Polynesian Resort Photo Update

Yesterday I had the chance to walk around Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for the first time since construction started earlier this year. While I was waiting for my ‘Ohana reservation time to roll around, I took a few minutes to stroll around the resort. Since Captain Cook’s just opened on Wednesday, I thought I’d share the pictures of the newly refurbished counter service location as well as some general construction photos from around the Polynesian.

This was my first chance at seeing the construction walls around the lobby in the Great Ceremonial House. While it did make me sad to no longer be able to see the beautiful water feature, I have to admit the walls looked better than I expected. From what I understand though, they have been recently updated to their current state. The walls surround most of the lobby area that was previously occupied by the aforementioned water feature and wrap around to the entrance to Boutiki on the other side. Concept art of the way the finished lobby will look adorn the walls along with several photo ops with Disney characters in Polynesian outfits.

Polynesian Lobby – Great Ceremonial House

Polynesian porte cochere Photo Aug 14, 9 58 33 AM Photo Aug 14, 9 58 39 AM Photo Aug 14, 9 59 14 AM Photo Aug 14, 9 59 39 AM Photo Aug 14, 9 59 53 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 00 13 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 00 15 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 01 21 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 01 31 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 01 50 AMPhoto Aug 14, 10 12 44 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 12 55 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 13 20 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 13 36 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 13 47 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 13 52 AMPhoto Aug 14, 10 14 54 AM

I like the refresh of Captain Cook’s quite a bit. There is new flooring, furniture and artwork throughout with a nice updated Polynesian vibe. Although I was sad when I saw the cooler that is now storing cupcakes where the dole whip machine was housed previously, I do look forward to when the new Pineapple Lanai dole whip kiosk opens up either later this year or beginning of next year at the Polynesian. I also took a moment to lament the loss of the grown up grilled cheese sandwich from the lunch and dinner menus. The food and beverage manager I spoke with suggested emailing guest services to express the desire to have the sandwich added back on the menu. I liked the sound of some of the new menu items and look forward to trying them out sometime soon. One of my favorite things about the refurb is the set of posters around the restaurant named after the different longhouses.

Captain Cook’s Refurb with new menus

Photo Aug 14, 10 02 19 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 02 29 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 02 34 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 02 42 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 02 48 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 03 04 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 04 09 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 04 23 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 04 32 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 04 45 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 04 54 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 05 10 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 05 21 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 05 29 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 05 35 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 05 38 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 05 44 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 05 53 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 06 00 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 06 04 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 06 11 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 06 14 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 06 22 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 06 26 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 06 35 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 06 41 AM

After I finished breakfast, my family and I decided to go check out the construction of the Polynesian bungalows down by the beach. The work is coming along pretty well, with siding and windows in and even some painting being done. It was cool to see this up close for the first time in person. The last time I saw the buildings, they were mostly plywood boxes that just had the roof lowered on to them. I cannot wait to see these and how they turn out next year. The progress is very noticeable from the bungalows closest to the beach being the furthest along and seeing the different levels of work being done from one to the next.

Exterior pictures of bungalows and pool

Photo Aug 14, 10 14 17 AM Photo Aug 14, 10 14 31 AM Photo Aug 14, 11 49 35 AM Photo Aug 14, 11 49 45 AM Photo Aug 14, 11 49 58 AM Photo Aug 14, 11 57 26 AM Photo Aug 14, 11 57 41 AM Photo Aug 14, 11 57 47 AM Photo Aug 14, 11 58 26 AM Photo Aug 14, 12 00 33 PM Photo Aug 14, 12 00 35 PM

Have you been by the Polynesian Village Resort recently? Have you had the chance to try any of the new menu items at Captain Cook’s yet? If not, what are you most looking forward to trying there? Let me know.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

A peek at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

 

4 seasons Four Seasons Resort Orlando

This week we got to take a look at the all new Four Seasons Resort Orlando, at Walt Disney World! The resort doesn’t officially open until August 3rd, but everything is looking amazing and ready for opening day!

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located within the prestigious Golden Oak Community, you enter through the main gates, although separate gated entrances ensure privacy for the residents from resort guests.

