Saturday Savers - The Disney Wilderness Preserve

It’s time once again to take a look at inexpensive options in or around Walt Disney World to augment your vacation experience.  Things that you might do on your own or with your traveling companions that are FREE or close to being free.

Today we look at the Disney Wilderness Preserve.  No, I’m not referring to the recreated African savannahs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – but rather, an actual wilderness preserve (vs. an Imagineered one) at the far southern end of Walt Disney World, at the headwaters of the Everglades ecosystem, or about 20 miles south of Orlando – it’s The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve, a 12,000 acre wildlife preserve that has been left in its’ natural state, where flora and fauna abound in nearly complete undeveloped beauty along the shores of Lake Russell.  It is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, and here you can observe native plants and animals by hiking a 2 1/2-mile trail.

The Preserve is open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday-Friday and is closed on most major holidays. Admission is FREE, though donations are appreciated. Due to potential flooding or restoration activities, access can be limited, so make sure you call the preserve at (407) 935-0002 before driving out to it.  For more information on the preserve visit www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/florida/placesweprotect/the-disney-wilderness-preserve.xml

Wordless Wednesday - Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Tuesday Trivia - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

The queue of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios features two marble-covered doors.  Each door holds 3,536 multi-colored marbles.  

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.   

Wordless Wednesday - Sometimes Their Most Cherished Memories Aren't Found in a Theme Park, But Rather at the Resort's Playground

    

 

Tuesday Trivia - Pioneer Hall

Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the home of the ever popular "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue" was constructed using 1,283 hand-fitted logs, shipped by rail, from Montana. 

Storybook Circus area of WDW's New Fantasyland is now Open!

The Storybook Circus part of the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom has opened.  The relocated Dumbo attraction is up and running, the Barnstormer, featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini, and the new train station for the Walt Disney World Railroad are now open.  More will be coming of course in the weeks ahead!  Check out the video to see some of the great Cast Member costumes, details and the look and feel of the updated area.

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground_® first opened at Walt Disney World_® Resort on November 19, 1971, just about six weeks after the debut of the Magic Kingdom Park_®.  Surrounded by the existing forests found along the shores of Bay Lake, this rustic playground was designed to provide opportunities for visitors to “bring their own accommodations with them” – whether by tent or RV.  The campground is nestled on 750 acres of pine and cypress trees, surrounded by quiet trails and gentle wildlife, like deer and rabbits where guests can feel as if they're far away from the bustle of modern civilization - even though the Magic Kingdom is just a short boat ride away!

The resort is comprised of both campsites and cabins.  There are 784 campsite locations and 409 cabins. 

On the campsite side, there are 4 different types of campsites, including new Premium Campsites, that can accommodate everything from tents to pop-up trailers to 45-foot and longer vehicles, with a maximum 10 Guests per site.  Amenities vary, but each campsite is equipped with:

• Privacy-enhancing landscaping
• Water, cable television hook-ups and electrical hook-ups
• Premium picnic table and charcoal grill
• Sewer hook-up (at most campsites)
• High-speed Internet access is available at an additional fee

On the cabin side, the cabins can accommodate up to six guests, plus one child under 3 in a crib.  They each feature a double bed, a set of bunk beds, and a separate living room with pull-out sofa, a bathroom and full kitchen.  There’s an outdoor patio deck with picnic table, charcoal grill and private parking space.  Plus daily housekeeping is provided. 

The resort includes two pools, a children’s pool and water play area, white sand beach for sunbathing, canoeing, tennis, fishing, marina for watercraft rentals, an arcade and other assorted recreational activities.  The Tri-Circle D Ranch is located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort where guests can enjoy the petting farm, pony rides for the little kids or horseback riding for the bigger ones!  

The resort features table-service dining at Trails End Restaurant which offers an all-you-care-to enjoy breakfast and dinner, or simply enjoy the a la carte lunch menu; and Crockett’s Lounge offers pizza, nachos and a full service bar.  Guests will also find a seasonal Character Dining experience at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ; and you don’t want to miss the most popular Dinner Show available at all of Walt Disney World_® Resort – the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue found at Pioneer Hall not far from the resort’s boat dock and the petting farm. This all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style dinner show is one of the longest continuously running musical shows in the nation, tracing it’s beginnings back to 1973. It sells out quickly, so be sure to get reservations early – you can reserve your table up to 180 days in advance.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground_® is a resort that can be considered both a value and moderate level resort - value for the fact that camping accommodations can be found for as little as $19 per night depending on site type and season - and moderate level for the home-like cabins.  It is located in the Magic Kingdom area of Walt Disney World.  Convenient boat transportation runs daily to and from the Magic Kingdom, and convenient bus transportation will take guests to all other parts of the Walt Disney World_® Resort. 

