Club Level Guests to be Able to Buy Additional FastPasses; Resort Child Activity Centers to Close

WDW InfoClub Level Guests to be Able to Buy Additional FastPasses:

According to WFTV's Chip Skambis Disney will roll out a pay-for-Fastpass program this Friday to Club Level guests at resorts. Here is what he revealed in a series of tweets yesterday:

As part of efforts to expand premium services at a surcharge, Walt Disney World is planning to offer club-level resort guests the ability to purchase three additional, no-strings fastpasses to use on a given day, sources say.

— Chip Skambis (@chickenlilchip) January 9, 2018

Sources say the three additional fastpasses will cost $50 a day and can be used at any park. The service will require a 3 day minimum and will only be available to club-level resort guests, sources say. Disney officials did not immediately return a request for comment.

— Chip Skambis (@chickenlilchip) January 9, 2018

I have confirmed Walt Disney World is going to roll out the club level pay-for-FastPass program Friday.

— Chip Skambis (@chickenlilchip) January 9, 2018

Club level resort guests who buy the additional fastpasses will also be able to book them up to 90 days in advance. They will also get an additional fastpass to see any of the nighttime spectaculars at the parks.

— Chip Skambis (@chickenlilchip) January 10, 2018

So that would be $50/day per guest with a minimum 3-day stay and would be booked up to 90 days in advance. This also included an additional fastness to see any of Happily Ever After, Fantasmic!, Star Wars Galactic Spectacular, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, and Rivers of Light.

While this has not been officially confirmed by Disney, it seems they pay-for-FastPass system is coming to Walt Disney World, kind of like MaxPass at Disneyland, only this will be exclusive to Club Level resort guests. If you are a club level resort guest will you be buying the extra Fastpasses?

Source: WFTV

Resort Child Activity Centers to Close July 31:

Due to lack of use, Walt Disney World will be closing its remaining Child Activity Centers at its resorts effective of their final day of operation on July 31, 2018. These activity centers are at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. 

Disney will be exploring other options for its other guests. Any existing reservations will be honored through July 31. 

Source: WDW Info

Minnie Van Service Expands to Animal Kingdom Lodge; Cinderella's Royal Table Refurbishment

Minnie Van Service Expands to Animal Kingdom Lodge:

Beginning today guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at both Kidani Village and Jambo House will now be able to utilize the Minnie Van service. Guests can activate the service by visiting the front desk at the resort.

The service began a few weeks ago after its announcement at the D23 Expo at Disney Yacht & Beach Club and Disney's Boardwalk. Last week, the service had successfully expanded for the first time at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Disney's Minnie Van service is a point-to-point transportation service that costs $20 per ride through the Lyft app. The service is expected to expanded throughout the Walt Disney World in the coming weeks and months. 

Source: WDW News Today

Cinderella's Royal Table Closing for Short Refurbishment in 2018:

Cinderella's Royal Table will close for a short refurbishment next year in 2018. The restaurant inside Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom will close between February 28 through March 2. The restaurant and reservations are open for March 3. 

Source: WDW News Today

New Indian-African Cuisine at Sanaa, Minnie to Get New Dress Designed by Christian Siriano, and More

New Indian-African Cuisine at Sanaa:

Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village opened in 2009, the cuisine at the time was a new adventure for Disney chefs. It was a melding of Indian and African influences inspired by the resort's African theme and the melding of the two cultures so closely connected on the ancient Spice Trade Route. Chef Eddie Mendoza has added new dishes to the menu that he calls, "African with an Indian touch," he told the Disney Parks Blog. 

Old favorites remain on the menu such as the popular curries and the butter chicken. New menu items include the:

• Traditional Sosatie cooked on skewers with lamb and apricots served with butternut squash, bacon, cashews, and goat cheese
• The Biryani, an Indian dish gets African spice and seasonal vegetables that are "influenced from the Cape of Good Hope"
• Boerewors and Slaphakskeentijies - African sausages served with Malay Onion Salad
• Umngqusho - samp (hominy) and beans flavored with butter (Nelson Mandela's favorite dish)
• Kenya Coffee BBQ Sandwich (Lunch)
• Indian-Style Bread Service with accompaniments Coriander Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Tomato-Date Jam, and Mango Chutney (pictured above)

"Allergy-friendly menus and dietary needs are pretty simple in the Sanaa kitchen, as much of the menu is plant based and easy to tweak for special diets," says Chef Eddie. For reservations guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Minnie's New Dress to be Designed by Christian Siriano:

Minnie Mouse is getting a new dress for a special event called, Minnie Rocks the Dots, in honor of National Polka Dot Day later this month. The dress will be designed by fashion designer, Christian Siriano. The event will take place in Los Angeles, with a red carpet preview event, on National Polka Dot Day on January 22 before the event opens to the public. The event will take fans on a journey through Minnie's influence on fashion and pop culture since she debuted in 1928.

