Author: Taylor Jacey

Disney Vacation Planning, Resorts, Walt Disney World

Art of Animation Resort

Taylor Jacey

Art of Animation Resort is all about its namesake, animation! When you walk in the lobby in Animation Hall you are greeted with wall of color on one side and Disney animation drawings on the other. If you continue through the lobby you will pass through the Ink and Paint Shop where you can get all your Walt Disney World merchandise.

Keep moving forward and your next stop will be the resorts quick service restaurant Landscape of Flavors. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Landscape of flavors has 4 unique cooking stations with rotating international favorites as well as mongolian barbeque, burgers, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, fresh smoothies and gelato.

I had some gelato on my last trip to Landscape of Flavor and it was absolutely to die for! So delicious!!

After you check out everything Animation Hall has to offer, you will walk out the side door past the arcade and the Finding Nemo area of the resort will be in front of you. The Finding Nemo area of the resort greets you with the Big Blue Pool which features your favorite disney songs playing underwater!

Look just to the right of The Big Blue Pool and you will find The Drop Off Pool Bar, a full-service bar for adults to grab a cocktail.

Keeping walking past the Big Blue pool and you will find Schoolyard Sprayground. A big hit with the little ones, Schoolyard Sprayground, a Finding Nemo themed splash zones features pop-up jets and gushing water.

Just past Schoolyard Sprawyground is The Righteous Reef Playground which leads to the walking/jogging trail that surrounds Hourglass Lake, as well as the bridge to Pop Century resort.

If you had walked to the right after heading out of Animation Hall instead of moving forward towards the Finding Nemo area, you will enter Cars themed area of the resort with a sign welcoming you to Radiator Springs.

Radiator Springs features 3 buildings of family suite rooms as well as the Cozy Cone pool area. Much more relaxed than the Big Blue pool, the Cozy Cone pool features cone-shaped cabanas around the Cozy Cone Motel swimming pool inspired by the hit movie Cars.

If you had walked to the left after heading out of Animation Hall, you will be created by Rafiki  entering the Lion King area of the resort. This area of the resort features 2 building of family suite rooms and the Elephant Graveyard.

Continue walking through the Lion King area of the resort and you will get to the Little Mermaid area of the resort. With 3 building of regular hotel style rooms, the Little mermaid area of the resort features the Flippin’ Fins pool with an Under the Sea Orchestra conducted by Sebastian.

This resort is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a little extra space with the family suites. It also provides a truly larger than life movie feel if you have a favorite movie that matches the theme of one of the resort areas.

Let’s not forget- Art of Animation Resort is on the Disney Skyliner- check out my post about Disney Transportation for more information on the Skyliner!

Is Art of Animation the perfect resort for your family? Reach out to me to learn more about a Walt Disney World Vacation!

Disney Vacation Planning, Traveling with Small Children, Walt Disney World

Getting Around Walt Disney World

Taylor Jacey

Planes, trains and automobiles…well something like that! Transportation at Disney comes in many shapes and forms starting from your arrival at Orlando MCO if you’ve decided to fly!

If you have decided to fly, no need to worry about the hassle of renting a car – if you’re staying in a Walt Disney World Resort you can hop on the Magical Express, a complimentary service to take you from MCO to your resort and then back to the airport at the end of your stay.

When you arrive at MCO follow the posted signs to the Magical Express area and get checked in with your MagicBand. You will then be guided to your Magical Express coach bus and off into the world of magic you go!

Magical Express Bus at Orlando MCO Airport

Now that you’ve entered Walt Disney World – it’s time to figure out how to get to each of the parks and Disney Springs! You’ll have a couple of options, some of which are dependant on which resort you’re staying in.

Welcome to Monorail Green

The iconic Disney transportation of course is Disney’s Monorail. This runs in a loop around the Magic Kingdom as well as over to Epcot. You can board the monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center near Magic Kingdom to go directly to either Epcot or the Magic Kingdom. If you are staying in a monorail resort- Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort- you will also be able to get to Magic Kingdom from the resort loop or switch over to the Epcot monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center.

The newest mode of Disney transportation takes you high in the sky on the Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner connects 4 Disney Resorts – Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort- to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Depending on where you board the Skyliner you may go directly to Epcot, Hollywood Studios or have to pass through a transfer station at one of the resorts. If you’re going to Epcot, the Skyliner will take you to the World Showcase Entrance between the France and U.K. Pavilions which can be perfect for a breakfast stop at Les Halles Bakery!

