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Disney World Tunnels

July 20, 2009 By Alison 1 Comment

Does Disney World Have Secret Tunnels?

Did you know that the story about there being underground tunnels at Disney World is actually true? This one is no myth – there really is an underground tunnel, or Utilidor as it is known, underneath Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

What are the tunnels used for? There is a famous story that Walt Disney himself was not impressed when he saw a cowboy who should have been in Frontierland walking through Tommorowland. Walt Disney always wanted to create as real an experience for his guests as he could. So he set about devising a solution to this problem when he was designing Disney World. What if Cast Members and service vehicles could actually travel underneath the new park?

So the concept of the Utilidor was made a reality when Magic Kingdom was built. You may be surprised to learn though that the tunnels are actually at ground level. How can this be? Because of the water line on the land it simply wasn’t possible to dig down far at all. 8 million tonnes of Earth were moved to build the Magic Kingdom – and the practical solution was to build Main Street and The Magic Kingdom on the second and third floors about 15 feet above ground level.

You won’t know it but when you walk along Main Street you are walking on the higher floors with the tunnels beneath you.

The utilidors cover 9 acres of space beneath the Magic Kingdom. The design is that of a central hub at Cinderella’s Castle with ‘spokes’ going to the other lands. The only land not included is Mickey’s Toontown Fair as this was added after the other lands were built.

The underground tunnels are the center of activity for the Cast Members and the operations of the park. There are color coded signs to help Cast Members find their way around. They travel around in electrical powered vehicles which look something like golf carts.

Cast Members can travel around Magic Kingdom without being seen. So there will not be a repeat of Walt’s experience. You will never see a cowboy unless you are in Frontierland!

The utilidors also servie many other functions. Ever heard about the garbage disposal system? The AVAC System is Magic Kingdoms innovative garbage disposal system. Ever wondered why you don’t see Cast Members emptying the garbage cans around the Magic Kingdom? AVAC is the answer. It uses compressed air to speed garbage at 60 miles per hour to a centralized processing system for recycling and disposal.

The Digital Animation Control System or DACS as it is known is also housed in the tunnels. This is the nerve centre for all of the controls for Disney’s Magic Kingdom – from the animatronics controls to the personal address system.

The utilidors also serve many other purposes. Cast Members can cash a check or even get a haircut! Cast Members locker rooms,offices and

These underground tunnels are unique to Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios don’t have utilidors. Epcot does have a small underground tunnel system which connect Innoventions and The Land. There is another tunnel that goes from Universe of Energy, right under Spaceship Earth, and ends at The Living Seas.

So next time you walk along Main Street in Magic Kingdom just imagine all the activity going on right beneath your feet. Or if you want to actually see the tunnels then take the Keys of The Kingdom Tour. This is a fascinating look behind the scenes and includes a look inside the utilidors. This 4.5 hour walking tour of the Magic Kingdom is open to those aged 16 and over only. Make sure to book ahead by calling 407 WDW TOUR.

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney's Magic Kingdom Tagged With: ,

Epcot Illuminations

July 14, 2009 By Alison 1 Comment

Disney Epcot Illuminations

Epcot Illuminations is one of the things which really should be on everyones˜must see” list when they go to Disney World. This amazing fireworks,music, lights and pyrotechnics show plays out every night at Disney’s Epcot around the World Showcase Lagoon. Prepare yourself for one of the best fireworks shows you have ever seen.

The opening words are:Good evening. On behalf of Walt Disney World, the place where dreams come true, we welcome all of you to Epcot and World Showcase. We’ve gathered here tonight around the fire as people of all lands have gathered for thousands and thousands of years before us… to share the light… and to share a story. An amazing story as old as time itself, but still being written. And though each of us has our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together as one. We hope you enjoy our show tonight:Reflections of Earth.

What is the story of Illuminations Reflections of Earth? After what sometimes seems like a lot of anticipation the lights around Epcot go dim. Then a single firework shoots across the World Showcase Lagoon from the United Kingdom Pavillion. The start of the fireworks is used to represent the Big Bang and the creation of the Universe. Then things become a little more calm with scenes evoking the nativity of the earth.

After this spectacular introduction the mood changes with a more sedate tempo and the beginning of the journey of the huge globe across the World Showcase Lagoon. This is a 350,000 pound globe on a barge! Difficult to explain what this looks like but it is certainly unique and innovative. Images are projected on to the globe to give the illusion of a floating earth. The display uses almost 300 LED screens to project images depicting the earth from the dinosaurs to present day. Personally I know this is very clever but this is the part of Illuminations that is a little slow for me – not much is going on and usually I just want the fireworks to start again!