The resort features a Tom-Fazio championship designed golf course, a world-class spa and an ‘explorer island’ for kids and families.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

 

 

chandy by night

The first thing I noticed on entering the resort was the amazing chandelier you are greeted with by the stairs, it is supposed to represent fireworks, and as the day changes into night it only becomes even more stunning throwing dancing lights all around! Look closely over the balcony and you will spot a large hidden Mickey!

hidden mickey

We headed outside and found a reflections pond right outside which the ducks were currently enjoying! You can see lots of cabanas along the lake that guests can rent out and grill by the lake. One of my favorite areas was a seating area that had a fun water feature that was a rotating clear ball over a fountain, very mesmerizing!

reflections pond

water ball

The first pool you come along is an adult only pool, gated off with child proof locks. Its called The Oasis and features under water audio!

the oasis

The part we were most excited to go see was Explorer Island, that features a family pool, a Splash Zone, a Lazy River, and The Drop.

This whole area is pretty amazing. The Splash Zone features an interactive fountain among ruins, I specifically loved the curtains of water falling from the arches, and at night the fountains light up all different colors. It’s beautiful!

splash pad Four Seasons Resort Orlando

The Lazy River reminds me of something that you would find at the Atlantis Resort!

It’s an 11,008 sq ft lazy river, and even has canons by the splash pad that reach pretty far out.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

So watch out fellow tubers passing by, those kids standing by watching you may have hidden intentions! Cant wait to see these in action!

 

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

The Drop is their 242 foot water slide that’s made of see through fibre glass so you can watch your fall alllllllll the way down!

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

If you take the stairs up, you can get to The Mansion, that features tables tennis, bocce ball, pool tables, a fireplace, additional seating areas, and an observation deck to check out all the fun below!

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

 

After seeing the sunset around the pool we headed back inside to eat. We decided to eat at Ravello, a modern Italian restaurant located on the ground floor, and is linked to their bar upstairs.

ravello

I loved the lay out and seating in here, but I thought the live action “show Kitchen” was fun as you can watch the chefs prepare your food.

show kitchen

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

They had a limited menu since the opening isn’t until August 3rd, but it still had some great items on and really gave us an idea of what was to come.

menu

I decided to order the Gnocchi, featuring gorgonzola, parmigano, provolone AND fontina cheeses! So delicious, and they even accommodated me not having the toasting walnuts on top due to my allergy, and ensured they used separate equipment and utensils too.

gnocchi

They had quite a long wine list to go with the menu, offering all of them by the bottle or by the individual glass. We were very tempted by the dessert since they had tiramisu but we were too full from our mains, so we will have to just go back to try those. I did enquire about whether they would be offering a Disney Cast Member discount, but they weren’t sure yet, so if you go make sure you ask about it as they may start to offer one. We loved this restaurant and we will go back once it has opened officially.

restrooms

I loved getting to see around the Four Seasons Resort Orlando! The Resort is very beautiful, and with florida resident rates, I may have to go back!

On the way out through Golden Oak I spotted a Little Mermaid figurine with Sebastian and Flounder, very cute, see if you can find her too!

ariel Four Seasons Resort Orlando

 

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Beach Blast at Old Key West & Saratoga Springs Resorts

old key westContinuing their recent string of fun celebrations, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will be holding a Beach Blast on Saturday, June 21st. Included in this will be fun activities and the night will be capped off as usual with a movie suited to the theme.

Old Key West

From 2:00 – 6:00pm guests can visit Community Hall to decorate a foam picture frame magnet. Once they’ve created their frame, guests can take a picture in the beach prop area.

The Splish-Splash Pool Bash will be held at the main thee pool with fun and games from 1:00 – 4:00pm.

At 4:00pm guests can color a beach ball.

If you’re looking for a snack, at 4:30pm you can make your own ice cream sundae.

More snacks are served at 7:30pm with s’mores.

The evening will end with the Movie Under the Stars, which will be Teen Beach Movie.

 

Saratoga Springs

The High Rock Spring Pool will have the same activities as Old Key West with the picture frame design at Community Hall.