Skyliner boarding at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

With its abundance of water, you can also find boat transportation all over Walt Disney World! Some of the resorts have their own boats to take you directly to the parks and some share among a few resorts. You can also take a Ferry boat from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Magic Kingdom.

Friendship Boat Launch at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Epcot & Hollywood Studio Resort Area

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort share the Friendship boats to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios.

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness have their own boat launch to take you directly to the Magic Kingdom

Disney Springs Resort Area

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (Riverside & French Quarter) and Disney’s Old Key West Resort have a boat launch to Disney Springs

Newer bus with a themed wrap on it!

We cannot forget the “get to all the places from anywhere” mode of transportation in Walt Disney World- the buses! If your Disney Resort doesn’t offer any of the other transportation options, you will be able to take a Bus to any of the theme parks and Disney Springs. This is also true if your resort has say the monorail to Epcot and Magic Kingdom but no direct route to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

While this mode of Disney Transportation is not complimentary like the ones above, I’d be remiss not to mention Minnie Vans! Minnie Vans are available for transportation anywhere on Walt Disney World property for a fee through the Lyft app.

They are just as cute as they look and similar to Lyft you will be assigned a driver to take you wherever you want to go. Minnie Van’s can seat up to 6 and are equipped with up to 3 car seats so there’s no need to worry about the little ones. Safety always comes first at Walt Disney World so when you order a Minnie Van, it is a Disney Cast Member who is driving you. They always know where they’re going and will usually share fun facts or tips during your ride.

Minnie Van ready to pick guests up at Magic Kingdom

With so many different ways to get around Walt Disney World – do you have a favorite or preferred way to get around!? Share in the comments!

Disney News, Disney Vacation Planning, Holidays at Disney

A Twinkle of Holiday Magic begins November 6th at Walt Disney World!

Taylor Jacey

The Holiday’s are making their way to Walt Disney World on November 6th! From festive décor and themed merchandise to seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment there is sure to be something for everyone to love during this year’s festivities at all 4 Walt Disney World Parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs!

Unfortunately, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be taking this year off. However, characters will continue to delight, making appearances at all 4 theme parks every day and brining the holiday magic far beyond Magic Kingdom. Festive flotillas will coast down the waterways of Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades will roam Epcot’s World Showcase, Merry motorcades drive through the streets of Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom cavalcades will get a special holiday twist all featuring your favorite Disney characters.

Holiday Decorations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

If you’re hoping to see holiday favorites like Gingerbread Men, Elves and Reindeer you will not be disappointed! Even the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom spreading holiday cheer. And don’t leave out the man of the hour, Santa Claus himself will make pop-up appearances at each of the 4 theme parks and Disney Springs!

Toy Soldiers Marching down Main Street U.S.A.

Elsa is passing her duties over to the technical teams at Magic Kingdom, so while we won’t see A Frozen Holiday Wish bringing Castle Dream Lights this year, Cinderella Castle is taking on some new holiday decorations! Special projection effects will provide a festive backdrop for your photos including one that makes Cinderella Castle look like a whimsical Christmas sweater.

Let’s not forget about the amazing dining opportunities that the holidays bring to Walt Disney World! You can dine with select members of the Fab 5 at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios where Minnie will be hosting her famous yuletide gathering. Santa Goofy will be joining her as well as other friends in their holiday best.

A little bit later in the Holiday season, on November 27th, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays will kick-off! Holiday kitchens will return to the World Showcase with all your favorites including the American Holiday Table featuring slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with cheese fondue in a bread bowl.

A little bit later in the Holiday season, on November 27th, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays will kick-off! Holiday kitchens will return to the World Showcase with all your favorites including the American Holiday Table featuring slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with cheese fondue in a bread bowl.

Sadly, Epcot’s Candlelight Processional will also be taking this year off, but don’t fret music fans, JOYFUL! Will return to the World ShowPlace to present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary & traditional Christmas and holiday music. The Voices of Liberty will also be returning to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert featuring favorite carols and songs of the season.

Lobby Christmas Tree at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Lobby Christmas Tree at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Grand Destino Tower

Disney Resorts will be getting their special holiday trimmings with their iconic lobby trees and other festive decorations but unfortunately, gingerbread displays will take this year off.