The globe then opens out, signaling the finale of pyrotechics and fireworks. This is the part of the story which symbolizes a new age and a new beginning.
Epcot Illuminations

Illuminations makes use of lasers in the display. For those of you who like Disney trivia here is an interesting one for you. THE FAA has to grant advance permission for any system using lasers outdoors. This means that every night Orlando International Airport has to be notified when Epcot Illuminations starts so that air traffic control can be advised.

How Do I Decide Where to View Epcot Illuminations?

The first thing you need to do is decide how you are going to leave the park after Illuminations! Epcot closes when the final firework has left the sky. You will soon realize that up to 30,000 people will be leaving at the same time that you are. So you need to plan how important it is to you to leave the park quickly and balance that against where your ideal or available viewing spot is. If you are not in a rush to exit the park then simply decide where you would prefer to view and be prepared to stake out popular spots ahead of time!

Most people will exit through the main entrance. If you are one of them then the closest place to the exit around the Lagoon is either near Canada or Mexico. If you are a guest at one of the Disney Epcot resort hotels then to exit more quickly you may want to be close to the World Showcase exit located between France and the United Kingdom.If you aren’t concerned about getting out of Epcot quickly then you have a lot more scope as to viewing spots. Personally I don’t like to rush out of the park. Take the chance to sit down for 10 minutes or so until the crowds start to thin out. One of my favorite spots to just relax and take in the atmosphere is close to the fountains in France.

Where are the best places to view Epcot Iluminations?

View Disney Epcot Fireworks

Most places give a decent view. Just watch out for trees which may block your view! But some spots are definitely the good ones. Be aware that at busier times these great viewing spots will be reserved an hour or two in advance.Personally I would not do this – but if this is your one shot at seeing the show then you may decide you want to.

The Rose and Crown Restaurant:

If you can snag a table near the window this is a great spot to view – and you can be in comfort actually sitting down! Make your Advance Dining Reservation for around 45 minutes to one hour before Illuminations starts and ask for a table where you can view the fireworks. Even if you don’t get a great viewing table then one thing you can do is eat in the restaurant and stay until show time – the staff will usually help you find a good viewing spot outside. This gives you a very close view of the pyrotechnics and it does get surprisingly warm! This is one of the most intense viewing places.

Cantina de San Angel Terrace

Possibly the most popular viewing spot. It gives a great view and easy access out of the park after the end of the show. Even at slow times this one is going to fill up first.
Again this has the advantage of being able to sit down (if you get there early enough). This is a counter service restaurant so you don’t need reservations.

The Japan Pavilion

If you get there early enough to snag a place on the raised viewing platform outside the restaurant then this is a great viewing place. The Bridge Between France and The United Kingdom

A great view with an easy route out of Epcot if you are taking either the World Showcase or Future World exit.

Epcot Illuminations Cruise

Would you like to know a very special way of viewing the Epcot Illuminations fireworks? Well for those looking for a unique experience how about booking the Disney Epcot Illuminations Cruise? The 24 foot Breathless craft is available for hire for that truly memorable experience. The Breathless can accommodate up to 6 people and is available for hire starting at $275 plus tax which includes a driver. You can also hire a pontoon boat for up to 10 people for an Illuminations cruise and costs from $275 plus tax.

If you have a special occasion to celebrate then a Birthday or Celebration Fireworks cruise is available too. $220 with tax for a 21˜ pontoon or $275 with tax for up to 10 adults or 12 guests if there are children in the party. The pontoon will be decorated for your celebration.Getting a reservation for an Illuminations cruise does require planning ahead. These cruises do book up early. To reserve call 407-WDW-PLAY, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m EST up to 90 days in advance. You have to give a credit card guarantee and your card will be charged unless you cancel 24 hours in advance.Each boat will be positioned under the International Gateway Bridge and you will get an amazing view of Illuminations. Guests do report that this splurge really is worth it.

Wherever you view Epcot Illuminations Reflections of Earth you are sure to appreciate this spectacular display. Make sure that you plan to see it at least once on your visit to Disney World.

Photos used under Creative Commons from expressmonorail

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney Tips, EPCOT Tagged With: , ,

Disney Fast Pass

July 13, 2009 By Alison 5 Comments

Fast Pass
Is there really a way to save time standing in line at Disney World? In fact Disney itself has provided the perfect solution for all of us. The Disney Fast Pass. It is completely free to use. and once you understand how it works you will realize just what a time saver it really is.

