The Disney All Star Movie Resort can be a good choice if you are looking for value and a decent standard of hotel for your next Walt Disney World vacation. But is it the Disney resort for you? This value resort is aimed at families wanting to stay on Disney property whilst keeping to a lower budget. The Movie Resort is the latest of the All Star Resorts (the others are All Star Music and All Star Sports) having first opened in 1998.

Larger than life and a whole lot of fun is the best way to describe Disney All Star Movie Resort. With a 35 foot tall Buzz Lightyear and a 40 foot tall Dalmation, and a 5 times larger than life Herbie the Beetle this hotel is definitely designed to bring a smile to everyone who stays there.

Rooms at Disney’s All Star Movie Resort

Here you will find the smallest rooms in the whole of Walt Disney World. At just 260 square feet they are compact but with rates starting at $82 a night in low season they are excellent value. Expect a good quality motel type room and this is what you will get – but with all the benefits of those extra Disney special touches.

The 1920 rooms are housed within one of 5 differently themed buildings: 101 Dalmations, Fantasia, Toy Story, Herbie:The Love Bug and The Mighty Ducks. Perhaps if they were building the resort now then they would have more modern themes to appeal to the younger members of the family. Toy Story tends to be the most popular amongst the kids of course! The buildings are 2 stories high with both elevators and stairs. There are motel style outdoor corridors for each room.

Each room has 2 double beds or a King size bed. There are many more double rooms than King rooms so if you want a larger bed then make sure you request that at the time of booking as only 74 King rooms are available. Each room sleeps up to 4 guests. It is fine for 2 adults and 2 younger children but my advice is if you have older children or more adults then one room is just not going to be enough. Connecting rooms are available and this may be a much better option.

The decoration in the rooms can best be described as colorful! Once again the emphasis is on fun and you will find brightly colored themed bedspreads and Disney small touches everywhere. If you expect a decent room with a small basic bathroom then you will not be disappointed. Luxury this is not. Value it most certainly is – you get to stay on Disney property for a very reasonable rate.

The views from the rooms are either parking lot, courtyard or pool.

The All Star Music Resort is a lively place. Lots of young children and groups stay at this resort. This of course equals some noise! If you want a quieter room then the options are to be honest a little limited. You may try to get a second floor room as that should cut down some of the noise. There are some rooms at the back of the resort which look out over some woods. If you want peace and quiet this may not be the resort for you!

The rates for a room at All Star Movies start at $82 and go up to $159 per room per night. You can also book a preferred room at the resort. These rooms start at $97 and go to $160 – you will be allocated a room closer to the hub of the resort at Central Hall so will have a room in Toy Story , 101 Damlations or Fantasia.

If you have more than 2 adults in your room then there is a $10 per extra adult charge per night. As has been mentioned it would be a very tight fit in the rooms with more than 2 adults so you want to think about this carefully!

The center of the resort is at the Central Hall Building. . Here you will find the check in facilities and the quick service dining, The World Premiere Food Court. You will also find an arcade, play ground and a gift shop. The choices in the food court are a little limited. This is very much fast food dining and it can get crowded and very noisy at times. It is a convenient place for a snack however as you will have to travel out of the resort for full service dining options. Of course you will be spoiled for choice in Walt Disney World so the limited food court is fine for many guests. It has the usual favorites: pizza, chicken nuggets, nachos and ice cream.

There are 2 swimming pools at the All Star Movie Resort, The Mighty Ducks and The Fantasia Pool. Both have excellent theming and are very popular!

The resort has Disney transportation buses to take you to the theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney and the other resorts. The bus stop is located outside Cinema Hall. The Disney transport system is a great thing, but some guests do report that the waits and journey times can be long.

Is the Disney All Star Movie Resort a good option for your vacation. Really only you can decide. It does offer great value at prices which are much lower than other Disney resorts. But the trade off is is the smaller, more basic rooms and the potential noise and crowds. Many guests love the All Star Resorts and return year after year.

Photos by coconutwireless

Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campground offers guests a unique place to stay right in the heart of the theme parks. Offering 748 camp sites, RV hook ups and 409 cozy wood cabins Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is spread over 740 acres of mainly pine forest, within easy reach of all the magic of Disney World. You will feel as though you are living in the wilderness but you are never far from any of the Disney parks.

Disney World Fort Wilderness is a car free zone. When you arrive you will leave your car in the parking lot and go to the Reception Outpost to check in if you are in a cabin, or pull your car up in front of a drive through check in if staying on one of the campsites. The resort is laid out in loops with 3 access roads. There are 28 loops where you will find the campsites and log cabins.

Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins

Photo by Darren Whittko

Disney World Fort Wilderness peaceful landcaping

There are 407 spacious and comfortable air conditioned wood cabins available at Fort Wilderness each sleeping up to 6 people in 504 square feet of space. They are an ideal choice for larger parties and of course those who want to do some of their own cooking as the provide a kitchen with stove, microwave and refrigerator. There is a separate bedroom with a double bed and bunk bed. There is a living area with television, a dining area which seats 6. A nice touch is a kid sized table. Additional sleeping space is on the pull down Murphy bed. There is a full kitchen,bathroom, and an outdoor grill on the deck.

Photo by cdharrison

The cabins are located near the front of Fort Wilderness Resort. Each has a daily housekeeping service. There are some accessible cabins available which should be requested at the time of booking.

Prices vary by season but range from $279 to $435 for a cabin which will sleep up to 6 people.

Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Photo by cdharrison

There are 788 campsites at Fort Wilderness each of which fit into one of a combination of 4 categories:Premium, Preferred, Full Hook Up and Partial Hook Up.

If you have a large RV over 45 feet then you will need a Premium Site. These sites are the largest on the resort and in the best locations. They have every amenity available including electricity,water and sewer and cable. They also have access to the internet which is available at an additional fee.

A preferred site has the upgraded amenities and electricity,water,sewer, cable and internet access. They are called preferred because of their location closer to either The Trading Post,the marina and Pioneer Hall.

Partial hook up sites have water and electricity. You can have a partial hook up in either a preferred or non preferred location.

Photo by projecttracker

There are comfort stations located close to all the sites. Here you will find clean, well maintained bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities,phones and ice machines. If you don’t want to do your own laundry then housekeeping provides a laundry service for everyone on the resort including those on the camp sites.

Prices of course depend on location and category. The range is between $44 and $74 a night in value season for a site sleeping up to 10 guests. For Holiday Season the range is between $89 to $121 per night.

Fort Wilderness is Disney World’s only pet friendly resort. There is a $5 daily charge and you have to request a pet friendly site. There is also a pet boarding facility at the entrance to Fort Wilderness. Dogs, cats and small animals are welcome, and you can book overnight or day care.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Transportation

Fort Wilderness is a large resort at over 700 acres. There are 3 resort buses – Orange, Purple and Yellow which run around the resort and between the Outpost Depot at the front of the resort near the Disney bus transportation, and the Settlement Depot which is near the marina which has boat access to Magic Kingdom.

You can also walk or bike around the resort. A popular option, but pricey at $59 a day,is to rent a golf cart. These can be reserved up to one year in advance at The Outpost by calling 407 824 2742.

Photo by joeshlabotnik

The transportation to the Disney parks and resorts from Fort Wilderness has the reputation of being the worst of all the places you can stay in Disney World. Really the best advice if you are staying at Fort Wilderness is to bring a car! Whilst transport to Magic Kingdom is good because you can catch a resort boat at the marina, the rest of the transport system is far from convenient. Transport around the resort can be slow with 10 to 15 minute waits. Then you have to catch a bus to all the other parks and resorts which again can involve a long wait. Guests love Fort Wilderness Resort but do consistently say that the transport provision is the only let down!

Disney World Fort Wilderness Recreation

Photo by joeshlabotnik

The recreation facilities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness are arguably the very best of any Disney resort. Not only do you have the great outdoors on your door step but you have plenty of recreational activities to choose from.

There are 2 heated swimming pools. The meadow Swimmin’ Pool is the most popular. Located near the center of the resort it has a children’s play area, a slide and a hot tub.

Bay Lake is a center of activity for Fort Wilderness with lots of opportunities to have some fun! The sandy beach at the side of Bay Lake near the marina is also a popular spot (although you are not permitted to swim in the lake). If you enjoy fishing you can fish for free or take an excursion. If you are looking for something a little adventurous then parasailing, wake boarding and water skiing are available.

You can rent a range of water craft from Fort Wilderness Marina.

There are tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts. You will also find shuffleboard and horseshoes to play around the resort.

A unique feature of Fort Wilderness is the free to visit petting zoo. It is a pleasant way to spend some family time with the kids.

Tri-Circle-D Ranch and Stables is a popular place which offers pony rides every day. It also houses Cinderella’s ponies and the Main Street horses. 45 minute trail rides cost $42 and can be booked up to 30 days in advance by calling 407 WDW PLAY. You pick up the tickets at The Kennel at Fort Wilderness. Same day rides are often available but it is always best to call in advance if you are traveling from outside the resort.

You can also take a Wagon Ride around the resort. The 45 minute Wagon ride cannot be booked in advance and is on a first come first served basis. The rides are at 7.30 and 9.30. There is also a 9.00 ride for the Magic Kingdom fireworks. If you want a more exclusive experience Carriage Rides are also available. Each carriage holds up to 4 guests and leaves Crockett’s Tavern at Pioneer Hall each night between 6pm and 9.3pm. The 25 minute ride costs $35. You can get a ticket from the driver or book in advance at 407 WDW PLAY.

