Attractions: DINOSAUR

DINOSAUR is the Animal Kingdom’s original thrill ride. It has been around since the park first opened in 1998, although back then it was called “Countdown to Extinction.” After the release of Disney’s animated feature film “Dinosaur” in 2000, the ride underwent minor changes to be themed with the movie.

Attraction Quick Facts:

• You must be 40 inches tall to ride.
• FASTPASS is available.
• The ride is completely indoors and is very low-lit. It’s also very bumpy (you’re off-roading in the jungle afterall) and will jar you around quite a bit. Be prepared for sudden stops and turns.
• I wouldn’t really recommend this one for the younger kids, unless they’re the kind that loves scary movies and loud noises. Angry dinosaurs jump out at you and chase you throughout your little trip. It might be a little too intense for anybody under 10 or 11.

Your trip to the Dino Institute takes a detour when an eager scientist sends you back in time to capture a specific dinosaur. You’ve got about 60 seconds to find it and get back to the present before the big meteor hits Earth. You’re sent off in a 12-passenger off-road jeep called the CTX Time Rover. Locking onto a homing signal from your targeted dino, it takes you deep into the prehistoric jungle where you meet up with a few not-so-friendly faces you’ll recognize from science class.

The first time I rode this I was 11, and I’ll be honest with you, it scared the crap out of me! It wasn’t until the second time I rode it, a year later, that I even saw the actual ride. I kept my eyes close the majority of the first time :) hehe. It’s still a little scary, but more like in that good adrenaline rush kind of way. The animatronics in this one is very impressive. You’ll feel like you’ve really went back in time to the deepest, darkest jungles and outrun the most beastly dinosaurs.

Although I've gotta admit, it seems like that triceratops gets faster every time he chases me... :/

Attractions: Finding Nemo the Musical

If you love "Finding Nemo" the movie, then you'll absolutely adore Disney's stage version! It's definitely one of (if not the) best stage show you can see at the parks. It opened in 2007 and is located just to the left after you cross the bridge from Asia to Dinoland in the Animal Kingdom.

Attraction Quick Facts:

• This is great for any and all ages. The younger kids will especially love the bright colors and puppets, and don't forget the shower of bubbles!
• There are about 5 showings per day, usually beginning around 10 or 11 a.m. Shows fill up fast, so get there early.
• FASTPASS is not available for any of the showings.
• There isn't really a bad seat here, but I recommend trying for any seats about midways up from the stage.

The stage version follows the same plot line as the movie, but with one notable difference: it's all set to great new musical numbers! Marlin, Dory, Nemo, Crush, and the other characters (even the sharks) show of their signing talents with songs like "Just Keep Swimming," "Fish are Friends, Not Food," "Big Blue World," and "Go With the Flow." The show also features dancers and acrobats, and sometimes the performance jumps off the stage and right into the middle of the audience!

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! Flash photography is prohibited at shows like this one, for the safety of the performers. So take your camera off it's usual automatic setting and turn it to the "sports" or "action" mode, and make sure the flash is turned off. Your images should still be focused and true to life, but without that annoying bright light.

 

The whole family will absolutely love this show! Plus, it's a great way to sit down and take a rest for a while. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to whichever showing you plan to see. The first time Brandon and I tried to see the show, the line was backed up all the way to the Dinoland carnival games and before we could even get close to the entrance we were told the theater was already full. The next day we made sure we got there plenty early before the first showing. It was completely worth the wait!
Here's a short clip from Crush's big number (and one of my favorite scenes), "Go With the Flow."

Attractions: Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is probably the number one attraction at the Animal Kingdom. This not-so-tranquil train ride through the Himalayas opened in 2006 and is the only Disney coaster that goes both backward and forward. It sits on the edge of the Asia area of the park, near the bridge to Dinoland.

Attraction Quick Facts:

• The best time to ride is either first thing in the morning or during the parade in the afternoon, to avoid the longer lines. This line does move pretty quickly though, even at peak times, so the wait isn’t too terrible.
• FASTPASS is available.
• You must be 44 inches tall to ride. (The smaller kids might be scared by the Yeti monster anyway.)
• This ride is really smooth, with no loops or crazy corkscrew maneuvers. There’s a pouch onboard to store all your belongings. Don’t worry, they’ll be perfectly safe there. I even ride it with my professional camera, and it comes through without a scratch. You might want to hang on tight to the sunglasses though… just in case.
• You’ll feel the effects of some serious G-forces when the ride goes backwards, so be prepared for that if you’re not used to that kind of stuff. It kinda took me by surprise the first time, but it is super cool!

The story of your crazy train adventure starts with a legend you’ve heard since you were a kid. The Yeti monster guards the Forbidden Mountain in the Himalayas. For years locals have feared and respected the creature, while outsiders have dared to enter his domain in hopes of proving his existence.

