Florida Theme Parks & Attractions

LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick or Treat Returns for 2018 With More Spooky Fun

17 August 2018 by Suzannah Otis

It’s no secret that LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat is one of my family’s favorites. My youngest son, Gio, has had the good fortune of being a part of a few of their local social media campaigns, but we were fans far before that. It’s such a fun, family experience and included in park admission on those dates! This year they are offering even more dates, and some new surprises too. Here’s the complete rundown, and you can always take a look at the past posts on LEGOLAND Florida fun.

The Halloween party built for kids returns to LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort on nine dates in October. Brick or Treat features a lineup of kid-friendly, Halloween fun! No extra ticket is require

d to enjoy a brand-new show, loads of candy along a uniquely LEGO^®trick-or-treating trail, interactive character meet-and-great experiences, a fireworks spectacular and much more.

New this year, a pair of curious trick-or-treaters will sing, dance and chant their way through solving “A Candy-Coated Curse,” a new show on the LEGO City Stage – showing on event dates only! Also, making her Brick or Treat debut, LEGO Spider Lady will be weaving webs of fun inside LEGO Kingdoms.

Except for Wednesday, Oct. 31, each Brick or Treat date will conclude with a ghostly show featuring the “Tale of Pirates’ Cove,” and a Halloween fireworks spectacular in the skies above Lake Eloise. Wear a complimentary pair of viewing glasses for a brick-tastic LEGO twist.

Guests can sip in spooky style with an event-themed Coca-Cola Freestyle^®collector’s cup, indulge in Pumpkin Spice Granny’s Apples Fries and nibble on a variety of Halloween-themed snacks. Back after popular demand, Be-A-Minifigure Costume Shop will offer more than 20 LEGO minifigure outfits for boys and girls allowing kids to dress up as their favorite LEGO characters. Guests who spend $50 will receive a special gift-with-purchase item, LEGO Penguin Girl Snow Hut. The seasonal retail shop is available for a limited time only.

Staying the night at the LEGOLAND Hotel is getting a lightly-frightful touch with Halloween-themed rooms. Guests will be able to boo-k a night – or two – beginning August 20 by calling 1-888-690-5346.

2018 Brick or Treat Dates

Oct. 6-7 (Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Oct. 13-14 (Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Oct. 20-21 (Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Oct. 27-28 (Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Oct. 31 (Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.)

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Holiday Memories Await at Gaylord Palms ICE!

15 December 2016 by Suzannah Otis

My family and I have been visiting Gaylord Palms ICE! as part of our holiday traditions since 2007, before I even wrote about it in Zannaland. It has really become one of the things my children most look forward to, and they ask every Fall – “when does ICE! start?” (Part of the perks of being Orlando locals; our holiday traditions are just a little bit bigger and over the top than many places.)

Over the years, we’ve seen the displays and offerings change and grow – ice skating outside, ice skating inside, snowball fights, snow tubing, enchanting circus performers, characters, and differing Christmas themes in ice. In all those years, none has been so magical, to me personally, than this year’s theme – A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Growing up in the 1980’s, I have very specific and very wonderful memories of Christmastime. Christmas is always exactly 2 weeks after my birthday, so the whole month of December has forever been overwhelmingly magical to me. I remember the weeks leading up to Christmas were filled with Christmas specials: Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” the Rankin Bass productions of “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” and of course, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

I can see myself clearly, sitting on the floor close to the T.V. in my festive Christmas nightgown, while the lights on the Christmas tree twinkled behind me and the scent of pine and the cookies my mother was baking wafted around me…watching those shows, commercials and all, once a year. At the risk of sounding even more ancient than I already do, this was before a time of cable and satellite television, before 300 channels and DVR’s and Netflix and Roku and Apple TV, or even Blockbuster and VCR’s at this point. So waiting all year to see these shows and making sure you didn’t miss them was a big thing. It became a part of the season, a part of the traditions, a part of the magic.

So to walk in to Gaylord Palms at 9 degrees (a very common temperature feel growing up outside of Boston), and see “A Charlie Brown Christmas” larger than life, right before my eyes, was pretty special for me. The detail was absolutely mind-boggling. Every character, every color, every detail from the television special was carved in perfection. Add to that the music and audio clips from the show, and it was truly a wonderland for anyone who’s grown up with the show, or the Peanuts in general. They were my grandmother’s favorite, and she loved Snoopy, so the Peanuts Gang were always a big part of family visits to her house. I left the ICE! display and wanted to go right back in and see it all again, so I could be little 8 year-old excited-for-Christmas-me once more. If anyone is a fan of the Christmas special or Charles Schulz’s work in general, you must go, you will not be disappointed. The night we were there, Charles Schulz’s son, Craig Schulz, was on hand and seemed to be enjoying himself as well. I can only imagine the memories he must have of these characters.