Siriano said this about Minnie's influence on him, "Minnie Mouse and her iconic style have had a huge impact on me and on the fashion industry. I drew inspiration from Minnie Mouse's ability to light up room and designed a dress for her that is happy, playful, and what I like to call 'downtown chic.' I also infused some special touches to celebrate her classic polka dots."

The exhibit is in collaboration with Refinery29, will also feature iconic photographs, like Twiggy at Disneyland, archive imagery, and sketches from the 1930's through the present day. Fans can also see custom dresses worn by Minnie herself from countries all over the world, as well as fashion pieces from around the world that are inspired by Minnie Mouse herself.

The open event to the public is on January 23 at The Paper Agency, 1050 S. Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 from 12-8 p.m. PT. For guests that attend will get a sneak peek of upcoming Minnie-inspired collaborations. They will also have a chance to purchase limited-edition items in a pop-up shop. 

Last Part of "The Jungle Book" Triptych Poster Revealed:

As we have seen the last few days with the first two parts of "The Jungle Book" poster were revealed, today the final part was released. The final part features Mowgli and Baloo.

Here is the final outlook with all three posters together:

"The Jungle Book" will hit theaters in April.

In-Depth Look at Disney's Deluxe Resorts Part 5: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Step into the African savanna into our next part of our in-depth look at Disney's deluxe resorts today in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This deluxe resort which is adjacent to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park opened on April 16, 2001. This is many guest's favorite deluxe resort to stay at for the beautiful view as well as seeing all the animals on the resort property.

Animals to be seen at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge include: Anikole Cattle, Bongo, Blesbok, Eland, Grant's Zebra, Greater Kudu, Impala, Reticulated Giraffe, Thomson's Gazelle, Water Buck, Red River Hogs, and White-Bearded Wildebeest. Birds that can be seen at the resort include: Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Blue Crane, East African Crowned Crane, Greater Flamingo, Marabou Stork, Ostrich, Pink-Backed Pelican, and Ruppel's Griffon Vulture.

Here is the overview listed on Disney's website for Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge:

Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. 

Room Types and Rates:

Rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge are the cheapest of the Disney World deluxe resorts where they begin at $284 a night. You wouldn't believe that this is a deluxe resort at its price but the detail and views of the resort make it just what it is a luxury resort right next to the African savanna. Amenities in the standard rooms of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge include: a hair dryer, coffee maker, in room safe, pack n' play crib, internet with free wi-fi service, telephone with voicemail, and an iron and ironing board.

Standard View Room at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

A Standard View room as stated above at its lowest is $284/night with views of the rooftop or parking area. It sleeps up to 4 adults and has the choice of 2 queen beds, a queen bed and a bunk bed, or a king and a daybed. The Pool View rooms start at $331/night, sleeping up to 4 adults, and choices of 2 queen beds, a king bed, or a king bed and a daybed. The Savanna View rooms are $381/night with views of any of the 3 savannas. It also sleeps up to 4 adults and choices of 2 queen beds or a king bed and a daybed. The Arusha View room is $411/night and has views exclusively of the Arusha Savanna at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It sleeps up to 4 adults and has the same choices of beds as the Savanna View rooms. 

Arusha View Room w/Bunk Bed at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Like Disney's Wilderness Lodge bunk beds are an option for rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. As stated above Standard rooms have a choice of bunk beds are starting at $281/night. All rooms have a queen bed and a bunk bed and sleep up to 4 adults. The rooms have different views and are at different price ranges. A Pool View with bunk bed is $351/night, a Savanna View with bunk bed is $421/night, and an Arusha View room with bunk bed is $456/night. 

