Posted on Wed, Mar 17, 2010 @ 09:16 AM
A brand new Holiday Inn recently opened on Disney World property. The 14-story, 323-room hotel, located near Downtown Disney on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, opened in the spot formerly occupied by a Marriott Courtyard.
The Courtyard closed about five years ago after it sustained damage during a bad hurricane season. The hurricanes virtually demolished everything. Just about everything except the basic structure is new. The new hotel has a posh new look sure to please seasoned travelers. Fun design elements provide a warm and inviting feel.
"There is no more exhilarating feeling than opening a family-friendly Holiday Inn resort, on Walt Disney World property and hiring more than 100 employees to welcome our community and guests," said Tony Johnson, regional vice president of operations and general manager of the 323-room hotel.
Disney Advantage:
Because of its location on Disney World property, the hotel is able to offer a host of privileges, such as complimentary transportation to all the Disney World Theme Parks, guaranteed access and preferred tee times at Disney golf courses, advance reservations at Disney World restaurants and free delivery of Disney attraction purchases to the hotel. An on-site Disney retail store will be opening this summer.
Rooms:
Relaxing and contemporary, the guest rooms were designed with a soft color palette and outfitted with a 32-inch HD television, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: "soft" and "firm," complimentary wired Internet access, a coffeemaker and an electronic safe that accommodates laptops up to 17 inches. Every double room features two queen beds, rather than two double beds. The double queen rooms come with a bath/shower combo. Each king room includes a sleeper oversized chair and a walk-in shower or bath/shower combo. Many of the rooms have balconies - some with a pool view, some overlooking I-4 and some with a view of Downtown Disney.
Dining:
The new modern feel of the hotel extends to the dining as well. Fusion cuisine is a nice change from the old greasy spoons from Holiday Inns of the past. The Palm Breezes Restaurant offers all three meals. Kids 12 and younger eat free at all Holiday Inns when ordering from the kids' menu in the hotel restaurant and accompanied by a dining adult. There's also a "grab and go" location for quick snacks. A pool-side restaurant is also in the works. There are a lot of nice small touches in the hotel, such as purse/bag hooks under the hotel bar.
Amenities:
Along with the Disney World advantages, the hotel features a state-
of-the-art fitness room, a jogging and exercise path, a zero-entry heated swimming and connected lap pool, a hot tub and sun deck and a game room. There's no kids room, but an off-property company can come to the hotel to provide babysitting if needed. The front desk can help make the arrangements. The business center and lobby areas provide free wi-fi. There are also party and meeting rooms for wedding receptions, business meetings and the like.
The average price for a night's stay is around $120, but can go up or down depending on the season. One nice perk is there are no "resort fees" added onto the room price. But they do plan on adding a $10 per day parking fee in the near future. Valet parking is also available.
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Posted on Tue, Jul 21, 2009 @ 07:46 AM
Rumors Floating Around Disney World
I've been hearing some very interesting rumors about projects at Walt Disney World. Though I can't vouch for their 100% accuracy, but I thought I'd share none-the-less. At least one of these will forever change the way you experience the parks and resorts.
There's the recently posted Fantasyland expansion for the Magic Kingdom. Sources tell me this project will be built pretty much like we see it. Or at least 80% of the project has been approved.
Magic Kingdom isn't the only park entering Fantasyland. Disney's Animal Kingdom will soon be adding its own realm of fantasy. It's a huge project that will bring over Journey To The Center of the Earth in a format that's just slightly different than what they have now in Tokyo. It's not fair to call this ‘Beastly Kingdom' as that idea is truly dead. But fantasy animals will be involved. This project is just out of the blue-sky phase and awaiting further consideration by those who control the purse strings.
Disney's Wide World of Sports should complete it's transition to ESPN Wide World of Sports by May of 2010. Well, at least the signage and everything should be changed. The full impact of the shift will occur over time. Look for EWWOS to truly start to become a legitimate part of your WDW Vacation experience.