More to see at Gaylord Palms

Also a part of Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a tree lighting display, A Christmas Wish Light Show, which is the most impressive display yet. Returning for the second year is Cirque Dreams, an impressive show of acrobatic artisans performing in the lobby stage nightly. Alpine Snow Tubing also makes a come-back in the ICE! area, where you can tube down snow-covered slides, as well as other fun activities like photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, a Build-a-Bear Workshop, and much more. ICE! runs this year through January 1, a perfect treat for winter break from school or work. The property itself is so beautiful, it’s like another world when you are inside and my kids ask me all the time when we can stay there next!

Thank you to Gaylord Palms for inviting my family and I to experience the magic of Christmas at Gaylord Palms and see ICE! and the other entertainment offerings first hand. My opinions, as you can see, are my own. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

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Details From Universal Orlando’s Skull Island: Reign of Kong Attraction

25 February 2016 by Suzannah Otis

Skull Island Reign of Kong Great Wall Night time shot IOA image ©Universal

Locals have been watching the construction with great anticipation, and now Universal Orlando Resort has treated us to a photo and some more info about the upcoming King Kong attraction at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. While I’m not *personally* a fan of giant things screaming in my face, I know many people are, and are excited about this upcoming attraction. (What can I say, I prefer my giant creatures to be magical dragons.)

I do love a good immersive attraction, however, and the Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye attraction in Disneyland is one of my all-time favorites. I also am a mega-fan of the Wizarding World attractions in both Universal theme parks, so I’m willing to give this a try when the gates open this summer. Until then, here’s the official release from Universal with the details they are willing to share today:

Soon, you will be transported to an island shrouded in mystery and legend. It is a lost world where adventure – and the unimaginable – will challenge you in unforgettable ways.

When it opens this summer at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure, Skull Island: Reign of Kong will bring the next generation of the King Kong legend to life. You will be thrust into an exotic world filled with the menacing, the intense – and the wildly entertaining. A powerful storyline, a stunning 3D experience, innovative technology – and the unexpected – will pull you into one of Universal Orlando’s most massive adventures yet. This is a multi-dimensional experience filled with surprise – all wrapped into what will be one of the longest Universal ride experiences ever created.

More first-ever details will be released soon. But today, Universal Orlando unveils details about the incredible journey guests will experience.

The adventure begins as you set out to explore an island rife with prehistoric creatures of unknown origin –and the legend of a beast still undiscovered. You find yourself at a campsite of the 8^th Wonder Expedition Company, the research team leading your adventure.

Once beyond camp, the menacing terrain shows signs of a native presence; beating drums draw you toward an ancient temple. Moving deeper into the ruins reveals a lost shrine – and proof you are not alone. You ignore warnings to turn back.

You board a specially designed expedition vehicle that will take you deeper into the island. Mysterious sounds pierce the air and you hear chanting. And then – you confront an enormous temple wall, complete with carvings and images that seem to pay homage to something you cannot quite comprehend. The temple’s massive wooden doors slowly open, revealing a labyrinth of caves.

Inside the caves, you meet your expedition leader – and suddenly find yourself in the midst of a raging struggle between creatures of incomprehensible size and ferocity. Then, as those creatures turn on you, there is an even more enormous, earth-pounding presence – bigger, closer and more overwhelming than you can possibly imagine. It is Kong. But is he friend or foe?

More details about “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will be revealed soon. To stay up-to-date on all the latest news, visit universalorlando.com/ReignofKong.

How does it sound? Mysterious? Menacing? Will you be willing to brave Skull Island this summer? What are you most looking forward to if so? I’ll update more news here as it’s released. Until then, let’s all work on our Fay Wray screams, okay?

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Gaylord Palms ICE! Returns to a Classic Christmas Tale

21 December 2015 by Suzannah Otis

Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015 — Beautiful grand atrium tree

Continuing the grand tradition of millions of pounds of ice sculpted by artisans and formed into amazing displays for all to see, this year Gaylord Palms Resort returned to a classic Christmas story, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.This was actually one of my favorite Gaylord Palms ICE! displays in years past, so I was happy to see it return to Gaylord Palms in an updated form.

For those unaware, ICE! is an indoor winter wonderland featuring:

Walk-through holiday attraction, kept at a chilly 9 degrees
Two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures
Four ice slides
Six individual rooms depicting the story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
The Frostbite Factory — a live carving zone
Final room is a breath-taking Nativity scene carved from crystal clear ice

In addition to the sculpted ICE! displays, there is Alpine Rush Snow Tubing in a separately ticketed area, for unlimited rides down snow-covered slides on tubes.