Paddock Pool has the Splish-Splash Pool Bash from 1:00 – 3:00pm and color a beach ball at 3:00pm.

At 3:30pm guests can make their own beach bag, followed by making their own sunglasses at 4:00pm.

 

Some activities may have an additional cost and all are subject to change. Please contact Disney’s Old Key West or Saratoga Springs Resorts directly if you have any questions.

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Belmont Stakes Celebration at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

On Saturday, June 7th, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will host a day of activities to celebrate the last leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes.

The first activity is at 1:00pm at High Rock Spring with Horse Bingo and Triple Crown Trivia at the Paddock Pool.

At 2:00pm the main pool will have Triple Crown Trivia and the Paddock Pool will start their dance party.

The pool party will start at the Paddock Pool at 2:15pm.

High Rock Springs will have a dance party at 3:00pm, followed directly by their pool party at 3:15pm.

The Paddock Pool is having Temporary Horse Tattoos at 3:15pm, which the High Rock Spring Pool will also have at 4:15pm.

Guests can design Horse Banners at the Paddock Pool at 3:30pm, followed by Make Your Own Jockey Jacket at 4:00pm.

Over at the main pool at 4:30pm they will hold the Run for the Carnations while the Paddock Pool will play Test of the Champion.

At 7:30pm there will be s’mores at the High Rock Spring Pool, and the movie under the stars will start at 9:00pm.

Community Hall will have burlap wreaths to decorate for an additional cost from 2:00 – 6:00pm.

As always, times and activities are subject to change. We hope you get to check out some of these special activities just for the Belmont Stakes.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

A Look at Bay Lake Tower At Disney’s Contemporary Resort With Kelly

Bay Lake Tower
Photo: Disney

This week Kelly takes us along as she looks at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the Walt Disney World Resort.

When I was a child I was mystified by Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All I kept thinking was that a building that had a monorail going through it seemed to be way too technologically advanced to be real, and that I could spend all day riding the monorail through the resort.

Bay Lake Tower
Walkway connecting Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower.
Photo: Betsy Bates

When I became a Disney Vacation Club member they were in the process of building Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and I couldn’t wait to see the expansion on the Contemporary.

Bay Lake Tower
View of Bay Lake from Bay Lake Tower
Photo: Betsy Bates

I was able to do a walkthrough of a mock room at Saratoga Springs, and I loved the design aesthetic that had been chosen for this resort as soon as I walked through the door. It made me think of the exit ramp at Space Mountain and what I pictured the advertised resorts on “Mars” or “Saturn” may look like. While it was certainly close to what I envisioned, it ended up being so much more.

Bay Lake Tower Room

Once the opening date was set I booked a room and since that first visit, I have been back a few times. While Bay Lake Tower is a fairly small Disney Vacation Club Property with just over 400 rooms, the building is huge and filled with beautiful and fun Disney touches and artwork.

I find that I don’t stay at Bay Lake Tower very often, because I tend to stay away from the Magic Kingdom resort area and I prefer more on-site amenities in my resort.

Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower Pool Area from the Resort.
Photo: Betsy Bates

I recommend this resort for people who are going to spend the majority of their time at the Magic Kingdom (or Epcot as it is accessible by monorail through the TTC). This resort is also fantastic for those who can’t live without Wishes, the nighttime firework display at the Magic Kingdom. The soundtrack for the show plays in all Bay Lake Tower resort rooms as well as up on the top floor in the Top Of The World Lounge. It’s a fantastic way to end those magical days. 

My three tips for enjoying Bay Lake Tower:

Bay Lake Tower
Photo: Betsy Bates
Bay Lake Tower
Photo: Betsy Bates

Tip 1: Have an early dinner at the Wave restaurant in the Contemporary Resort before heading to Top Of The World for appetizers and drinks afterwards. My recommendations: Bay Lake Sunset (vanilla vodka, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine) with an order of soft pretzels with dips to share as you watch the fireworks from the lounge

Bay Lake Tower
Photo: Betsy Bates

Tip 2: When booking, request a room near the causeway. As there are limited amenities in Bay Lake Tower itself, it’s nice to be able to walk quickly over to the Contemporary for quick snacks and sundries

Tip 3: Try to plan an evening while staying here to just relax in the room. Community Hall has board games you can rent for free as a dvc member, so grab a game and relax and enjoy the ambiance of your room. 