Photo by elemscibone

Want a very special experience for the Holidays? Book a Sleigh Ride at Fort Wilderness! Starting at the end of November and going to December 30th each year you can ride around the resort on a special sleigh. Each sleigh will fit 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children – the cost is $60 for each party and the sliegh ride lasts around 25 minutes. Book in advance by calling 407 WDW PLAY.

Always wanted to try a segway? Well you can on the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. The cost is $85 per person and each tour takes a party of up to 10 guests. They are available at either 8.30 or 10.30 each moring except Sunday or Monday. Call 407 WDW TOUR to book. No experience is necessary as you will be fully briefed as to how to ride a segway. You must be over 18 or if 16 and over accompanied by an adult.

If you aren’t quite ready for a segway then you can always rent a bike! Bicycles of all sizes are available. If you want to ride with all the family then Surrey bikes are a lot of fun too!

Are you ready for a new experience? Then why not try archery? A 90 minute experience including equipment and instruction costs $25 and is open to ages 6 and up.

So one thing you will never be at Disney’s Fort Wilderness is bored! There is something to do for every age.

Disney World Fort Wilderness Resort Dining

Photo by joeshlabotnik

There are some great choices for dining at Fort Wilderness with two restaurants, two dinner shows and a snack bar. Or of course you could eat in your cabin or camp site.

Crockett’s Tavern and Trails End Restaurant are both in Pioneer Hall. Crockett’s Tavern serves pizza, chicken wings and nachos. It also serves beer and wine. Trails End Restaurant serves a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you want entertaining whilst you eat then try Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Dinner Show. This all you care to eat buffet is held on Thursdays and Saturday from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Outdoor Pavillion. Enjoy a wild west themed event with country music,line dancing and Disney characters. The price is $50.99 for adults and $20.99 for children aged 3 to 9. Selections include hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and cole slaw.

One of the most popular dinner shows in Disney World The Hoop De Du Musical Revue is held at Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness. It is held every night with 3 shows at 5pm, 7.30pm and 9pm. The Hoop De Du Musical Review is very popular so Advance Dining Reservations are essential. It is a family style buffet brought to your table which you eat whilst being entertained by singers, dancers and comedians. Guest satisfaction is usually very high at this high energy revue. The food is western style fare includes fried chicken,pork ribs, mashed potatoes and western style baked beans with strawberry shortcake for dessert.

As the Hoop De Du Musical Revue is a seated dinner show the prices are in one of 3 categories which range from $52.99 to $61.99 for adults and $26.99 to $31.99 for children aged 3 to 9. There is no charge for the under 3s. Category 1 is the closest to the stage. It is part of the Disney Dining Plan but you will need 2 full dining credits.

Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins and Camp Sites really do offer something different to a guest looking for a resort on Disney property. It is one of the least known places to stay and it is often overlooked.

Are you considering staying at the Polynesian Resort in Disney World Florida?  The Polynesian is a deluxe Walt Disney World resort hotel which is conveniently located on the Seven Seas Lagoon just minutes from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Travel on the monorail or by boat and you can be in the Happiest Place on Earth in just minutes.

This luxury hotel not only has a great location but also offers some of the largest hotel rooms in Disney World, a relaxed  South Seas theme with a welcoming tropical atmosphere, a sandy beach, excotic waterfalls, excellent restaurants and recreation facilities.  But is this the right choice of Disney hotel for your vacation? Browse through this guide to find out more of what the Polynesian Resort Disney World has to offer.

Photo by expressmonorail

Polynesian Resort Hotel Over View

Disney Polynesian Resort tropical theme

The Polynesian was one of the original Disney hotels and opened in 1971.  The hotel has been extensively refurbished in recent years.  The rooms were all updated in 2006 and the pool area in 2001.  The Polynesian was part of Walt Disney’s original vision for the ultimate theme park.

As soon as you step into the lobby you are in a different world.  Leave the chaos of the theme parks behind and be transported to a tropical paradise.  You will find lush landscaping both inside and outside the resort.  The lobby is a tropical rain forest with a relaxing water fountain as a center piece.  The lobby is a great place to sit and people watch when your feet are tired from a day in the parks!

The Great Ceremonial House is four stories high and houses the lobby, restaurants, shops and some hotel rooms.  Most of the Polynesian’s rooms are in one of the eleven ‘longhouses’ located around the resort. Each longhouse has either 2 or 3 floors.

Photo by mrkathika

Polynesian Resort Hotel Rooms

Photo by troybthompson

The Polynesian Resort has some of the largest hotel rooms in Walt Disney World.  So if you are looking for space this is a good choice with standard rooms being around 410 square feet, with he 476 square feet rooms are located in the Tokelau, Rapa Nui and Tahita longhouse buildings.

Each room can sleep up to 5 with 2 Queen beds and a daybed.  A child up to the age of 3 can also be accommodated in a crib.

Suites are also available in the Hawaii longhouse. Concierge rooms are in the Tonga and Hawaii buildings.

One disadvantage of the Polynesian is that not all of the rooms have balconies. If you have your heart set on a balcony then make sure that you request one at the time that you make your booking.   What most of the rooms do have is good views.  The location of the Polynesian Resort Hotel is of course one of the very best in the whole of Disney World , and many rooms overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon and some even have unobstructed views over Magic Kingdom.

Garden view rooms are sometimes misnamed!  They can have a view over the gardens, the pool, the marina or the parking lot.  So be sure to specify exactly which view you want and are expecting.  The better views are of course at a higher price, but it is confusing that you book a Garden View and end up looking at a parking lot, so be sure to be clear with your request.  As with all room requests they are not guaranteed but you do increase your chances of getting what you want if you request at time of booking and follow up with a fax to the Polynesian Resort on 407-824-3174 to specify the room view you want.

Which are the best rooms at the  Walt Disney Polynesian Resort?

A view of the beach and longhouses at Disney's Polynesian Resort

Rooms and the Polynesian Resort Hotel rack rates range from $365 to over $900 a night depending on room type and season.  Suites at the Polynesian start at around $630 and go to over $3000 per night.

The first thing to remember is that not all of the rooms have balconies so if this is important then you must request one to increase your chances of getting one!

There are 11 longhouses with different pros and cons.  For families who want to be close to the resort pool then Samoa is a good choice.  If you like to be nearer to the Grand Ceremonial House building with restaurants, shops and the monorail stop then Fiji, Tonga, Rarotonga, Niue and Samoa are your best bets.

Are there any rooms to avoid at Disney’s Polynesian? It is best to avoid rooms in the Rarotonga longhouse which are on the monorail side and the parking lot view rooms in Rapa Nui.

Photo by chslaw

Disney Polynesian Resort Concierge Rooms

Disney Polynesian Resort Hotel Lobby

Guest of the Polynesian speak highly of the concierge service.  Although the rooms are essentially the same you will enjoy free breakfast, afternoon snacks, evening hors d’oeuvres, hot appetizers and wine.  There is a dessert service from 8pm to 10pm every evening and this gets particularly good reviews!   Some may say of course that the extra perks of the food and concierge service are not worth the premium price but it really depends on how prepared you are to pay for that bit extra.

There is an additional reason to choose concierge rooms at the Polynesian. The location of the second floor lounge has a fabulous view of Magic Kingdom Castle. This is the perfect place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks and concierge guests are the only ones who have access to this lounge so this is an excellent perk.

Polynesian Hotel Transport to Walt Disney World

Disney Polynesian Resort Hotel Boat Dock

The location of the Polynesian Resort is one of the best in Walt Disney World as you have a choice of monorail and boat to get to the Magic Kingdom.  It is possible to walk to Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian but it is a long way as you have to walk almost completely around the Seven Seas Lagoon.  You may want to save your energy for walking around the parks instead!

Guests can also take the boat across the Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian Resort.  This is one of my favorite ways to arrive at the Magic Kingdom!

Disney Polynesian Resort Monorail

Photo by expressmonorail

The monorail will also transport you from the Polynesian hotel to the Transport and Ticket Center which is the hub of the monorail and bus transportation for Disney World. You can easily get to Epcot on the other monorail line from the TTC. Buses to all the theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney and the other resort hotels leave from the TTC.

There are also Disney buses from the Polynesian Resort bus stop outside the Grand Ceremonial House which will take you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney.  These buses may also pick up guests at the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge Resorts.  Unfortunately these buses can sometimes be crowded and take a while to reach their destination so you may find that at busy times in particular you want to get the monorail to the TTC and then a bus onwards from there.

Photo by mrkathika

Polynesian Resort Disney World Recreation Facilities

Disney's Polynesian Resort Swimming Pool

The landscaping both inside and outside of the Polynesian has a relaxing tropical feel. There are 2 swimming pools.  The Nanea Volcano Pool is one of the nicest of any of the Disney World resort hotel pools.  It has a waterfall, a slide and even a volcano! This is also a very popular pool and it is not exactly very large so it does get crowded sometimes. If you want some peace and quiet there is another pool at the resort.