Bar available outside ICE!

Alpine Snow Tubing

Nativity scene

Another family tradition

Cast of Cirque’s Dreams Unwrapped

Both of the above ticketed events are part of the larger Gaylord Palms Christmas, including free events like an all-new show:

Cirque Dreams UnWrapped

Be dazzled by an array of seasonal characters brought to life in a dreamscape of imaginative costumes and creativity, while stunning feats of showmanship are unwrapped, performed on stage and in the air. Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg is bringing the famed entertainment brand to Orlando for the first time in the company’s 22 years with this exclusive show. The entire family can enjoy this uniquely inspired 25-minute Christmas dream presented with the Broadway style and inventive theatrics for which Cirque Dreams is renowned.

This show was captivating and fun for the whole family, a wonderful addition to the beautiful decorations in the grand atrium – which also features SNOW this year after the Cirque Dreams shows.

You can find out more about the events and activities at Gaylord Palms on their site, and purchase tickets to ICE! and other events. Staying at the Gaylord Palms is always a magical experience, I find myself just not wanting to leave the resort because there is so much to see and do and experience. The holidays amplify that feeling, so if you haven’t booked your stay, go ahead and make plans now for this year or next!

Disclosure: I was invited to experience ICE! with my family by Gaylord Palms. My opinions and thoughts are my own.

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VIDEO: LEGOLAND Hotel Officially Opens Its Doors (And Disco Elevators) to Guests

18 May 2015 by Suzannah Otis

It’s no secret we are huge fans of LEGOLAND Florida here at Zannaland. It is a place where all of my kids, from ages 16 to 6 have SO much fun every time we visit. It’s a place where everyone has a great time, and the surroundings are so beautiful. It’s a wonderful place to reconnect as a family and experience some of the real Florida at the same time as a fun theme park. Now that time can be extended with the opening of the Legoland Hotel. In complete Legoland style, they’ve seemed to have thought of every detail to make Lego fans and families relax and enjoy. The Legoland Hotel had its grand opening ceremony last Friday and we sent correspondent Kira from SecondBlogToTheRight.com over to cover this event. She came back with some great photos and details that make me want to book a hotel stay right NOW! So without further ado, please enjoy Kira’s coverage and see all of the bricktacular details below:

…

LEGOLAND® Hotel is officially open for business & we’ve got the inside scoop!

On May 15, 2015, the doors opened…well maybe that’s not exactly how it happened, check out the video below…

The grand opening was honored with thousands of colorful LEGO® minifigures blasting out of cannons atop the hotel and a child discovering a key to open the hotel built for kids.

A few of our LEGO® friends greeted us in the lobby. The details in this hotel are incredible. As an avid LEGO® video game player & huge fan of The LEGO® Movie, the little things are really easy to get lost in.

LEGOLAND® Hotel features 152 guest rooms and suites across four themes: Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, and LEGO® Friends. Guests of the Hotel also enjoy early access to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, free full breakfast daily, interactive play areas, daily and nightly entertainment, disco elevator, resort pool and much more.

Bricks Family Restaurant (PHOTO / Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc.) — Bricks Family Restaurant
(PHOTO / Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc.)

Disco Elevator! (PHOTO / Elaine Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc.)

Each room sleeps up to five, and offers a king-sized bed for adults and a separate sleeping area for up to three children, featuring a bunk bed and a trundle bed, as well as two flat panel TVs.

VIP Suites feature a king bed, a living room, pull out sofa, kids’ play area and three flat panel TVs. Suites can sleep up to nine people.

Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Adult Room — VIP Suite Adult Room

Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Living Room — VIP Suite Living Room

Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Balcony — VIP Suite Balcony

All rooms and suites feature LEGO models and a treasure chest, which can be unlocked only by completing a hotel scavenger hunt.

My personal favorite was the Adventure themed rooms due to all the Indiana Jones details!

Sidenote: LEGOLAND® resort is happy to preserve the land that used to be Cypress Gardens. Guests of the hotel can enjoy a relaxing walk on the boardwalk as well as the serene views of Lake Eloise.

Room rates begin at $219 per night. To make a reservation, visit LEGOLANDHotel.com.

