Podcast Episode 46: Deluxe Resorts Overview Part 2

We continue our overview of all the Deluxe Walt Disney World resorts this week!  We cover, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Contemporary, and Polynesian!  Find out which are our favorites while learning more about these amazing resorts!

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Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line?

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If you are thinking of a Disney vacation but aren’t sure where you should go, you aren’t alone! Plenty of people struggle with this issue since they are two very different types of vacations yet they still overlap in some aspects. So, let’s dig in and see which one might be right for you!

If you have been to Walt Disney World frequently and often you might find yourself wanting to avoid the crowds, heat, or construction. This is the perfect time to consider a Disney Cruise. You won’t see cranes or walls in ‘go away green”, a drained moat or attractions under refurbishment.

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A big perk is that a Disney Cruise vacation is pretty all inclusive, your food and some of the drinks, child care (unless they are under 3) all part of it. There are some things you have to pay extra, but you don’t have to budget for food or pay for the dining plan or even for a pop. You don’t have to do an excursion, as the ship offers plenty of activities even while in port! In fact this is a great time to swim as you will have the pool to yourself.

The lack of lines and crowds is also a huge point to Disney Cruise Line! Sure you might stand in line for the AquaDuck or AquaDunk but you don’t have to stand in line for EVERYTHING! You go right on in at dinner time, and food lines move very quickly because of all the choices.

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No construction or closed attractions! Yes we all know that attractions need to be maintained and repaired and changes are being made to Downtown Disney, and every single park to make things better but in the meantime there is no need to look at the construction walls, a half dismantled hat, or a gorgeous statue covered in a box.

New experiences and places! If you have never traveled abroad or want to visit a new country, a cruise is the perfect option! You can show your sweetie or your children new places with the Disney difference. This can also show you where you might want to take your next vacation, a place you never thought to go to before getting a taste while visiting on a cruise.

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You can have adult time! Of course we all love our little precious bundles of joy whether they are still a bundle or a teenager, but it is lovely to have a break as well. If you followed along with my recent Disney Cruise Line trip report you will see a common thread: my daughter LOVED the youth clubs! She spent a lot of time in them having fun with new friends and Disney friends. She played games, did crafts, had lunch, played in the play areas, had a pajama party and even performed on stage. This really makes is possible to have a relaxing vacation while you all have fun.

So now that we have covered Disney Cruise Line let’s look at a Walt Disney World Vacation!
If you have never been you should correct that ASAP. It is never too late or too early for a first visit. The parks are jam-packed with things to do! If you love rollercoasters, boat rides, stage shows, character meets, delicious food and fireworks you will love it! Food it a big deal at Disney! You can do so many character meals and meet princesses, Pooh and friends, Mickey and gang, the Disney Junior crew and even special events to meet Star Wars characters or Disney Villains! Sure you can get burgers and fries, (delicious ones at that) but you can also get 5 star dining, buffets and everything in between. Plus this doesn’t even touch on snacks *coughDOLEWHIPcough*. Just get that dining plan, you won’t regret it!

The whole family can get in on the fun! Walt Disney created his original park, Disneyland, out of a desire to be able to enjoy his Sunday with his daughters, a place where the whole family can have fun. This means the height restrictions are few and low. So that a tall 4 year old can get on the rollercoasters and enjoy themselves. The characters have come right out of your favorite movie or show and everyone loves to meet their favorite mouse!

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Special events, no one does them like Disney. Granted they are usually at an extra cost but if you use that as your park day you won’t regret going to the Halloween or Christmas parties! The parks are completely decked out and so are the characters and guests.   You can seem amazing Christmas lights, parades and firework shows, sure to bring delight to all!

Disney Resorts are all pretty grand too! They have a hotel for all budgets and the perks of staying there are many. No need to rent a car, let Disney do all the driving! And get more hours in the parks with smaller crowds! Of if you don’t want to leave your resort you have amazingly well themed pools and some have waterslides. During the day many will have activities for kids at the pool and resorts. Most have some delicious food offerings too! Or if you want to be active you can rent a bike, water craft, fishing poles, go for a walk, and take a trip to Downtown Disney. And then that evening you can watch a movie outside or roast marshmallows over a fire!

