In Depth Look at Disney's Deluxe Resorts Part 1: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Today we will start our series of in-depth looks at Disney World resorts starting with the deluxe resorts. In part one we look at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort a destination for Disney World guests since the park opened in 1971. The Polynesian Village Resort makes you feel like you are on the island located in the South Pacific. With its tropical palms, lush vegetation, koi ponds, and white-sand beaches the Polynesian is easily a guest favorite to stay at during a visit to Disney World. A literal tropical paradise awaits you on the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

Currently the resort is undergoing a pretty large renovation/update converting the resort into a location for Disney's Vacation Club. It is one of the largest updates to the resort in its long and storied history as a deluxe resort at Disney World. 

Rates & Room Types:

Rates for a stay here can be pricy but it is a deluxe resort, so you are paying for the many amenities and the closeness to Magic Kingdom. Rates for a room at the Polynesian Village Resort start from $429 a night for a standard room. You can have views of the garden, pool, monorail, marina, or parking area and rooms will sleep five and consists of 2 queen beds and a day bed. Your next rate of a room is a Seven Seas Lagoon view where rates begin at $576/night. You can also choose a theme park view room with a view of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon which start at $620/night. 

Club level rooms also sleep up to 5 adults and consist of 2 queen beds and 1 day bed. Garden View rooms with club level service start at  $616/night. You can choose a view of the garden as well as a view of the quiet pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Your rate for lagoon view starts at $768/night. A theme park view with club level service has rates starting at $812/night. Finally, a 1-bedroom suite at club level with views of the marina begin at $1,059 per night.

Dining:

Dining at the Polynesian allows you to taste the flavors of the South Pacific as well as American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can have a character dining experience with Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast. Characters at the breakfast include Lilo & Stitch along with Mickey and Pluto. It is an all-you-can-eat buffet. Ohana also has an all you can eat dinner seating with no characters. Another sit-down dinner at the Polynesian is the Kona Cafe. The Kona Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As described on the Disney World website, the Kona Cafe is a relaxed cafe that infuses a bit of Asian zest into traditional American meals and also features an onstage sushi station. The experience of the Spirit of Aloha dinner show is a one of a kind experience that takes place at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Disney's Spirit of Aloha show is an enchanting luau with Polynesian dancing all while you enjoy an all you can eat family style dinner.

Also at the Polynesian you have your quick-service restaurants. Your main quick-service is Capt. Cook's. Here you can experience the wonderful tonga toast for breakfast, and for lunch and dinner enjoy wide array of sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, and more. Also you can enjoy some great food eating at Kona Island and the Barefoot Pool Bar. Also coming to the Polynesian very soon will be Trader Sam's to be located in the Great Ceremonial House. 

Recreation and Amenities:

There are many things to do while staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort that can make you take a day of relaxation instead of going to the parks. The have two pools although currently the Nanea Volcano Pool is under renovation until sometime this spring. It has a supervised children's activity center. You can enjoy a movie under the stars on the beach nearest the Nanea Volcano Pool. You can rent motorized boats as well as sailboats. There is the Polynesian village campfire activities as well as private bass fishing with a guided catch-and-release excursion. Guests can play volleyball as well as run on the jogging trail.

While staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort the following amenities are included:

• Disney's monorail, bus, and watercraft transportation to the parks
• Complimentary service of Disney's Magical Express 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet
• Complimentary Parking
• Valet Parking
• Online Check-In
• Resort Airline Check-In
• 24-hour ATM
• Banking
• Childcare Service
• Designated Smoking Areas
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
• Locker Rentals
• Mail Service
• Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
• Resort Concierge
• Spa & Fitness

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is one of my favorite resorts in Disney World to stay at. Although quite expensive if a guest can just stay at this resort once, I believe it will become one of their favorite's as well. I hope that I gave you some in-depth information if interested in staying at the Polynesian. Stay tuned for part 2 of the Disney's deluxe resorts: Disney's The Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower.

Disney Offers Update On the World of Avatar at Disney World's Animal Kingdom

Disney today offered an update on what has been happening in the World of Avatar that is being built in Disney's Animal Kingdom. On a blog for the Disney Parks Blog, Chief Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn writes of how Disney and Avatar director James Cameron are recreating the world of Avatar by bringing it to life at Animal Kingdom. Imagineers are working to recreate the iconic elements of the land like the magnificent floating mountains, the interactive bioluminescent forest, and even the soaring banshees.

Vaughn writes that the creative process is one of the most dynamic and collaborative ones that Disney  Imagineers have ever undertaken. Everyone including Disney CEO Bob Iger has had their input on the design and the creative vision that is going into the building process. Recently, the team met in Glendale, California at Imagineering Headquarters to walk through the progress of the land, including getting an inside scoop of what is like to ride on a banshee.