Each time I visit Disney World I see that not everyone makes as much use of the Fast Pass system as they could. Perhaps not all Disney guests know that a Fast Pass is available for some of the attractions. Or they know about it but are confused as to how it works.

Here is a Guide to the Disney Fast Pass for you. So that you can cut down your time spent waiting in line at Disney World. It really does make a big difference.

What is a Disney World Fast Pass?

Walt Disney World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Unfortunately at times this means that you can spend a lot of time standing in line! Of course no one wants to do this. But there is a simple way to cut down the amount of time you spend waiting to get on the rides. The Disney Fast Pass.

A Fast Pass is a free ticket which gets you into the priority Fast Pass line. It doesn’t get you to the front of the line. But it does mean that you will bypass most of the line.

Even with a Fast Pass there may still be a wait of 5 or 10 minutes – but it gets you to the Fast Pass Entrance. This makes a huge difference to the amount of time you have to wait. Some attractions such as Soarin’ or Test Track at Epcot have standby wait times of 90 minutes at times. And I have sometimes seen the wait time up to 120 minutes,yes that really is 2 hours. Now these are great rides but even the most patient amongst us is going to get pretty bored in line after about 30 minutes.

You don’t have to spend that amount of time in line if you use the Fast Pass system. A Fast Pass is going to save you a lot of time! Use it wisely and it means that you will see a whole lot more of the rides and attractions each day.

How Do I Get a Fast Pass?

So now you are sold on the idea of a Fast Pass you need to know how to get one.Fast Passes are available for selected Disney attractions only. All of the attractions are listed here. Each attraction is also listed on the Disney World maps you will pick up at the entrance and on the wait time boards inside the parks. If it is a Fast Pass attraction it will be marked on the map and the board.

When you arrive at the entrance to the attraction you will see the Fast Pass kiosks. Firstly check the Stand By Entrance time which is shown at the entrance to the ride. This lets you know what the approximate wait time for the ride is. These are usually pretty accurate, but if it looks a little off then check with the Cast Member at the ride entrance. Don’t try and second guess it unless you are an expert! Certain rides have hidden part of the line. Peter Pan at the Magic Kingdom is a classic example of this – you may think the line looks short but you realize soon enough that there is a lot of it hidden behind a wall……

If the wait time for an attraction is 20 minutes or under I usually just get in the Standby line. This is the cut off point I use to know that I want a Fast Pass for a ride. Others will have their own tolerance point – it also depends on how busy the park is that day.

But if you decide you want a Fast Pass how do you get one? Firstly you will need your Disney World entrance ticket and one for each member of your party. Insert the ticket in the slot and it will give you a Fast Pass. This will have the name of the attraction printed at the top and a 1 hour time slot for which you can return and get access to the Fast Pass Line. Sometimes it doesn’t work first time and you will get a ticket with the error message Not A Valid Fast Pass. This could be because you already have a Fast Pass or it could just mean that machine isn’t working. There is usually a Cast Member on hand to assist you if you are having problems.

Every member of the party must have a Fast Pass. The only exception is children under the age of 3. They do not need a Fast Pass. If they meet the height requirement they can ride with an adult who has a Fast Pass.

Which are the Fast Pass Attractions?

Disney Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Frontierland
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Tomorrowland
Jungle Cruise – Adventureland
Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Fantasyland
Peter Pan’s Flight – Fantasyland
Space Mountain – Tomorrowland
Splash Mountain – Frontierland
Winnie the Pooh – Fantasyland

Disney Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur – DinoLand USA
Expedition Everest – Asia
Kali River Rapids – Asia
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Africa
It’s Tough to Be a Bug – Tree of Life
Primeval Whirl – Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama

Disney’s Epcot

Soarin’
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
Test Track
Living with the Land
The Maelstrom
Mission: SPACE

I would suggest that at most times of the year you really do need a Fast Pass for Soarin’ and Test Track. These are extremely popular rides – for good reason! So unless you don’t mind spending an hour or more in line then as soon as you get to Epcot head either for Test Track or Soarin’ and get a Fast Pass!

Disney Hollywood Studios

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Rock N Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Hollywood Tower of Terror
Toy Story Midway Mania
Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Toy Story Mania,Hollywood Tower of Terror and Rock N Roller Coaster are all very popular rides. If you want to make the most of your trip I would suggest getting a Fast Pass for one of these attractions as soon as you arrive in the park.

Can I Have More Than One Fast Pass?