If you want to visit a fitness center the Polynesian does not have it’s own but you can go to the one at the Grand Floridian Resort. There is also a 1.5 mile jogging trail which goes around the resort longhouses and passes Shades of Green Resort.

Photo my mrkathika

Disney Polynesian Resort Restaurants

The Polynesian Resort has a good choice of restaurants and of course is home to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.

The Kona Cafe is a full service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner which is located in the lobby of the hotel. Breakfast here is around $10 and upwards for an entree with American cuisine.  You will find the usual favorites of pancakes,steak and eggs and omelet.  A popular choice is Tonga Toast a variation of French Toast with sourdough stuffed with banana served with strawberry compote. Lunch entrees are around the $15 range with dinner entrees starting at $20. Fish and steak with an Asian influence is the specialty.

Ohana offers a family style breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. Food is brought to your table and includes scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and Mickey Waffles.  Prices are $24.99 for adults and $13.99 for children aged 3 to 9.  Dinner is also family style but without characters. The specialty is food on skewers with dips which are brought to you by your server. There is a fire pit right in the center of the restaurant, and you will be entertained with hula hoop contests and coconut races.
If you want a quick snack then visit Captain Cook’s Snack Company. It serves scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes,Tonga Toast and Mickey Waffles. The Barefoot Pool Bar serves drinks by the pool.

Disney Polynesian Luau Dinner Show

Photo by joanna8555

A very popular dinner show is the Polynesian Luau. This how energy dinner show features Polynesian music and dancing. Food is served family style and brought to your table. The food includes pineapple coconut bread,barbecued pork ribs,roasted chicken and Polynesian rice.  Dessert is Kilauea Volcano Delight. The price of the Polynesian Luau also covers drinks including Bud and Bud Lite beer, house wine and a selection of non alcoholic beverages.

The cost of the Polynesian Luau is based upon one of 3 seating categories with Category 1 being the closest to the show. The rate for adults ranges from $52.99 to $61.99 and for children aged 3 to 9 from $256.99 to $31.99. This includes tax and gratuity.

The Disney dining plan can be used for Category 2 and 3 seating only. It will use 2 Disney dining credits per guest. If you want to have Category 1 seating you will have to pay separately even if you are on the Disney Dining Plan. Shows do sell out so you must make Advance Dining Reservations.  Remember that if you want to cancel you must do so at least 48 hours in advance or your credit card will be charged.

Are you thinking of staying in the Disney Contemporary Resort?  This is one of Walt Disney World’s deluxe hotel resorts and is very conveniently on the monorail system which will take you to Magic Kingdom in just minutes.  In fact you do not even have to leave the hotel to jump on the monorail – it runs right through the hotel!

  The Contemporary Resort is also  within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom – and gives you some of the very best views of the Disney fireworks from anywhere in the World outside of the park.

The Contemporary Resort was part of Walt Disney’s original vision for Disney World.  He planned this hotel, along with The Grand Floridian and The Polynesian.   For Walt Disney the Contemporary Resort was his vision of the ultimate hotel of the future.

Picture by kathika

Staying at a Walt Disney World hotel gives you many advantages.  Particularly if you choose a hotel which is located on the monorail system as this give you very easy access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios, the water parks and Downtown Disney can also be reached via the bus and water transportation systems.

 A Disney World hotel stay will also give you the benefits which only Disney resort guests enjoy, such as early and late park entry hours on selected days and the Disney Dining Plan.

But what is the Disney Contemporary Resort really like? To find out if The Contemporary Resort is right for you and your family take a tour around the hotel  to find out which are the best rooms, the finest restaurants, and explore just what is there to do in the hotel.

Disney Contemporary Resort Hotel Rooms

The location of the hotel may be excellent but what you really need to know is what are the rooms actually like?  For anyone who likes contemporary design then they will most definitely enjoy the Contemporary Resort.  A relatively recent renovation in 2008 of all the rooms at the resort brought the hotel very much back into the 21st century with sleek contemporary design.

Picture by udt007us

The standard rooms are a generous size at 394 square feet.  Each room will sleep up to 5 guests and also accommodate a child under 3 in a crib.

Each standard room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort  has 2 Queen beds and a day bed, or a King and a day bed.

 Each room has a wall mounted flat screen television and a computer with internet access and Contemporary Concierge which is free to use. There is wireless internet available for your own laptop for which there is a charge.  Since the rennovation the hotel decor is once again very contemporary with very modern design.

  The one thing which guests may find lacking in the rooms is that feel that you are in Disney World.  If you want upfront non stop Disney this probably is not the hotel for you.  No Mickey Mouse comforers here!  But of course that total Disney experience is just on your doorstep even if it is not really inside your room!

The Contemporary Resort has 2 distinct sections.  The main building with the monorial running through it, the main lobby and the restaurants.  This is the Tower building.  The second, separate building is The Garden Wing.

The views from The Tower can be of Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon, or Bay Lake. Many people prefer The Tower rooms, not only for the views, but also because they are close to the monorail and restaurants.  The Tower rooms all have a small balcony which has 2 chairs and a table.

The Garden View rooms have a view of the parking lot, the water or the garden. They Garden Rooms do not have a balcony – perhaps a bit of a downside when you are paying for a deluxe hotel.   You can choose a ground floor Garden View room as these do have a patio.

Picture by kathika

The Tower rooms are higher priced than the Garden rooms.  Indeed Disney now seems to put a much higher premium on Tower rooms as rates start at around $400 per night for the Tower and $285 for The Garden.  You may decide that the you would rather get the great location of The Contemporary Resort and save money by staying in a Garden room if the only sacrifice is the view and the lack of balcony.  For others the view is the key and is worth paying the extra.

Which are the best rooms in The Tower? Ask for a Magic Kingdom view room on the 9th floor or higher. These of course command a higher rate but if you want the best view then you may be prepared to pay the extra. The only downside to some of the lower floor Tower rooms is that they can be a little noisy as they are located directly above the Grand Canyon Concourse with the restaurants, shops and monorail.

In the Tower on the Bay Lake side all of the rooms have good views but of course the higher up you go the better the view gets.

Photo by Ben Dodson 

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Concierge Level

Is the concierge level worth the extra money at The Contemporary Resort?  Of course it really depends upon what you are looking for. What extra does it give you?

The Concierge rooms are located on the 12th and 14th floor of the Tower building. Standard rooms on the 12th floor are the same as any other standard room in the resort you are not getting anything different there. Suites and standard rooms are on the 14th floor. You will have a view either of the Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake depending on which side of the Tower you are located. You can request a particular view but as with all Disney resort hotel requests this is not guaranteed.

There are two concierge club lounges at the Contemporary Resort - both offer the same service. On the 12th floor it is the Atrium Club Concierge and on the 14th the Tower Club Concierge. Both lounges have a great view of the Magic Kingdom and of course you can use the Disney concierge service to help you plan your stay.

Photo by hz536n

The Concierge lounge also offers complimentary food and drinks. Depending upon how much you use this it can save you a significant amount of money. Breakfast offerings include tea, coffee, juice,pastries, hot and cold cereal, croissants and fruit. Afternoon snacks include cookies, Goldfish crackers, brownies, pretzels, rice crispy treats and beverages.

In the evening there is wine and cheese, beer, hot appetizers,crudite with dips. Then there is the wonderful dessert buffet where the selection changes every day.

Concierge includes nightly turn down service too. This is a nice perk but in my experience not really that much of a benefit.

Is concierge level worth the extra money at the Contemporary Resort? Guests opinions do differ quite a lot about this. I have stayed in many Disney resorts both in standard and concierge levels and I always check the price difference between the two very carefully. Sometimes the difference in rate can just be made up by eating some of the family meals in the lounge. Breakfast is a quick and easy option. But  when you are using the Disney Dining Plan as increasingly most guests are this is only a minimal  saving  as you have already paid for meals.

The view from the concierge lounges of the Magic Kingdom fireworks is one of the best in the whole of Walt  Disney World. Some will say it is worth the upgrade just for that. Really it just depends on how much of a price you personally put on experience – and of course just how deep your pockets are!

Disney Contemporary Resort Dining Options

If you want one of the finest restaurants with perhaps the best view of Magic Kingdom  in the whole of Disney World then head to the California Grill on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort. This is consistently one of the most highly regarded restaurants in Disney World and the view of the fireworks is spectacular.  It used to be that anyone could sneak a look from the 15th floor but Disney has long since got wise to that one.  Now a private access elevator is closed to all except those with a California Grill reservation.

Chef Mickey’s is one of the most popular Disney character meals and is located in the main concourse of the Contemporary Resort.  This is one of my favorite character dining locations as not only is the food of good quality for a buffet, but the easy access to Magic Kingdom on the monorail makes it a great place to start or end the day after a visit to the park.  If you want to share you meal experience with Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald then this is the place for you!

Photo by expressmonorail

 The all you can eat breakfast buffet is $26.62 for adults and $13.99 for children aged 3 to 9.  It has all the usual breakfast offerings, cereals, pancakes,Minnie’s breakfast pizza,omelet, Mickey waffles, Goofy’s corned beef hash.

 Dinner is served at Chef Mickey’s from 5.30 to 9.00. There is a good selection  at the buffet including prime rib, tamarind glazed salmon,salad bar, specials for the children including Mickey’s mac and cheese and of course some very tempting desserts. The price for dinner is $34.07 for adults and $17.03 for children. Grautity is not included.