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There are 4 parks and 2 water parks! Which means there is so much to do! You can choose to stay at your resort or Downtown Disney for a day but if the parks are open that is where I want to be! You can see animals on safari, watch a veterinary procedure and ride a rollercoaster all in one park. They are so diverse and entertaining that you will have plenty of things to fill your day at each park.

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So now it is up to you to decide! You can put the question to your travelling party and see what they are interested in doing while on vacation. No matter which you choose you really cannot go wrong!

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Walt Disney World Fall/Winter Refurbishments and Closures

Here is a newly updated list of refurbishments for Walt Disney World Resort as of October 2014.

Magic Kingdom:
Island Supply – Location Closing October 23, 2014

Walt Disney World Railroad September 29 – November 7, 2014

The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour- September 29 – November 7, 2014

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin- November 10 – 21, 2014

Haunted Mansion- December 1 – 19, 2014

Splash Mountain- January 4 – 30, 2015

Cinderella’s Royal Table- January 5 – March 6, 2015

Liberty Square Riverboat- January 23 – 27, 2015

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid- February 2 – March 6, 2015

Harmony Barber Shop- February 2 – March 30, 2015

Hollywood Studios:
Fantasmic! –November 19 – 21, 2014

Animal Kingdom:
Pangani Research Center – Aviary and Hippo viewing closed- September 2 – November 14, 2014

Affection Section October 7 – November 10, 2014

Kali River Rapids January 20 – February 2, 2015

Typhoon Lagoon:
Closed for Annual Refurbishment October 26, 2014 – January 3, 2015

Blizzard Beach:
Closed for Annual Refurbishment January 4 – March 14, 2015

Downtown Disney:
There is a lot of construction work going on at Downtown Disney and roadwork done. Expect delays when driving.

Resorts
Polynesian Village Resort:
General Construction-The east portion of the beach (near the Transportation and Ticket Center) and Sunset Point are being refurbished and are unavailable. Guests may see or hear work in progress. December 2013 – March 2015

Great Ceremonial House – Lobby The atrium is being reimagined to highlight the cultural elements of Polynesia and provide more expansive views. At certain times of day, there may be some noise and alternative paths of travel may be needed throughout the Great Ceremonial House. March – December 2014

Trader Jacks Merchandise Location Closure June 16, 2014 – TBD

Nanea Volcano Pool and Slide The main pool and slide will be closed for enhancements. Guests who stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort while the main pool is closed will receive one complimentary ticket for each member of their party to visit Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park during their stay. July 28, 2014 – early 2015

Wilderness Lodge:
Silver Creek Springs Pool-The main pool and slide will be closed for enhancements. During this time, the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will remain open. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit either the Main Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Complimentary transportation will be provided to both of these neighboring resorts. September 3- November 27, 2014

Trout Pass Pool Bar- September 3 – November 27, 2014

Beach Club Resort:
Guest Room Renovations- Guest rooms will be refurbished with new hard and soft goods. Guests will not be accommodated in the affected areas but it is possible that some noise could travel while work is in progress (between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily). October 13, 2014 – August 22, 2015

All Star Music Resort:
Intermission Food Court -Note’able Games Arcade will serve as a temporary location for grab-and-go meals such as sandwiches, salads, and bakery items. Transportation will be provided for Guests who wish to dine at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort or Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Pizza and other items available for in-room delivery daily from 3pm to 1am. –August 1 – December 20, 2014

Note’able Games Arcade- July 26 – December 20, 2014

Walt Disney World Swan:
Guest Room Renovations-Renovation work is scheduled to take place between 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. No guests will be accommodated in the renovation area as to minimize impact on the guest experience.–August 20, 2014 – TBD

As always these are subject to change at any moment without notice.