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Disney’s Polynesian Village Changes the Face of a Walt Disney World Vacation

7 April 2015 by Suzannah Otis

Locals and frequent visitors alike have witnessed the Walt Disney World Resort landscape change over the past 20+ years with the addition of “Disney’s best kept secret,” or Disney’s Vacation Club (DVC) vacation ownership program. Disney Vacation Club began as a standalone resort, called the “Disney Vacation Club Resort” in 1991. With the success of the vacation ownership program, other resorts were planned and built, causing the original resort to be renamed Disney’s Old Key West, which it is still named today. The next property built was Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, which opened in 1995, followed the next year by Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, giving owners an alternative location to use their DVC points but stay in a Disney-like resort atmosphere. A few months later, Disney’s Boardwalk Villas were opened to guests and the DVC experience began to spread its way around Walt Disney World as DVC-specific buildings and rooms were added to existing deluxe Disney resort hotel properties. In many cases, the DVC additions blended seamlessly into the established resort grounds. The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is my particular favorite as far as not disturbing theming or the non-DVC resort experience. Boardwalk also blends in nicely, and while they definitely stand out as different, it’s hard to imagine a time before the Beach Club Villas existed.

Things started getting a bit dicey with the announcement and addition of Disney’s Bay Lake Tower Resort, which now rises tall beside one the two original Walt Disney World resort hotels – Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This news was Initially met with rumblings of outrage and sacrilege among Walt Disney World purists not wanting to mar the classic landscape from 1971. The “blessing of size” that Walt Disney World espoused has been tested many times over, but messing with the 1971 skyline was a different beast. Disney’s Grand Floridian had of course changed that skyline too, and has now settled in as an accepted member of the monorail resort club. With the Contemporary moniker, there was some leeway in designing a new building that was, is actually, much more contemporary than its sister across the breezeway. And while many still miss the classic view from Bay Lake as you sail across the water bridge, Bay Lake Tower has fit in and brought not only new Magic Kingdom view rooms, but also a lovely lounge with gorgeous artwork from Disney’s original Imagineers.

There was similar concern with the news of the Grand Floridian joining the DVC family, but similar to Beach Club, in an even more seamless fashion, the new Grand Floridian Villas have, in my opinion added to the monorail resort loop, with the lovely and thoughtful additions of Mary Poppins and Sherman brothers touches throughout the resort and DVC units. The building itself matches the main Grand Floridian resort from roof to sidewalk, and we also gained a lovely waterfall between the buildings.

All of this backstory is leading up to, of course, the newest kid on the DVC block, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. This location has, unsurprisingly, also not been without concern or uproar. “What about the beach views?!” “But they’re SO expensive!!” And yes, they are ridiculously expensive at $2100+ per night for a bungalow. They also do block the water view for those on the ground floor of the concierge level of rooms in the Hawaii building, as well as most of the views from the buildings housing the new DVC studio rooms.

I’ll get into price again in a bit, but for now, let me share my thoughts on the views. In my opinion, the new bungalows are actually a wonderful new addition to the sight-line of the Polynesian Village. Why? Because it actually looks like a Polynesian village. When I was touring a bungalow and looking out onto Bay Lake, my reaction really was, “oh, the Grand Floridian kind of looks out of place…” So if you want to go for authentic view, looking out your window to see adorable bungalows makes much more sense than seeing a giant Victorian hotel or even the spires of a castle. As for the fireworks, last time I checked, they were in the sky. That’s not to say this new view is perfect. It’s just different. If you want to see some things, you may have to leave the comfort of your room and wander a bit. Hang out on the beach, or at the pool. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Getting out and exploring is part of what makes the Walt Disney World Resort such a unique experience. For those lucky enough to have views from inside a bungalow, I’m sure seeing a giant Victorian or A-frame hotel in the distance won’t be too much of a chore.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort beach — Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort beach

Now, on to the price. Let me preface by saying for those with an actual DVC membership, while yes, these new bungalows will eat up more points per night than you’re used to, the sting is slightly less with the additional DVC membership benefits, etc. (but it will still sting at around 110-230 points per night for a bungalow). However, for those with larger families who want to stay on Disney property, the choices are, getting two rooms, getting a family suite at a value resort, or getting a DVC multi-bedroom suite. Before having 3 kids, when we lived in the Tampa area, we’d often get a suite at Old Key West to fit everyone plus my mother in one room. Now with 3 kids, 2 of them teenagers, the sharing of rooms or beds is less than ideal and things become harder. Staying at a 2-3 bedroom DVC suite is not really in our budget, even as locals who don’t need tickets or want a dining plan. Of course, staying off property is always an option, and that’s actually what we did before moving back to the Orlando area and doing less “staycations.” There are SO many timeshare and suite properties within a short driving distance to Walt Disney World that are literally the price of one room at a value resort per night. With choices like that, it’s very hard to pick the $400+ to $700+ a night option for most of the standard villas. If you want the over-water bungalow experience, you are going to start at $2100 a night and go up to over $3000 if you want to stay during the holidays. Even dividing that among the possible 8 adults that could sleep there, it would be $263.50 a night just to sleep there. And I don’t know about you, but we don’t usually charge our kids for their share of the vacation expenses. So why is Disney making these bungalows so inaccessible to the average guest? Quite simply, because they have to.

