News for
Walt Disney World Area Accommodations

Father's Day Special at Swan and Dolphin
May 31, 2013
Families looking to celebrate Dad this Father's Day can give him the gift of a golf getaway at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. While staying at the Epcot Resort Area hotel, Dad can hit nearby links, thanks to the property's special golf packages. Guests can book the Championship Golf package and play any Walt Disney World championship golf course of their choice. The package includes an overnight stay, a round of golf for two people and transportation to and from the course. Rates begin at $321 per room. Guests of the hotel also receive preferred tee times at these on-property courses, which were host to the PGA Tour's Walt Disney World Golf Classic from 1971-2012.

The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Now Selling
May 23, 2013
Beginning Thursday, May 23, current Disney Vacation Club members will be able to purchase real estate interests at what will be Disney Vacation Club's 12th resort. General sales will begin June 19. Disney Vacation Club is building 106 two-bedroom equivalent villas on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon as part of a previously announced expansion of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa that will also include a lively children's water-play area and other amenities. Once opened, the new property will feature deluxe studios and one-bedroom villas that sleep five guests, as well as two-bedroom villas that sleep nine guests. Additionally, expansive grand villas will sleep 12 guests and will feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a media room with a home theater system, all designed to bring families closer to create memories that last a lifetime. All of the deluxe studios and villas will feature decor reminiscent of the Victorian era, made playful and relaxed with classic Disney touches.

BoardWalk Bakery Reopens
April 26, 2013
The BoardWalk Bakery reopened today Friday, April 26, after a renovation of several months. The bakery sports an all-new look, with a new entrance, queue, signage and more. The bakery also now features an expanded menu with a soup or salad and sandwich combo, pastries and specialty beverages. The newly refurbished bakery also has a refillable mug station for those staying at the BoardWalk Inn and Villas.

Monstrous Summer Soars at Walt Disney World!
April 25, 2013
Disney's Monstrous Summer is bursting with good times for the entire family. The "Monstrous" lineup includes entertainment enhancements celebrating the June 21 release of the Disney-Pixar animated feature, "Monsters University." Mike and Sulley are dropping in from MU to scare up monstrous surprises all summer long. Guests will find all-new collegiate settings for meeting their favorite aspiring scarers. On the Backlot at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests will find the Monsters University Student Union, complete with a view of the campus. Over at Magic Kingdom, the gang at the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor have been studying new jokes and are ready to graduate to new comedy bits in honor of their alma mater. Throw in Star Wars Weekends, the grand reopening of California Grill, a new spa for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and more and it adds up to a summer that's exciting, thrilling, magical... Monstrous!

        Related Links:
         -- Wilderness Explorers Coming Soon to Animal Kingdom
         -- Princess Fairytale Hall
         -- Animal Kingdom's New Wilderness Explorers
         -- One Family's All-Nighter
         -- "Mike Wazowski" Helps Kick Off Monstrous Summer - Announces 24-Hour Park Opening May 24!
         -- Mike Wazowski and Sulley Meet/Greet
         -- 24-Hour "All-Nighter" May 24-25: More Details
         -- All-Nighter Kick Off
         -- Chip and Dale Pajama Dance-Off
         -- Mike Wazowski and Sulley Grand Marshals Video
         -- Monstrous Monorail Debuts!
         -- Mickey and Minnie Model PJs Video

BoardWalk Bakery to Reopen April 26
April 22, 2013
The BoardWalk Bakery is set to reopen on Friday, April 26 at 6:15 a.m., after a renovation of several months. The bakery will sport an all-new look, with a new entrance, queue, signage and more. The bakery will also feature an expanded menu with a soup or salad and sandwich combo, pastries and specialty beverages. The newly refurbished bakery will also have a refillable mug station for those staying at the BoardWalk Inn and Villas.

In-depth Look at Old Key West
April 17, 2013
Disney's Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club (DVC). It opened on December 20, 1991. In the beginning it was called "Disney's Vacation Club Resort" - hardly a romantic and alluring name. It was called this for several reasons. This is a 2-part blog with photos, videos and full of information.

Port Orleans French Quarter Rooms Before and After
April 09, 2013
Back in July, 2010, I wrote an extensive article about Port Orleans French Quarter. Although a few items may have been tweaked over the last three years, nothing of significance has changed with the basic resort. However, the rooms were recently redecorated so I spent the night here a few weeks ago to find out what has changed.

2013 WDW Discount Charts
April 05, 2013
Our 2013 Walt Disney World discount charts with info for members of the Disney Vacation Club, Annual Passholder, Tables in Wonderland, D23 and Disney Visa are now available. Thank you Gary Fisher!

Caribbean Beach Spanish Fort Pool - Video/Photographs
April 03, 2013
Explore Fuentes del Morro themed pool at Caribbean Beach Resort.

Port Orleans French Quarter Photos
April 01, 2013
New photo gallery for Port Orleans French Quarter!

Celebrate Mother's Day at the Swan
March 30, 2013
To help guests celebrate their moms, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel will be offering a special brunch at the character-dining restaurant - Garden Grove - this Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Easter Festivities All Week at WDW
March 26, 2013
Easter activities are in full swing this week at Walt Disney World.

Mickey Mouse helps prepare Easter baskets
March 24, 2013
If you're among the many families traveling to Walt Disney World in the next week, your children may be wondering how the Easter Bunny will find them when they are on vacation. Not to worry, Mickey Mouse has you covered. Disney cast members have been helping Mr. Bunny build his baskets and deliver them at the resorts here. After all, it's a lot of work for just one rabbit!

Easter Egg Display at Grand Floridian
March 23, 2013
The 2nd Annual Easter Egg Display is open now through March 31, 2013 at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Check out our video and photographs of these chocolate creations!

Enjoy Art of Animation After Dark - Video
March 19, 2013
Stroll around the Art of Animation Resort after dark!

Staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
March 12, 2013
As you enter Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, the high ceiling of the lobby is a feast for your eyes. The Earth tones of the wood and decor instantly sooth your being. You see the three story tall windows which look out over Arusha Rock and African savanna beyond. You will even spy a "rope" bridge crossing high overhead.

Citricos: A Touch of the Mediterranean
March 10, 2013
The Grand Floridian alone features three Signature dining locations, quite a feat considering that there are only about a dozen of these Signature restaurants in all of Disney World. Known for requiring two credits when on the dining plan, Disney defines its Signature restaurants as "providing unparalleled cuisine served in elegant and relaxed surroundings." The restaurants at the Grand Floridian certainly live up to this billing and one such dining location is Citricos.

Carriage Ride through Ft. Wilderness
February 28, 2013
Ft. Wilderness offers a carriage ride throughout the resort for a flat fee of $45 no matter how many people ride. The capacity is four adults or two adults and three small children. The first ride leaves the Settlement at 5:30pm. The ride's duration is approximately 25 minutes. Extensive stills and video of the carriage ride.

All Star Movies Photo Slide Show
February 28, 2013
Enjoy a video slide show of the All Star Movies value resort at Walt Disney World

FastPass+ Test for Lunch at Be Our Guest
February 23, 2013
MyMagic+ continues to be tested in a variety of ways at Walt Disney World. The latest test is for FastPass+ Dining! Randomly selected guests at the Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, and Grand Floridian will receive a FastPass+ card with a specified arrival time for lunch (counter service) at the Be Our Guest restaurant in the new Fantasyland. Upon arriving at Be Our Guest during the specified arrival window, the guest will receive expedited service for lunch. FastPass+ dates for this trial are February 25-28th. As with all things Disney, subject to change without notice and theme park admission is required.