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Florida Theme Parks & Attractions

LEGOLAND Florida, SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds Cinco de Mayo Annual Pass Sales

3 May 2019 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Unikitty's Disco Drop

If traditional Cinco de Mayo celebrations aren’t really your speed, Merlin Entertainments Attractions has a deal for you. The four fun-filled Central Florida attractions of Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, along with the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta, are offering a big discount on “Awesomer” annual passes during Cinco de Mayo weekend.

SEA LIFE Mermaids

Available May 3 – May 5, 2019, the “Awesomer” Annual Pass will be only $99.99 per person – a $70 discount! The pass includes 12 months of unlimited access to the FIVE attractions named above. In addition to park and attraction admission, the “Awesomer” Annual Pass includes free standard parking as well as discounts on dining and retail at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. “Awesomer” Passholders can take advantage of year-round discounts at LEGOLAND Florida Resort Hotel and Beach Retreat.

The sale comes just in time for guests to experience all-new summer offerings. Passholders can meet real-life mermaids at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium every Friday through Sunday from May 31 through June 23. The mermaids will dive into the ocean habitat at Orlando’s only aquarium to mesmerize guests with their unbelievable underwater feats.

Madame Tussauds Orlando Justice League

Visitors can also join forces with The Flash and Cyborg, the latest additions to Madame Tussauds Orlando’s Justice League: A Call for Heroes experience. Only in Orlando can guest complete daring missions alongside the ENTIRE Justice League cast, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and now, Cyborg and The Flash.

Guests can also experience the brand-new flying theater attraction, Masters of Flight, at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Which you can read more about here on Zannaland!

Masters of Flight LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s discounted “Awesomer” Pass will be available online and at walk-up admission windows (during operating hours May 3 – May 5) at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Orlando. Learn more about the “Awesomer” Pass at legoland.com/awesomer, visitsealife.com/orlando/awesomer-pass-cinco-sale, or madametussauds.com/orlando/en/cinco-de-mayo-sale.

We bought this pass ourselves on the last sale like this, and it is SO worth it! If you plan on experiencing any of these fun attractions, especially LEGOLAND Florida, we highly recommend snagging this deal!

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Family Travel, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida, Orlando Area Attractions, Top Stories, Travel, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: Cinco de Mayo sale, LEGOLAND annual pass sale, LEGOLAND Florida

The EVERYTHING IS AWESOME Guide to LEGOLAND Florida’s LEGO Movie World

29 March 2019 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

LEGO Movie World
Follow the rainbows to FUN!

It is no secret that I LOVE LEGOLAND. It may be more of a secret that I love all things 80’s, from my Lisa Frank stickers to rainbows and unicorns and brightly colored everything. That’s not so much a secret as it is just something a normal woman my age might not admit, but normal is not fun. Anyway, I digress. My point is, The LEGO Movie features a particular character, Unikitty, which embodies many of those same qualities as my childhood. LEGOLAND Florida has taken the background, setting and characters from The LEGO Movie, and brought them to larger-than-life fruition. And it’s amazing.

It’s impossible not to be cheerful in such a big, bright place. You walk in to this area of the park and feel as though you’ve stepped into The LEGO Movie itself.

Here’s the rundown of what to see and do:

Mrs. Scratchenpost
Mrs. Scratchenpost and Jeff are ready for your photo ops!

WHAT:

The LEGO Movie World consists of 3 rides, a kids playground area, a Taco Tuesday Everyday quick service restaurant, a small gift shop, and an indoor character meet and greet area. We’ll break down each of these spots below.

WHERE:

As you enter the park, go to the right and right again through the Duplo Valley. You will see the GIANT dog building ahead, and that’s where you’ll find The LEGO Movie World. Very close to the front of the park.

If you are coming from the back half of the park or the Water Park first, head toward the Dragon Coaster area where the Lost Kingdom is, and Movie World is right next to the Dragon Coaster.

HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS/RIDE RESTRICTIONS:

Unikitty’s Disco Drop – Height/Age Requirements:

  • Guests under 40” in height or under 3 years of age are not allowed on the ride
  • Guests between 40” to 48”, and 3 to 6 years of age, must be accompanied by a supervising companion age 14 years or older and capable of ensuring the child’s safety
  • Guests 48” in height and above 6 years of age may ride unaccompanied

Masters of Flight – Height/Age Requirements:

  • Guests under 40” in height or under 3 years of age are not allowed on the ride.
  • Guests 52” in height and above 8 years of age may ride unaccompanied.