When James Cameron was with the group he stated, "I think one of the things that people loved about the movie is that they have felt they had visited Pandora... now thanks to Disney's amazing Imagineers, people are truly going to experience Pandora firsthand. From the details in the plants to the production and design, extraordinary thought and care has gone into this world. The teams have really created something special, and it's not going be like anything else."

Vaughn ended the blog saying that the project of Avatar is really pushing the boundaries of what is possible. He stated that what makes Disney Parks special is the cast across the company bring out these experiences to life. Disney also released a sneak peak video where it appears that they are working on the walkways. They appear to really be technology enhanced responding to guests movements. It is literally glowing. What are you looking forward to most in seeing in the World of Avatar? Here is the sneak peek video that was released with the blog:

Your Daily News from Around Disney 2/25/15

Your Daily News from Around Disney has returned today and a lot has happened today. I woke up this morning hoping to make my reservation for Be Our Guest and it did not as I would hope to. As I am sure many people were having the same issue. It appears as though my reservation did actually go through. I'm sure Disney is hearing tons of complaints today. That is enough though lets get into your news from around Disney today.

New Trailer for Frozen Fever Released:

This morning on Good Morning America, Disney released a new trailer for it's much anticipated animated short, "Frozen Fever." The much anticipated short comes after Disney Animation's 2013 huge hit in it's feature film "Frozen." The short is about the two sister's Anna and Elsa as Elsa prepares Arenndale for Anna's birthday party. All the film's characters are set to return along with new original songs. Here is the new trailer just released today:

Dates Announced for Both Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

Today dates were announced for everybody's favorite Halloween and Christmas parties in the Magic Kingdom. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will begin September 15, while Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will begin November 8. Both special events ticket sales will begin in April.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates:

September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25,  and 27

October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31

November 1

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Dates:

November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, and 29

December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18

Ducktales Returning to Disney XD in 2017:

Today Disney Channel PR announced that one of their original animated cartoons Ducktales will be returning for a reboot in 2017 on all Disney XD channels around the world. The original cartoon which aired on the Disney Channel for 100 episodes from 1987 to 1990. The new animated series will again feature the adventures of Scrooge McDuck, his grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, as well as Donald Duck. The series will take you along with Scrooge, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Donald go on high-flying adventures worldwide. Other original characters that are set to appear in the new animated series are: Duckworth, Gyro Gearloose, Launchpad McQuack, Flintheart Glomgold, Magica DeSpell & Poe, Ma Beagle and the Beagle Boys, Mrs. Beakley, and Webbigail Vanderquack. The original series of Ducktales is available on the Watch Disney Channel app.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day in 1965, Disney's Mary Poppins is nominated for an amazing 13 Academy Awards including Best Picture (a first for a Disney film). 

Daily Disney Quote:

"I do not like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things."

Walt Disney

Well I really can't wait for the Ducktales "reboot", a true Disney animated series classic. That's all for today and as always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Bob Chapek Named Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Two weeks ago, Bob Iger named Tom Staggs Chief Operating Officer of the Walt Disney Company. This left Staggs' former position of chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts open. Today Iger and Staggs filled the position and named Bob Chapek chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Chapek is a 22-year veteran of the Walt Disney Company who since 2011 has been President of Disney Consumer Products. He will assume the role effective immediately.

Mr. Iger stated in the release about Chapek, "Under Bob's leadership, Consumer Products has seen great success, focusing on brands and a franchise-driven strategy while launching new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity. He is an experienced and versatile executive well-suited to lead Parks and Resorts into the future."

After being named COO of the WDC earlier this month Tom Staggs said in a statement, "Bob is stepping into this role at an incredibly dynamic and exciting time for our Parks and Resorts business. The ongoing construction of Shanghai Disney Resort as well as the new Avatar-themed land at Walt Disney World continues an era of unprecedented growth and historic expansion."

Finally Mr. Chapek in the statement released said, "I am grateful for the many opportunities I have had during my many years at Disney and am thrilled to join the incredible Disney Parks organization. I look forward to working with the remarkably talented team dedicated to creating magical memories for millions of guests around the world."

A successor for Mr. Chapek at Disney Consumer Products will be named at a later date. Prior to being named President of Consumer Products Chapek was President of Distribution for Walt Disney Studios from 2009 to 2011. Prior to that he was President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Before joining Disney in 1993, Mr. Chapek worked in brand management at H.J. Heinz Company and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson.