You have have heard about the family suites coming to Pop Century's long forgotten Legendary Years. With ESPN WWOS concentrating on bringing in more amateur sports, those teams are going to need some place to stay. My source tells me that half the proposed remake of the Legendary years will be ESPN themed. That makes sense to me since its right across the street from WWOS.
Not into sports? Well then how about a visit to the newly expanded and rethemed Downtown Disney. The old Pleasure Island section has reportedly signed a few new tenants and will under go a theme change to something more family casual and less party oriented. There is also talk of upgrading a few of the theaters in the AMC 24 to include service at your chair and potentially a new IMAX theater.
A few months ago Jim McPhee was removed from his position as Vice President of EPCOT Center. At the time we were told that McPhee was being moved onto a bigger resort wide project, but there was no indication of what that was. Now we're hearing that the next phase Pal Mickey project is based on RFID technology. This would do away with the doll and just place an RFID tag somewhere on the person (likely the admission media). Now anytime this RFID would come in proximity of a scanner Disney would be able to make some personalized magic happen. Word is that McPhee has been tasked with implementing this project resort wide.
In its most basic form it would be Winnie the Pooh saying your name in the attraction. But the technology allows Disney World to do some really amazing things too. Fast Pass? A thing of the past. Via RFID Disney now knows exactly when you entered the queue, how many people are in the queue, and how fast the attraction is loading. Care to register your preferences? Disney can know if enough people who prefer a certain type of entertainment are in an area and dispatch that band to play. This just scratches the surface too.
Privacy activists will no doubt be up in arms, but I'm pretty excited about the possibilities RFID technology brings to Disney's theme parks.
So with the economy beginning to come out of its doldrums, this might be the moment for Disney World to focus on some urban renewal in its own backyard.
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Posted on Tue, Jul 07, 2009 @ 07:15 AM
Princess Diana at Downtown Disney Now on Display Till Nov.30th
Well after the Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney closed it's doors, many people wondered what was going to replace it...Well after months of preperation and hard work, the Princess Diana Exhibit has replaced it and is now on exhibit till Nov.30th.
Hundreds of royal artifacts are on view in "DIANA - The People's Princess," a limited-time experience showcasing the life and story of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The exhibition, includes royal dresses Diana chose to auction for charity, photos and personal effects. "DIANA - The People's Princess" will be on display through Nov. 30, 2009. Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit - $14.50 for ages 10 and older, $5 for ages 3-9.
Below is a video courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine which shows the exhibit and some of what to expect while visiting.
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Posted on Thu, Jun 18, 2009 @ 05:32 AM
Walt Disney World & Downtown Disney Bring you Princess Diana Exhibit
Have you been wondering what would become of the former home of the Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney, well wonder no longer.
Beginning in early July, the People's Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF) is bringing a new exhibit of royal artifacts called "DIANA-The People's Princess" to that location. The limited-time experience showcases the life and story of Princess Diana, including a sampling of the royal dresses she chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.
The exhibit will consume the 17,500-square-foot former retail store and will feature:
- The stories of Diana's own childhood and ancestry and how that lineage was influential in her selection as the future bride of HRH Charles, The Prince of Wales, the future King of England.
- Her magical royal wedding which was viewed by over 750 million people from around the globe; her favorite role as "mum" to princes William and Harry.
- Kensington Palace, the royal residence where Diana lived from the moment she became the Princess of Wales until her death and which today plays an active role in preserving her charitable legacy.
- The historical significance of her role as Princess of Wales and the impact she had through that role on the fashion industry and charitable landscape.
- How at the Christie's "Sale of The Century," 79 of Diana's royal dresses were sold to benefit charities which helped position her as an astute philanthropist.
- Her untimely passing and the massive media and public interest in the tragedy.
- The charitable impact still being recognized through her gowns and personal effects.
Some of the items on display will be:
- Royal Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding dress - Made in 1981 at the time of the royal wedding, the doll is wearing an exact replica of the famous wedding dress.
