Tag Archives: Walt Disney World Resorts

Fort Wilderness Adventures

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RM-Fort-Wilderness-Sign2First of all, I’d like to formally apologize to Fort Wilderness fans.  I’ve raved about the Hoop Dee Doo and shared Barbie and Nick’s experience in a Fort Wilderness Cabin, but I’d never taken the time to visit and explore Fort Wilderness until recently…and for that, I’m sorry.  I never realized what a remarkable, fantastic, unique and FUN place Fort Wilderness is – so different from the other Disney World Resort properties, yet possessing every bit of that Disney magic that we know and love.

What prompted us to finally visit Fort Wilderness for a look around?  Our second day of being stranded at Walt Disney World by winter weather at home.  On the first day, we decided to make the most of our One More Disney Day with action-packed park fun.  When cancelled flights meant yet another opportunity to play, we decided to do something we’d heard about, but had never made time for.  I’d long thought the off-road Segway adventure at Fort Wilderness would be great fun – this extra day was the right time to give it a try.RM-Boat-to-Fort-Wilderness

A wonderful Cast Member at Bay Lake Tower’s front desk helped us book our Wilderness Back Trail Adventure.  We didn’t have much time to spare, so we grabbed some breakfast at the Contempo Café and made our way to the Contemporary’s boat dock.  Captain Howard was just getting ready to make the crossing to Fort Wilderness, so we hopped aboard and enjoyed being the only passengers on this particular cruise.  If you need a break from a busy day at Magic Kingdom, I strongly recommend walking or catching the monorail to the Contemporary and taking a leisurely boat ride on Bay Lake.  So relaxing!!!

Once we’d bid Captain Howard goodbye, we needed to figure out how to get to the “Bike Barn” – home to our Segway adventure.  Fort Wilderness is HUGE!  So large, in fact, that the resort relies heavily on an internal bus system and a brisk golf cart rental business to move guests throughout the resort.  RM-Fort-Wilderness-Map1We found the bus we needed (could take Orange or Yellow to reach the stop near the Bike Barn) and hopped on.  Arriving at our stop, we stepped down and were completely and totally charmed.  Amid the very heart of Walt Disney World’s hustle and bustle is a wilderness oasis.RM-Fort-Wilderness-Grounds2RM-Fort-Wilderness-SquirrelTrees dripping with Spanish moss, waterways made for leisurely canoe-paddled explorations, a wonderful pool and recreational areas full of a variety of entertainment choices.  How did we not know what Fort Wilderness had to offer before now!?!?!  On our way to the Bike Barn, we checked out the pool, the paths, and waterways.RM-Fort-Wilderness-Waterway2 RM-Fort-Wilderness-Waterway1 RM-Fort-Wilderness-Pool1 RM-Fort-Wilderness-Pool2It was quiet, but kids were roller skating, guests were out for a stroll or a bike ride; the overall atmosphere was one of the relaxed recreation of a summer camp.RM-Fort-Wilderness-Sign3RM-Fort-Wilderness-Fishin'-Sign

At the Bike Barn, we filled out some paperwork for our Segway tour and found we had about 45 minutes to continue our explorations before it was time to meet our guides.  RM-Fort-Wilderness-Bike-Barn RM-Fort-Wilderness-Bike-Barn-Activities-MenuWe noticed guests could rent carts, kayaks, canoes, bicycles, and book guided fishing tours – Fort Wilderness offers visitors a lot of alternatives to spending time in the parks!  The outdoor theater is surely a popular place in the evenings.  Guests can join Chip and Dale for an evening around the campfire that includes refreshments and a movie.  (Details here.)RM-Fort-Wilderness-TerminusThis, among some of the other activities Fort Wilderness offers, is one I absolutely want to try in the future.  Never one to pass up an opportunity to shop, we stopped in at the Meadow Trading Post for a look around.  RM-Fort-Wilderness-Meadow-Trading-Post RM-Fort-Wilderness-Meadow-Trading-Post-InteriorAgain, like everything else at this resort, we found a unique and different experience.  This was not the average cookie-cutter store that has become typical at so many Disney World resorts.  The Trading Post was stocked with a great selection of themed merchandise arranged in clever displays.RM-Fort-Wilderness-Mugs RM-Fort-Wilderness-Hat-Shopping RM-Fort-Wilderness-ShirtsOf course I wanted to try on some of the hats and do some pin trading with the Cast Members at the checkout counter.  RM-Fort-Wilderness-Ranger-HatBefore long, it was time to head back to the Bike Barn and set off on an even bigger adventure.  I’ll be back to give a review and tell you all the details of the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure one day soon.

Are you a Fort Wilderness fan?  What’s your favorite thing to do there?