Bay Lake Tower
Photo: Disney

Have you stayed at Bay Lake Tower? What are some of your favorite tips for staying at this Disney Vacation Club Resort?

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Disney’s Pop Century Resort: This must be POP!

Disney’s Pop Century Resort holds some great memories for Kelly Christine, and so she is back to share her favorite things and tips about staying here!
Pop Century Resort Sign
As I admitted last week, there are times I don’t stay at DVC resorts. One of those times tends to be when a large group of my friends get together for an event.
Pop Century Resort Inside Lobby
When events like this happen, we tend to rent out a block of rooms together at Pop Century. For the trips that you’re not going to spend much time relaxing, this is a great place for a quality experience at a reasonable price tag.
Pop Century Resort Everything Pop
Disney’s Pop Century Resort just turned 10 years old this past December and is quite a large resort with almost 3000 rooms.
Pop Century Resort Years
The resort is divided up by the later decades of the 20th century and all the pop culture that goes along with it. Originally there was going to be a second half of this resort but instead the buildings were converted into the resort we know as Art of Animation. There is a bridge that connects the resorts so you can see what the other half of the resort became instead.
Pop Century Resort Petals
Some of my favorite memories with friends were made at this resort, we would spend our days running around the resort and our evenings we would takeover a few tables by the pool and laugh until all hours of the night.
Pop Century Resort Decor
When I think back on my trips to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, I remember what happened outside of the parks more than inside the parks.

Tips for Enjoying Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century Resort Brownie
Tip 1: Get a brownie sundae! I’m not a cheesecake fan so I can’t recommend the tie-dyed cheesecake but I can confirm the brownie sundae is delicious.
Pop Century Resort Ping Pong Balls
Tip 2: Play some ping pong! Grab a ping pong ball from the gumball dispensers next to Petals Pool Bar and have some fun!
Pop Century Resort Pool
Tip 3: Unwind by the pool! After the end of a long day, I recommend grabbing a cool beverage (Piña Colava or water are my favorites at Pop) and relaxing with friends. My friends and I didn’t go to a nighttime show most nights and instead enjoyed catching up with each other while unwinding from the day.
Pop Century Resort Walkway
Tip 4: The Pop Century Resort has an AMAZING loop of songs that play, and you will find yourself singing whenever you are out! It is awesome!
Pop Century Resort POP
Have you been to Disney’s Pop Century Resort? What’s your favorite part about staying here? Do you have a favorite tip or memory?
Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Caribbean Beach Resort Tips With Kelly Christine

Caribbean BeachA long, long time ago, in a resort category away, I used to stay at non Disney Vacation Club resorts. Alright, I still stay at non DVC resorts, just not as frequently. Before 2008, when I signed my DVC contract, I preferred one and only one resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Even after six years of owning DVC, members of my family prefer Caribbean Beach to the DVC resorts. I completely believe it’s underrated as far as moderate resorts go. For me it’s the perfect location and the best resort for someone bringing new people to experience the magic of Walt Disney World.

Caribbean Beach is one of the older resorts, which opened in 1988. It’s also a massively large resort with over 2,000 rooms, though to me it feels around the same size as Old Key West with a similar ambiance. Despite how large this resort is, I feel as though it’s easy to walk around this resort, though internal buses are available to get around if you prefer to save your feet for the parks. I recommend taking a walk around this resort sometime and checking out what it has to offer.

Here are three tips for you to enjoy the resort a bit more:

Tip 1:384570_10150560277535837_1756910559_n

When staying here, I recommend Trinidad South. I know if you look on the resort map it seems really far from everything but it isn’t that bad. It’s a 10 minute walk to Old Port Royale, it’s usually the last stop before the bus heads to the parks (not always, but pretty regularly), and you have a fantastic quiet pool nearby. My favorite thing to do while staying at Trinidad South is to have a late swim to wind down my day while listening to Illuminations and/or Fantasmic.