Chef Mickey’s is one of the most popular of the character dining venues so be sure to make Advance Dining Reservations as soon as possible.

The Wave restaurant is an upscale restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Breakfast entrees start at around $10 and up and include waffles, omelets and French Toast.  Lunch offers a selction of entrees such as Seasonal Vegetable Stew, Classic Reuben Sandwich, and Italian Chef Salad all offered at around the $15 price range.  Dinner favorites include Braised Lamb Shank, Chicken Pot Pie, and Pan Seared Scallops for around $20 and upwards.

For a quick bite there is the Contempo Cafe where you can order breakfast, lunch and dinner from touch screen menus.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Recreation Facilities

One disappointing aspect of the Contemporary Resort hotel is the swimming pools – they just do not compare very well to the other monorail hotels The Grand Floridian and The Polynesian. There are two swimming pools but there is almost a complete lack of theme and really there is nothing particularly remarkable about them.  Hopefully one day Disney will address this and update them.

Picture by gelrodandjodie

But you won’t be short of things to do at the The Contemporary. There is a health club, video arcade, basketball hoops, beach volleyball, tennis courts, a playground and a sandbox

If water sports are your thing then you will be well catered for at the Contemporary. You can rent water craft from the marina and even try out water skiing.

Walt Disney World Free Dining is back again! Disney World is always a great place to stay but the free dining offer always makes it that much more tempting because of the excellent value it offers. The Disney World Free Dining Offer is now valid for stays most nights from 15th August 2010 to 21st December 2010.

So what do you need to do to qualify for Disney’s Free Dining Offer? Firstly you must book your Walt Disney World Vacation Package on or before 14th August 2010. Secondly the Disney Vacation Package must include at least a 5 night 6 day stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel and include a 6 day park ticket.

Walt Disney World has several different Dining Plans – which one you get free will depend upon the Disney Resort Hotel which you book.

If you book a Value Resort then you will get the Quick Service Dining Plan free. To get the Disney Regular Dining Plan Free you must book a Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villas Resort for your stay.

You can also upgrade your Dining Plan for the usual upgrade rate. Wine Packages are also available for an upgrade fee.

The Disney World Free Dining Discount Codes which you need are:

NF3 for Value Resorts with free Quick Service Dining
WG7 for Moderate and Deluxe Resorts with free Regular Dining

There are some block out dates and of course the Free Dining Offer is subject to availability. Free dining is available for Walt Disney World Resort Hotel stays August 15th to October 7th, October 22nd to 28th, November 12th to 18th, November 27th to December 2nd, and December 10th to December 21st.

Photo Courtesy of Samantha Decker

The Disney World Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is Disney’s flagship hotel. If you are looking for elegance and luxury then you will certainly find it in this most luxurious of Disney World’s deluxe hotel resorts. But is it the right choice for you and your family’s Disney World vacation?

The location factor is of course a big attraction. Located on the shores of Disney World’s Seven Seas Lagoon this imposing 900 room hotel could not be more convenient for a visit to Magic Kingdom. The Grand Floridian is part of the Disney monorail system so you are just a couple of minutes away from the Most Magical Place on Earth. You can even walk there if you want to! Epcot is also within easy reach on the monorail system – although you do have to change trains at the Transport and Ticket Center. All the other Walt Disney World parks and Downtown Disney are a bus ride away.

Built in the style of a turn of the century Victorian sea side resort the Grand Floridian is still distinctively Disney. The touches may be subtle but they are still there. On first sight it may seem to be a very ‘grown up’ resort but don’t let that concern you if you have kids. Families will feel very welcome here. It is a luxurious and elegant hotel with luxurious rooms, fine dining restaurants, beautiful grounds and resort facilities. But you will not feel out of place in Mickey Mouse Ears and a Goofy shirt.

Disney Grand Floridian Resort Lobby

As soon as you step into the lobby at the Disney World Grand Floridian you know that you are in a very special place. The huge and imposing lobby is 5 stories high and just magnificent. A place of calm outside of the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

Disney’s Grand Floridian resort covers over 40 acres and has a main building and five lodges with a large variety of room types. There is of course a price on luxury. Room rates at start at $410 and go upwards of $2000 a night depending on season and room type. Is the Grand Floridian worth the money? That of course depends upon many things and only you can decide that! . Most people do seem to agree that if you are looking for a very special Disney hotel experience and your budget will stretch that far then the Floridian is an excellent choice.

Disney World Grand Floridian Resort Room Choices

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has 867 rooms including 25 suites. There is a main building which houses the lobby, restaurants, shops and guests rooms all of which are concierge rooms. This main building has 5 stories. Floors 3,4 and 5 are the concierge guest rooms and are only accessible by guests of those rooms.

In addition there are 5 lodges namely, Sago Cay, Conch Cay, Sugar Loaf Key Concierge, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key.

The standard guest room is 440 square feet so a good size and most have a balcony. The dormer rooms are smaller but seem to make up for this with the vaulted ceilings, but unfortunately have smaller balconies. Many of the Grand Floridian rooms have a balcony. The standard furnishings are 2 Queen Beds. a day bed, desk and reading chair. Most accommodate 5 guests comfortably but dormer rooms only sleep up to 4.

The thing which most guests are interested in of course are the best views of Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian. Conch Key, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key have one side facing the lagoon and the other the resort pool. The best view rooms in Conch Key are 7231,7328 to 7331 and 7425 to 7431 – here you will have a great view of Magic Kingdom.

Ask for a first, second or third floor room in Boca Chica and Big Pine Key if you want a Magic Kingdom View. Sago Cay has some rooms namely 5139,5144, 5145,5142 to 5245,5342 to 5345 have a view of Cinderella’s Castle.

Other views at The Grand Floridian are pool views and garden views. Rooms to avoid?
Most are great with the exception of some garden view rooms in Big Pine Key and some in Boca Chica. which have an obstructed view.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Swimming Pool

There are two pools at the Grand Floridian Resort. The courtyard pool is at the center of the resort hotel buildings and is somewhat disappointingly lacking in theme or special features.

Disney’s Grand Floridian’s best pool is located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and has a water slide, water fall and zero entry access.

There is a beach at the side of the lagoon which is a great place to chill out and relax and also a wonderful, peaceful location to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks at night.

If you want something a little more energetic than lying on the beach then the resort has tennis courts, a fitness facility and a jogging track. You can even walk to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

The full service spa offers a vast array of excellent spa services including massage, water therapy, hand and foot treatments, facials. Whatever pampering you need you will find it at this world class spa.

If you would like a break from the kids then the Mouseketeer Club offers supervised activities for 4 to 12 year olds.

Disney World Grand Floridian Restaurants

Even if you are not staying in the Grand Floridian you may want to dine at one of it’s excellent restaurants.

Victoria and Albert’s

If you are looking for one of the ultimate fine dining experiences in Walt Disney World then you have to dine at Victoria and Alberts. It has exceptional standards of food and service and is certainly one of the best restaurants not only in Disney World but is known as one of the best in the United States If you want to splurge on a romantic dinner then Victoria and Albert’s is the perfect place. The style of cuisine is described as Modern American.

This is the only restaurant in Walt Disney World which does not allow children under 10 to dine there. The dress code is a dinner jacket for men (tie optional). Perfection of course does not come cheap! The fixed price menu is currently $125 with wine pairings an additional $60.

If you are looking for the ultimate dining experience then the Chefs Table at the Grand Floridian is an amazing experience. Dine in an alcove in the kitchen where Chef Scott Hummel will create a personal menu for you consisting of up to 13 courses paired. The cost is $200 per person with wine pairings at $90 per person.

Or choose the private dining room Queen Victoria’s Room with just 4 tables and up to 10 courses the prices are the same as for Chef’s Table.

Tax at 6.5% and a Gratuity of 20% are additional.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with many diners saying that it is the best dining experience they have ever had. This is a popular restaurant so make sure that you have your Advance Dining Reservations as soon as possible – they are available up to 180 days ahead by calling 407 939 3862. This is a different number than the usual one for reservations for Disney dining.

1900 Park Fare.

This is an excellent character buffet for breakfast and dinner. 1900 Park Fare is At breakfast you will find Mary Poppins, The Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger also make an appearance. Breakfast is served from 8.30 until 11.00. The price is $22.36 for adults and $12.77 for children aged 3 to 9 with tax and gratuity as extra. The food is good quality breakfast items with plenty of choice, from pastries to made to order omeletes, peach and white chocolate break and butter pudding to Mickey Waffles.

For dinner it is time for Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. Of course Cinderella and Prince Charming will be there with Anastasia, Drizella, Lady Tremaine, and Lucifer As will all character dining check to see which characters will be appearing that day to save disappointment! There are many choices in this buffet including pasta, prime rib, salmon,mussels, or chicken nuggets, cheese pizza and corn dogs from the children’s corner. If you have room for dessert then there is a huge selection including apple cobbler, lemon cheesecake tart and bread pudding. This is not the place to start your calorie counting!

Citricos

This is an often forgotten Walt Disney World restaurant – and it really is a hidden gem. The style of the decor is light colors with a Mediterranean feel. The cuisine is American favorites with a European influence. Seafood and steak entrees are priced in the $30 to $40 range. There is also a children’s menu for those 9 and under. It includes such child pleasing options as Mickey Pasta, Macaroni and Cheese, and even a Dalmation Chocolate Eclair.