August 2014 Disney World Refurbishments

Disney is always working on something in the parks. Here is the up to date list of refurbishments and closing at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom:
Astro Orbiter June 2 – September 27, 2014

The Yankee Trader July 28 – September 30, 2014

Mickey’s PhilharMagic September 8 – 27, 2014

Carousel of Progress September 22 – 27, 2014

Walt Disney World Railroad September 29 – November 7, 2014

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin November 10 – 21, 2014

Cinderella’s Royal Table January 5 – March 6, 2015

Monorail – Monorail service will be adjusted on the Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot beams. Monorail service will run from: June 22, 2014 – TBD (through full summer)

8:30am — midnight on the Magic Kingdom Resort beam

9:30am- 11:30pm on the Magic Kingdom Express beam

9am -11pm on the Epcot beam

Hollywood Studios:
American Idol Experience closing permanently August 30, 2014
Fantasmic! November 19 – 21, 2014

Animal Kingdom:
Wild by Design Tour – Discontinuation of Tour September 26, 2014

Typhoon Lagoon:
Closed for Annual Refurbishment October 26, 2014 – January 3, 2015

Blizzard Beach:
Closed for Annual Refurbishment January 4 – March 14, 2015

Downtown Disney:
There is a lot of construction work going on at Downtown Disney and roadwork done. Expect delays when driving.

Resorts
Boardwalk Inn:
Room Refurbishments- through September 5, 2014

Kouzzina by Cat Cora Location Closing -September 30, 2014 

Grand Floridian Resort:
Garden View Tea Room, Perfectly Princess Tea Party will take place at Cítricos -June 30 – August 29, 2014

Polynesian Village Resort:
General Construction-The east portion of the beach (near the Transportation and Ticket Center) and Sunset Point are being refurbished and are unavailable. Guests may see or hear work in progress. December 2013 – March 2015

Great Ceremonial House – Lobby The atrium is being reimagined to highlight the cultural elements of Polynesia and provide more expansive views. At certain times of day, there may be some noise and alternative paths of travel may be needed throughout the Great Ceremonial House. March – December 2014

Capt. Cook’s will be relocated to a temporary location in the Great Ceremonial House with modified operating hours and menu items. April 9 – August 2014

Trader Jacks Merchandise Location Closure June 16, 2014 – TBD

Nanea Volcano Pool and Slide The main pool and slide will be closed for enhancements. Guests who stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort while the main pool is closed will receive one complimentary ticket for each member of their party to visit Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park during their stay. July 28, 2014 – early 2015

Kona Island August 8 – September 30, 2014

Samoa Snack Merchandise Location Closure August 25, 2014 – TBD 

Wilderness Lodge:
Silver Creek Springs Pool-The main pool and slide will be closed for enhancements. During this time, the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will remain open. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit either the Main Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Complimentary transportation will be provided to both of these neighboring resorts. September 3- November 27, 2014

Trout Pass Pool Bar- September 3 – November 27, 2014

Caribbean Beach Resort:
Fuentes del Morro Water Play Area (Fuentes del Morro Feature Pool not affected) September 2 – 26, 2014

All Star Music Resort:
Intermission Food Court -Note’able Games Arcade will serve as a temporary location for grab-and-go meals such as sandwiches, salads, and bakery items. Transportation will be provided for Guests who wish to dine at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort or Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Pizza and other items available for in-room delivery daily from 3pm to 1am. –August 1 – December 20, 2014

Note’able Games Arcade- July 26 – December 20, 2014

Golf Courses:
Oak Trail Aug. 11 – 13, 2014

Lake Buena Vista Aug. 11 – 15, 2014

Palm Aug. 18 – 22, 2014

Magnolia Oct. 20 – 26, 2014

Lake Buena Vista Oct. 27 – Nov. 2, 2014

Oak Trail Oct. 27 – Nov. 2, 2014

Palm Nov. 3 – 9, 2014

As always these are subject to change at any moment without notice.