You can have more than one Fast Pass at any time – but there are certain restrictions with this.

Here is how it works. Say you have just got a Fast Pass for Toy Story Mania. It is for a time slot between 2.00 and 3.00pm. The Fast Pass will show you that you can get another Fast Pass ticket at 2.01. So at that time you would be holding 2 Fast Passes.

You cannot go around the park collecting Fast Passes – of course everyone would do it and then you would still have the long lines!

The Disney Fast Pass is going to save you so much time at the parks. If you take a little time to understand the system then you are going to save a lot of your valuable time – and be able to experience ore of the rides at the parks.

Photos used under Creative Commons from Joe Penniston

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney Tips Tagged With: , ,

Walt Disney World Hotels

July 2, 2009 By Alison

Are you thinking of staying in a Walt Disney World hotel but are not sure of the benefits? Or you know that you definitely want to stay at a Disney World Resort but are not sure which one to choose? Then here is a guide to give you an overview of all the Disney World hotels.

Disney's Grand Floridian
Photos used under Creative Commons from joepennistone

What are the benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort?

There are certain benefits which are only given to Disney resort guests. Some are very valuable.

Extra Magic Hours

This is perhaps the best benefit. We all know that the parks are busy for much of the year and so Disney decided to give this extra benefit exclusively to guests of it’s hotels.

Disney resort guests are allowed access to select parks for one hour earlier in the morning and up to 3 hours later in the evening. These Extra Magic Hours are available only on selected days – so check before you plan your visit.

Disney Dining Plan

Another great benefit and one which can save you a considerable amount of money – according to Disney up to 40% on dining.

The Disney Dining Plan lets guests pre purchase meals. There are a number of different plans available ranging from snacks and counter service meals, right up to 3 full service restaurant meals per day. When you check in your are given a number of ‘credits’ according to the plan that you purchased and you use these throughout your stay. It can take some working out to get the best value – but overall it does save you money and the majority of guests are very positive about it.

A Disney resort guest must purchase it as part of a Magic Your Way Package. This must consist of an hotel room stay and at least one day’s Disney ticket. So even if you have tickets already (say an annual pass or unexpired days from your last vacation) you still have to purchase at least a one day ticket.

Disney World Monorail System
Photos used under Creative Commons from auntie_rain

Disney Transportation System

Of course anyone with a Disney park entrance ticket can use the transportation system. But there is added convenience of location if you are staying on Disney property. Some of the Magic Kingdom resorts are particularly convenient as they are on the monorail system.

If you stay on Disney property you may be able to enjoy your vacation without the need to rent a vehicle. So this can mean considerable savings.

Disney’s Magical Express

An excellent free bus service from Orlando International Airport. But more that this it takes care of your bags if you are a domestic passenger without you having to go to bag clain. Simply check your bag at your departure airport and it will find it’s way to your Disney hotel room without you having to handle it in between. International airline guests can also use the service but they do have to collect their bags at bag claim.

When it is time to go home you can bypass the lines at the airport again by checking in your baggage and printing out your boarding pass at your Disney resort hotel. This facility is only available for domestic passengers on select airlines.

Disney's Magical Express
Photos used under Creative Commons from auntie_rain

Disney’s Magical Express is a great benefit for guests. The usual Disney efficiency means that your bags are waiting for you in your room, and you will also save on the hassle and cost of airport transfers.

Free Parking in Disney Theme Parks

All Disney resort guests are entitled to use the parking lots for free. This can add up to a considerable saving.

Package Delivery

Disney resort guests can have all items which they have purchased on Disney property delivered direct to their hotel room. Not that much of a perk but nonetheless it can be useful sometimes.

Which Disney Resort Hotel Should I Choose?

This is obviously a question of budget first. Prices vary by dates and resorts but range from $80 a night up to over $1000 for suites in the Deluxe Hotels.

Once you have decided on a budget you need to consider location and theme. Disney is known for it’s amazing hospitality and wonderful themes in it’s resorts. So browse though the choices and discover which one is best for you.

Disney World Deluxe Hotels

The Lobby at Disney's Wilderness Resort
Photos used under Creative Commons from auntie_rain

The very best hotel resorts which Disney has to offer. Excellent locations and these Disney resorts include some of the finest hotels in the world!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

One of my very favorites. Be transported to another world with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Hotel. The resort is built around a savanna filled with free roaming animals.

Choose a savanna view room and you will enjoy an amazing view of the animals. Yes you really will see a giraffe from your balcony.