The Grand Floridian Cafe

If you are looking for a less formal restaurant The Grand Floridian Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a very pleasant dining room overlooking the resort pool. It serves traditional American favorites with entrees from $9.99 and upwards. If you want a real treat then try the Lobster Eggs Benedict.

Narcoossee’s

This is a real treat particularly if you like lobster. Another often overlooked fine dining option Narcoossee’s is located in a separate building overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon which means you get a view of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. This restaurant is worth the splurge particularly if you love seafood. Entrees range from $33 up to $59.

Garden View Lounge

If you have always wanted to enjoy a traditional British tea then the Garden View Lounge is a rare treat.
From 2pm until 4.30 pm each day you can take tea. Here you can enjoy the true tradition of High Tea. Choose from the a la carte menu or from a selection of set offerings which include tea, sandwiches, scones and pastries. The children can enjoy Mrs Potts Tea which includes sandwiches,scones and pastries served with a drink of chocolate milk.

The Garden View Lounge also plays host to My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 10:30am – Noon. If you wallet can stretch to the $250 charge for one adult and one child this is a truly magical experience. Princess Aurora attends and Rose Petal is your hostess for this very special tea party. Your child will receive a special My Disney Girl collectible doll, bracelet, tiara, Princess scrapbook page and certificate.

Weddings at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

You can even get married or renew your vows at the Grand Floridian Resort. The beautiful wedding pavilion is located overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon with a perfect backdrop of the Magic Kingdom. A Disney wedding planner will help you plan your dream wedding. it can range from an intimate gathering of a few friends to a huge celebration putting together as many luxury one of a kind experience as you want. Disney Weddings start at $5750 and upwards (yes of course you can pay a fortune for your dreams to come true but there is no where else in the world where you can arrive in Cinderella’s Carriage)! You can even make your wedding choices in Franck’s Studio – named and modeled after the wedding planner in the movie Father of the Bride.

Photos used under Creative Commons from Kathika and Title Photo from ExpressMonorail

If you are looking for a luxury hotel with a wonderful location then you need to consider Walt Disney World Wildnerness Lodge Resort . This deluxe Walt Disney World hotel which takes it’s inspiration from the Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park has a wonderful relaxing atmosphere.

Even though you are so close to Magic Kingdom you feel as though you are in a quiet wilderness away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. You truly do seem to step into a different age as soon as you enter the resort.

Photo by Samantha Decker

Guests have a choice between the traditional hotel rooms of the Lodge and the Disney Wilderness Resort Villas. These studio, one and two bedroom villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club but can be booked by non DVC members.

The address of the Disney Wilderness Lodge 901 Timberline Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FLA 32830. The phone number is 407-824-3200 and the fax is 407-824-3232.

Photo by mrkathika

So what does the Walt Disney Wilderness Resort have to offer? Here is a guide to the best rooms, a tour around the facilities and restaurants so that you can decide if the Disney Wilderness Resort is the place for you to stay for your magical vacation.

Rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

The Wilderness Lodge has 728 rooms which are 340 square feet in size. The Lodge has the smallest sized deluxe rooms of all the Disney resorts. Expect a wonderfully themed room which will make you think that you are in a luxury log cabin. The rooms have very detailed Native American themed bedspreads and carved animals on the furniture.??

Most rooms at the Wilderness Lodge have 2 Queen sized beds, but some of the rooms have 1 Queen and 1 bunk bed. These bunk bed rooms are great for families with small children. Unfortunately you cannot request a bunk bed room. There are also a small number of rooms with a King bed. Many of the rooms do have balconies but unfortunately not all – so be sure to request a room with a balcony. As with all requests this of course cannot be guaranteed but it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Photo by caniswolfie

The bathrooms in the Wilderness Lodge have the popular configuration of the double sink vanity being outside from the bathroom with the toilet, bath and shower.

There are also some Junior Suites available. This is a great option for families and is a good alternative to the Wilderness Lodge Villas. The Junior Suites have 2 rooms with approximately 500 square feet of space. The bedroom has 2 Queen beds. The living/kitchen are has a pull out sleeper sofa. Junior Suite guests also have access to the concierge lounge Old Faithful.

If you have a very flexible budget you may want to consider the resort suites. If money is no object then the Yellowstone Presidential Suite starting at $910 and upward per night is an excellent choice for your Disney vacation.

The Villas at Wilderness Lodge offer larger accommodation which can be a great idea for families. Studios, one and two bedroom villas are available. The studios have kitchenettes and the villas have full kitchens. I am a big fan of villa accommodation as this offers families not only the chance to have much more space, but also to prepare some of their own meals. This can prove to be a big money saver and may be worth booking a villa, particularly if you have a larger family.

Photo by Samantha Decker

What are the Disney Wilderness Lodge Room Views?

There are 3 view type classifications at the Wildnerness Resort Lodge: Standard View, Wood View and Courtyard View.

As you would expect, the Standard View rooms are the least expensive. The rack rates start at around $225 to $400 per room per night plus tax depending on season. Standard view rooms generally have a view of the parking lot or over the roof of the building. However due to the excellent design of the Wilderness Lodge there really aren’t that many of these rooms and you are much more likely to get a reasonable to great view.

Woodland View rooms are an excellent option. If you can then try and get a room on the 6th floor. 6604 to 6030 have a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Strangely, the views from the 7th floor concierge rooms are not the best views. Although some do have a view of the Magic Kingdom some other non concierge rooms offer a better view. Room 7054 has an excellent view of the Magic Kingdom castle. If staying on the 7th floor then ask for a room with a Magic Kingdom view – the even numbered rooms are on this side

Most of the rooms at the Wilderness Villas have woodland views. The odd numbered villas 2351 to 2563 and 3531 to 3563 have some of the best views. The rates for the Wilderness Villas start from $315 right up to over $1300 per villa per night depending on size of villa and season.

Is concierge level at the Disney Wilderness Resort Lodge worth the extra money??

Staying at a concierge level in a Disney World deluxe hotel can be a great option. As well as the services of the concierge to assist you with anything you need during your stay, the concierge level offers a separate lounge serving drinks and snacks throughout the day.??The Old Faithful lounge is on the 7th floor. It is actually pretty small but most guests report that it doesn’t seem to get too crowded. Food is served throughout the day. If you want you can use the concierge food to save on meals at the parks – some guests certainly do this. For breakfast there is a selection of cereal,pastries,yoghurt and fruit. The daytime snacks are cookies and small snacks like goldfish. In the evening there are 2 hot items, dips, crudites,bread, crackers and cheese. Soft drinks, beer and wine are also available.

One of my favorites is dessert time in the evening! They offer cookies, brownies and a hot dessert.Room rates start at $385 per night so you are paying quite a lot more than just a standard room.

The rooms are the same as the standard non concierge rooms and many have the same views over the courtyard or woods. Guests report varied experiences with concierge staff.??Personally I have stayed at Disney hotels both on concierge and non concierge. I tend to look at the price difference between the two at the time of my stay to see if it really is worth the difference. I have a family of 5 so it can be worth it for the concierge lounge food – although these days the Disney dining plan offers such great value that this tends not to be as big of a factor any more. But if you are expecting a better room or view from concierge then you may want to think twice about your choice.

Dining at Walt Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Hotel

Artist Point restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge is one of my favorite places to dine at Disney World. The food is consistently good and the atmosphere and decor are so relaxing it it just a very special place to eat. Even if you are not staying at the resort you should consider dining at Artist’s Point.

The design of the restaurant is inspired by the historic national park lodges. Tall windows at the end of the dining room look out to the beautiful landscape of the resort with a view of the lake and waterfall. ??Enjoy Artist Point signature dish Cedar Plank Roasted Pacific King Salmon with roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, smoked pork belly, and honey-truffle brown butter. Their entrees are exceptional and include buffalo steak,grilled pork chop and seared scallops. Entrees start at $20 up to $42. Don’t forget to try one of the signature desserts such as Artist Point Cobbler.

Whispering Canyon Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is located just off the lobby. It is a lot of fun,particularly for families. Each table has a lazy susan in the middle where your food is placed. You can order a la carte but the family style skillet meals are popular and a good value. Breakfast serves typical favorites like waffles,omelet and the good value Canyon Skillet. Lunch offerings include sandwiches and burgers. Dinner favorites are meatloaf,roast chicken and grilled rib eye.

??The Whispering Canyon is a lively and often noisy place. Some of the guest rooms in the main building get some noise from the restaurant and guests can find this annoying. In particular if you want to sleep past 8am then you need to request a room away from this area.

The Roaring Fork is counter service with a good selection of breakfast favorites, sandwiches,burgers and pizza.

Recreation at Disney’s Wilderness Resort

Photo by mrkathika

The Wilderness has 2 resort swimming pools. The main pool actually begins in the lobby! Right there in the hotel lobby there is a bubbling geyser which runs outside to Sliver Creek Falls and finally into the pool. There is a water slide and a children’s pool. This pool does get pretty busy at times, but there is an alternative quieter pool where you can get away from the noise if you want to.

There are plenty of ways to be active at the Wilderness Resort. Work out at the Sturdy Branches health club,enjoy a one mile run on the trail to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground or rent a bike.