As you make your way down the waiting line, you’ll pass through a Yeti museum of sorts. You’ll see many ancient relics and artifacts devoted to the legend, plus more modern pieces like photographs and a giant mold of a footprint. The shredded remains of a yeti-hunters’ campsite is also something interesting to see.

Once you’re onboard the train, the ride seems calm enough at first. But as you near the summit, the Yeti starts to make his presence known. It all starts with a bit of missing track, and just goes wild from there. Before you know it, you’re trying to outrun an angry snow monster and make off the mountain in one piece.

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! If there’s someone in your party who’s not riding, hand them the camera and send them over to the ride viewing area to snap a picture as you coming screaming down the mountain. Just to the right of the ride exit there is a small landing area just down a couple of steps. That’s the best spot for ride photos. Here’s a shot my dad took from there.

Me, my husband Brandon, and my mom are on the 5th and 6th rows from the back.

This is probably my favorite rollercoaster at Disney World. It’s a moderate thrill as far as coasters go, but it is the smoothest ride I’ve ever been on. Even my husband, who doesn’t like rollercoasters, loves this one! Again, it’s one of those I ride at least twice on every visit.

Here’s Disney’s sneak peek of Expedition Everest!

Attractions: Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of the Animal Kingdom's top 3 attractions. It's as close as you can get to a real African safari without ever leaving the good ole USA, and the experience is different every time you ride it.

Attraction Quick Facts:

• The best time to ride is either first thing in the morning, or during late afternoon before the attraction closes. These are the times when the animals are most active, so you'll have more chances to see a variety of animals and get great photographs.
• FastPass is available.
• It's located in the Africa area of the park.
• The ride is a little bumpy, going over rocky terrain, across rivers and rickety bridges. But it won't jar your teeth or anything.
• Stroller parking is available about halfway down the waiting line.
• This ride is great for all ages and is both great fun and educational at the same time.

You'll hop aboard a rugged, open-air 4-wheel drive bus. Each bus is driven by a safari guide. (Your guide will point out the different animals to you and tell you a little about each one.)

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! To get the best shots, sit on the end of the bench. I personally prefer to be the first one on my row so I have an unobstructed view of the left side of the bus. It seems like that side has the best views of most of the animals.

Your journey starts off with a little drive through a forest area where you can see animals like bongos, okapi, black rhinos, and a variety of birds. When you come to the first river crossing keep an eye out for hippos, pelicans, and hungry crocodiles.

From the forest you'll head out into the savanna. This is my favorite part of the entire ride, and it's where the majority of the animals are. You can see giraffes, zebras, antelope, rhinos, cheetahs, warthogs, wildebeests, lions, and more.

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! If you have a camera with changeable lenses, you'll definitely want to use the one with the longest zoom, like a telephoto lens. Some animals will be right next to the bus, but others will be farther away. You'll need to zoom in to get the perfect shot.

Next, you'll head into elephant country. You'll also see colonies of monkeys and the newest baby elephants in the herd. And don't forget to keep an eye out for poachers!

My whole family and I really love this ride. It's one of those that we always go on at least twice when we visit. Every time we see something different and learn something new. The first time I rode was in May of 1999. I was 11 and The Lion King was my favorite movie at the time. I was so excited when we crossed into the savanna and I got to see real lions lounging on their very own "Pride Rock." I really felt like I had been to Africa and back in that one afternoon.

This ride is also a photographer's dream. I have a constant smile on my face snapping away at all the gorgeous animals and landscapes. And I always come back with great images. Here's a slide show of a few of my favorites.

Have a great safari adventure of your own!

Miranda

Animal Kingdom: An Overview Part II

Hey again! Ready to continue our tour of the Animal Kingdom? I thought so :). I believe I left you at Camp Minnie-Mickey, didn’t I? We’ll go back out of Camp the same way we came in, back onto Discovery Island. Now, we’ll keep heading to the left and cross the bridge into Africa.

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! This is another bridge with a great view. When you get to the middle, look to your right and you’ll see the towering Mount Everest in the distance. It houses the park’s number one thrill ride, “Expedition Everest.” Stop here for a great photo with the mountain in the background.

View from the bridge to Africa.

Africa

I love this part of the park! You walk right into the quaint, but lively, African village of Harambe. Over to the right, natives are drumming and singing traditional African music that can lift up any bad mood. There are a couple of great places to eat here. The Tamu Tamu Refreshment stand is on the right, while the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Tusker House Restaurant are on the left.

Straight ahead you’ll see the infamous “upside down tree,” more properly known as a Baobab tree. That’s where you’ll find Africa’s main attraction: Kilimanjaro Safaris. The safari takes you through the African Savannah and puts you right beside your favorite wild animals like elephants, giraffes, lions, antelope, rhinos and more.

