - Sep. 2010

Until next time,

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Boardwalk Villas

Disney's Boardwalk Villas® first opened at Walt Disney World® Resort on July 1, 1996, opening the same days as its’ sister resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn® – which together make up the more commonly called Disney’s Boardwalk Resort®.  The resort is themed after the famed boardwalks of Atlantic City and Ocean City in New Jersey of the 1920’s – 1940’s.  It was the 2nd Disney Vacation Club® (DVC) timeshare resort to open at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Disney's Boardwalk Villas® features 527 villas comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.

• Deluxe Studios are 412 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, 2 queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1-Bedrooms are 814 square feet, and can accommodate up to 5 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa plus a sleeper chair in the living room, whirlpool tub in the bathroom, and a private porch or balcony. 
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,226 square feet, and can accommodate up to 9 guests, plus one child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a second bedroom with 2 queen-size beds and a 2nd full bathroom.
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villas are 2,113 square feet, and can accommodate up to 12 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all of the amenities of the 2-Bedroom, plus they include a third bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, a third full bathroom, a full dining room, additional private balcony and are 2-story rooms.

The resort includes 1 feature pool: Luna Park Pool, with its’ roller coaster inspired waterslide, the “Keister Coaster”; plus 2 quiet pools;  a children’s pool and water play area; fishing; tennis; fitness center;  an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies in the evenings.

The resort features 4 table service restaurants:  Flying Fish Café, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Kouzzina by Cat Cora_® and ESPN Club. It also features 1 quick-service restaurant: Boardwalk Bakery; as well as Seasshore Sweets, which serves ice cream and other sweets; plus there are poolside /bars and room service.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas® is located on the shores of Crescent Lake near the International Gateway entrance to Epcot®, across the water from Disney's Yacht Club Resort® and Disney's Beach Club Resort®, and just a short walk or boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Convenient bus transportation will take guests to all other parts of Walt Disney World® Resort.

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort

Disney's Hilton Head Island_® Resort first opened October 1, 1995.  It is a Disney Vacation Club_® (DVC) timeshare property, and was the second DVC resort to be opened outside of the Walt Disney World_® Resort.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island_® Resort features 123 villas comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas. 

• Deluxe Studios are 375 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, 2 queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1Bedrooms are 880 square feet, and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room, whirlpool tub in the master bathroom, and a private porch or balcony. 
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,255 square feet, and can accommodate up to 9 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a 2^nd bedroom with 2 queen-size .
• 3-Bedroom Beach Cottages are 2,125 square feet, and can accommodate up to 12 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all of the amenities of the 2-Bedroom, plus they include a 3^rd  bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, a full dining room, additional private balcony and are 2-story rooms.

The resort includes 1 feature pool with waterslide, and  a water play area;  The Spa at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort; fitness center;  miniature golf; bicycle rentals;  Dolphin & Kayak treks;  wildlife activities;  private access to the beach/seashore;  charcoal grills; an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies after dark.   Though not situated on the coast itself,  resort also provides access to the beach with Disney’s Beach House, just one mile from the resort, which offers a 2^nd pool, additional dining options and private access to the beach and Atlantic Ocean.

The resort features 1 quick-service restaurant at the resort and 1 quick-service restaurant at Disney’s Beach House:  Tide Me Over (resort) and Signals (Beach House).  The Beach House also features a lounge/bar location: Surfman’s Sand Bar (open seasonally). 

Disney’s Hilton Head Island_® Resort is a deluxe villas level resort located on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, moments from the Atlantic Ocean, about 5-6 hours north of the Walt Disney World_® Resort.  

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Beach Club Villas

Disney's Beach Club Villas® first opened at Walt Disney World® Resort on July 1, 2002, becoming the 4th Disney Vacation Club® (DVC) resort at Walt Disney World® Resort, as an expansion to the existing Disney’s Beach Club Resort®.   

Like other DVC resorts located at or next to their Disney Deluxe level counterpart, the resort shares amenities with Disney's Beach Club Resort®.

Disney's Beach Club Villas® features 282 villas, in a combination of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom villas. For more specific information about Disney Deluxe Villas, please see page 19.