Polynesian Village Bora Bora Bungle-Oh’s

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Polynesian-Great-Ceremonial-House-SignDon’t fret!  This post is not a negative one about the new DVC accommodations at the Polynesian Village Resort (aka the Poly).  I just needed a snappy title.  The Disney fan world is all a Twitter (see what I did there?) about what the pricing will be for the water-front Bora Bora Bungalows.  It’s going to be steep!  Like way out of my price-range.  Sounds like, in order to stay in a Bungalow, you need to be rich.  I’m talking Arabian-prince-oil-tycoon-old-money rich.  Not going to lie – when my ship comes in, if it’s not a garbage barge, I would want to stay in one of those Bora Bora Bungalows…but….

To justify the price, I’d need certain, shall we say, ancillary perks to actually make me feel The-Fam-Polynesian-Vacationlike I was getting my money’s worth.  See, according to what I’ve heard, staying a single night in one of these enormous (1650 square feet including deck) luxury, over-the-water buildings will cost me between $2100 and $3000 depending on when I travel.  That’s right – I said ONE NIGHT will cost me thousands of dollars!  I like the Poly well enough – love the history, the ambiance, the restaurants, that it’s original and on the monorail loop, but let’s be completely serious – I’m not even remotely interested in staying in a “room” at Walt Disney World for thousands of dollars a night…unless…

Here are the FIVE things I’d have to have in a Bora Bora Bungalow at the Polynesian to pay the going rate:

1.  A Butler – Okay, maybe not a butler 100% of the time, but when I’m in my thousands-of-dollars-a-night place, I want someone at my beck and call that will take care of any unpacking, cleaning up, clothes pressing, laundry needs – anything I may want at any time.

2. Concierge Service that would get me ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations), FP+ (FastPass+) bookings, tickets to Cirque de Soleil La Nouba (or any other show in the Orlando area), help me with transportation, medical emergencies, etc.

3. The “Plunge Pool” had better be full of miracle water – It’s called a “plunge pool”, not a hot tub.  I’m paying a fortune to stay in a room that sleeps up to eight – we’d all better fit comfortably with no awkward invasion of personal space in these oddly-named, under-detailed containers-of-water or I’m going to be irked.  When I exit said pool, I want to feel refreshed while looking both younger, taller, and thinner.

4. Massage Chair with Foot Massage – I want the latest technology.  I want to be able to recline RM-Mickey-Pretzelin a massage chair while soaking my aching feet in a warm, soothing foot-bath that also massages my feet.  When I get up, I want to be re-energized and rejuvenated – completely ready for the next day’s adventures.

5. Food!  At that price, I ought to be entitled to all-I-care-to-eat room service when I’m enjoying the comfort of my room.  I also feel a fully stocked mini/snack bar is in order (for no additional charge).  I’m paying for a front row seat to Wishes across the lagoon and I want whatever snacks, beverages, and desserts I choose…delivered to me by my butler.

Will you pay the price to stay in the new Bora Bora Bungalows?  What would you want for the cost?

Disney’s Grand Floridian – 5 Great Things

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Disney's Grand FloridianOne of the best things about vacationing at Walt Disney World is the unbelievable selection of accommodations!  Where else on Earth can you visit Saratoga, Key West, Polynesia, New Orleans, the Caribbean, a National Park or an African savannah – all in a single location!  There is literally a place for every person’s taste and style from campsites to ultra-modern luxury.  How great is that?!?

If early 20th Century Victorian is your thing, you’ve got to love the Grand Floridian!  Romantic, charming, and brimming with delightful Disney details and whimsical touches, the Grand Floridian offers guests the perfect retreat from the busy and crowded parks – a place to relax in undeniably elegant style.Lobby of the Grand Floridian

The Lobby – One of the most stunning to be found!  Soaring ceilings, intricate details, ornate birdcages, spectacular floral arrangements…and music!  The Grand Floridian Lobby Society Orchestra – Yes!  I said Orchestra!!!  The tunes they play are anything but ordinary – you’ll hear ragtime, jazz, Dixie melodies, and familiar Disney tunes.  This special detail is one of the very best reasons to visit the Grand Floridian.

Shops in Disney's Grand FloridianThe Shops – Stroll among the Grand Floridian’s shops and find both the familiar and unique.  The usual sundries and souvenirs are available (Sandy Cove Gift and Sundry Shop) and so much more!  There’s a Basin White store for bath and beauty, the Summer Lace shop for women’s apparel, Commander Porter’s for menswear, and M. Mouse Mercantile for children’s clothing, toys, and more.  Browsing or buying – I always enjoy the Grand Floridian’s shops!