As you exit the safari you’ll see two other attractions. To the left you’ll find the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, where you can see and learn about gorillas and other animals. Straight ahead is the boarding station for the Wildlife Express Train. The train takes to you Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where you can enjoy more wildlife exhibits, plus a petting zoo. The train ride also gives you a little behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Cast Members care for the animals in the park. The train then loops back around to the Africa station.

After you hop off the train, head back through Harambe. Just before the bridge, hang a left. This path will take you into Asia. It’s a short, shaded walk with great views of the river and the Tree of Life. You might also see characters like Balo (from “The Jungle Book”) or Turk (from “Tarzan”) lounging around under the trees.

Asia

The first thing you’ll see as you cross into Asia is the Flights of Wonder attraction. This educational and entertaining show features 30 different birds that will show off their spectacular abilities. Next door to the Flights of Wonder is the Yak & Yeti Restaurant. I’ve never eaten here, but it smells amazing as you walk by. This little corner is a great spot to watch Mickey’s Jammin Jungle parade which goes by every day at 3:45 p.m.

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! This area around Flights of Wonder and the Yak & Yeti has some great spots for unique photographs. My favorite is the large tree surrounded by rocks. The strips of bright fabric and bells hanging in it just fascinate me. Here are a few of my photos from that area:

  

Now you come to a sort of fork in the road. We’re going to go left for now, but we’ll be back to this crossroads in bit. Down this way is where you’ll find two more attractions. The Maharajah Jungle Trek is a beautiful walk through animal exhibits and neat Asian architecture. This is also the place where you can see the tigers. Just next door is Kali River Rapids, where you strap into a raft and float through the Asian jungle. This isn’t a calm cruise though. It’s called the Rapids for a reason. Be prepared to get wet!

After you’ve dried off, and stop to watch the monkeys play a while on the ruins close by, head back toward that crossroads we came to earlier. Go left toward the big mountain. That’s Expedition Everest, one of the best and smoothest rollercoasters you will ever ride. It’s probably the Animal Kingdom’s biggest attraction right now. Take a train ride up the mountain and battle a yeti before you head off to our next stop in the land of the dinosaurs.

Dinoland, USA

Leave Asia and cross another bridge into Dinoland. The first attraction you’ll see is Finding Nemo the Musical. This is a “can’t miss” show that the whole family will love! Get there early though; it tends to fill up really quick.

Finding Nemo - The Musical

The next stop looks like a dino-carnival. You’ll find traditional carnival games with a prehistoric twist, as well as a mini rollercoaster called the Primeval Whirl, plus the TriceraTop Spin.

Cross the painted on “road” that surrounds the carnival and you’ll find the rest of Dinoland. To the right is The Boneyard, where kids can have fun on the playground and dig up ancient fossils. Straight ahead you can grab a bite at the Restaurantosaurus, or keep going into the jungle to find a thrill ride back in time. “Dinosaur” the ride waits back there, along with a replica of the famous “Dino Sue,” as well as other replicas of prehistoric animals along the Cretaceous Trail.

Once you’re ready to come back to the present, just take the path back by the Restaurantosaurus and keep left. Walk under the dino skeleton, cross the bridge, and you’re back at the Tree of Life on Discovery Island.

Well folks, that completes our little tour of the Animal Kingdom. That’s how I make my way around the park, but remember, you can go directly to any area from Discovery Island. There are signs everywhere that will point you the way you want to go, plus you’ll have your trusty map.

In the next few blogs we’ll take a closer look at the park’s attractions. I’ll let you know what kind of attraction it is, what ages it’s good for, when to do it, and my personal review of it. I’ll also show you more pictures I’ve take from all over the park and share more of my Disney photography secrets.

Stay tuned!

Miranda

The Animal Kingdom: An Overview Part I

Opening ceremonies with Minnie, Goofy and Pluto at the Animal Kingdom.

Let’s start off our park tours with the newest addition to the Disney theme parks family, and my second favorite of the four: Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day in 1998 and continues Walt’s legacy of preserving and learning about the wild nature around us. It is the largest animal-themed park in the world. You can discover over 1,700 animals within its 500-acre landscape. The Animal Kingdom functions as a theme park, research center and conservation area, all in one.

There are 7 unique areas of the park:

• Oasis
• Discovery Island
• Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Africa
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch
• Asia
• Dinoland, USA

I’ll give you a special “Miranda Tour” of each of these areas, along with some of my secrets for how to best navigate and make the most of your time at the park (plus be on the lookout for photo tips). And knowing me, I’ll also probably throw in a story or two of my own adventures here :).

I’ll do this same thing for each of the other theme parks, as well as the water parks and Downtown Disney area. There will most likely be multiple posts on each park, because there is a lot to see and do and I don’t want you to miss a minute of the magic.

Alrighty, enough chit-chat, let’s get ready to roll!