Tip 2:

While on vacation I like to get up early and walk around the resort. I recommend bringing your camera and getting shots of the sunrising around the resort. It’s stunning! If you’re lucky, you may also see some hot air balloons traveling around the area.

Tip 3:

Have dinner at Shutters! It’s not a very busy restaurant but has some nice entrees that my unadventurous family has enjoyed. I recommend the short ribs as they are quite delicious and have a nice Caribbean flair.

2119_61537235836_3963_nIMG_6505IMG_9536DSCF1642

Have you stayed at Caribbean Beach? What do you enjoy about it? Do you recommend another area for optimal resort enjoyment?

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Preakness Celebration at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

DSCF7944On Saturday, May 17th, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will host another fun activity day in honor of the Preakness Race.

Most of the crafts and games will take place around the High Rock Spring Pool, with some also occurring at the Paddock Pool or in Community Hall.

The first activity is at 1pm at High Rock Spring (main pool) with Triple Crown Trivia and Disney Horse Trivia at the Paddock Pool.

At 2pm the main pool will have a Cupcake Eating Contest and the Paddock Pool will start their pool party.

High Rock Springs will have a Dance Party at 2:45pm, followed directly by their pool party at 3pm.

The Paddock Pool is having Carousel Horses at 3pm, then Paddock Pony Party at 3:30pm.

Over at the main pool at 4pm guests can make their own mint julep ice cream.

At 7:30pm there will be s’mores at the High Rock Spring Pool, and the movie under the stars at 9pm will be Secretariat.

Community Hall will have The Preakness Youth Art Contest.

As always, times and activities are subject to change. We hope you get to check out some of these special activities just for Preakness. Saratoga Springs seems like the perfect place to celebrate horse racing at Walt Disney World.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Disney’s Kidani Village – Welcome Home with Kelly Christine

KidaniLast week I shared my love of Old Key West and shared some tips that I hope would improve your time at my favorite resort to rest my head. While Old Key West is my favorite resort on Walt Disney World property, my home resort is Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. As with any other place you may call home, I have a fondness for this resort that cannot be compared. While there are a similar amount of rooms and size of rooms, the setup of Kidani Village is quite different. All rooms are in the same crescent shaped building with self parking underneath. About half of the rooms face the large savanna while the other half of the rooms face the front of the resort. I like to call the animals in the savanna my “pets” as with my Disney Vacation Club annual dues I pay for their food and care.

Every time I have visited Kidani Village, I have had a fantastic experience. The rooms are beautiful, regardless of what your balcony view may be. The detail in all decor is delightful, with the bathrooms being a highlight for me. Across the tiles in the bathtub in most rooms is a view of the savanna from the Lion King with most of the characters from the movie. It’s a nice touch to remind you that despite feeling like you’re on another continent, Disney is with you. I really encourage staying at this resort with younger children. Despite its distance from the parks, there’s so much for them to enjoy and do from sunrise to sunset.

If I may suggest a few things while staying here:

Tip 1:

Have a meal at Sanaa! I was a bit wary of trying this place as it’s out of my comfort zone, but I absolutely loved it. I tend to go a little nuts on the bread service and I highly encourage you to do the same.

Tip 2:

Check out the pool at this resort! It is probably the shadiest pool I have been to at Walt Disney World. The majority of the chairs around the pool are underneath trees, which makes those summer days a little easier to enjoy. Their splash area for younger ones is also my favorite on property; it’s fun for all ages.

Tip 3:

Take your time and enjoy the lobby and all it has to offer. I had an amazing day at Kidani last week with no need for park time. I enjoyed the pool for the majority of the day and spent my evening using night vision goggles that were provided at the savanna outlook to see the animals during the evening. It was a perfect relaxing day.

 

DSCF8396DSCF8373DSCF7766DSCF7784

DSCF7759DSCF7760DSCF7932DSCF8350

DSCF8106DSCF8081DSCF80858532_170291680836_5999836_n

 

A while back, Betsy visited Kidani Village and spent an afternoon enjoying the resort. You can read about her day here. Have you been to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village? What are some of your favorite things about this resort?