Christmas is hidden around every corner at Disney Springs, where a collection of elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees will be spread throughout the shops, dining and entertainment. Be sure to head over to Jock Lindsey’s where it will once again become Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with some over the top holiday décor and a limited time menu that features festive favorites. While you’re enjoying Disney Springs be sure to stop by the Town Center, West Side and Landing areas in the evening to see a magical snowfall sure to make it feel like a traditional Christmas!

The Walt Disney World Holiday season will last from November 6th to December 30th this year so there is plenty of time to soak in the holiday spirit! Thinking of adding some magic to your holiday celebrations? Click here to fill out my form so we can start planning!

Disney News

What’s in-store for the rest of Summer and Fall in Walt Disney World!?

Taylor Jacey

Walt Disney World opens its gates back up to guests in just a few weeks! But what does the rest of Summer and the beginning of Fall have in store for us?

A Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Food & Wine lovers, don’t fret, while we may not have the full Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that we’re used to, we will have a modified version!

Starting on July 15 and running through the Fall, this will be the longest festival yet! Food and Wine Festival veterans will remember favorite global marketplace booths such as Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. Festival Scavenger Hunt fans will be excited to see Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt return this year! With a different Remy in every country, will you be able to find them all?

There will certainly be one thing missing this year – the Eat to the Beat Concert Series we all know and love will take a break for 2020 but there the music will not be totally lost! The America Gardens Theatre will shine with Epcot entertainers spread out through the day giving you more opportunities to enjoy their performances!

Though with loss also comes gains, even though we missed out on another Favorite Epcot Festival, Flower & Garden Festival, we will get some of it sprinkled into the mix. There will be a brand-new Remy topiary featured in the France pavilion. you will also be able to find Flower & Garden Festival merchandise around the park

NBA Takeover

Walt Disney World is going to become NBA Headquarters this summer! The NBA has officially announced that it will finish its 2019-2020 season at Walt Disney World Resort with games and team practices being played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex throughout the Arena, HP Field House and Visa Athletic Center.

The season will resume on July 30th with 22 teams competing for their spot in the Playoffs. Playoffs will be comprised of the top 16 teams which will continue until the NBA Finals ending no later than October 13th. All games will be played without spectators until further notice.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Sadly, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be taking a break for this year. Words still out on if we’ll see some of those adorable Mickey Pumpkins throughout Magic Kingdom though, I certainly hope we will!

Disney News, Uncategorized

Returning to the Magic: 2020 & 2021

Taylor Jacey

As we prepare for Walt Disney’s Worlds re-opening, there is plenty of new information that you need to know! Here’s what you need to know for a visit Walt Disney World for the rest of 2020 and for reservations in 2021.

2020 Walt Disney World’s Theme Park Reservation System Opening dates:

  • June 22nd  for Disney Resort guests, Disney Springs Area Resort Guests, Swan and Dolphin Resort Guests and Four Seasons Orlando Resort Guests
  • June 26th for Annual Passholders
  • June 28th for Ticket Holders

All Theme Park Reservation Systems will open at 7am ET on their respective days and only be available via web browser (My Disney Experience App does not currently support). For now – there will be no Park Hopper Tickets, Extra Magic Hours and FastPass+ Reservations

What do I do if I have a room only reservation for 2020 but no tickets or would like to travel in 2020 but haven’t been able to make reservations?

  • Reservations and tickets may be offered for purchase later this summer pending availability

2021 Reservations are almost here!!

  • By June 28thth at 7am ET, reservations will open up for Walt Disney World through September 26, 2021.
    • This means you will be able to modify a current reservation to 2021 or book a new 2021 reservation
  • As soon as you make your 2021 Reservations and link them to your My Disney Experience App, you will be able to make Theme Park Reservations for your travel dates.

Changes at Walt Disney World for 2021:

  • MagicBands will no longer be included in every Walt Disney World Resort stay, but will be available for pre-purchase at a discounted rate
  • The My Disney Experience App will be enhanced to perform many of the actions currently done with a MagicBand.
    • Guests will be provided a Key to the World card as a backup to using their My Disney Experience App

**For both 2020 and 2021; A Theme Park Ticket will be required to enter any of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and entry is not guaranteed until confirmed in the Theme Park Reservation System

With so much new information available, what’s most important?

My Disney Experience! If you’re not already, make sure you get very comfortable using your My Disney Experience Account!

 

Check back soon for more information about getting your My Disney Experience Account set up and other information you’ll need to know before returning to the magic!