Map of entire Animal Kingdom park

The Oasis

After you walk through the gate, straight ahead are the Oasis Exhibits. The Oasis is a tiny “island” of sorts made up of ponds and tropical plants that houses a variety of wildlife. Short paths cut through the oasis to give you views of these animals. Each viewing spot also has information about each animal and it’s habitat.

There are wide walkways on either side of the Oasis. Both end up in the same spot, so take whichever side you prefer. The paths converge just before crossing the bridge to Discovery Island.

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! This bridge is the most popular spot to snap a photo in front of the Tree of Life. You’ll see a Disney Parks photographer already set up here to take photos for Photo Pass. They’ll be happy to take a picture of your whole family, both for Photo Pass and with your own personal camera. If it seems really crowded, there is another lesser-used spot right in front of the Tree. (This is my personal favorite spot). It’s marked with a Kodak Picture Spot marker.



This shot was taken at the picture second spot on Discovery Island. That's me and my sweetheart on our honeymoon in October of 2009 :).



Discovery Island

This is the very heart of the park. You can get to all other areas of the park from here. Walt liked to design his theme parks like a wheel, with one central icon (in this case the Tree of Life) as the hub and all the other areas branching off from it like spokes.

On Discovery Island you’ll find more trails to more animal exhibits in front of the Tree of Life, as well as lots of shops and places to eat. My absolute favorite quick-service meal spot is to the left on Discovery Island. It’s called the Flame Tree BBQ, and it melts in your mouth!

There is only one attraction on Discovery Island. The 3-D interactive show “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” is located inside the Tree of Life. This show is great for all ages, although there are a few moments with Hopper (the mean grasshopper) that probably would’ve scared me a little bit when I was really young, and then been forgotten five seconds later as Flik told another funny joke. I don’t really want to tell you much about this one, because half the fun is in the surprise ;).

Parrots on one of the Discovery Island trails.

There are four different ways you can go from here, but I’ll just explain the way I usually do it. Most people make their way through the parks in a counter-clockwise motion, going from right to left. But I do it backwards. I always go from left to right. In this case, the first stop to the left is Camp Minnie-Mickey.

Camp Minnie-Mickey

This is the main character meet-and-greet spot in the park. There are pavilions set up everywhere where different characters will come out at scheduled times to take pictures and sign autographs.

There are also a couple of attractions in this area. The main one is The Festival of the Lion King. This is an amazing show of acrobatics, dancing, singing, plus appearances by some of your favorite Lion King characters. The audience also gets involved in the show, with the kids being asked to come down and dance in the final number.

There is another live performance area in Camp Minnie-Mickey that seems to change a lot. The first time I went in 1999 it was a Pocahontas show. The next year it was a Tarzan skate show. In 2007, it was back to the Pocahontas show. I’m not sure what it is right now, but everything I’ve seen there has been really great. Definitely drop by and check it out.

Ok, that seems like a good place to stop for now. I don’t want to make you scroll down for days reading this. The next blog will take you through the rest of the Animal Kingdom, which includes Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, and Dinoland, USA.

Don’t forget to feed your wild side!

Miranda

The Top 6 Things You Absolutely Need to Know

Before we start talking in-depth about each of the parks, I thought I’d better give you some general advice. These tips apply to all the theme parks and pretty much all areas of the Walt Disney World Resort. Before you even walk through the gate, there are a few things you can do to make your trip more comfortable and easier for everyone.

Tip #1: For Heaven’s sake, DO NOT wear impractical shoes!

The best advice I could ever give you is to bring a pair of comfortable, broken-in sneakers and wear them… everywhere. You are going to be doing an insane amount of walking, and by the end of the day even your most comfortable pair of flip-flops just ain’t gonna cut it. You’ll be sore, aching, and miserable if you don’t wear shoes that give great support to your feet, legs, and back. I know they may not always look the best with your outfit, but trust me, you’ll be thanking me later.

Tip #2: It’s called the “Sunshine State” for a reason.

Florida is known for it’s warm (or more usually hot) sunshine. While there is a fair amount of shade in the parks, sunscreen is never a bad idea. You may not have to lather it on like you’re at the beach, but a little on your face and neck can be a big lifesaver. And don’t forget your sunglasses either!

Tip #3: Know your Disney characters so you can find your car.

The parking lots at Disney are HUGE. I’m talking acres and acres of shiny paint jobs and Mickey ear antenna toppers. So how do you remember which of them is yours? Well, Disney has a clever little way to jog your memory.

The parking lots are divided into several named areas. Each area has its own mascot and each row in that area is numbered. For example, at the Magic Kingdom you might end up parking in Minnie row 38, or at Epcot you might be in Imagination row 20. All the areas are clearly labeled, so you’ll know where you are when you leave your car. The tram drivers will also let you know where you are when you board the tram. Wherever you board the tram is also where you’ll want to get off when you come back to your car. Don’t worry, they’ll be sure and let you know that too.