I’m sure at the time of writing this, the Polynesian bungalows are booked through year end, or beyond. With 20 bungalows, they are in high demand, period. Can you imagine if these were affordable? It would be like trying to book a Christmas day reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, getting an Anna and Elsa FastPass, and getting in to the new Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, all at the same time. Everyone would want to stay and it would become a huge thing plaguing the Polynesian and Walt Disney World in general. As it is now, there is a presidential suite in each deluxe resort. Most guests will never stay there, or even try to, because the price range is just totally out of reach. These bungalows are no different, they are just out in your face, tempting and taunting you to stay there and enjoy the ultimate in Disney luxury. And this is why Disney as a company is so successful. They can get people to pay $3000 a night for a 2 bedroom bungalow, when you could get a 3 bedroom condo down the street for $99 a night, or even two deluxe suites at the Four Seasons for the same amount as the bungalows. Unlike most other luxury suites of this nature, you won’t be getting a private 24 hour butler or room service…but Disney is just not known for that level of service in accommodations, so most people staying there won’t think anything of that. In fact, the DVC model is based on stocking the kitchen and making your own meals anyway. Proponents of the Disney Experience will preach that you can’t put a value on the memories you will make at a Disney resort…and Disney has answered, oh yes, you can – and we did.

So at the end of the day, where does that leave us? Well, some people will just be able to afford this, it won’t be a problem. Others will scrimp and save for years to create the ultimate Disney vacation for their family. Still others will simply use their DVC points and call it a day. Some of us will hang out with friends who book a bungalow and experience it briefly that way. Others will take a stroll around the beautiful grounds of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and enjoy the views of the new bungalows, the beach, the new volcano pool, and maybe grab a bite to eat at Trader Sam’s or one of the other restaurants at the resort. While the landscape of the resort, and indeed all of Walt Disney World is forever changed by these new accommodation options, it doesn’t have to affect our enjoyment simply because it is so far out of our price range. I know I personally love hanging out at all of the resort lobbies and grounds. They are fun places to people watch, take photos, and explore parts of Walt Disney World that we may not have realized existed. I think Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is shaping up to be, for the most part, an improvement on the original. I will still miss the lobby waterfall, and think it was an unnecessary change for the overall feel of the resort, but the remainder of the changes have all been positive from what I’ve seen and experienced.

Below is a photo gallery of the 2 bedroom Polynesian Bungalow and a few shots of the opening ceremonies with Ken Potrock, DVC general manager and Tracey Powell – VP – Resort Operations – Deluxe Resorts both of whom dedicated the resort with a torch-lighting ceremony signifying the connection of the 3 points of the triangle of Polynesia. The islands of Polynesia are represented at the resort by the buildings of Hawaii (club level rooms), Niue, Rarotonga, Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa, Tuvalu, Fiji, Tokelau, Moorea, and Pago Pago (the last two returning to their original names with the addition of DVC villa rooms – Tokelau will also contain DVC rooms). The bungalows have been named the Bora Bora Bungalows for added alliteration. All photos may be clicked on to enlarge and view as a slideshow.

The Bora Bora Bungalows are gorgeous. I instantly felt at home and wanted to just move in. The overwhelming feeling I got was that of a family cabin, and I could just picture my kids and fiance and I enjoying a wonderful stay here. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a local or not, but I couldn’t imagine wanting to leave the cabins to go to the parks. These bungalows had everything: the latest appliances, tv’s, a spa tub, a personal plunge pool, and all the comforts of home. Seeing the water from the long windows in the master bedroom and master bath was so relaxing and comforting to me, not to mention the two decks on the water plus the front porch area. I loved it. I know my family would love it. Disney really hit it out of the park (no pun intended) with these bungalows. The studio villas are equally well-appointed and decorated. I think they will be a great hit among DVCers and regular guests alike, despite the cost.

What are your thoughts on this change to the Walt Disney World landscape? I’d love to hear what you think about any of the topics touched on here. Thank you for reading and following along on instagram, twitter and facebook at the dedication ceremony.