Walt Disney World Ticket Prices Will Increase Tomorrow

As we wrote about last week that it was just a matter of time that Walt Disney World would see their ticket prices increase. Well that time has come as the prices will officially be increased tomorrow and it mostly all across the board. The only things not increasing are Disney Quest, ECV wheelchair rental, stroller rental and parking fees will stay the same prices. The most notable is the no-expiration option on multi-day tickets being taken away. Here is a rundown of the increases:

Walt Disney World Ticket Increases:

Magic Kingdom will have an increase up to $105 from $99 for one day ticket prices. While Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom will increase to $97 a day from $94. For annual passes the increase goes to $654/year from $634/year last year, a $20 increase. The premium annual pass goes up $25 more a year to $779 from $754 last year. At the water parks tickets for guests ages 10 & up are increasing from $53 to $58 and for guests ages 3-9 from $45 to $50. For annual passes at the water parks it will be an increase of $6 from $104 to $110. For ages 3-9 the annual pass will see an increase of $14 from $85 to $99.

For Multi-Day tickets the no-expiration option will no longer be available. For a typical 10-day pass ticket prices will increase by $11 to $365 from $354. A 7-day pass will now be $335 and increase up from $324. Also the 3-day pass will only increase up another $1 to $275 up from $274. Park hopper options will see an average increase of $4. Park hopper on a 10-day pass will now be $64 up from $60 and a single day park hopper will be $50 up from $35 previously.

Finally, for Florida residents annual passes will be $529, which is up from $485 previously. That's the steepest increase of $44. For the premium resident annual pass it will be also be a $44 increase to $649 from $605. A Florida resident 4-day pass will be $209, up from $199 previously. A 3-day pass will be $189 increasing from $179.


So there it is officially these increases will take effect tomorrow. What does everyone think of the ticket increases? Will this effect you going to the parks this year? Let us know what you all think.

Your Daily News from Around Disney 2/17/15

Welcome back after a day off from the blog, we are back with another update with your daily news from around Disney. Hope everyone enjoyed their weekends. So without further ado let's get right into your news for the day.

Guest Can Now Pose with an Oscar Statuette:

Yesterday the Disney Parks Blog announced Disney World guests can get their picture taken with an Oscar statuette in Hollywood Studios. From yesterday through Sunday, February 22, guests can go to the Magic of Disney Animation building during regular park hours for their "My Oscar Moment" photo opportunity. Guests will be able to walk the famous red carpet and the photo backdrop will be similar to the one that the winners will use. The Oscars are scheduled to air this Sunday February 22 at 7e/4p live on ABC.

More Info Released on Star Wars Day at Sea:

Yesterday the Disney Parks Blog announced more details about Star Wars Day at Sea aboard the Disney Fantasy. Characters such as Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers, and more will be available for scheduled meet and greets as well roaming around on deck. A new ship version of the Jedi Training Academy will be available like the versions in the theme parks. Star Wars trivia games will be available for some friendly competition between kids and adults. For the younglings, Star Wars themed arts and crafts as wells as games and activities will be available in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs. The biggest thing will be when adults enter the night club and will be able to experience the Mos Eisley cantina with Star Wars themed cocktails. Also there will be celebrities and insiders for Star Wars available during each sailing. For the Star Wars deck party characters will converge for a dance party on deck with guests. The party will end with a spectacular fireworks show. Here is a video of a preview the Disney released:

The Village Causeway Opens at Downtown Disney Marketplace:

Last Friday, the Village Causeway opened at Downtown Disney, soon to be Disney Springs, in Walt Disney World. It is a new bridge that connects the area near the Lego store across the water to the Rainforest Cafe. There are four new kiosks that have opened on the Causeway: Flour & Sugar, Florida Bath Co.,  Icon Jewellery by Bico, and Kate & Leo. 

Details and Logo Revealed for Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios:

Today more details and the official logo for Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios were revealed. For one detail Darth's Mall will be moving to the Streets of America. But the biggest detail that came out was the logo of Star Wars Weekends. I love the logo this year it is outstanding, great job by Disney's marketing team. Star Wars Weekends as always will be Friday's, Saturday's, Sundays starting May 15 through June 14, 2015. I will be in Disney May 24-31 and I can't wait for Star Wars Weekends. Here is the logo:

This Day in Disney History:

On this day, February 17, in 1998 construction on Rock 'N Roller Coster begins at Disney World's MGM (Hollywood Studios).

Also on this day in 2004 Disney announces it will buy the Muppets and Bear in the Blue House from Jim Henson.

Daily Disney Quote:

"You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway."

Walt Disney

That's all for today's blog, hope everyone enjoys the content. As always I'll end with the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

My Top 5 Favorite Attractions at Animal Kingdom

We will close out the series at our last stop of my top 5 favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom. This has been a fun series and I hope you enjoyed the series. Once again I will state all statements are my opinion and in no way am I saying these should be everybody's favorite attractions. So let's get right into this with my top 5 favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom.