Battle for Bricksburg – Height/Age Requirements:

  • Guests who can sit upright without assistance may ride.
  • Children under 6 years of age or less than 48” must ride with a responsible person age 16 years or older and capable ensuring the child’s safety.  The responsible person must be seated on the same bench as the child.

Ride Rundowns:

Unikitty’s Disco Drop – This is a super bright fun and quick ride that you can see as soon as you enter the LEGO Movie World area. There are no surprises for kids who may be a little wary to try a ride like this, you can see it when you walk in, and watch others ride before you. Unikitty narrates the ride, changing things based on her various moods, and it’s full of fun music to make you feel like you’re right inside the movie. This is a quick ride, so the waits shouldn’t be too long, and if it’s not crowded, that means you can ride again and again.

  • Unikitty's Disco Drop
  • Unikitty's Disco Drop
  • Unikitty's Disco Drop

Masters of Flight – The premier ride of LEGO Movie World, this is probably the most technologically advanced ride in all of LEGOLAND Florida. It is definitely along the same lines as Epcot’s Soarin’ down to the fact that you don’t need any 3-D glasses to ride. There are three different levels to load into the attraction, we went up to the 3rd floor, and I think based on the screen vantage point, that was the best place to be, but we’ll have to go back and try them all.

  • Masters of Flight
  • Masters of Flight
    Queue activities
  • Masters of Flight
    You are given a spot to stand on so you know where to sit
  • Masters of Flight
    Master’s of Flight seats

You load into a seating system very similar to Soarin’ except that you are facing the way you walked in. This made a few of us fear we were going to go upside-down to get to the screen part of the ride, but that was not the case. You tip back a little, then just turn around to the screen surrounding your viewing area. At first, I was afraid I was going to get a little motion sick, but I quickly adjusted and it was a SUPER FUN ride.

My 10 year old LOVED it, and I think any fans of the LEGO Movies and LEGO Movie video games will feel like they are right there with Emmet, Unikitty, Benny and more. You’re also treated to some fun scents to match your environment, but I won’t give anything else away. You’ll definitely want to check outMasters of Flight, and I don’t think you’ll be alone, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Luckily there are several LEGO play areas throughout the queue to keep little folks entertained.

Battle for Bricksburg – Those familiar with LEGOLAND Florida will recognize this attraction as the former Legend of Chima boat ride. It has been completely re-worked and re-themed to fit in to the LEGO Movie World. Now you are battling aliens (made from DUPLO) to keep them from invading and stealing LEGO bricks, by spraying water at targets from your boat. If you’re not on the ride, there are water cannons outside, where you can spray guests (who are also getting soaked from water spraying as they sail by), making for lots of fun. You WILL get wet, in fact, you’ll probably get SOAKED, so be prepared for that and plan accordingly. It might be a welcome side effect on a hot Florida day!

  • Battle for Bricksburg
  • Battle for Bricksburg
  • Battle for Bricksburg
  • Battle for Bricksburg

Everything Else

The three attractions aren’t all in the LEGO Movie World, there is also a quick service taco stand straight from the movie, where it’s not just Taco Tuesday, it’s Taco Everyday! There you can grab a quick grilled chicken or brisket taco or some dessert sopapillas – the Double Decker Sofa-Pilla Bites, along with drinks as well.

  • Tacos Everyday
  • Tacos Everyday


There is also a play area called Benny’s Play Ship with two slides and lots of fun places to climb and run around. Despite all the rides, the play areas of LEGOLAND are always a must-do for my son!

Benny's Play Ship

Rounding out the area is Emmet’s Super Suite – a meet and greet area where throughout the day you can meet Emmet, Wyldstyle, Benny, and General Mayhem. The photo area is inside, and exits into a small LEGO Movie World themed gift shop, so you can leave with some souvenirs of your favorite LEGO friends.

  • Wyldstyle
  • Emmet's Super Suite
  • General Mayhem

Again, this is an amazing new addition to LEGOLAND Florida and I can’t wait till we can get back again. I’d recommend getting there early, and heading straight to Masters of Flight to start your LEGOLAND day off right, then enjoy the rest of the park, and maybe stop by on your way out.

  • LEGO Movie World
  • LEGO Movie World

For more info on LEGOLAND Florida hours, ticket prices and hotels, head to LEGOLAND.com/Florida.

*Disclaimer: LEGOLAND Florida provided us with complimentary admission to the park to preview the LEGO Movie World area, but my opinions are, as always, my own.