Friday Family Fun - Characters in Flight

It's time once again to look at relatively inexpensive, fun activities beyond the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort.   Today we'll take another peek at Downtown Disney – specifically though, an activity located within Downtown Disney.   Characters in Flight, operated by Aérophile, is a giant tethered balloon which takes you 400 feet above the Downtown Disney Area!  You’ll ascend into the sky and experience breathtaking views of the Walt Disney World Resort.   Depending on how clear day is, you will be able to see each the icons from each of the 4 theme parks, both of the water parks, plus pick out many of the resort hotels.

The balloon itself is decorated with some very famous silhouettes — Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Dumbo and other famous Disney characters!   The balloon takes off along the water’s edge of Lake Buena Vista, between the West Side and Pleasure Island areas of Downtown Disney.  But you can see the balloon itself from all over.  After dark, the characters continue to be visible thanks to the internal illumination. It's a special design created just for the Walt Disney World Resort, and is the world’s largest tethered gas balloon.  Tethered to a gondola platform 19’ in diameter, the balloon holds up to 29 guests plus the pilot.  Your stay up in the air lasts about 8 to 10 minutes, and provides spectacular views up to 10 miles away!  (Of course you can see other things away from Walt Disney World too – such as Sea World Orlando and the suburban sprawl that is the greater Orlando area to the east of the Walt Disney World resort.)

    

The balloon does not operate when winds get stronger.  Signs are always posted whether the balloon is operating or not.  Don’t be surprised if you think it isn’t very windy but the balloon is closed – as just remember that the winds at the surface are not always the same strength as the winds at 400 feet up in the air!  Weather permitting, the balloon operates every day from 10 a.m. to midnight.  It is an exhilarating experience, and I recommend it highly!

Celebrate One More Disney Day!

ONE MORE DAY AND NIGHT OF DISNEY MAGIC, FREE!

You can enjoy one more day and night of Disney magic FREE when you buy a 3-night, 3-day non-discounted room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort hotels before Jan. 31, 2012 (for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012). Call me at 855.776.1733 or visit the website for more info.  I'd love to help you enjoy this special Disney offer!

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas at Vero Beach

Today in Disney Parks & Resorts History - Walt Disney World Swan Hotel

November 22, 1974 - Walt Disney World


The Lake Buena Vista Golf Club, located near the Walt Disney World Village Marketplace (later to be known as Downtown Disney Marketplace) opens.  The course is later recognized by Golf Digest as a 4-star rated course. 




November 22, 1989 - Walt Disney World


The Walt Disney World Swan hotel opens near Epcot, and a short distance away from Disney Hollywood Studios.  The hotel, owned by the Tishman Hotel Corporation and operated by Westin, was designed by noted architect Michael Graves.  It was built specifically to provide additional convention and meeting space on Walt Disney World property. Unlike the 7 "Official Walt Disney World Hotels" (that are also separately owned and operated but located on Walt Disney World property, found along Hotel Plaza Boulevard near Downtown Disney), this non-Disney hotel, along with the nearby Walt Disney World Dolphin features on-property perks such as the use of Walt Disney World transportation, Extra Magic Hours and package delivery. 

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Old Key West Resort

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.

Even though the resort is a DVC timeshare property (the villas are owned by members through DVC’s points-based system), DVC maintains ownership of approximately 3-4% of the total point allocation for each of their timeshare resorts, making those rooms 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. 

Tuesday Trivia - Haunted Mansion / Carousel of Progress

Did you know that the Carousel of Progress and The Haunted Mansion are connected?  Not literally, but they do share "someone" in common. The ghostly figure of a woman rocking in a chair during the ballroom sequence in The Haunted Mansion was created using the same mold as the grandmother from Carousel of Progress.

Today in Disney Parks & Resorts History - Pirates of the Caribbean

October 31, 1966 - Disneyland

Water is filled for the first time inside the flume of Disneyland's upcoming new attraction - Pirates of the Caribbean (which would open in March 1967). Pirates of the Caribbean was the last attraction personally overseen by Walt Disney, and is located in the first, entirely new land added to the park since Disneyland opened in 1955 - New Orleans Square. 

(Pirates of the Caribbean, while not included in the original attraction roster for Florida, would later be added to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 1973).

Magical Mondays - Dreaming of Being There

How often do you find yourself day-dreaming of being at your favorite Disney destination? For me it's at least 3 or 4 times each week - I still can't shake living just 10 minutes from Disneyland all those years ago and heading over to the park for lunch, dinner, a ride, taking my then young son for "daddy-son time", or just to people watch. As I prepare to head west for my father-in-law's funeral, naturally I am dreaming of visiting Disneyland while there, but don't think I'll be able to squeeze a visit in this trip. I am looking forward to a visit to Florida in early December, and getting abck to Walt Disney World. And of course Aulani is just calling my name. I really want to get over to Hawaii to check out the resort so that I can be fully equipped to book vacations for guests. It looks incredible! 

Today in Disney Parks & Resorts History - Orlando Sentinel

October 20, 1965 - Central Florida

After so much secrecy during the past year of acquiring and amassing a vast amount of property in Central Florida for a future east coast resort which would include a theme park modeled after the original Disneyland in Anaheim, CA -  news of the "mystery industry" being identified as Disney is published by the Orlando Sentinel.