As with all the other Disney World deluxe resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge has upper tier rooms and suites with club level service. Amenities in these rooms include: evening turndown, opportunity to book and experience the Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure, pre-arrival Walt Disney World Resort itinerary planning, access to concierge service at Kiliminjaro Club, secured key access to the club-level lounge with refreshments served 7 am to 10 pm daily, complimentary health club access, personalized front desk and guest services, complimentary newspapers in the club-level lounge, complimentary fax assistance, plus all the standard room amenities plus a dvd player.

2-Bedroom Suite with Club Level Access at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are four different types of rooms with club level access at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. A Standard Room with Club Level Access starts at $457/night with a view of the Arusha Savanna. It sleeps up to 4 adults and has choices of 2 queen beds, a queen bed and a bunk bed, or a king bed and a daybed. The Standard View 1-bedroom suite with club level access is $825/night with views of the rooftop or parking area. It sleeps up to 6 adults and has 2 queen beds and a queen-size sleeper sofa. The 1-Bedroom suite with club level access is $878/night with views of one of the three savannas. It sleeps up to 6 adults and has 2 queen beds and a queen-size sleeper sofa. Your last choice for a room at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is the 2-bedroom suite with club level access starting at $1,679/night and views of one of the three savannas. This suite sleeps up to 8 adults and choices of a queen bed, bunk bed, king bed, and a queen-size sleeper sofa or a king bed, 2 queen beds, and a queen-size sleeper sofa.

Dining:

Dining at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge as described on Disney World's website is that they serve award-winning, African inspired specialties as well as American favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner amidst a lush, wildlife African preserve. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers fine/signature dining, unique/themed dining, quick-service, lounges, and in-room dining. 

Jiko - The Cooking Place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has one fine/signature dining experience in Jiko - The Cooking Place. Jiko is the fine dining experience that has vibrant spices, crackling wood-burning ovens, and a boutique of South African wines that will transport you to the heart of Africa. There is a dress code where tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentleman, cut-offs, torn clothing and shirts with offensive language and graphics are not permitted in the restaurant. 

Sanaa a Unique/Themed Dining Experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

There three different unique/themed dining experiences at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Starting with Boma - Flavors of Africa where you can experience a restaurant that resembles an African Marketplace that serves all you can eat buffets for breakfast and dinner. At Sanaa (pictured above) you can experience the art of African cooking with Indian flavors as you watch exotic animals roam the Sunset Savanna. Finally at the Jiko Wine Tasting you can enjoy South Africa's distinguished varietals all while sampling the complimentary tastes of exquisite cheese pairings of your choice.

Also at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge there are three quick-service options to choose from for guests. The Mara which serves African stew, pitas, half-chicken dinners, and more. American favorites like burgers and flatbreads are also available. Breakfast is served until 11 am. There are also two pool bars with the Maji Pool Bar and the Uzima Springs Pool Bar. The Lodge also provides two lounges in the Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar and Victoria Falls Lounge. Room Service is all available form 6 am till midnight.

Recreation and Amenities at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge:

As with all Disney World resorts there isn't just your room and dining for your hotel stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. There are many spots of recreation throughout the resort. There are two pools both with waterslides in the Uzima Pool and the Samawati Springs Pool. Other sources of recreation at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge include:

• Simba's Clubhouse for preschoolers (0-5) and kids (6-9)
• Jambo House Campfire Activities
• Hakuna Matata Playground
• Jogging Trails
• Pumbaa's Fun and Games Arcade

Amenities at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge include:

• Disney Bus transportation to all theme parks
• Complimentary use of Disney's Magical Express to and from Orlando International Airport
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet Access
• Complimentary Parking
• Valet Parking
• Online Check-in
• Resort Airline Check-in
• 24-hour ATM and Banking
• Childcare Services
• Designated Smoking Area throughout the resort (Except in room)
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
• Locker Rentals
• Mail Services
• Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
• Resort Concierge
• Spa & Fitness at Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center

As you can see Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has everything you need for staying at a deluxe resort in Walt Disney World. I have never stayed here but in the future I would love to stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge just to experience the views and feelings of being on the African savanna. That just about ends our in-depth look at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. We still have 4 more deluxe resorts to look into, tune in next week for part 6 in the series: The Boardwalk Inn.