The only downside? The location is not the best. It is next to Disney’s Animal Kingdom so a little remote from the other parks – and the bus system may leave you wishing you had rented a car. Other than this it is an exceptional hotel.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

This is another one of my personal favorites. The location is excellent. You can walk to Epcot’s World Showcase entrance. This luxury hotel has the ambience of a seaside resort at the turn of the century.

The Beach Club also has what is considered the very best Disney resort swimming pool – Stormalong Bay.

Disney's Beach Club
Photos used under Creative Commons from auntie_rain

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

The Boardwalk Inn is located just steps away from Disney’s Boardwalk entertainment and restaurant area. It is a short stroll from Epcot, and just a short boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Very convenient for everything.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Hotel

There really can’t be many hotels in the world with a monorail running through the lobby. You can’t get much closer to Disney’s Magic Kingdom in this innovative A Frame design hotel. Take the monorail or walk to the Magic Kingdom.

The Contemporary Resort has recently undergone a huge refurbishment to bring the rooms up to date (it was a little stuck in the 70s a while ago)! Altogether a great choice.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

The Disney World Grand Floridian is Disney’s flagship resort. Located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the Magic Kingdom is just a short walk, boat or monorail ride away. The perfect location. The rooms are beautiful and well appointed. But of course you pay for the luxury and this is the most expensive hotel on Disney property.

Disney World Grand Floridian
Photos used under Creative Commons from joepennistone

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Hotel

A tropical theme awaits you at this excellent Disney deluxe hotel. Conveniently located on Seven Seas Lagoon just a short boat or monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom. Lush tropical landscaping and a South Pacific theme make this a popular choice with Disney resort guests.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disneys Wilderness Lodge Resort
Photos used under Creative Commons from mrkathika

Along with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge this resort is worth a visit even if you are not a guest just to see the wonderful theme and attention to detail. You will feel as though you are in the middle of a National Park instead of just a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Hotel

Located next to Disney’s Beach Club this hotel is a beautiful resort in an excellent location. Just short walk from Epcot and a relaxing boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It also shares Stormalong Bay swimming pool with the Beach Club

Disney’s Moderate Resorts

The reasonably priced Disney moderate resorts are a great choice for your vacation. They are all nicely themed. The locations are not as great as the Deluxe hotels nor are the rooms as large and luxurious. But you get excellent value for money.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Hotel

This Caribbean tropical themed hotel has over 2000 guest rooms. Disney’s Caribbean Beach hotel has a good location as it is pretty centrally located for access to the parks. It has a fun Caribbean theme which the kids will particularly enjoy.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Hotel

Disney's Coronado Resort HotelPhotos used under Creative Commons from mrkathika

This is my favorite Disney moderate resort hotel. The Coronado Springs has a American Southwest theme. The resort itself is huge – it can be a long trek to your room! The resort is planned around 15 acre Lago Dorado and has a laid back atmosphere which is quieter than many resorts.

To some people the drawback is that it is a Conference Hotel and lacks the Disney ‘feel’ about it. But if you want a relatively quiet hotel with good facilities this could be a good choice.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

This is a great option for everyone. It is particularly good for larger families as the Fort Wilderness Cabins sleep up to 6 guests and each has a full kitchen.

The grounds are beautiful. You really do feel as though you are in the middle of the Wilderness. It is amazing to believe that you are so close to all the parks.

If you want to bring your own tent or RV then Fort Wilderness is the perfect place for you to stay. There are 788 campsites – but book early as they do fill up quickly.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

This resort used to be called Disney’s Port Orleans. Themed around Mardi Gras and New Orleans this resort is an excellent choice.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside

Formerly known as Dixie Landings. It has a Old South feel to it. The resort is of course the sister resort to Port Orleans French Quarter.

Both Riverside and French Quarter share a bus transportation system to the Disney theme parks.

Disney Value Resorts

Disney World Pop Century value Resort
Photos used under Creative Commons from auntie_rain

A great choice for families and guests on a budget. Disney has created a wonderful fun atmosphere in these budget Disney resort hotels. All are linked to the Disney theme parks by the bus transportation system.

The All Star Complex

This group of 3 hotels is located on a huge complex close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Blizzard Beach. Each of the rooms on the resorts are motel style and the smallest on Disney property at just 260 square feet. So expect a tight fit for a family of 4. But also a lot of fun in a good location for a great price.

1. Disney’s All Star Movies Resort.

This movie themed Disney resort is a lot of fun. Here you will find a 35 foot tall Buzz Lightyear and a 25 foot Woody. Everything is larger than life at this resort!