5.) The Tree of Life:

This could be considered one of the most beautiful things at Walt Disney World and that is why I had to include it in my favorite attractions. In at no. 5 of my favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom is The Tree of Life. It is so beautiful to look at this tree with all its different carving of different animals. You really get to appreciate your surroundings in Disney just be seeing this tree. It is like a scavenger hunt seeing how many animals I could name on the tree. As you walk into the park after the Oasis emerges the beautiful 145 ft. tall Tree of Life. It's branches spread out 165 ft wide and there are over 100,000 leaves and trunk is 50 ft tall. There are over 320 carvings of different animals and the tree itself took thousands of workers to build it in 18 months time. It simply is a sight to see as it is the park's icon. There is no way I could leave it off the list, so it's no. 5 of my favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom.

4.) Finding Nemo: The Musical:

It's time to go under the sea with Pixar at no. 4 of my favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom, Finding Nemo: The Musical. One of my favorite Pixar films is made into a musical at Animal Kingdom and it simply couldn't be left off the list. Finding Nemo: The Musical is just that a musical going through the movie with musical numbers. It really is a great show and a must see at the Animal Kingdom. Everyone knows the story of Nemo and this takes you fully into the movie with puppets, dancers, acrobats and more of this awesome show at Disney World. The show lasts about 30 minutes in this closed theater that makes you really are in the ocean. There's some Disney magic for you. I enjoy the show and so should you. In at no.4 of my favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom is Finding Nemo: The Musical.

3.) Dinosaur:

Let's travel back millions of years in search for the Iguanadon dinosaur in no. 3 of my favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom, Dinosaur. Yes, as in Epcot with Ellen's Energy Adventure another dinosaur ride makes my list in Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom. This was a ride that I hadn't gone on until recently and is now one of my favorites at the park. This thrill ride is even better then the one in Epcot as you are jerked around in your all-terrain vehicle in search of the Iguanadon. During the ride you find yourself starting off in the prehistoric forest with dinosaurs everywhere. You then get caught in a meteor shower with still not finding the Iguanadon. With meteor shower heading for impact you finally find him, surviving the meteor shower you get back to the Dino Institute with the Iguanadon for a successful mission. It certainly is an exciting ride and give you a thrill. In at no. 3 of my favorite attractions at the Animal Kingdom: Dinosaur.

2.) Kilimanjaro Safari:

See every animal on this African safari, with no. 2 on my list of my favorite attractions at the Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safari. This really is an experience like no other because you actually feel like you are traveling through the African savannah on the Harambe Reserve. The animals you get to see are amazing from zebras to elephants to hippos to lions. There is so much to see it really is breathtaking. You must take photos on this ride although sometimes it is tough since you are in the vehicle that rarely stops. Your best chance for photos are if you sit at the end of a row. Suggested time of riding this attraction is between 2 and 3 in the afternoon as that is when all the animals are entering their end of days going into their barn. This will set up for some amazing photographs. The lions are the hardest to get photographs of because they sleep most of the day. Fastpasses are always a must for this ride as lines are long all the time. This ride is amazing and everyone should experience it when they go to the Animal Kingdom. In at no. 2 of my top 5 favorite attractions in the Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro Safari.

1.) Expedition Everest:

Let's tell the story of the legend of the Yeti with my favorite ride at Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest. On a ride to the highest mountains of Mount Everest you take a thrill ride on this roller coaster going high rates of speed, even going backwards. This ride is the top of all thrill rides at Disney World. It is a fun ride no matter how old you are although you must be 44 inches in height to ride this ride. The adrenaline you feel on this ride is amazing as you are on the run from the legendary creature, the Yeti. At one point you reach the end of the track because the yeti has destroyed forcing the coaster to go backwards. Just when you think you are going face-to-face with the yeti you drop to an 80 foot plummet to escape this legendary creature. This ride is one of my favorites in all of Disney World, a fastpass is a must for this ride as well. A definite must ride when you are in the Animal Kingdom and no. 1 of my top 5 favorite attractions, Expedition Everest has my vote for the best in this park.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day February 15, in 1899 Walt Disney's wife, Lillian Marie Bounds is born in Spalding, Idaho. 

Also on this day in 1950, Walt Disney Studios animated feature, Cinderella, is released.

Daily Disney Quote:

"I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn't know how to get along without it."

Walt Disney

So ends our series of my top 5 favorite attractions in the Disney Parks. Tomorrow we will return with your daily news from around Disney. As always we end with the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."