Second bedroom

TV and hidden pull down bed

Exposed beam ceiling and themed fan

Kitchen and dining area

Ultra modern kitchen

Family room with another pull down bed

Kitchen and dining

Deck from kitchen

View from the family room

Pull down bed with Electical Water Pageant mural

Tiny private pool

Cinderella Castle in the distance

Lounge chairs

Adorable hanging seats on porch

Family room from the kitchen

Amazing artwork throughout

Hallway bathroom and laundry

Great decor and tile

Tub and shower

Nods to Disney past

The Pineapple Princess herself

Master bedroom

More beautiful artwork

Maui tiki lamp

These windows are wonderful

Great water views

Loved being able to see the water from inside

Master bath

Beautiful tile art and lighting

Soaker spa tub

Spa jets in the tub!

Privacy window

TV behind the mirror

Huge walk-in shower

Artwork in water closet

The art inside the bedroom pull down bed

View from the front porch

Approaching the bungalows

Each bungalow has 2 sets of wind chimes

Studio villa

Pull down bed inside studio villa

Hidden pull down bed

Seating area and table

Couch area

More fun artwork

View from villas in Moorea longhouse

Table area

King bed in studio villa

Coffee area

Spacious bathroom

Walk in shower

Sink area

More mermaid art

Separate tub

Room number sign for villas

Carpet in villas Moorea building

Opening ceremony torch lighting

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The Best Kept Secret in WDW’s Backyard: Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando

29 January 2015 by Suzannah Otis

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at, tour, and even just visit more than my fair share of hotels and resorts, especially in the last 6 years with this site. While staying at an official Disney resort has its perks, I must say [whispers so Mickey doesn’t hear], there are some resorts nearby to give Disney a run for the money. Now before you die-hard Disney resort fans start protesting, please just keep reading and see if you agree when all is said and done. This should be of special interest to all of you runDisney racers out there, because in addition to being a relaxing, amenity-filled, comfiest-beds-ever resort, the Hilton Bonnet Creek has completely ridiculous Marathon Weekends packages that will blow your mind. In the best possible way. I promise.

So I first heard about the Hilton Bonnet Creek through my wonderful friend and fabulous blogger, Amanda Tinney. Amanda had been going to Hilton Bonnet Creek both as an invited guest and on her own time and dime for a while when she invited me over for a girls weekend over the last summer. We had such a great time (despite my getting sunburnt to a crisp because I seem to always forget that people with skin like Merida from Brave need SPF 500) lounging by the pool, being wined and dined at the Bull & Bear, and sleeping in. And it was $99 a night for our room at a special End of Summer rate. That’s Disney Value Resort pricing, people, and this is NOT a value resort in terms of anything BUT price. I still have to write about the exquisite dinner we had at Bull & Bear…I can close my eyes and still taste it, even months later.

Amanda’s and my room at the Hilton Bonnet Creek over the summer

The start of our meal at the Bull & Bear

What I want to tell you about now, however, is Marathon Weekends at Hilton Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria. While I don’t consider myself a “runner” (yet…) though Amanda would argue that I am, I have been cheering and attending Disney races for the last 4 years or so. I’ve done 4 5k’s and just completed my first 10k during the Walt Disney World Marathon 2015 weekend. I’ve recently lost 50lbs (and still going), so this last race weekend was really my first serious foray into the world of Disney races. While I may not have been running a half or full marathon (or all 4 races for the Dopey medal), I’ve been around enough runners to know what they appreciate and the ins and outs of runDisney races. Hilton Bonnet Creek impressed me from check-in to check-out. If you are a local looking for a great place to lay your head and be close to the action, or flying in just to race, the Hilton Bonnet Creek will treat you like royalty. I know just posting the photos that I did on my social media accounts, I was getting people right and left that said they were going to book their next race weekend there. Which made me SO happy, because we had such a wonderful time there, and I want everyone to experience it first hand!

Here is the run-down of the Bonnet Creek Marathon Weekends amenities:

Two of the “Carb Loading” pasta options from Harvest Bistro at the Hilton Bonnet Creek

Crazy huge breakfast set-up & cheering for runners at Marathon Weekends!

A Special Experience For Runners

As our guest during Marathon Weekends at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, you’ll receive the following:

Complimentary bus transportation to and from the race venue
Carb-Load Pasta Dinner options
Personalized assistance from our Runner’s Concierge … and even dip into their Runners’ Survival Kit!
Complimentary snacks and beverages before the races!
Encouragement & recognition from our Marathon cheerleaders … even at 2:30 am!