The Restaurants – For a variety of dining experiences and flavors, the Grand Floridian cannot be beat!  Casual quick service, character meal, signature restaurants, and the very best in gourmet dining experiences can all be found at the Grand Flo!  Find the complete list here.  Most recently, our family enjoyed an evening with Cinderella, the Prince, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella at 1900 Park Fare.  Those details are here.1900 Park Fare Restaurant

The Pools – I like space and the pool areas at the Grand Floridian feel extra-spacious to me.  The main pool (Beach Pool) boasts a 181-foot long water slide and adjacent children’s play area and lounge for beverages and snacks.  The Courtyard Pool offers a quiet, serene swimming area with a nearby whirlpool spa.

The Location – Yes, I love that it’s on the monorail loop!  Easy access to the Magic Kingdom and the other monorail resorts for shopping, dining, and FUN!  One new, very cool additional perk of staying at the Grand Floridian is the walking path between this resort and the Polynesian!  How fun would it be to take a leisurely stroll over to the Poly for some Tonga Toast?!?  Or a Dole Whip (if you like those).

Floral Arrangement in the Grand FloridianSome people think the Grand Floridian is too formal or fancy or pink – I think it’s just right.  The perfect blend of relaxation (hello Senses Spa!), luxury, and amazing amenities – it’s also an absolute must-see during the holiday season!  The decorations will leave you speechless.

Have you visited the Grand Floridian?  What did you enjoy there? 

A Coach in the carpet at Disney's Grand Floridian Beautiful Carpet Details in the Grand Floridian

 

Disney Deluxe – 5 Great Things About Animal Kingdom Lodge

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IMG_3196If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, you have a huge variety of on-property resort choices available.  Just in the deluxe resort category alone, not counting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Deluxe Villas, you have eight from which to choose as a home-base for your Disney vacation adventures.  I’ve seen and heard a lot of folks on Disney discussion forums, Twitter and Facebook asking about Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Is it a good place to stay?  YES!  Don’t let its off-the-beaten-path location deter you – it’s a beautiful, relaxing and very unique member of the Disney deluxe resort line-up.

FIVE Great Things about the Animal Kingdom Lodge!

1.  Gorgeous Lobby:  When you arrive at AKL and pass through its front entryway, be prepared IMG_3390for a breathtaking experience.  The 6-story high lobby is stunning!  Huge and open while still comfortable and inviting, the muted colors in this expansive, well-themed space welcome guests with an undeniable charm.  If you feel like standing right in the middle and slowly turning in a circle to take it all in – go ahead!  And don’t forget to look up too!

2.  Delicious, plentiful dining options:  The dining at AKL is so fantastic, we will eat here on every trip to WDW no matter where we’re staying.  It’s a perfect way to end the day at the Animal Kingdom Park as it’s just a short bus ride away.  Of all the restaurant choices at Disney World, I consider AKL’s dining options to be the most unique.  Don’t worry – Disney has a special way of making sure there’s something on every menu to satisfy even the pickiest of IMG_3213eaters and the menus at Animal Kingdom Lodge are no exception.   The Fam and I enjoy Boma – Flavors of Africa (buffet – home of the famous dessert called Zebra Domes) and Jiko – The Cooking Place (table service) so much, we’ve yet to try Sanaa (table service) although I hear it’s wonderful.  The Mara offers quick service dining and there are two lounges (Victoria Falls and Cape Town) as well as two pool bars (Uzima Springs and Maji).

3.  Relaxing, well-themed pool areas – Uzima Pool is an 11,000-square-foot oasis facing the Uzima Savanna. This pool offers gently sloping, zero-depth entry and a 67-foot-long waterslide.  At Kidani, the Animal Kingdom DVC Villas, you’ll find Samawati Springs Pool which, while smaller than Uzima, also offers zero-depth entry and has a 128-foot waterslide.  Swimming not your thing?  There are also playgrounds and jogging trails!IMG_0921

4.  Learning opportunities for everyone.  There are programs for children, special sunrise safaris (including adventures just for tweens and teens), evening fire-side African story telling and more.  The Fam and I have enjoyed meeting different Cast Members and learning about each one’s home country.

5.  Oh, yeah – ANIMALS! On three separate savannahs over 30 species of African wildlife are there – up close – for you to enjoy (no touching or feeding!).  If staying in a savannah-view room, you can watch the animals from your window.  If you don’t have a savannah-view, don’t worry.  Right off the resort’s gorgeous lobby is Arusha Rock, an elevated savannah overlook with great animal viewing all day long.

IMG_3231My two cents:  This is an incredible place to stay IF you have some extra time to invest.  To appreciate the Animal Kingdom Lodge fully, you must spend time there – on Arusha Rock, visiting with Cast Members to learn about Africa, enjoying unique table service meals, and lounging or swimming at one (or both) of the pool areas.  If you love resorts that are within walking distance of (or a short bus or monorail ride away from) your favorite park or if you spend all your Disney vacation time in the parks and none at the resort- Animal Kingdom Lodge is probably not for you.