You might want to designate someone in your party to be your “remember-er” as my mom says. This has been my job ever since I was little. Kids are great at remembering the characters, so maybe put them in charge of finding the car. I guarantee you it’s a job they’ll be proud to take.

Tip #4: Rise and shine for more magic time!

The best time to get to the parks is about 10 to 15 minutes before they open. All the parks have opening ceremony shows, so you’ll be entertained while you wait for the chime of the clock. Getting there early also means you can be first in line for some of the more popular attractions. Choose one of them and head straight for it when the gate opens. You’ll start your morning off with a smile and won’t have to wait in the long lines later in the day.

Tip #5: Don’t just “wing it.”

I’ve told you before that a Disney World vacation is not like any other vacation. Here, you want to at least have some skeleton of a plan for what you’re going to do and when. Having a plan will maximize your use of time at the parks and make it less likely that you’ll miss something you really wanted to see.

For example, I always decide ahead of time which parks I’m going to do on which days. I base this around what firework shows, parades, or special events are going on and what times they are. Most parks have nightly firework shows at closing time (around 9 or 10 p.m.). Magic Kingdom also has nighttime electrical parades before the fireworks. The daytime parades at most parks are at 3 p.m. These are also daily occurrences. If you have a dining plan that includes sit-down meals, you’ll also need to make reservations for those, so that is another timely event you’ll need to remember. Just mapping out a schedule for the big things can make everything seem a lot less hectic. I’ll share more about how I do this in a later post.

Tip #6: A stroller can be your best friend.

This tip comes straight from the woman who knows pretty much everything about being a Disney World parent: my mom. If you have a child younger than 7 or 8, bring or rent a stroller. Like I said in Tip #1, there is a lot of walking, and after a little while the kids will be stretching their arms up saying, “Tote me!” Lord knows my poor dad heard it enough the one time my parents elected not to rent the stroller.

You can bring your own stroller from home, or Disney has them available for rent in each park. They have single strollers for $15 per day and double strollers for $31 per day. A $100 credit card deposit is required upon rental, but when you return the stroller to the location you rented it from, you’ll get that deposit back. And don’t worry about hauling it on and off the attractions. Each attraction has a stroller parking area.

Well, there you have 6 pieces of the most basic and essential advice I can give you. If you don’t listen to another word I say, I hope you’ll at least consider these tips (especially #1!). Trust me, they’ve been learned the hard way!

Have a Zippity-Do-Dah kinda day!

Miranda

Just a little visual experiment :)

Ok, bear with me on this one guys. I'm trying something new. Here's a little video review/experiment because I don't want to bore you with all this reading. Hopefully any future videos will be much better than this one and you'll get to see more pictures and cool stuff and less of me. If nothing else, maybe you'll get a laugh out of my horrible improvising :) LOL


And... ACTION!

Other Disney Lodging Options

Wanna get away from hotel rooms, but still stay inside the magic? Like most things, Disney's got a solution for that too. In addition to the vast selection of resort hotels, Disney also offers lodging alternatives like camping and villas.


Disney's Deluxe Villas

Disney's Old Key West Resort

If you're planning a trip with several people, or if you just want more space, Disney's deluxe villas just might be the thing for you. Villas offer all the comforts of home with your own kitchen and living area. They come in studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, or three bedroom. You can find villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Villas, Disney's Boardwalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Prices range from about $350 for a studio, to about $1,650 for a three bedroom per night.


The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

The Fort Wilderness campground has been around as long as Disney World itself. Walt was a big outdoorsman and loved wild nature, so it's no surprise to find camping as part of the Disney experience. All campsites have water, cable and electrical hook-ups, picnic tables and charcoal grills, and most have internet access and sewer hook-ups. You can bring your tent, pop-up or camper. Up to 10 people can camp at each site. There are "Comfort Stations" all over the campgrounds which provide private toliets, showers, laundry, and telephones. To set up a tent or pop-up is $46, full hook-up is $61, preferred campsites are $66 and premium campsites are $76.


Other Deluxe Hotels

There are also two other deluxe hotels on Disney property. The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort and Walt Disney World Swan Resort are located  next door to the Boardwalk Inn. These are huge resorts designed by architect Michael Graves. They have 5 swimming pools, 17 restaurants and lounges, 2 health clubs, 4 tennis courts, and a beach. Room prices range from $240 to $280 per night.