A Special Marathon Rate For Runners

To get the most out of your weekend, we recommend the Marathon Weekend rate, which includes:

Special rate on accommodations exclusive to marathon runners
Complimentary bus transportation to and from the race venue
10% food & beverage savings card to be used during your stay
A Welcome Runner’s Amenity

I’m just going to put this question here…what do the Walt Disney World Resorts do for runDisney racers staying on property? Well…if you stay at one the hotels they tell you to…they’ll send a bus for you before the races. That’s…pretty much it. The rest of the benefits to running a runDisney race are associated with the race itself and available to everyone running, no matter where you stay. So deciding whether or not to stay at the Bonnet Creek Resort is really a no-brainer, yes? Yes.

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ADD to all of the above, the absolutely incredible guest rooms both at the Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria. Since I’d stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek over the summer, I was excited to experience all the Waldorf Astoria had to offer after hearing only good things from Amanda. Well, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I pretty much wanted to move in and never leave. The beds were SO comfy, that is really the only downside…any wee hours of the morning 3am wake-up calls will seem like cruel and unusual punishment after basically being wrapped in a cloud all night in your Waldorf bed. We were lucky enough to be treated to a King suite at the Waldorf for our stay, and as a result I’m pretty much spoiled for life and only want to stay here from now on.

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is actually, like all Waldorf properties, more of a boutique style hotel, which means excellent service for you, and the intimate feeling of a boutique hotel, with the benefits of the award-winning Bull & Bear, Peacock Alley lounge (which is gorgeous and I want to live there too), the other Waldorf amenities and pool – PLUS, all of the amenities at the Hilton Bonnet Creek, which is right next door, and connected by the convention center so you can walk in comfort inside between the properties. And of course guests staying at the Hilton can also enjoy the restaurants and bars of the Waldorf Astoria too. It really does have it all.

Checking in at the Waldorf was seamless. I was asked for my cell so the concierge could text me with any information and I could ask them for anything, at ANY time! I have to say, that was the coolest feature of all. Being able to ask a question by text (which is my preferred method of communication for the record), and get an instant answer, was heaven I tell ya. We felt so welcomed and at home, it really was an amazing weekend. I know it will be the first of many stays at the Waldorf. The level of guest service we experienced in every corner of both resorts was unparalleled.

In addition to the wonderful Marathon Weekends, the resort offers several special events throughout the year, including one of Amanda’s favorites, Cupcake Lovers Weekend in June, which I feel like I must experience first-hand, for research purposes. They also have spa packages, romance, tea for two, and so many more special experiences. Hopefully I’ve convinced you to look into the Bonnet Creek Resort and stay at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando (I mean, you have to stay at both to get the full experience, I think). Did I mention how convenient it is to all the Walt Disney World parks, Downtown Disney, and I-4 if you’re headed to other Orlando destinations? It’s pretty much perfect. I think I need to check out some dates for a weekend getaway…how about you?

Rates for the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s Marathon Weekends start at just $149/night. A little more and you get the added luxury of the Waldorf Astoria. There are constantly specials and offers going on, and if you’re a Hilton Honors member, there are double points weekends too. Click the links above to check on availability.

Disclaimer: I was an invited guest at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for Marathon Weekends and was provided with a complimentary Deluxe Suite, daily breakfast buffet at Oscars, and a $100 room credit. That said, all of the opinions above are my own, and if we had a bad time, I’d have told you that too. But we didn’t. It was amazing. In fact, I need to tell you more things about our stay, and I haven’t even mentioned the lazy river at the Hilton Bonnet Creek or the spa or the brand new Myth Bar that just opened, but I’ll save that for future posts. So come back and check for those!

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Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort’s Amazing Marathon Weekends

10 January 2015 by Suzannah Otis

What better way to ring in a new year and all the potential it embodies than…running a marathon! The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is in its 21st year, and gets more and more popular each year. With so much going on and so many options for resorts during the marathon, the Hilton Bonnet Creek has really differentiated itself from the pack and offers an absolutely amazing Marathon Weekend set up for runners.

I am currently staying at their sister resort, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and experiencing those Marathon Weekend amenities first-hand. I wanted to post something hear really quick to let you know to follow along at my twitter, instagram and facebook pages to see all of the action as it unfolds. I’ll be writing up a full review after check-out, but until then, as always, my social media outlets are where to find out what’s happening as it happens.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekends at the Hilton Bonnet Creek

Our gorgeous room at the Waldorf Orlando

Huge thanks to the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando for putting me up here this weekend, having such a plush place close-by to rest my weary feet after running the 5K and 10K (my first) on Thursday and Friday has been wonderful. And as I work up the courage and strength to run a half marathon, I definitely know where I’ll be staying!

Please stay tuned and follow along – and feel free to ask any questions either here or on your preferred social media platform, that I can answer for you while I’m here! See you on the courses!