2. Disney’s All Star Music Resort

It doesn’t matter if you prefer Country,Rock,Broadway,Calypso or Jazz there is something here for everyone. The All Star Music resort now offers family suites which are a great choice for families of 5. Most Disney resort hotel rooms only sleep 4 so this is a good choice to avoid the need to book 2 rooms for a larger family.

3. Disney’s All Star Sports Resort

This was the very first of the Disney All Star Resorts. The concept was so successful that Disney expanded it to build the other two resorts.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century resort is located close to Disney Hollywood Studios. There are 2,880 rooms available on this huge Disney Value Resort. Each has a pop music theme from either the 1950s,1960s,1970s or 1980s. You can express a preference for which building you want when you reserve your room.

Disney Vacation Club Villas

Disney Vacation Club

Many people don’t realize that you do not need to be a member of Disney Vacation Club to reserve these villas. They can be an excellent choice for all guests.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

Available are studio,one bedroom,two bedroom and Grand Villa accommodations. The Animal Kingdom Villas are located inside the main Hotel building – The Jambo House. They have the same room categories as the hotel – value,standard,savanna and concierge. Always pick a savanna view room for the complete Animal Kingdom resort experience. It really is worth the extra cost.

Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge

This is a new building located on Animal Kingdom Lodge property. It is separate from the main hotel building. Kidani Village has one and two bedroom units, and 3-bedroom Grand Villas.

Kidani Village opened in May 2009 and construction is due to be completed on all phases in September 2009. It has it’s own savannas so guests can enjoy amazing views of the animals. Another great choice – the only downside of this resort is the location. Often guests prefer to rent a car rather than use the transportation system which can prove to be slow.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Due to open in August 2009. The Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort will offer studio,one and two bedroom villas and three bedroom Grand Villas. The villas have some of the best views of any Disney Vacation Club resort as they are located next to the Contemporary Resort on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Some will have wonderful Magic Kingdom views – and of course you can take the monorail or walk to the park.

Disney Contemporary Bay Lake Tower
Photos used under Creative Commons from auntie_rain

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney’s Beach Club Resort has studio, one and two bedroom villas. The location is excellent. A short walk away from Epcot and Disney’s Boardwalk, and a boat ride from Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Boardwalk Resort Villas

The Boardwalk Resort Villas offer studios, one and two bedroom and three bedroom Grand Villas. Conveniently located on Disney’s Boardwalk and a short stroll from Epcot. Or take the boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Boardwalk Villas

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort has studios, one and two bedroom and tree bedroom Grand Villas.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

This has a great location overlooking the lakeside of Downtown Disney. Saratoga Springs offers studios, one and two bedroom and tree bedroom Grand Villas.

Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

The Treehouse Villas at Satartoga Springs were opened in June 2009. There are 60 three bedroom homes which are built 10 feet of the ground are designed to give the ultimate luxury and style in tree house living.

The picture shown here is of one of the tree houses and was actually taken by one of my favorite Disney photographers and fellow Disney addict auntie_rain She was lucky enough to be chosen to cut the ribbon at the Treehouse Villas opening ceremony.

Disney Vacation Club Resort

Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

This was the third DVC Resort and is located in a separate building on Disney’s Wilderness Lodge hotel site – so has a wonderful location and setting. There are 136 Wilderness Lodge Villas. You can choose from studiio,one and two bedroom villas.

Other Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

There are three other hotels which are located on Disney World. They are not owned by Disney but they offer the same Disney resort privileges.

Shades of Green

Shades of Green used to be owned by Disney but was sold to the Department of Defense in 2004 . It has excellent accommodation at great rates for active and retired members of the military.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Resort

Walt Disney World Dolphin
Photos used under Creative Commons from afagen

The Dolphin is owned by Westin. It has a very good location located within walking distance of Epcot. Or you can take the boat to Disney Hollywood Studios, The Boardwalk and Epcot.

This hotel is largely a conference hotel but you will also find many Disney guests there. It has a huge choice of restaurants and great swimming pools.

Walt Disney World Swan Hotel Resort

This Swan right next to the Dolphin so it too has a great location close to Epcot. Like the Dolphin it is a Westin Hotel.

The rooms are large and there is plenty to keep you occupied at the resort. It has numerous restaurants and bars. One of the best features is the swimming pool area – the 3 acre Grotto water playground.

Whichever Disney World resort hotel you choose you are sure to have a wonderful vacation. Just take some time to explore all your choices before deciding which one to book.

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney World Hotels Tagged With: ,

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