Hotels Outside Disney

Comfort Inn Suites at Lake Buena Vista

Another option you can always consider is staying outside the Disney property. This is often the cheapest route, depending on which hotel you choose. Is it the best thing to do?... The jury is still out on that one.
I personally prefer to stay inside Disney, but being the big Disney lover that I am, my opinion is probably a little biased. My family and I have always stayed outside the gates. I've actually only stayed on Disney property 3 out of the 13 times that I have been to the parks. We've tried different places, but the hotel we stay at most often (and that we like best) is the Comfort Inn of Lake Buena Vista. It's just 1.5 miles away from the Downtown Disney gate and has great rooms and a gorgeous pool area.
One perk about staying inside Disney though: parking. If you stay outside Disney you have to pay for parking at the parks. That's $14 per car. The hotels that are closest to Disney property usually offer free shuttles, but I've never done that so I don't know how that is. But it is a option you can always consider.


Well, that's it for the "Where do I stay" question. I hope it's helped in your decision-making, at least a little bit. I'll probably go more in-depth about some of the resorts later on, but for now at least you have a little preview of each of them. You can also check them out on Disney's website under the tab "Places to Stay."
Next up, it's time to talk about the fun stuff. Stay tuned for a tour of all the Walt Disney World theme parks!


Toodles!
Miranda

Disney Deluxe Resorts Part II

Here are the final four deluxe resorts. These are all located at the Magic Kingdom. Three of them (the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian) have direct access to Disney's monorail system. The monorail travels to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot with stops at all three hotels and the Transportation and Ticket Center.


Disney's Wilderness Lodge

This is my mom's favorite hotel, and definitely in my top 3. It is designed after the Yellowstone Lodge in Yellowstone National Park, and they did a fabulous job! As someone who has seen both in person, I can tell you that when I walked onto the grounds, I really felt like I was back in Wyoming. The landscaping is natural and wooded, with rock formations, waterfalls, and even geysers.
The swimming pool is like taking a dip in a mountain spring, but with a waterslide. There are also nature trails, fishing, a beach, fireside sing-alongs with Chip and Dale, and Disney movie showings under the stars.
There is great dining here, including Artist Point which gives you beautiful views while you eat.


Disney's Polynesian Resort

If you've always wanted to go to Hawaii, but can't quite get there, just walk into the Polynesian and you'll feel like you made it. This place is a tropical paradise, complete with a luau. There are beaches, palm trees, and even a waterfall inside. You can reserve rooms with garden, lagoon and Magic Kingdom views.
There are 2 heated pools. One features a 142-foot waterslide, while the other has its own volcano. There is also boating and canoeing, fishing, beaches, and more.
You can choose from four restaurant and quick-service dining options here, plus lounges. If you want a taste of Hawaiian food and entertainment, I highly recommend the Spirit of Aloha Show. We did this when I was 8 and I can still remember how the flavors danced on my tounge. Man, those Hawaiians can cook! And the entertainment is fabulous. They'll even teach you to dance the luau!


Disney's Contemporary Resort

Here's a little Disney trivia for you: The Contemporary is the only resort that Walt Disney himself helped design. I always thought it was so cool because the monorail runs right through the middle of the hotel. You can also get great views of Space Mountain and Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom.
There are two swimming pools and two hot tubs. There is also a beach, fishing, parasailing, firework cruises, tubing, wakeboarding, watercraft rentals and a lot more.
The Contemporary is home to the famous Chef Mickey character dining restaurant. You'll also find several other great restaurants, cafes and snack bars.


Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

I saved the best for last. The Grand Floridian is my absolute favorite of all the resorts. My husband and I got to stay here for our honeymoon (thanks mom-in-law!). It is top notch in elegance and luxury. I really felt like a princess here. The resort's design takes you back to Florida in the Victorian era, right down to the doorman. The rooms are inviting and spacious, and adorned with even the tiniest Disney details. There are views available of the lagoon and castle.
There are two swimming pools and white sand beaches. There are all kinds of water recreation, plus golf, tea parties with the Madd Hatter and even a two-hour pirate adventure for the kiddos. The Grand Floridian is also the home of Disney's wedding chapel, where you can get married overlooking Cinderella's Castle.
There are several great restaurants, including those that offer character dining. Two of the most popular include Citricos and Victoria & Albert's.


The final resort blog is going to be all about Disney's Deluxe Villas. Look for it next!

Disney Deluxe Resorts Part I

Deluxe resorts are the ultimate in luxury and style. They have the best views, the best restaurants, the best amenities and the best locations. The only thing I don't like about deluxe resorts is the price. During the off season, a standard room in one of these high-end hotels can cost you over $300 per night.
Disney has more deluxe resorts than any other type. There are 8 of these, so I've split them up into two blogs. The four in this blog are all located near Epcot or the Animal Kingdom.


Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

This is #2 on my favorites for deluxe resorts. It's located on the backside of the Animal Kingdom savannah, so the animals are known to roam right up next to your balcony. How awesome is that?! Everything about this hotel is keeping with the African theme. There are several different views and room types available, from suites to bunk beds.
The pool is like an oasis in the desert. It's gorgeous and relaxing, and even has it's own grass-top tiki hut. There's also educational encounters with the animals on the savannah, arcades, billiards, ping-pong, a children's activity center, and night-time outdoor showings of your favorite Disney movies.
I can tell you first-hand that the dining here is great. Boma is a sit-down restaurant at the lodge that features all kinds of authenic African food, as well as traditional American favorites. There are also two more fine dining restaurants at the lodge.