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Make Holiday Plans Now for Gaylord Palms ICE! and More

6 August 2014 by Suzannah Otis

After my recent visit a little further north of the hot Florida sun, the cooler weather got me thinking about the holiday season, so I was thrilled when this announcement about the Gaylord Palms ICE! theme and other Christmas events came through. This year, ICE! will feature The Nutcracker, one of my favorite holiday tales and one with a personal connection – my mother (a former professional ballerina) played the Sugar Plum Fairy for the Boston Ballet many years ago and it’s always been a family tradition to watch or experience The Nutcracker somehow each year. I think The Nutcracker is a perfect theme for the amazing ice sculptures featured at Gaylord Palms and can’t wait to see it in person. I’ll have to bring my mom too! This year they’ve also added Alpine Snow Tubing to the ICE! festivities. Can’t wait!

Here is more about ICE! and the other Christmas offerings at Gaylord Palms, which is beautiful year-round, but even more so during the holidays:

ICE! Featuring The Nutcracker

Dreams of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King will come to life in a full-on frozen wonderland this winter during Christmas at Gaylord Palms. On Nov. 15 scenes from everyone’s favorite ballet, the Nutcracker, will be reimagined in nearly 2 million pounds of hand-carved vibrant ice sculptures. ICE! will feature four slippery ice slides and live carving stations inside of the Artisans in Action Frostbite Factory.

New in 2014

That’s not the only exciting happening during this year’s annual Christmas at Gaylord Palms. Guests can now experience the rush – Alpine Rush Snow Tubing – an 18’ 8-lane giant snow hill created with 1.5 million pounds of real Florida snow. Children and adults of all ages will frolic with delight as they speed down these snow covered hills.

The Christmas Experience

Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a mystical experience that boasts the true nature of the season all under a glass enclosed atrium. Lush gardens sprinkled with poinsettias, grand holiday displays and more than 2 million twinkling lights. Don’t forget the famous 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree; character dining and meet and greets; delectable holiday dining; Cookies with Mrs. Claus and awe-inspiring live entertainment that crowds have grown to love including the rhythmic Luminescence show.

With so much to see and do, the best way to experience Christmas at Gaylord Palms is to spend the night with us. Packages are now on sale at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.

ICE! is open daily from Nov. 15, 2014 to Jan. 4, 2015, including holidays. The Christmas experience begins Nov. 21, 2014. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com. There are many specials, Florida resident deals and more to choose from!

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Four Seasons Orlando Elevates Pool-Side Dining at PB&G

31 July 2014 by Suzannah Otis

On our recent sneak peek at the dining options at the Four Seasons Orlando, one of my favorite spots was PB&G, which stands for Pool Bar & Grill. Normally, I think of a pool-side restaurant as a sort of last resort for dining, but this is definitely not the case at the Four Seasons. Much like everything else at a Four Seasons resort, this is done right – you will not find an overcooked burger and fries here, this is fine dining with a southern smokehouse twist.

We sampled the Rotisserie Chicken, served on potato salad with dill, Beef brisket with sauerkraut coleslaw on rye , and Oysters “roc”a fella with spinach puree, smoked aioli, bacon breadcrumbs, as well as the deviled eggs with caviar. These are all things I would probably never have ordered on my own, but I always like to try things when offered like this so I can share them with you (like the seared tuna at Ravello!) and I was surprised at how much I loved everything.

The rotisserie chicken was fork tender and really easy to eat and the potato salad was a great texture and flavor, and wins points for the brown bag presentation. So adorable. The beef brisket was a little more challenging to eat, but no less delicious and a great combo of flavors. The oyster was fried (I probably would not have been daring enough to eat it raw) and tasted great. Coming from New England, I’m used to fried oysters and clams and this reminded me of that, but with a very light, unique breading. The deviled eggs were also fun, and the caviar on top was a great way to make a traditional bbq item more elevated. Families will be happy to know they have great kids options as well, from chicken fingers to bbq, served in a fun kids meal box with activity menu.

PB&G also has a full bar with beers on tap and a signature Absolut Thyme – iced tea with Absolut Peach and a sprig of fresh thyme. Refreshing for a hot Florida summer day, but also dangerously delicious! All seating in PB&G overlooks the lake adjacent to the adult Oasis pool and the family water park area. The hours are from 11am – 6pm presently, as the pool lighting as not been installed as of yet. Reservations are recommended here as well, as I’m sure it will be a very popular choice among guests. If I were staying at the Four Seasons, this would be a must-do for dining.

See more PB&G photos in this gallery (click to enlarge to slideshow):