Wilderness Resort is one of the most relaxing resorts too – you have to experience it to realize just how reminiscent of those great lodges of the National Parks it is. One of my favorite things to do is to escape the excitement of the theme parks and just relax on the beach at Bay Lake.

The Wilderness Lodge is of course situated right there on the shores of Bay Lake so you can enjoy some water pursuits too. You can rent water craft or take a fishing trip

If the children still have some energy left from a day at Disney World there is a playground open 24 hours a day. If parents want a break then they can sign up their kids aged 4 to 12 for the supervised activities at Cub’s Den.

You may also want to sign up for the free tour around the resort – Wonders of the Lodge. The tour gives an insight into the design, architecture, landscaping and art work in the hotel. The tour starts at 9am on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Walt Disney Wilderness Lodge Transportation

One of the advantages of staying at a Disney hotel is that if you are just visiting the theme parks then you do not need to rent a car because you can use the free Disney transportation system.

Photo by mrkathika

The Wilderness Lodge’s location on Bay Lake means that one way to get to Magic Kingdom is to take the boat from the hotel dock. You can also take a bus to Magic Kingdom and all the other Disney parks.Most of the time there is not that long of a wait for a bus. There are buses to take you to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The bus to Animal Kingdom also stops at Blizzard Beach. Buses to Downtown Disney start running at 4pm. The Wilderness Lodge buses also stop at the Polynesian and the Floridian resort hotels.

Weddings at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

IF you are dreaming of a Walt Disney World Wedding you can get married at this lovely location in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Sunrise Terrace at Wilderness Lodge gives a beautiful view of Disney’s Bay Lake. Escape Weddings at Wilderness Lodge Sunrise Terrace start at $4500 with the amenity package.

Walt Disney World has just announced a great room only discount special offer to get 2010 off to a great start. You can save up to 45% on a room when you book a stay at Walt Disney World Resort for 2010.

Book between now and March 27th for savings on dates from 1st January to 3rd June 2010.

Here are some examples of the savings you can make.

Save up to 30% on a select Disney Value Resort room rate when you stay for 5 nights or more Jan. 1-3, Jan. 10-11, Jan. 18 – Feb. 9, Feb. 15 – March 27 and April 11 – June 3, 2010.

Book for as little as $74 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays of 5 nights or more most nights Sunday through Thursday April 11 – June 3, 2010. Plus, there are more great savings at other resort categories.

Here are some examples of the Walt Disney World resort discounts available:

For a 5-night stay or longer:

35% savings at Disney Moderate Resorts – Rates start at $111 per night for a standard room for stays most nights Sunday through Thursday April 11 – June 3, 2010.

40% savings at Disney Deluxe Resorts – Rates start as low as $180 per night in a standard room for stays most nights Sunday through Thursday April 11 – June 3, 2010.

45% savings at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts – Get a great deal from $182 per night, plus tax in a studio room for stays most nights April 11 – June 3, 2010.

For Shorter Stays of 1 to 4 Nights

25% savings at Disney Value Resorts – Available deals start as low as $79 per night standard room for stays most nights Sunday through Thursday April 11 – June 3, 2010.

30% savings at Disney Moderate Resorts – Book for as little as $119 per night in a standard room for stays most nights Sunday through Thursday April 11 – June 3, 2010.

35% savings at Disney Deluxe Resorts – Get a special rate from $195 per night in a standard room for stays most nights Sunday through Thursday April 11 – June 3, 2010.

40% savings at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts – Book a deluxe villa room starting at $198 per night for a studio room for stays most nights April 11 – June 3, 2010.

All rates are plus tax and are subject to availability.

Disney World is also offering savings on stays at their Resort hotels most nights Jan. 10-11, Jan. 18 – March 27.

Want to get the right discount Disney World deal for your family? Contact Us at EverythingMouse for free advice and Disney Travel Planning.

Photo Credit armadillo444

If you are looking for a very special luxury Disney World resort hotel then you really should consider Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. A stay at this unique resort is definitely something very special. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is located adjacent to the Animal Kingdom theme park. Step inside the lobby and you will feel as though you have been transported to a luxury safari lodge on the African continent.

The best thing about the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge? The wildlife! This deluxe Disney hotel is set in a 40 acre savanna where over
200 species of animals and birds roam freely. There are animals, which include giraffe, zebra, ostrich, impala and wildebeest, to be seen throughout the resort.

If you choose a Savanna view room (and you really should if you can) then you can wake up, step out on your balcony and view the giraffes. No other resort in North America offers you this unique experience.

Photo Credit the-consortium

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort is their newest deluxe resort The hotel was built in 2001. The resort has seen some recent expansion. The new Animal Kingdom Villas comprise Kidani Village and The Jambo House which offer villa style accommodation and are part of the Disney Vacation Club but are open for booking by all guests.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms

How do you choose the best rooms in Animal Kingdom Lodge? There are 1,293 guest rooms most of which are 344 square feet in size. Most have full balconies. The deluxe rooms are larger in size and there are some suites available.

The majority of rooms are standard rooms. These are located on floors 1 to 4. Standard rooms have either 2 Queen beds, a King bed or 1 Queen and a bunk bed. There are also a number of rooms which are wheelchair accessible King rooms. Each room accommodates up to 5 people. The bunk bed rooms are a lot of fun for those with young children.

Photo Credit rharkness

Deluxe rooms are the same configuration as the standard rooms but are larger at 381 square feet. They are located on floors 5 and 6. All deluxe rooms are concierge rooms.

The bathrooms in Animal Kingdom Lodge are of a split design so there is a sink and vanity outside the bathroom. One common complaint about the rooms is that they are not very well lit. If a lighted mirror is important to you then best bring one from home!

Photo Credit dingman

The most important thing about your choice of Animal Kingdom Lodge room is your choice of view. Usually I advise guests to think very carefully if the upgrade price of a view room in an hotel is really worth it to them. But in the Animal Kingdom Lodge I really do think that you will get so much more out of the experience if you choose a savannah view. It is so much part of the experience that if you can afford the upgrade then go for it!

Photo Credit tcarter81

There are 135 Standard View Rooms. These have a view of the parking lot and of course are the lowest priced rooms available. There are also 136 Pool View Rooms. The pool area is very attractive and beautifully landscaped. It can of course get a little noisy at busy times.

The majority of the rooms, at 724, are Savanna View Rooms. Disney of course designed the building to make maximum use of the unique animal viewing opportunities at this resort. There are also 191 Deluxe Savanna View Rooms and 55 Concierge Rooms (both pool and savannah view).

If you really want to treat yourself then the Presidential and Vice Presidential Suites are available, as well as 5 one bedroom suites and 12 two bedroom suites.

If you choose a Savanna Room then the general opinion is that the views from the 3rd and 4th floor rooms are the best. Also remember that the Lodge is set around 3 separate savannas – Sunset, Arusha and Uzima – and not all of them have the same animals. I always request the Sunset savanna as this is the only one with zebras. Fortunately all 3 of the savannas have giraffe. These truly amazing animals are visible from all areas of the resort.

You can request a room located on a particular floor or savanna – but remember always that requests are not guaranteed.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge has many viewing areas from which to see the animals – so it isn’t just those guests staying in the savanna rooms who have this privilege. There are both inside and outside viewing areas. There are comfortable rocking chairs located on outside viewing areas – a favorite place to sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine. This being Disney you would also expect a little magic. At night time the Savanna area lit as though it is full moon every night.

How much do rooms cost at Animal Kingdom Lodge? A standard view room starts from $240 per night rising to around $400 at Holiday Season. Standard Savanna view rooms start at around $290 to $465 per night. Bunk bed rooms are priced slightly higher.

Deluxe pool view rooms start at $310 and rise to almost $500 a night at peak time. Deluxe savanna view rooms start priced at $360 rising to $560. Again, bunk bed rooms are higher priced.

Deluxe concierge level rooms pricing starts at $465 and rises to around $700.

One bedroom suites rates start at $700 to over $1000 a night. Two bedrooms range from $1250 to $1800.

If you want to book the Royal Kuba Vice Presidential Suite then the price range is around $2000 to $2500 a night. For the ultimate Royal Assante Presidential Suite then get your credit card ready to take some serious stress and spend around $2200 to $2900 a night.

All rates are subject to change and do not include tax. To get up to date and free Disney travel planning advice about the best rooms and deals available then Contact Us For Free Planning Advice.

Where are the Best Rooms in Animal Kingdom Located? 

To answer this question you first need to have an idea of the resort layout of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

You will enter the resort on the 3rd Floor into the huge breathtaking lobby. The 4 guest room wings are each 5 stories high and fan out from the lobby building. Surrounding these ‘wings’ are the savannas.

The Zebra Trail and Kudo Trail wings offer the most attractive and best views. The best savanna views are on the Kudo and Zebra Trails facing the interior savannas. Exterior room views are good but generally not quite so good as the interior.

Pool views are offered by some of the outside facing Zebra Trail and Giraffe Trail rooms.

Photo Credit mrkathika

The Ostrich Trail and Giraffe Trail rooms are perhaps the least desirable wings as well as being the smallest. Some rooms on the Ostrich Trail overlook a small Savanna but many overlook the entrance. Some Giraffe Trail rooms overlook the pool but most have a view of the entrance instead.