Disney's Beach Club Resort

The Beach Resort puts you in a cozy New England lake-side retreat. The grounds feature lots of shade trees and even a waterfall. You can get rooms with views of the garden or lake. There are three swimming pools, a beach, fishing, volleyball, tennis, and a kids' activity center.
The resort houses great dining like the Yatchsman Steakhouse and Captain's Grille, as well as casual dining options.


Disney's Yacht Club Resort

The Yacht Club resort is sister resort to the Beach Club. The two sit right next to each other and share many amenities like swimming pools and recreational activities. The Yacht Club is themed as, well, a yacht club in New England. Water, pool and garden views are available.
There is easy access to the restaurants at the Beach Club, plus a few lounges at the Yacht Club.


Disney's Boardwalk Inn

I stayed here in 2003, and it is a great place! It has all the charm and elegance of a seaside boardwalk in the 1940s. It is located on the same lagoon with the Yacht and Beach Club resorts, walking distance from Epcot. There is also a boat here that will take you to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
There are 3 swimming pools. Two are quiet pools, while the main pool features a water slide. There is also fishing and a community hall where you can play ping-pong, board games and other things. There is easy access to Fantasia Mini Golf, which is loads of fun and themed with all your favorite scenes from the movie. For dining, shopping and other recreation, just step out the back door and right onto the Boardwalk. It's like stepping back in time. There are boardwalk carnival games, dance clubs, shops, and great dining (I highly recommed Spoodles!) You can also rent pedal buggies that seat up to 6 people. It makes for a fun trip up and around the boardwalk, with lots of laughs.


The final four deluxe resorts are up next!

Disney Moderate Resorts

Moderate resorts are a step up from vaule resorts as far as luxury. They incorporate more sophisticated themes in the style of the décor, and offer more options on rooms, dining and recreation. A standard room costs around $160 per night, but you can choose special views or amenities for an extra expense. There are 5 moderate resorts to choose from.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

This is one of the places I’d like to stay once just because it seems really neat. I mean, come on, it has its own beach! Everything here is meant to make it feel like Florida has turned into the Caribbean, even down to everyone’s favorite pirates.

In addition to views of the beach/waterfront, you can reserve special pirate-themed rooms. These rooms have pirate ships for beds, a compass tabletop and barrels and trunks to complete the look.

The main pool area is also a little pirate-y. It is designed to resemble a colonial Spanish Fort and includes 2 waterslides and water cannons. The resort also has 6 other heated pools. Other recreational activities you can enjoy are bike rentals, a walking trail, arcade, playground and more.

The dining options include a food court, two delis and a Caribbean themed restaurant.

The Caribbean Beach Resort is located near Epcot.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Coronado Springs is also a waterfront resort near Animal Kingdom. It is themed in beautiful Southwestern and Spanish architecture. There are three different styles of rooms to choose from: casitas (which are more urban), ranchos (which are rustic), and cabanas (which include hammocks). You can also get water view rooms or junior suites, which include one king or two queen size beds, a pull down queen bed, and two bathrooms.

There are 3 heated pools here, plus one main pool. The main pool has an archeological, ancient theme with a Lost City of Cibola waterslide. Recreational activities include volleyball, a beach, health club, watercraft rentals and more.

For dining there is a café, market, lounge and the popular Maya Grill restaurant.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney has two Port Orleans Resorts. This one is designed to resemble the French Quarter in New Orleans, even down to the funky colored doors. Rooms offer views of the Quarter or the river.

The pool at the French Quarter is Mardi Gras themed with bright colors and a sea monster waterslide. Guests here can also stroll down to the pool at the Port Orleans Riverside resort.

There’s also a golf course here, carriage rides, fishing, bike rentals and more. There is a food court and the Scat Cat Club if you fancy some jazz and a cocktail.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

This is probably my favorite moderate resort. I love the historical Southern elegance of this place. You can either stay in the “mansions” of New Orleans, or the cozy cottages of the Bayou. And of course, you can reserve a view of the river.

There are 6 heated pools, plus a pool complex on Ol’ Man Island. The design is quiet and relaxing, just like the easy-going Southern way of life.

Riverside offers the same recreation as the French Quarter, plus more dining with another food court, live entertainment and drinks at the River Roost, and a Louisiana-style restaurant.

The Port Orleans resorts are near Epcot and Disney’s Boardwalk area.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

My mom really wants to try these, and we almost did for our Christmas vacation. You’ve probably rented a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, right? Well this is a lot like that, only better because you’re right smack in the middle of the Disney magic.

