Boating and Water Sports at the Polynesian Resort

One of the first things that struck me about the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World was the marina and the amazing variety of watercraft available for rent by resort guests. Deciding whether to stay at the Polynesian Resort and play on the lake all day or to visit one of the Walt Disney World amusement parks is a terrible position to be in. Do yourself a favor and plan to stay an extra day and just play on the water! The marina at the Polynesian Resort has a fleet of both motorized and non-motorized watercraft for rent. You can … Continue reading →

Walt Disney World Spas: Grand Floridian

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa takes pampering to amazing new levels. Not only are there white sand beaches and concierge service to be sure you’re treated right at the Grand Floridian but there is a great full-service spa and health club right there on the premises. You can enjoy treatments for the face and body that are guaranteed to refresh and revitalize you down to your core. You can have your choice of massage therapies, facials, aromatherapies, signature services and even enjoy a good workout. When planning your vacation at the Grand Floridian, consider some of these great spa … Continue reading →

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort (Dixie Landings)

Although this isn’t a luxury resort, it was part of Walt Disney’s dream to be able to provide accommodations for families on every size budget. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort (formerly called Dixie Landings) is the second largest moderately priced resort at Walt Disney World with over 2,000 guest rooms. There are two parts to this resort: Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. Magnolia Bend is designed to look like two and three story mansion homes while Alligator Bayou has two story, cottage style buildings. Most rooms at this resort have two double beds each and accommodate up to four adults … Continue reading →

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

The Fort Wilderness Resort is mainly a campground but there are also some great cabins available for campers. Not only is the Fort Wilderness Resort affordable for the average family but it brings all of the very best pastimes to camping while housing you within Walt Disney World itself. There are several recreation areas at Fort Wilderness where you could easily spend your entire vacation: The Meadow Recreation Area is in the center of Fort Wilderness and gives guests access to bike trails and waterways. At the Bike Barn, you can rent bikes (of course) as well as tennis and … Continue reading →

The Villas at the Disney Institute

The Disney Institute and its resort villas are located on 250 acres of woodland near the Buena Vista Lagoon and Bonnet Creek. This is a very quiet area for accommodations and they range from one-bedroom townhouses to fully equipped Treehouse Villas and even Grand Vista Homes. The Grand Vista Homes and the Fairway Villas border the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and are nestled along quaint tree-lined roadways. The Treehouses are located within a wooded area where peace and quiet are easy to come by. The single bedroom townhouses accommodate 4-6 people each. They have one bedroom with a queen … Continue reading →

Walt Disney World Swan

Like the Walt Disney World Dolphin, the Swan is not owned by Disney. It is on Disney property but owned and operated by Westin Hotels. The Dolphin and the Swan are both located on Crescent Lake. As a guest at the Swan or Dolphin, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours and the Walt Disney Word transportation system. The Swan and the Dolphin, are connected by an outdoor bridge. From this bridge, you can catch a boat to Epcot or Disney-MGM Studios. Bus service is provided to all other Disney resorts and attractions. Other Disney resort guest perks are … Continue reading →

Walt Disney World Dolphin

The Walt Disney World Dolphin resort is located on Crescent Lake and shares recreational options, convention facilities, restaurants and shopping with it’s sister site, the Walt Disney World Swan. These hotels are not owned by Disney but by Westin Hotels. Through a reciprocal agreement, they are considered Walt Disney World resorts. The Dolphin is within walking distance of Epcot, Disney’s Boardwalk and the Yacht & Beach Club. This 27 story, triangular tower with 1,509 units (136 are suites and 77 are concierge rooms) is crowned by two 56-foot dolphin statues. Just a note – if you’re expecting the usual dolphin … Continue reading →

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

This resort was designed with Coronado’s view of colonial Mexico and the American southwest in mind. You are greeted by a sunny plaza leading to the large lobby complete with beamed, mosaic ceilings, columns, inlaid floors and a beautiful fountain. The resort has three themed areas that are situated around Lago Dorado (Lake Dorado). This resort is located near the Animal Kingdom and Blizzard Beach parks. There are 1,921 guest rooms at the Coronado Springs resort. The three themed areas are Ranchos, Cabanas, and Casitas. Ranchos is located along a dry streambed and has buildings that resemble cattle ranches. This … Continue reading →

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Key West is a beautiful place. The pastel colored cottages, white picket fences and tree lined roads are nothing less than quaint perfection. If you were hoping for a laid back vacation in Key West but the kids wanted to go to Disney World, this is the perfect compromise. Disney’s Old Key West Resort will provide you with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere in which to vacation and still provide the excitement the kids crave. Old Key West is a 156 acre resort complex with tin roofed and white picket fenced two and three story buildings set on tree-lined, winding roads … Continue reading →

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This is by far my favorite of all the Disney resorts. The Grand Floridian was inspired by the turn-of-the-century Victorian resorts of the Florida coast. It is complete with verandas, latticework, dormers, and turrets and will easily transport you back to a time when everything about vacationing was elegant. The five-story main building houses the Grand Lobby which is decorated in perfect Victorian furnishings. There is an open-cage elevator and the ceiling is decorated with stained-glass domes and glittering chandeliers. Outside is the Seven Seas Lagoon and a white sandy beach. If the lobby doesn’t transport you, the 900 guest … Continue reading →