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Family Travel, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida, Top Stories, Travel, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: LEGOLAND theme park

12 Parks 1 Day?! YES!

11 January 2019 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

As many of you know, Zannaland began almost 10 years ago, as a place for me to share my own stories, tips, reviews, and experiences at Walt Disney World. Those experiences of course included my children, who at the time were 10, 9, and almost 1 year old. They have essentially grown up with Zannaland and all of the amazing adventures we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. When I started this blog, I’d only ever been to Walt Disney World (and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in middle school!). I’d never even traveled further west than Chicago for 2 days when I was a travel agent (I did go to Paris and Madrid in high school too, but that was pretty much the extent of my travel). Now, we’ve been to Disneyland and other California destinations about 10 times. We’ve visited 11 different National Parks across the country, and all the area theme parks. And all of our adventures are only just beginning. This travel isn’t all because of Zannaland of course, but it’s been a constant in the background of my childrens’ lives, and we’ve definitely gotten to do some amazing things because of it. Which brings me to the purpose of this post.
12 Parks 1 Day
My children are now 20, 18, and 10, and yes, two of them aren’t even children anymore. Growing up in the past 10 years, they’ve seen social media take over and become a part of daily life, and how video has replaced blogging in many senses (is anyone even reading this? 😛 ), and how anyone can open up their lives and share it with the world. They’ve now taken the next step and started their own vlog, with a very auspicious first video. After we completed a 6 Parks One Day cross-country challenge last year (which you can see on my Instagram Story Highlights), they took it to the next level and did 12 Parks in One Day here in the central Florida area. Needless to say, I’m incredibly proud of their efforts and love that the video shows their fun (and funny) personalities and a little bit of what it’s like to have grown up in the Orlando area with access to all the fun theme-park opportunities around us. Obviously, this is not a “way to see the parks” video, but just a fun “let’s see if we can do it” video haha. Riding one attraction in 12 parks in 1 day is not the best way to experience Orlando, but it does make for a fun vlog!

12 Parks 1 Day Video!

This will not be the last of their vlogs, just the beginning! I’d love for you to watch and leave a comment or a thumbs up for them. Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to get notifications of their next adventure! What would you like to see them cover in a future video? Let me know what you think in the comments below! Thanks for reading, and thanks for watching!!
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Filed Under: Busch Gardens, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Planning, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida, Sea World Orlando, Top Stories, Travel, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts, Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 12 parks 1 day, 12 parks one day, busch gardens, Disney parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios, LEGOLAND Florida, Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld Orlando, twelve parks one day, Universal Islands of Adventure, universal orlando resort, Universal Studios

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

17 August 2018 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

 

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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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida, Theme Park Holiday Events, Top Stories, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: Brick or Treat, LEGOLAND, Legoland Brick or Treat, Legoland FL, LEGOLAND Florida

Holiday Memories Await at Gaylord Palms ICE!

15 December 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie BrownMy 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.

Craig SchulzSo 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.

Gaylord Palms ICE
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie Brown
Gaylord Palms ICE Nativity
Gaylord Palms ICE angel
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms ICE Cirque Dreams
Gaylord Palms ICE
Gaylord Palms ICE

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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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Family Travel, Orlando Area Attractions, Orlando Area Resorts, Top Stories, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Alpine Snow Tubing, Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown ICE, Christmas at Gaylord Palms, Christmas in Orlando, Cirque Dreams, Gaylord hotels, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Palms ICE!, Gaylord Palms Orlando, Ice bar, ICE!, Orlando area resorts, Orlando holidays, Orlando resorts, Peanuts Gang, Snoopy

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

25 February 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Skull Island Reign of Kong Great Wall Night time shot IOA
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 8th 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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Filed Under: Orlando Area Attractions, Top Stories, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts, Universal Orlando Resort Tagged With: islands of adventure, Reign of Kong, Skull Island, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, universal orlando resort, Universal press release, UOR

Gaylord Palms ICE! Returns to a Classic Christmas Tale

21 December 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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.

Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Bar available outside ICE!
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Alpine Snow Tubing
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Nativity scene
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Another family tradition
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Cast of Cirque’s Dreams Unwrapped
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015

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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Filed Under: Family Travel, Orlando Area Resorts, Theme Park Holiday Events, Travel, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: Alpine Snow Tubing, Christmas at Gaylord Palms, Christmas in Orlando, Cirque Dreams show, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Palms ICE!, Ice bar, ICE!, Orlando area resorts, Orlando holidays, Orlando resorts

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

18 May 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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!

Legoland Hotel
Legoland Hotel at Legoland Florida

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.