Cabins sleep up to 6 people and cost around $275 per night. They have one double bed and a bunk bed in the bedroom, plus a pull down double bed in the living area. There is a living room with a sofa and TV, plus a full kitchen and bathroom.

There is fishing, horseback riding, carriage rides, a beach and campfire sing-alongs with Chip and Dale. Dining options include Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, a rustic restaurant, full-service lounge, and a dinner show at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

The cabins are located near the Magic Kingdom.

Coming up next: Disney Deluxe Resorts Part I

Disney Value Resorts: Small on price, Big on just about everything else

What has bowling pin-shaped swimming pools, giant toys that tower 4 stories tall, miniature football fields, larger that life drum sets and guitars, serves you 3 square meals a day, has a comfy cozy bed for you to crash into every night and still leaves a little spending money in your wallet? Disney Value Resort Hotels are perfect for anyone on a budget, or with kids. And if you’ve got both? Well, it’s your lucky day :).

Disney currently has 4 value resort hotels with one more scheduled to open Summer 2012. Value hotels are the most affordable places to stay inside Disney, with prices averaging around $85 per night. Each hotel has it’s own theme such as movies, music, sports, or pop culture. And each theme brings its own larger-than-life décor. The rooms in all these resorts are standard hotel rooms with either 2 double beds or 1 king bed. They come with Cable TV, table and chairs, and a vanity area.

Here’s a closer look at each of these resorts.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

I’ll start with the one I know the most about and my current favorite of the lot (although I’m pretty sure the new one, which is art themed, is definitely going to top my list when it opens).
Pop Century is located near Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It features several 4-story sections, each themed around a different era of the 20^th century. The 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s are each represented with giant toys and gadgets from the day.

When we stayed at Pop Century, our room was in the 1950s section. Huge figures of Lady and Tramp stood guard at the entrance, while a giant jukebox overlooked the bowling pin swimming pool. Even at 19, I thought it was all pretty darn cool! The other sections have things like a giant foozeball table, a yo-yo, a tricycle, Jungle Book characters, a Rubix cube, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head and even Mickey Mouse himself.

There are three uniquely shaped swimming pools: the flower-shaped Hippy-Dippy Pool, the bowling pin-shaped Bowling Pool and the monitor-shaped Computer Pool. The resort also includes a playground and splash pad area for the kids.

To the left of the lobby is the food court area with about 7 different places to choose from. The prices are about what you’d pay at the food court in the mall, but the food is fabulous! They have all kinds of great items like salads, pastas, sandwiches, hamburgers and lots more. The desserts are great too!

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

The Movies Resort is located near the Animal Kingdom. It’s dedicated to Disney’s classics like Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmations, Herbie the Love Bug and the Mighty Ducks. Each movie has two themed 3-story sections.

The Toy Story section features towering versions of Woody and Buzz, along with other favorites like Rex and the Green Army Men. An enormous Herbie, Pongo the dalmation, and a Fantasia songbook greet you in other themed sections.

There are two swimming pools. The main pool is themed with the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia, while the smaller one is inspired by the Mighty Ducks and is shaped like a hockey rink. There’s also a playground and arcade.

The food court is themed like a movie theater lobby. There are 5 booths to choose from with prices and selections resembling the Pop Century.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

The Music Resort is also near the Animal Kingdom. It features 3-story sections all about different types of music.

The show tunes section features top hats, Broadway billboards, and even a Broadway street sign. In Rock ‘n’ Roll you’ll find giant electric guitars and a jukebox, while a giant pair of cowboy boots and a fiddle represent good ole’ country music. There’s also a jazz section with a huge drum set and trumpet.

The two swimming pools are shaped like a guitar and a grand piano. There’s also a playground and arcade. The food court is adorned with musical murals and has offerings much like the other value resorts, including pizza.

 One thing to note about this resort: it’s the only value resort that offers family suites that sleep up to 6 people.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

The Sports Resort is, yet again, close to the Animal Kingdom. These 3-story sections are themed with 5 different sports.

The Home Run Hotel features a giant Louisville Slugger baseball bat, and the Hoops hotel has dozens of basketballs and a huge basketball hoop. There are also sections about tennis, football (with it’s own mini football field with big X and O icons), and surfing. The larger swimming pool is beach themed with a surfboard shape, and the smaller one is shaped like a baseball diamond. There’s also a playground and arcade.

The food court is covered in sports memorabilia and has your favorite American favorites, including the Coke and hamburger.

Coming Soon: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The newest value resort is going to be dedicated to Disney’s beautiful animated classics. It’s going to feature Finding Nemo, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Cars. It will have 3 pools and will be located in the same area as the Pop Century. This resort will also house family suites with 2 bathrooms, a master bedroom and 3 separate sleeping areas. And best of all, you’ll feel like you’re living right in the movies. I can’t wait!!