• Deluxe Studios are 356 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, 2 queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1-Bedrooms are 726 square feet, and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa, whirlpool tub in the bathroom, and a private porch or balcony. 
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,083 square feet, and can accommodate up to 9 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a 2nd bedroom with 2 queen-size beds and a 2nd full bathroom.

As a DVC timeshare property, the villas are owned by members through DVC’s points-based system.  DVC maintains about 3-4% ownership of the total point allocation for each of their timeshare resorts, therefore rooms are available for rent year-round to non-members. 

The resort includes 1 feature pool: Stormalong Bay which is one of the largest sand-bottom pools in the United States and 1 quiet pool;  a children’s pool and water play area; white sand beach for sunbathing;  marina for watercraft rentals; fishing; sand volleyball; fitness center;  an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies in the evenings. The Sandcastle Club provides supervised activities for children during the evenings on a fee basis.

The resort features 2 table service restaurants:  Cape May Café and Beaches & Cream – and Cape May Café features a breakfast Character Dining experience daily. It also features 1 quick-service restaurant: Beach Club Marketplace; as well as a lounge/bar location: Hurricane Hannah’s. 

Disney’s Beach Club Villas® is located on the shores of Crescent Lake near the International Gateway entrance to Epcot®, and just a short walk or boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Convenient bus transportation will take guests to all other parts of Walt Disney World® Resort.

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge_® first opened at Walt Disney World_® Resort on April 16, 2001, designed by noted architect Peter Dominck, the same architect who designed Disney’s Wilderness Lodge_® and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel_® & Spa at the Disneyland_® Resort.  (In 2009 an expansion by Disney Vacation Club® increased the size of the resort with the addition of Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas®.  At that time the original resort became known as Jambo House with the addition being named Kidani Village).

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge  _®Disney   

The resort is designed as an African-style lodge, and includes its’ own wildlife preserve where giraffes, Ankole cattle, gazelles, and other wildlife freely roam within guests view.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge_® features 972 guest rooms.  All rooms can accommodate up to 4 guests plus 1 child under 3 in a crib; featuring either 2 queen-size beds, or 1 queen-size bed plus a set of bunk beds, or a king-size bed plus a day bed.

The resort includes 1 feature pool:  Uzima Springs with waterslide;  plus access to an additional feature pool at Kidani Village:  Uwanja Camp with waterslide, and the water play area: Samawati Springs; fitness center;  an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies after dark.  Simba’s Cubhouse provides supervised activities for children during the evenings on a fee basis.

The resort features 3 table service restaurants:  Jiko, Boma: Flavors of Africa and Sanaa.  It also features 1 quick-service restaurant: The Mara; as well as two lounge/bar locations: Cape Town Lounge and Victoria Falls Lounge.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge_® is a deluxe level resort located just to the west of Disney’s Animal Kingdom_® Park.  Convenient bus transportation will take guests to all other parts of Walt Disney World_® Resort.  

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Disney's Vero Beach_® Resort first opened October 1, 1995.  It is a Disney Vacation Club_® (DVC) timeshare property, and was the first DVC resort to be opened outside of the Walt Disney World_® Resort.

Disney’s Vero Beach_® Resort is a blended resort featuring both traditional guest rooms and Disney Deluxe villas.  It is comprised of 115 guest rooms and 95 villas comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Beach Cottages. 

• Deluxe Studios are 375 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, 2 queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1-Bedrooms are 880 square feet, and can accommodate up to 5 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa plus a sleeper chair in the living room, whirlpool tub in the master bathroom, and a private porch or balcony. 
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,255 square feet, and can accommodate up to 9 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a 2^nd bedroom with 2 queen-size.
• 3-Bedroom Beach Cottages are 2,175 square feet, and can accommodate up to 12 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all of the amenities of the 2-Bedroom, plus they include a 3^rd  bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, a full dining room, additional private balcony and are 2-story rooms.

 The resort includes 1 feature pool with waterslide, and  a water play area;  The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort; fitness center;  miniature golf; bicycle rentals;  tennis;  shuffleboard;  fishing & surfing lessons;  private access to the beach/seashore;  an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies after dark.

The resort features 2 table service restaurants:  Shutters and Sonya’s.  It also features lounge/bar locations: The Green Cabin Room and Bleachers.  A Character breakfast is offered on weekends as well.