Legoland Hotel Dragon

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 Check-in Legoland Hotel Check-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.)

Legoland Hotel Bricks Restaurant
Legoland Hotel Bricks Restaurant

Legoland Hotel Bricks Buffet Restaurant
Legoland Hotel Bricks Buffet Restaurant

 

 

Legoland Hotel Skyline Lounge
Legoland Hotel Skyline Lounge

 

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

 

Legoland Hotel Pool
Legoland Hotel Pool

 

Legoland Hotel Pool Splash Area
Legoland Hotel Pool Splash Area

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.

 

Legoland Hotel King Bed
Legoland Hotel King Bed

 

Legoland Hotel Bunk Beds
Legoland Hotel Bunk Beds

 

Legoland Hotel Bathroom
Legoland Hotel Bathroom

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 Bunk Beds
Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Bunk Beds

Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Bath
Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Bath

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.

In-room Treasure Chest
In-room Treasure Chest!

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.

Legoland Hotel Lake View
Legoland Hotel Lake View

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

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Family Travel, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Guest Authors, LEGOLAND Florida, Top Stories, Travel, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: Central Florida theme parks, Family theme parks, Florida theme parks, lego city, lego friends, LEGOLAND, Legoland Bricks Restaurant, LEGOLAND Florida, Legoland Hotel, Legoland Hotel Grand Opening, LEGOLAND theme park, Legoland VIP Suites, Polk County, Winter Haven FL

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

7 April 2015 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Opening ceremony torch lighting
Opening ceremony torch lighting

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.

Bay Lake Tower artist rendering
DVC’s Bay Lake Tower artist rendering

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.

Grand Floridian DVC artist rendering
Grand Floridian DVC artist rendering

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.

Polynesian Bungalow artist rendering
Polynesian Bungalow artist rendering

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.

Bora Bora Bungalow with Castle view
Bora Bora Bungalow with Castle view

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.

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Second bedroom
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
TV and hidden pull down bed
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Exposed beam ceiling and themed fan
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Kitchen and dining area
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Ultra modern kitchen
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Family room with another pull down bed
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Kitchen and dining
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Deck from kitchen
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
View from the family room
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Pull down bed with Electical Water Pageant mural
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Tiny private pool
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Cinderella Castle in the distance
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Lounge chairs
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Adorable hanging seats on porch
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Family room from the kitchen
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Amazing artwork throughout
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Hallway bathroom and laundry
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Great decor and tile
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Tub and shower
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Nods to Disney past
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
The Pineapple Princess herself
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Master bedroom
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
More beautiful artwork
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Maui tiki lamp
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
These windows are wonderful
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Great water views
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Loved being able to see the water from inside
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Master bath
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Beautiful tile art and lighting
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Soaker spa tub
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Spa jets in the tub!
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Privacy window
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
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
Opening ceremony torch lighting

 

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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Planning, Disney Resorts, Family Travel, Orlando Area Resorts, Top Stories, Travel, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: Bora Bora Bungalows, Disney bungalows, Disney Polynesian Bungalows, Disney Vacation Club, Disney villas, Disney's Polynesian, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, DVC, Polynesian, Polynesian Bungalows photo tour, Polynesian DVC, Polynesian Villas

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

29 January 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby
Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby

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.

 

Marathon Weekends logo outside the Hilton Bonnet Creek
Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby
Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby
I love the colors of the Waldorf Astoria
Dining area in the Deluxe Suite
Coffee/wetbar area in the Deluxe Suite
This was in our room when we checked in! 😀
Runner’s Amenity bag for the Marathon Weekends package
Sleepsofa in the living room area
View back at the kitchen area in the Deluxe Suite
The wonderful, wonderful bed in the Waldorf Astoria
This looks pretty inviting, right?
Turndown service with the next day’s weather
3 real roses on the night stand!
TV and desk in the bedroom
New lobby bar Myth at the Hilton
La Luce by Donna Scala at the Hilton Bonnet Creek
Harvest Bistro at the Hilton

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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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Orlando Area Resorts, Reviews, RunDisney, Top Stories, Travel Tagged With: Bonnet Creek Resort, Bull & Bear, Disney Resorts, Harvest Bistro, Hilton Bonnet Creek, Hilton Bonnet Creek Marathon Weekends, Hilton Bonnet Creek review, La Scala, Myth bar, Orlando area hotels, Orlando area resorts, Orlando Staycation, Waldorf Astoria, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Waldorf Astoria Orlando review

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