Which floor is the best? General opinion seems to be that the 3rd and 4th floor rooms have the best views of the savanna.

As the view is a very crucial part of your stay it is worth doing your research and requesting a room on a particular part of the Lodge. Requests are not guaranteed but it does cut down the risk that you will be allocated a room that you are not quite happy with. This really is something which your Disney Travel Agent can help you with. The right room can make a big difference.

Photo Credit stevesheriw

What does Animal Kindgom Lodge Concierge level offer?

The Kilimanjaro Club lounge is for the exclusive use of concierge and suite guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is located on the 5th floor of the Lodge. Strangely the resort was designed so that the lounge does not have a view of the savannas – an unusual planning quirk for Disney.

You will find helpful concierge staff in The Kilimanjaro Club who can arrange tours, dining reservations and answer any questions that you may have. The Club also serves snacks and beverages throughout the day. A selection of beer and South African wine are available in the evening from 5pm to 7pm with appetizers from Boma and Jiko. The standard of the food and beverages is high and certainly well worth taking advantage of if you are staying on concierge level.

Photo Credit steve-stevens

A major benefit of concierge level at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is that you have exclusive access to the Sunrise and Sunset Safari. Many would say that for this alone it is worth upgrading to concierge at Animal Kingdom Lodge. These safaris are separately priced and must be booked ahead of time as they are very popular. You will experience a safari ride within the savannas – your real chance to get up close to the animals. If you are able to book this experience then it is highly recommended – many say that this is highlight of their vacation.

In my opinion it is worth upgrading to concierge level if you can. I have stayed in many hotels both in standard and concierge level and probably the best value for the money was in Animal Kingdom Lodge. The food is excellent and it is worth it for that alone. But add in the Safari experiences open only to concierge guests and you really do have a winning package worth the splurge.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Recreation

The Animal Kingdom Lodge has one swimming pool – the Uzima Springs pool which at 11,000 square feet is the largest swimming pool at a Disney World hotel. It has a 67 foot water slide, zero depth entry and kids wading pool. There are also 2 hot tubs located away from the pool in secluded, usually quieter areas. The main pool does get very crowded at busy times and unfortunately there is no ‘quiet’ pool for those preferring a bit of relaxation.

Photo Credit stevesheriw

The Lodge has a fitness center. There is also a child’s playground area located near to the swimming pool.

Children have an activity center – Simba’s Clubhouse. This supervised activity facility is for children aged 4 to 12 years old. Reservations can be made in advance by calling 407 WDW DINE.

One of the great things about Animal Kingdom Lodge is the wide variety of activities which it offers. Some are even free like the flamingo feeding,night vision animal watching over the savanna,safari games, cookie making at Boma and music of the Savanna in the Sunset Lounge.

There is plenty for all the family to enjoy – check out the daily bulletin which will be delivered to your room each day, or the posted schedule in the lobby.

Bush Camp is now available to all children aged 6 to 14. This Camp runs every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. Bush Camp offers children the opportunity to learn about African culture and the animals of the lodge through play, organized games and activities. Advance reservations are required by calling 407 WDW PLAY. The cost is $70 plus tax.

Some of the best experiences are reserved exclusively for concierge guests – The Sunrise Safari Adventure Breakfast and the Sunset or Wanyama Safari. Each event can only be booked by contacting the Animal Kingdom Lodge Itinerary Planning Office up to 180 days in advance.

The Sunrise Safari Adventure Breakfast is available only on a Sunday or Thursday. The best way to describe this is a private Kilimanjaro Safari ride tour. You will be taken to the Animal Kingdom Park from the Lodge at 7.30 am after meeting in the concierge lounge at 6.30am. You will board your own private safari vehicle and be taken on a tour of the safari track with plenty of chances to see the animals. There are numerous chances to get some great photos of this unforgettable experience. This is a unique chance to see the animals up close without having to hurry – the tour lasts around 45 minutes. Being early in the morning many of the animals are at their most active so be prepared for some unique chances to see the animals.

After the safari you will be taken to the Tusker House restaurant for a breakfast buffet. You are then given a special Fast Pass so that you can return to Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Regular park admission is not included with this safari – so you must have a separate Disney ticket to the park too.

The cost of the Sunrise Safari is $55 for adults and $27.50 for children aged 3 to 9. You make the booking with a credit card guarantee so if you want to cancel then you must remember to do this 48 hours ahead or you will be charged.

Is the Sunrise Safari worth the expense? Many guests say that this is their favorite part of the whole vacation so if you are a concierge guest is really is well worth considering.

The Sunset Safari is also only for concierge guests. The Safari departs from Porte Cochere at the Lodge every Monday, Wednesday and Friday approximately 90 minutes before sunset. This is as close to a true safari experience as you will get outside of traveling to Africa. There is plenty of time on this 90 minute experience to observe and learn about the animals who live at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You will get some amazing photos.

Guests must be at least 8 years old and this experience is limited to just 8 people for each safari. It is popular so be sure to book well ahead

At $150 for adults and $75 for children aged 8 and 9 the Sunset Safari doesn’t come cheap – but guest reviews are very positive. The Sunset Safari also includes dinner at Jiko which in my view is one of the very best restaurants in Walt Disney World. If you get the chance this really is one of those ‘not to be missed’ Disney World experiences.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Transportation 

As a guest of Walt Disney World resort you will of course have access to the free transportation system which connects the parks and resorts.

Want to know the main drawback to the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Location.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is located right next to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But there is no walk way so you even have to take a bus to get to the closest park.

Disney transportation has 3 modes of transport: buses, boats and the monorail. Disney’s Animal Kingdom resort is part of the bus transportation system. To be honest the buses can be slow and rather inefficient. This is the only Disney resort where I would say that a car is almost essential. You can of course use the buses but you may be frustrated by your journey times.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants.

This is another category in which the Lodge really excels – dining.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has 2 of my very favorite Disney World restaurants – Jiko and Boma.
When I first started writing about Disney I was reluctant to ever disclose my favorite Disney restaurant for fear that it would stop being the best kept secret! Unfortunately I was right to keep it quiet. This Disney World dining secret now seems to be out. Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge has increased in popularity in recent years and it can be difficult to get a table. If you want to dine at Boma make Advance Dining Reservations by calling 407 WDW DINE.

Photo credit frameanddried

For all of you who think that you can’t have quality food at a buffet restaurant then Boma may force you to rethink. Boma serves a buffet breakfast and dinner each day. Whilst breakfast is good I would suggest dinner for a very special treat.

The breakfast buffet at Boma is $18.99 for adults and $10.99 for children (aged 3-9). Dinner is $30.99 for adults and $14.99 for children. Tax and Gratuity are not included.

The food at Boma is a little difficult to describe. It has African influences and this is a cuisine which is a little different from that we are all used to. The menu changes daily but my favorites are the soups and the couscous and the hummous dips. There is plenty of choice of hot entrees including carved meats and fresh salmon. Boma has lots of salads and fresh fruit too. For the younger members of the family there is a special buffet with the usual favorites of mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. So don’t worry that the kids won’t find anything to eat. The desserts are also a big favorite of mine. You have to try out the Zebra Domes.

Jiko – The Cooking Place is a full service fine dining restaurant that is one of the very best in Walt Disney World. Jiko is a truly family friendly fine dining experience. Jiko serves dinner only in a beautiful African themed setting. The dining room is inspired by the opening scenes of Disney’s The Lion King. You will be shown to your table by an exchange program student from Africa who are at Disney as part of a year long cultural exchange program. The waiters at Jiko are exceptional and many are trained sommeliers who will help guide you around the exclusively South African wine list.

The flatbreads are a specialty and definitely worth trying. Entrees range from around $30 and upwards. Great options include Swahili Curry Shrimp, Maize Crusted Halibut and Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon.

If you just need a quick snack at The Animal Kingdom Lodge then Mara is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This counter service restaurant offers the usual favorites – waffles, pizza and burgers. It is located just next to the pool and there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers Uzima Springs pool bar and Victoria Falls Lounge bar.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge now offers villa accommodation in the original resort building Jamba House and the newly built Kidani Lodge. The villas are part of Disney’s Vacation Club but are open to be booked by any guests.

Disney’s deluxe resort villas are a great option for guests looking for luxury spacious accommodation which offer kitchenettes or even full size kitchens with multiple bedrooms. The Disney villas can be an ideal vacation option for families in particular. They offer space and convenience in the very best Disney resorts.

The main building of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Jambo House, is where you will find 216 villas which are located on the 5th and 6th floors of the building.

There are a number of villa options in the Jambo House. Choose from a Studio, One Bedroom Villa, Two Bedroom Villa or Three Bedroom Villa. The Villas have a kitchen and the Studios have a kitchenette. The different views options are just the same as the Lodge hotel rooms with Standard (the parking lot), Pool View and Savanna all being available. Guests also have the option of Concierge Club level for the Studios and Villas. The price? Of course they vary between dates and villa types but they can be a great value if you have a larger party. Check with us for specific pricing for your dates.

Photo Credit auntie-rain

The newest villas and studios are located in the Kidani Village which has 492 new units. The choice is of Studios, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom and Three Bedroom Grand Villas. The view choices are Standard and Savanna Views.