- The Black Velvet "V" Neck - Designed by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana for her official royal portrait in 1985.
- Wedding Breakfast booklet - Contains guest names and two tickets to observe the bride and bridegroom before and following the wedding ceremony in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.
- Three-foot doll of Diana as a young girl - Released by the Great American Doll Company in 1998 as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Unlike Virgin MegaStore, you will need to purchase a separate admission to the "DIANA-The People's Princess" exhibit.
Prices will be $14.50 (ages 10 and above), $5 (ages 3-9). The exhibition will be through Nov. 30, 2009. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
Still haven't got your Disney World Tickets yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation needs to Walt Disney World!
Posted on Mon, May 04, 2009 @ 09:23 AM
Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique at Walt Disney Magic Kingdom & Downtown Disney
On April 5, 2006, Disney World's Downtown Disney Marketplace marked its
10th anniversary with the Grand Opening of the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique,
Princess Room, and an interactive Adventure Room. The boutique salon
transforms little girls into Disney princesses with hairstyling, make-up, and
manicures. In the Princess Room, children can try on merchandise and play
dress-up, while in the Adventure Room, they can build their own pirate hat or
skull, play video games, and see pirate, cowboy, superhero and space explorer
gear and apparel.
The
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened a second location in the Magic
Kingdom in Cinderella Castle in September 2007.
Service
and prices are as follows:
"DISNEY'S SECRET
STAR": the Super Star Hannah Montana Makeover -- costs $109.95. The package
also includes a wig, T-shirt, headset, makeup kit, guitar purse and a photo
shoot with a commemorative photo. (Only available at the Downtown Disney
location.)
COOL DUDE: includes Hair Style, Colored
Gels/Sparkles, Mickey Face Stencil: $7.50 (no tax on this service)
COACH: Includes Hair Style, Shimmering Makeup, Princess Sash: $49.95 + tax
CROWN: Includes Hair Style, Shimmering Makeup, Nails, Princess Sash: $54.95 + tax
CASTLE: Includes Hair Style, Shimmering Makeup, Nails, Princess Sash, Princess Costume and Shoes, Crown, Wand, and Imaging Package, which includes 1 - 6x8 and 4 - 4x6 photos in a beautifully themed photo holder: Price range is $189.95 - $249.95 + tax.
NOTE: Price range is determined by the choices of Princess Costume and Shoes.
Some general rules for all little girls and boys:
- Children must be at least 3 years old.
- Hair must be freshly clean and brushed out (no tangles)
- Hair must be free of all styling aids/products like gels, mousse, hair spray, barettes, etc.
- Fingernails must be clean and free of all nail polish/decals
- Child must bring their own brush/comb with them for the Fairy Godmother to use
- Scalp must be free and clear of any "conditions" or irritations for the last 30 days
Hours of operation for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique's Downtown Disney location are 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily (last appointment will be at 5:30 p.m.), seven days a week.The Magic Kingdom salon is open every day 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (Theme park admission is required for the Magic Kingdom location.)
Walk-ins are accepted;
however, appointments are strongly encouraged by calling 407-WDW-DINE or
WDW-STYLE (939-7895) as far as 180 days in advance.
Posted on Thu, Apr 16, 2009 @ 08:04 AM
New Attraction at Downtown Disney
An iconic new attraction, Characters in Flight, presented
by Aerophile, debuts the week of April 13 (weather permitting) at Downtown
Disney. Already in the test and adjust phase, guests can see the
72-foot-diameter, tethered gas balloon hovering 400 feet in the air. When the
attraction opens, approximately 30 guests at a time will enjoy an eagle's-eye
view of the expansive Walt Disney World Resort. The attraction reinforces Walt
Disney World's commitment to provide guests with new, one-of-a-kind experiences
and reflects the vision for Downtown Disney announced last year.
Prices
are currently advertised at $10 per person (both adult and child).