Disney’s Vero Beach_® Resort is a deluxe villas level resort located on the eastern coast of Florida, along the Atlantic Ocean, about 2 hours away from Walt Disney World_® Resort. 

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Beach Club Resort

Disney's Beach Club Resort_® first opened at Walt Disney World_® Resort on November 19, 1990 and was designed by noted architect A.M. Stern.  It opened just 14 days after its’ sister resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort_®.  Amenities are shared with its’ sister resort, including the over 73,000 Convention Center facilities. 

The resort is themed to invoke Newport Beach Cottages of the early 20^th century, along the shores of Newport, Rhode Island.

Disney's Beach Club Resort_® features 566 guest rooms.  All rooms can accommodate up to 5 guests plus 1 child under 3 in a crib; featuring either 2 queen-size beds plus a day bed, or two double-size beds plus a day bed, or a king-size bed plus a day bed.

The resort includes 1 feature pool: Stormalong Bay which is one of the largest sand-bottom pools in the United States and 1 quiet pool;  a children’s pool and water play area; white sand beach for sunbathing;  marina for watercraft rentals; fishing; sand volleyball; fitness center;  an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies in the evenings. The Sandcastle Club provides supervised activities for children during the evenings on a fee basis.

The resort features 2 table service restaurants:  Cape May Café and Beaches & Cream – and Cape May Café features a breakfast Character Dining experience daily. It also features 1 quick-service restaurant: Beach Club Marketplace; as well as a lounge/bar location: Hurricane Hannah’s. 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort_® is a deluxe level resort located on the shores of Crescent Lake near the International Gateway entrance to Epcot_®, and just a short walk or boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios_®. Convenient bus transportation will take guests to all other parts of Walt Disney World_® Resort.   

Sunday Spotlight - The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge_® first opened at Walt Disney World_® Resort on November 15, 2000.  This Disney Vacation Club_® (DVC) resort was first announced in 1998 as an expansion to the existing Disney’s Wilderness Lodge_® resort hotel.  The adjacent building was designed to be reminiscent of the antecedent lodgings built by workers on the transcontinental railroads during the mid-to late-19^th century.  The Carolwood Pacific Room adjacent to the Villas’ lobby area contains a number of railroad themed memorabilia celebrating that heritage, as well as the known passion for railroading that Walt Disney himself had.  Two cars from the Carolwood Pacfic Railroad, from Walt Disney’s Holmby Hills backyard, can be found inside the room. 

The Villas portion of the resort features 181 DVC villas comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom Villas:

• Deluxe Studios are 356 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, two queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1-Bedrooms are 727 square feet, and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa plus a sleeper chair in the living room, whirlpool tub in the bathroom, and a private porch or balcony. 
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,080 square feet, and can accommodate up to 8 guests, plus one child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a second bedroom with 2 queen-size beds and a second full bathroom.

This DVC resort shares amenities with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and therefore on-site there are 2 table service restaurants:  Whispering Canyon Café and Artist Point; and includes one quick-service restaurant: Roaring Fork; as well as 2 lounge/bar locations: Territory Lounge and Trout Pass. 


Outside be sure to look for the bubbling spring flowing from the lobby, and tumbling over a sparkling waterfall towards the swimming pool, and continuing on into Bay Lake.  Nearby you’ll find Fire Rock Geyser, designed with Yellowstone National Park’s “Old Faithful” in mind, sending plumes of water up to 120 feet in the air every hour. 

Recreation at the resort includes: two swimming pools, whirlpools, children's pool, a themed water slide, playground, Sturdy Branches Health Club, a beach for sunbathing, fishing, marina watercraft rentals, bicycle and surrey bike rentals, arcade and recreational activities for all ages including Disney movies after dark.

As a DVC timeshare property, the villas are owned by members through DVC’s points-based system.  DVC maintains about 3-4% ownership of the total point allocation for each of their timeshare resorts, therefore rooms are available for rent year-round to non-members.  The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge_® is a Deluxe Villas level resort located in the Magic Kingdom area.  Convenient boat transportation will take guests directly to Magic Kingdom Park_®, as well as bus transportation to all other parts of Walt Disney World_® Resort.