Kidani Villas is a breand new part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and has it’s own savanna. Guests can use any of the facilities of The Animal Kingdom Lodge but Kidani Village also offers some new amenities. The Village has a 4,700 square foot zero depth entry swimming pool complete with a 128 foot water slide. Adjacent to the pool are 2 hot tubs and a new Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center. The new Uwanja Camp is a 4200 square foot interactive water play area for children and teens. You will also find a half Basketball Court, 2 Tennis Courts and a Video Arcade Center.

Guests of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House and Kidani Village will be able to use the facilities of both locations – you can easily walk to each part of the resort on the outdoor walking path.

How Do I Know If Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Right Choice?

The best way to decide on which is the best Disney World hotel for you is to look at all the great options open to you. This is why I will be writing a series about all the Disney World hotels. If you want help in deciding which is the best Disney World hotel for your next vacation then just Contact Me and I will be happy to help!

Title photo credit afagen

It may be the most magical time of the year but Christmas time is also one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World. So should you even be considering a Disney vacation at Christmas? Many would say that the answer is a definite yes! Yes the lines may be long and the parks sometimes full to capacity but many guests feel that the magic of Disney at Christmas is worth joining the crowds.

There are so many special displays and events in Disney World at Holiday time that any visit is going to be extra special. Look out for special parades at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Or if you are there in the time before Christmas week consider if Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would be a good choice.

Photo courtesy joe penniston

As always with a Disney vacation a little planning goes a long way. This is even more important at this special time of year. In particular if you want to dine at a Disney restaurant you may make Advance Dining Reservations. At the moment you can only do this 90 days in advance but this is set to chance on 27th October 2009 to as far in advance as 180 days. Disney resort guests have an advantage as they can make reservations for up to 10 days of their stay. To make an Advance Dining Reservation call 407 WDW DINE or book online with Disney. Gone seem to be the days when you could leave your dining plans to the last moment. Restaurants do get booked up well in advance so make your reservations as far ahead as you can.

Disney World operates Holiday Prices (that is of course increased pricing) for the season from 16th December until 3rd January. So you may find your meals costing a little more than usual. Always check when you make your Advance Dining Reservations.

Photo courtesy of amandaB3



The parking lots do reach capacity at Disney World at Christmas and New Year so you really do need to arrive early. If you can then arrive before opening time to be sure you will get in. They will also close the parks if they reach capacity – yes it really does happen. I know this from personal experience one Christmas time and it was not a magical moment! For this reason it is better not to consider park hopping at these busy times. You may leave one park and then find you can’t get into another! This applies to all Disney guests even those staying in the resorts. If they have reached capacity fire codes dictate that no more guests can get into the parks.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Photo Courtesy of steve-stevens

You may have heard of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and wondered if it was worth the extra expense.This is a separately ticketed Disney event held every year on select nights in the run up to Christmas. So you need to buy a separate ticket for this event specifically for the Very Merry Christmas Party.

Tickets go on sale early each year and many dates sell out. Whilst this is a wonderful and very popular event, guests should be aware that Mickey’s Christmas Party is very popular and it can get pretty crowded. So don’t go expecting lines to be shorter as more often than not the waits for the rides can be pretty long. But do go if you want the great Christmas events and atmosphere.

Most guests say that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a good bet if you are visiting before Christmas and want to get into the Holiday mood.

The 2009 tickets are now on sale – get them early as they do sell out. 

Dates for 2009 are:



November 10th

November 12th

November 13th

November 17th

November 19th

November 20th

November 29th


December 1st

December 4th

December 6th

December 8th

December 9th

December 10th

December 11th

December 13th

December 15th

December 17th

December 18th



 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts at 7pm and closes at midnight. Officially you can’t enter Magic Kingdom prior to 7pm with just the party ticket but some guests have reported in previous years that they have got in earlier than that. But don’t plan on it!



ADVANCE PURCHASE: Adults: $55.38; Children 3-9 $48.99 (not available Nov 29, Dec 4, 11, 17-18)

DAY OF EVENT (IF AVAILABLE): Adults $62.84; Children 3-9 $56.45

ANNUAL PASSHOLDER AND DVC DISCOUNTS: Adults $52.19; Children 3-9 $45.80 available only for the following dates: Nov 10, 12, 13, 17, 19; Dec 6, 8



If you have a particular day in mind then buy your tickets as early as possible as some dates, particularly those closer to Christmas and at weekends, do sell out. Of course you can expect those dates to be pretty crowded too so perhaps it is best if you go expecting the party spirit but with long lines for the rides.



Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth it? Well most guests agree that it is as it gives you the chance to get that wonderful Holiday atmosphere in the build up to Christmas. Disney World is a very special place to be at Christmas.

But if you are going to be at Disney for the days just prior to Christmas right up to New Years Eve as well then you will get all of the benefits of the parade,fireworks, snow on Main Street as part of your regular Magic Kingdom Admission.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights

Photo Courtesy of dreamagicjp

The amazing Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights event is held every year at Disney Hollywood Studios. In 2009 it will run November 10 2009 to January 3 2010 which is slightly longer than in previous years.

This particular Disney Christmas tradition has an interesting story. Since 1995 the Osborne Family Lights have been lighting up the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The story begins with Jennings Osborne, a Little Rock, Arkansas, businessman who put up Christmas lights for his young daughter. Over the years the display got big. Well huge really. Mr Osborne bought the 2 homes next door for his amazing display which consisted of 3 million lights! The neighbors didn’t share his enthusiasm for the lights and took him to court. The Arkansas Supreme Court declared them a public nuisance and he was fined and given a suspended jail sentence.

Disney World stepped in to rescue the Osborne Family lights which have been displayed at Disney Hollywood Studios ever since.

The display now has 5 million lights, and 66 snow machines! They were renamed the Dancing Lights in 2006 – some of the lights are now animated and appear to ‘dance’ to the music!



The display is free as part of your admission to Disney Hollywood Studios. They are located in the Streets of America backlot and each night there is a lighting ceremony. The display will start on November 10th and run to Jan 3rd.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights have become a favorite Christmas tradition for Disney World and are well worth a visit. Be sure to check them out if you are visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Christmas and New Year.

Disney Christmas Decorations

Disney certainly knows how to decorate for Christmas! Each park has a huge Christmas tree with it’s own individual theme. The Christmas tree at EPCOT, just over the bridge of the entrance to World Showcase, has presents representing all the nations included in EPCOT.



Decorations usually start going up in the park by mid November at the time that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts. So this year they should be starting around 10th November to appear in the parks. Much of the work is done at night so of course the results seem to magically appear in the morning when you arrive at the park.

It a great time to visit from this time onwards as the decorations for Christmas make Disney an even more magical place! If you can possibly visit the first 2 weeks of December, following Thanksgiving, then you will find crowds and relatively light. You get all the benefit of the Christmas decorations without the long lines of the Holiday Season.


There is a short Christmas tree lighting ceremony each day at 6pm in EPCOT. Christmas time at EPCOT is a particularly magical time.
Each of the World Showcase countries has it’s own Christmas celebration which runs from November 30th to December 30th. Each country has it’s own storyteller who will give you an insight into their heritage and Holiday celebrations. Make sure that you stop by the beautiful Christmas shop in the German pavillion which is full of amazing decorations for the Holidays.

Epcot Candlelight Processional

Photo Courtesy of amandaB3

A spectacular event of mass choir and orchestra held in EPCOT’s America Garden’s Theater just in front of the USA pavillion in the World Showcase.

The Candlelight Processional is free on a first come first served basis as there is limited seating in this undercover, but outdoor venue. If you can’t get a seat then it can be a good idea just to stand at the back for a while and listen to this spectacular event. It can get a little cold at that time of year so try a hot chocolate drink to get into the spirit of Christmas!

The Candlelight Processional begins on November 27th and ends on December 30th 2009. The scheduled guest narrators for this year are:

27th to 29th November – Isabella Rossellini
30th November to 2nd December – John O’Hurley
3rd December to 5th December – Steven Curtis Chapman
6th December to 8th December – Anika Noni Rose
9th December to 11th December – Andy Garcia
12th December to 14th December – Vanessa Williams
15th December to 17th December – Abigail Breslin
18th December to 20th December – Whoopi Goldberg
21st December to 23rd December – Briand Dennehy
24th December to 26th December – Edward James Olmos
27th December to 30th December – Angela Bassett and Courney Vance

If you do want to reserve seating then a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package is available by calling 407 WDW DINE or by booking online.

The Theater is small and it is often difficult to get a seat – so the only way to guarantee a seat is by booking the Package which also includes access to a preferred viewing area for Illuminations Reflections of Earth.



Seating in the Theater for the dining package is in 3 different tiers according to which restaurant you choose. You eat your dinner before the Candlelight Processional and reservations are available in all the World Showcase restaurants. Prices vary according to which one you choose. The prices range from $32.99 to $51.99 for lunch for adults or $44.99 to $58.99 for dinner. Child places are available at discounted rates. If you have the Disney Dining Plan you can use two of your credits for the Candlelight Processional Package.

Disney Resort Hotels at Christmas

Photo Courtesy of tcarter81

It can be a lot of fun to spend some time in a Disney resort hotel at Christmas – even if you are not a guest there. Every hotel has wonderful decorations. One of my favorite places to visit is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa which has a huge tree in the lobby which has to be seen to be believed. And look out for the Gingerbread House too – a Disney chef Holiday tradition.