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Celebrate the Ocean at Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Old Key WestOn Saturday, May 10, Disney’s Old Key West Resort will be celebrating the ocean. Similar to the recent Key West Independence Day Celebration, the resort will be having special games and crafts to celebrate the ocean.

At 1pm the celebration kicks off with Design Your Own Sunglasses.

2pm will be Beach Sundaes

The Dance Party starts at 2:45pm, followed by the Pool Party starting at 3pm.

Guests can participate in Ocean in a Bottle at 4pm.

There will be Sea Life Bingo at 5pm.

Starting at 7:30pm there will be S’mores, and the movie under the stars at 9pm will be Finding Nemo.

Most activities will take place by the main theme pool. As always, everything is subject to change.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Welcome Home with Kelly Christine

I have been a Disney Vacation Club member since 2008, and as I continue to explore the resorts on trips to Walt Disney World, I keep coming back to Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Old Key West is the original DVC resort, which opened in 1991. It is decently sized with almost 800 rooms and the rooms vary in size from studios, one, two and even up to three bedroom two story grand villas. It isn’t the number or type of rooms that makes this my favorite resort.

 

I love the way I feel when I’m at this resort. I’ve stayed at 90% of the DVC resorts in the continental U.S., and I never feel so relaxed and comfortable at any other resort as I do when I’m at Old Key West. The excitement of a Disney vacation seems to disappear at this resort. It feels like I’m in a beach town, relaxing in my home away from home. The staff at OKW add to this atmosphere by treating guests like members of the family and welcoming us home. In some areas of the Hospitality House (where check in and the restaurant/gift shop are located), there are pictures of DVC members with their families enjoying their vacations at the WDW resort. Their Community Hall has been the most “homelike” to me, the cast members there are welcoming and have always been up for a good conversation. I enjoy this resort top to bottom.

 

okw pool jump

 

That being said, I’d like to offer some tips for your stay at OKW:

 

Tip 1:

 

When booking on DVC points, I recommend choosing the “near Hospitality House” option. While you may not end up at the front of the resort, you will end up within a 5 minute walk of the hospitality house. I prefer to stay at Old Key West for runDisney race weekends and staying up front helps save your feet for the race and not for the trip to the race buses.

 

Tip 2:

 

There is a drink that you can only get at Old Key West that is delicious and one of my favorites: the Turtle Krawl. It reminds me of something I have had wandering Duval Street in Key West. This drink can be found inside Olivia’s and Gurgling Suitcase, the restaurant and bar located next to each other at the Hospitality House. I also believe Gurgling Suitcase is home to the best rum runner on property.

 

Tip 3:

 

Have a meal at Olivia’s! It’s a cozy and comforting atmosphere that reminds me of the family owned small restaurants in resort towns I’ve visited. Their menu has a decent range of food but there’s a secret menu item available daily for DVC members that is always comfort food. The most popular is the fried chicken, it’s known to sell out quickly! I would also recommend the pork chop.

 

Have you ever stayed at Old Key West? Have you ever done any of these tips? What tips of your own do you have for this resort?

 

pics 1338pics 1367pics 1401pics 1530

IMG_7358IMG_7361IMG_7365IMG_7367IMG_7368IMG_7369IMG_7370IMG_7373IMG_7376IMG_7392IMG_740310287054_10152339682930837_1271762604_n

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Kentucky Derby Day at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

DSCF7944This Saturday, May 3rd, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be hosting activities to celebrate the Kentucky Derby.

Most of the crafts and games will take place around the High Rock Spring Pool, with some also occurring at the Paddock Pool or in Community Hall.

The first activity is at 1pm at both pools with Make Your Own Derby Hat.

At 2pm the High Rock Spring Pool (main pool) will have Disney Horse Trivia and the Paddock Pool will start their pool party.

High Rock Springs will have a Dance Party at 3pm, followed directly by their pool party at 3:15pm.

The Paddock Pool is having Paper Bag Horses at 3pm, then Color a Jockey Jacket at 3:30pm. At 4pm they will have the Race for the Roses.

Over at the main pool at 4:15pm guests can make their own mint julep ice cream.

At 7:30pm there will be s’mores at the High Rock Spring Pool, and the movie under the stars at 9pm will be Secretariat.

Community Hall will have an activity where guests can make their own burlap wreath for an additional cost.

As always, times and activities are subject to change. We hope you get to check out some of these special activities just for Kentucky Derby Day. Saratoga Springs seems like the perfect place to celebrate Derby Day at Walt Disney World.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Key West Independence Day Celebration

Old Key West

This Sunday, April 27th, Disney’s Old Key West Resort will celebrate Key West Independence Day.

The resort will host games and activities starting at 1pm with Key West Bingo.

At 2pm there will be a Key Lime Pie Eating Contest.

After the pie contest, there will be a Dance Party starting at 2:45pm and the Pool Party starts at 3pm.

The Conquer the Keys Treasure Hunt begins at 4pm.

There will be a Sunset Celebration at 6:30pm, followed by the 8:30pm showing of Frozen as the Movie Under the Stars.

Some activities may have an additional cost associated, including the Nautical Plaques from 2 – 6pm in Community Hall.

All times and activities are subject to change.

Please consult the resort’s recreation calendar or a resort Cast Member for more information.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

An Evening at Markham’s – Tables in Wonderland Exclusive

golden_oak

An Evening at Markham’s – Tables in Wonderland Exclusive
Thursday, May 1st, 2014, 6:00pm
$195.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

 

You are cordially invited to join us at the über exclusive, Markham’s restaurant, located at Disney’s Golden Oak Club, for an unparalleled culinary experience highlighting not only the esteemed talents of Chef Christian Rumpler and Chef Michael Gonsalves, but also select culinary personalities from across Walt Disney World® Resort.  Sommeliers Melissa Schreiber and Wayne Rigsby have paired exceptional beverages with the 8-course menu for a true epicurean evening.

The event is limited to 30 guests and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.  Park admission not required.

Since Golden Oak is a private residential community, guests attending this event will be provided with security clearance.  Upon reservation confirmation, information will be sent providing additional details about your Golden Oak experience.

Also, please note that Walt Disney World® Resort transportation to Golden Oak is not available and, as such, personal transportation is required.

 

Menu

In keeping with our desire to leave some things to the imagination, the menu below is meant to provide only a glimpse into the evening you will enjoy as our guest.  We hope to deliver on the promise of surprising you with the creations prepared by our special guest chefs, providing an experience you will not soon forget.

 

Reception-Chef-Cítricos

Wild-caught Octopus, Focaccia Crostini, Preserved Lemon Chicken

 

Appetizer-Chef-California Grill

Pork Belly

 

1st Course-Chef-Walt Disney World Global Food & Beverage

Lobster

 

2nd Course Chef-Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

Duck Breast

 

Intermezzo-Pastry Chef-Walt Disney World Resort

Cucumber Sorbet

 

Entrée-Chef-Disney’s Golden Oak

Bison Loin

 

Cheese Course-Chef-Victoria & Albert’s

Stilton Cheesecake

 

Dessert-Pastry Chef-Walt Disney World Resort

Opera Cake

 

For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/TIWGoldenOak for self-booking and instant confirmation.  The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday, April  7, 2014 at 10:00am. 

 

Please have the following information ready:

  • Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number starting with the “W” (i.e. if you purchased your Membership at Epcot®  your card number would begin WEC)
  • First and Last Name of everyone in your party (maximum is Party of 4)
  • Home address
  • Phone number
  • Credit Card Number
  • Billing Address of the Credit Card (Your credit card will be charged at the time of booking, and you will receive an immediate confirmation email.)
  • Personal Email Address (Please use a personal email address as many work email addresses think the confirmation email is spam.)
  • Special Dietary Needs (if any)

 

Guest Policies

  • The event is limited to 30 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.
  • You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland ticket to gain entrance into the event.
Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram