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disney world resort

Disney’s California Grill Re-opens With a Delicious Flair

8 September 2013 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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Contemporary Resort rainbow A flair of Mary Blair that is. Cheap rhyme aside, I was so pleasantly surprised by the newly re-imagined California Grill, which pays tribute to the art and artistry of Disney Legend Mary Blair, famous for the Grand Canyon Concourse mosaics found within Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The color scheme on the upholstery, carpets, art and more all honor the original colors found when the Contemporary first opened. It is a wonderful mix of mid-century modern aesthetics, with sleek state-of-the art accompaniments found throughout the restaurant.

The now floor-to-ceiling windows offer even more incredible views than before, streaming in light from all around. On the night we arrived, a thunderstorm had just ended, providing an incredible rainbow right over the resort. When we got upstairs, we could see not only the gorgeous sunset but also the storm in the distance; an unrivaled panorama of Walt Disney World Resort scenery.

Mixed in with the regular tables and booths are now long tables which seat 10 over on one side of the restaurant. There is also seating at the bar, where a special sushi menu is offered for guests seated at that location. The private rooms are also still available as well and offer even more tributes to Mary Blair with reproductions of her artwork. I just can’t express enough how wonderful it is to see Mary Blair and her work in such a special location.

California Grill
New color schemes at California Grill are a tribute to the original Contemporary Resort

The food we sampled was incredible, from the Pacific halibut with parsnip silk, roasted heirloom beets, arugula, macadamia vinaigrette and beet syrup, to updates of longtime favorites, such as Pork Two Ways, now grilled tenderloin and lacquered pork belly with goat cheese polenta and mushrooms – my favorite! The oak-fired filet of beef is served with heirloom tomato risotto, marinated baby vine tomatoes and basil was just perfect. Sonoma goat cheese ravioli returns in a tomato fennel broth with crispy shiitake mushrooms.

And don’t forget the sushi! The Grill’s popular sushi menu expands with a 12-course omakase menu that includes a tasting of the restaurant’s freshest ingredients (not just fish and seafood). Omakase means “to entrust,” and there’s no menu. “You just let the chef prepare fresh sushi dishes for you, perfect for sushi fans who want to try new tastes,” says Executive Chef Brian Piasecki.  The menu might include ama ebi (sweet shrimp) tempura, lobster sashimi, crunchy Japanese bone marrow with sesame beef tartare and red onion marmalade, and spicy-crusted oysters.

I cannot wait to get back and try full-size portions of some of these, at which time I’ll offer a full review of my experience. The mix of side items and the presentation really live up to California Grill’s existing reputation – and surpass it. This will now be a must-visit for a special occasion dining experience, date night, or just a wonderful gourmet meal. While I love trying new things, I’m not a food reviewer, and certainly didn’t have the old California Grill menu memorized, so for a ‘first-timer’ so to speak, I was really satisfied and impressed with what I tried. Hopefully based on the photos below and descriptions of ingredients above, you can decide if the California Grill will work for you and your guests. Dessert descriptions are listed in the gallery below.

The wall of wine immediately catches your eye when you step off the elevator; 1600 bottles on display, with 250 wines on the list, 80 by the glass. There also are 10 varieties of sake, eight kinds of craft beers and ciders, and signature cocktails created just for California Grill, such as the sake martini, which I sampled and really enjoyed. I am not usually a fan of sake on its own, but this was a light, sweet, tropical drink and a great way to enjoy sake.

For more scenes from the new California Grill, see the gallery below, and click to enlarge any photos:

California Grill
View from the California Grill
California Grill
View of the Grand Floridian
California Grill
Unique mod lighting in California Grill
California Grill
Banquette seating in Mary Blair style
California Grill
Banquette seating in Mary Blair style
California Grill
Sake Martini
California Grill
California Grill dining room
California Grill
View at sunset
California Grill
The bar at California Grill
California Grill
Another view of the sunset – the perfect time to visit!
California Grill
Place setting
California Grill
The Napa Room for private dining
California Grill
Artwork in the Napa Room
California Grill
More Napa Room art
California Grill
Another wall of Napa Room art
California Grill
The Napa Room
California Grill
Love the details in the Napa Room
California Grill
Behind the host stand at California Grill
California Grill
The sushi accompaniments
California Grill
Some sushi offerings – including pork belly sushi!
California Grill
Chopsticks!
California Grill
Chefs preparing our samples
California Grill
The open kitchen
California Grill
A sample of the California Grill favorites
California Grill
Mary Blair artwork from the Monterrey Room
California Grill
Mary Blair artwork from the Monterrey Room
California Grill
Mary Blair is honored with vintage photos
California Grill
Mary Blair sketching
California Grill
California Grill menus
California Grill desserts
A sampling of the desserts – clockwise from top left, the lemon meringe, which was like a cheesecake consistency with a nice shortbread crust and hardened meringue topper, the strawberry basil sundae is part of the trio pictured below, then the chocolate pudding cake described a few photos down, the banana fritters with house-made marshmallow and caramel. This was really unique, like fried banana bread, dense and moist with a nice caramel complement, and the caramel corn pot is also part of the trio in the next photo.
Sunday Sampler
California Grill Sundae Sampler: caramel corn, Coca-Cola float, and strawberry and basil.(Jimmy DeFlippo, photographer)
California Grill
So much chocolate!
California Grill
This was my favorite dessert – chocolate pudding cake with fresh mint whipped cream, house-made mint marshmallow and a chocolate meringue kiss
California Grill
Sugar sculpture
Wishes from California Grill
Wishes from the California Grill viewing platform

 

The refurbished California Grill has instantly become my favorite new spot in all of Walt Disney World. Perfect views and ambiance, wonderful Mary Blair touches for Disney fans to appreciate, and wonderful food to complement the entire experience. Truly a jewel in the Walt Disney World crown. I hope to get back sooner than later! Speaking of, reservations are now available (if you can find any) to book at 407-WDW-DINE, online or using the My Disney Experience app.

What do you think of the new look?

 

Disclaimer: I was invited to preview the new California Grill and its food at a press event. I was not asked or required to post in any way and my opinions above are my own. It’s just THAT good! 

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Resorts, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: california grill, California Grill refurb, California Grill refurbishment, California Grill review, contemporary resort, Disney Dining, Disney sushi, disney world resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, gourmet dining, Mary Blair, sushi, wall of wine, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort

Disney Exclusive Cosmetic Line-Beautifully Disney to Debut March 2

21 February 2013 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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With the incredible success of Disney’s past make-up partnerships – the Villains collection, various Urban Decay sets like the new Oz eyeshadow sets,  and the Disney Princesses cosmetics collections, currently available at Sephora, Disney has now created its very own line, exclusive to Disney Parks. In the same vein as the extremely popular designer handbag lines – Disney Dooney & Bourke, LeSportsac and Harvey’s bags, I think this make-up line is going to be a huge hit – “coordinating cosmetic bags and beauty tools”?! sign me up! I know I can’t wait to see it in person – we’ll update you when Beautifully Disney appears!

BeautifullyDisney

Here’s the official word from Disney: Beautifully Disney, a new collection of cosmetics and beauty products for women, is coming exclusively to Disney Parks. The character inspired collection is the first of its kind for Disney Parks and has been developed to evoke the spirit, beauty, and fantasy of all things Disney. Beautifully Disney provides a rich color collection for lip, eyes, and nail at an exceptional quality level. Through character and storytelling on the cosmetic packaging, Disney Parks guests will be able to choose from their favorite films and characters in various moods. The range will provide a broad expanse of classic colors as well as some fashion forward trend colors that are complementary to the spectrum of skin tones. Coordinating cosmetic bags and beauty tools will round out the initial Beautifully Disney offering to create a truly immersive beauty statement. Beautifully Disney will be available this spring at select retail locations including Tren-D at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disney Vault 28 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca.

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney News, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: anaheim ca, Beautifully Disney, beauty tools, broad expanse, classic colors, cosmetic bags, cosmetic packaging, cosmetics, designer handbag, Disney cosmetics, Disney makeup, Disney parks, disney vault 28, disney world resort, Disneyland Resort, favorite films, lake buena vista, lesportsac, make-up, makeup, quality level, sephora, skin tones, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort

Festival of the Masters 2012 Photo Tour

11 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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John Coulter's artwork for Festival of the Masters
John Coulter’s artwork for Festival of the Masters

The action never stops at Walt Disney World Resort and just when the Halloween events have ended and the International Food and Wine Festival is winding down, the Festival of the Masters shines on the second weekend in November, bringing artists and craftsmen from around the world to Downtown Disney to share their talents. Sponsored by Michaels stores, the Festival of the Masters offers something for everyone, from kids and family crafts, to fine art displays and sales. It is a great way to discover some new favorite artists and see the talent that lies behind Disney’s amazing Cast Members as well.

The Disney art section is always my favorite, with fabulous artists like Will Gay, Noah, Katie Kelly, and so many more, sharing their hard work and interpretation of Disney classics. Be sure to check out the LEGO booths, which offer a chance to create a mosaic tile which becomes part of a larger LEGO mural. There are other interactive stops stretching all across Downtown Disney from the West Side to the Marketplace. Chalk drawings, artist signings and more await. Here are some photo highlights – click any photo to view as a slideshow:

Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters
Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters
Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters
Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters
Noah at Festival of the Masters
Noah at Festival of the Masters
Patriotic Mickey Festival of the Masters
Patriotic Mickey at Festival of the Masters
Fesitval of the Masters Disney art
Fesitval of the Masters Disney art by Greg Trombo
Greg Trombo at Festival of the Masters
Greg Trombo at Festival of the Masters
John Coulter's artwork for Festival of the Masters
John Coulter’s artwork for Festival of the Masters
John Coulter art Festival of the Masters
John Coulter art Festival of the Masters
Katie Kelly's artwork for Festival of the Masters
Katie Kelly’s artwork for Festival of the Masters
Katie Kelly art Festival of the Masters
Katie Kelly art Festival of the Masters
Will Gay decks at Festival of the Masters
Will Gay decks at Festival of the Masters
Will Gay's artwork for Festival of the Masters
Will Gay’s artwork for Festival of the Masters
Fesitval of the Masters Disney art
Will Gay’s artwork for Festival of the Masters
Festival of the Masters artist signing schedule
Festival of the Masters artist signing schedule
Graham Knuttel's sheep sculptures
Graham Knuttel’s sheep sculptures
Graham Knuttel painting at Raglan Road
Graham Knuttel painting sheep at Raglan Road
Festival of the Masters special cupcakes
Festival of the Masters special cupcakes
Festival of the Masters food booth
Festival of the Masters food booth
Epic Mickey 2 Festival of the Masters
Epic Mickey 2 Festival of the Masters
Epic Mickey 2 Festival of the Masters
Epic Mickey 2 Festival of the Masters
Ghirardelli craft Festival of the Masters
Ghirardelli craft Festival of the Masters
Lego Mosaic
Gio showing off his Lego mosaic piece
Lego Mosaic
Gio hammering in his Lego mosaic
Michaels Duct Tape Craft Festival of the Masters
Michaels Duct Tape Craft Festival of the Masters
Michaels frame craft Festival of the Masters
Michaels frame craft Festival of the Masters
Michaels mosaic Mickey
Michaels mosaic Mickey at the Festival of the Masters

 

Disney’s Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels wraps up today at 5pm, so if you are in the area, stroll on over and get your art on!

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Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: art displays, cast members, chalk drawings, Disney art, Disney Art Festival, disney world resort, Downtown Disney, fabulous artists, family crafts, Festival of the Masters, FotM, FotM 2012, John Coulter, katie kelly, mosaic tile, Noah fine art, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort, Will Gay

STAY COOL WEEK: Best Pools in Walt Disney World Resort

10 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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Port Orleans French Quarter pool It’s day two of Stay Cool Week here on Zannaland and I thought for the ultimate cool-down we’d take a dip in some of my favorite pools on Walt Disney World property. Of course these are just my personal preferences and as different as they all are, it’s really hard to pick a number one favorite. I managed to narrow it down to a Top 5 , however:

 

5. Port Orleans Resort – I’m kind of cheating a bit from the start because I’m putting Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter together. I love French Quarter’s fabulous sea serpent water slide, complete with King Neptune riding atop the serpent’s head. I remember staying there when the resort first opened and just being amazed by the slide and never wanting to leave. Riverside’s main feature pool, Ol’ Man Island, boasts a swimmingly good time for all. I love the shade that surrounds this pool and the water falls and sprays from rustic beams and found items, like an old kitchen sink.

4. Coronado Springs Resort – The Dig Site is one of my favorites because of its size. It’s easy to feel over-crowded in some resort pools, but here there is enough space to spread out and enjoy. A fun slide and the beautiful Mayan pyramid-themed waterfall serve as  a scenic backdrop. The Dig Site also boats one of the biggest hot tubs I’ve ever seen, if that’s more your style for relaxing. I love that the playground area is right around the corner, so it’s easy to go from playing to pooling. If you get there before the water slide opens, there’s a fun little ceremony the cast members perform with the kids on-hand too.

Disney's Coronado Springs pool
The Dig Site – ©Disney

 

3. Caribbean Beach Resort – The main pool here is located at Old Port Royale and themed to a Spanish fortress. This is definitely one of the most fun pools for kids (and adults) to explore, complete with pirate cannons and two water slides. For the little ones under 48 inches tall, there is even a kids play area with hoses to squirt, a giant bucket which fills with water and pours down, and 3 smaller water slides. The lush greenery and lakes of the Caribbean Beach Resort surround you and hammocks and shady spots are only a few steps away if you’d like a break from the water.

Disney's Caribbean Beach pool
Caribbean Beach Resort pool, themed after a fictional Spanish fortress, called Fuentes del Morro. ©Disney

 

2. Wilderness Lodge – Silver Creek Springs pool is one of my absolute favorites because of its location and surroundings. The majestic Wilderness Lodge was modeled after the the Old Faithful Inn which opened in Wyoming in 1904. The bubbling “hot spring” in the back of the lobby creates an amazing egress to the pool area at the edge of Bay Lake. The water flows outside from the lobby and over a rocky waterfall where it then becomes part of the pool. Add a water slide, breathtaking views of Fire Rock geyser, which erupts like clockwork on the hour, with Bay Lake behind it, and you have one my favorite pools to truly relax and feel at one with nature.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge
The beautiful Wilderness Lodge grounds. ©Disney

 

1. Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts – This has been my favorite pool since first staying at the Beach Club after it opened. Sand on the bottom of a pool? Years later and I still think that’s one of the coolest things ever. Nooks and crannies, a whirlpool to get swept up in the current, a ship-wreck-themed water slide tunnel, and a built-in lazy river, and you pretty much have pool perfection. It’s no secret that this is the most popular pool on property and with good reason. There is something for everyone to enjoy and I could literally spend all day floating and splashing around.

 

Stormalong Bay
Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts pool: Stormalong Bay

 

Did I mention your favorite Walt Disney World pool? Which ones top your list? Check back tomorrow for more Stay Cool Week!

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Filed Under: Commentary Land, Disney Planning, Disney Resorts, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Best pools, Best pools at Disney, Best pools at Walt Disney World, caribbean beach, disney world resort, Fire Rock Geyser, french quarter, Fuentes del Morro, Ol' Man Island, sea serpent, Silver Creek Springs pool, stormalong bay, The Dig Site, Top 5, Top 5 Disney pools, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort, water falls, Wilderness Lodge

Celebrate Father’s Day at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels

11 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Swan and Dolphin Hotels

In honor of Father’s Day, guests can receive a special rate and complimentary room upgrade during Father’s Day Weekend

I’ve stayed at the Walt Disney World Dolphin a few times, and dined there and the Swan and loved it each time. The “Heavenly beds” live up to their name and there is a feel of ultimate luxury when you walk in the lobby. The Swan and Dolphin are now offering a deal for dads for the upcoming Father’s Day weekend – check out the details below:

Families looking to give dad the vacation he deserves can now do so with a special Father’s Day offer from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. For the weekend of June 15-17, guests can receive rooms starting at $199 per night and a complimentary room upgrade at the Orlando hotel.

Swan guest room

Located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers easy access for dads to spend time with their families in the Disney theme parks, unwind on one of the four championship golf courses or drive an exotic sports car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

In addition, the hotel itself offers a number of amenities and activities that will appeal to dad and the entire family including five pools, recreational activities, and numerous dining options such as Shula’s Steak House and character dining.

Reservations can be made online at www.swandolphin.com/offers or by calling 1-800-227-1500 and mentioning “Father.” Based on rate schedule availability. Offer is valid for stays June 15-17. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot andDisney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions Tagged With: disney world resort, disney world swan, Dolphin hotel, Epcot area resorts, Father's Day deals, Father's Day specials, Father's Day Weekend, Orlando area resorts, orlando hotel, Swan hotel, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Dolphin, walt disney world resort, walt disney world swan and dolphin, walt disney world swan and dolphin hotel

Disney’s Best Kept Secret for Parents: Kids Activity Centers

9 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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My husband and I are the kind of parents that, even when we want to tear our hair out dealing with the antics of our three children, ranging in age from 13 to 3, the minute we go out for a adults-only dinner or movie night, we miss them. We always joke about that and how pathetic we are, but the best part about hanging out at Walt Disney World is there is so much to entertain both grown-ups and kids alike. However, IF you need a little break, would like to enjoy an evening at Victoria & Alberts sans les enfants, or hang out at Jellyrolls or Atlantic Dance Hall, the Children’s Activity Centers are a fairy godmother for parents!

Sandcastle Club
Sandcastle Club at Disney's Beach Club Resort

I have always walked by the Sandcastle Club in Disney’s Beach Club (wanting to hang out there myself!), but had never used them for our two older kids. When we started bringing our youngest to the parks and hanging out with friends locally, we wished he had reached the magical 3 year-old age to partake in the kids clubs. He’s been 3 (and potty-trained, the other criteria) for a while, but it just hit me that we can now try out these “magical babysitters” of sorts. With the upcoming Disney blogging conference “Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration” about to kick off its third year,  I thought I’d go over a run-down of what the Activity Centers offer and how to go about booking one for your little one.

Here’s the official info from DisneyWorld.com:

Located throughout Walt Disney World Resort, Children’s Activity Centers are delightful playspaces where children ages 3 to 12 are invited to enjoy video games, have dinner and snacks, watch Disney movies and interact with other kids their age—usually while parents are off experiencing more grownup fare.

There are 6 Children’s Activity Centers at Walt Disney World Resort hotels:

  • Simbas Cubhouse at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Open daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Simba’s Cubhouse is based on Disney’s The Lion King and is located on the first floor near the Uzima pool deck area.
  • Never Land Club at Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Located near the Snack Isle and the bus stop across from the Great Ceremonial House, the Never Land Club is open daily from 4:00 p.m. to midnight.
  • Cub’s Den at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Open daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Cub’s Den is a wilderness-themed activity center located outside the main lobby near Wilderness Lodge Mercantile.
  • Sandcastle Club at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and The Villas at Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Located near Atlantic Wear just off the main lobby of Disney Beach Club Resort, Sandcastle Club is a nautical-themed activity center open daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.
  • Mouseketeer Club at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Open daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Mouseketeer Club is located near Gasparilla Grill & Games.
  • Camp Dolphin at Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Resort: Camp Dolphin is located near the health club in Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort and is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. (Age 4-12 here)

The cost per child is $11.50 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum charge. Reservations are recommended for all locations, except Camp Dolphin, where reservations are required and additional costs may apply. For advanced reservations, please call (407) WDW-DINE. Same day walk-ins are also welcome based on availability.

…

Never Land Club
The Never Land Club at Disney's Polynesian Resort

You do not have to be a WDW Resort guest to book your child in an activity center, you still pay the same $11.50/hour either way. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance, otherwise a $20 fee per child is charged. Reservations are held for 30 minutes before being released to other guests, in case you are running late. Parents are provided pagers for communication with the caregivers and may of course call in to check on their children at any time.

The clubs all provide dinner; including some variation of Chicken Tenders, Hot Dogs, Macaroni and Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, French Fries, and Fruit. The Never Land Club offers a buffet, while other clubs allow the kids to “order” their dinner, letting them feel very grown-up. These meals do vary by location so ask at time of reservation or let them know if you have special dining needs.

As far as which clubs are the best, from what I’ve heard, the Never Land Club is the king of activity centers, with it’s magical entrance “through the nursery window” and Never Land themed decor. The other centers are themed to their resort but offer a more generic room with craft and gaming areas vs. the ultra-themed Never Land Club. I have heard that the Grand Floridian’s Mousketeer Club actually offers the smallest and least decorated theme, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Never Land Club window entrance
Never Land Club Wendy's window entrance

 

I can’t wait to let my little guy test this out and report back with a full review!

 

If your child is not yet 3, or you’d rather have some one-on-one care in your resort room, Disney recommends Kids Nite Out, and in-room babysitting service. Their rates are as follows:

In-Room Childcare Rates

  • 1 child$16.00 per hour
  • 2 children$18.50 per hour
  • 3 children$21.00 per hour
  • 4 children$23.50 per hour

For 5 or more children, or to make reservations, call 1-800-696-8105

These care-givers are certified in CPR and have been screened and trained. More information may be found at the Kids Nite Out site.

I hope this helps with your vacation planning and childcare needs while at the World. If you’ve experienced any of these services first-hand, share in the comments below!

Simba's Clubhouse
Simba's Clubhouse at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

 

*Prices correct at time of posting, please call to confirm when planning.

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Filed Under: Disney Planning, Disney Resorts, Walt Disney World Tagged With: animal kingdom lodge, Beach Club Resort, Camp Dolphin, Children's Activity Centers, Cub's Den, cubhouse, Disney babysitting, Disney childcare, Disney kids clubs, disney world resort, Grand Floridian Resort, kids clubs, Mouseketeer Club, Never Land Club, Polynesian Resort, Sandcastle Club, Simba's Clubhouse, Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort, Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s “Royalty” Prepares for a Viewing of the Royal Wedding

26 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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I do have a love for all things British and the Royals are no exception. I was dazzled by serendipitously following Princess Diana around the parks when she visited Walt Disney World with Princes William and Harry way back in 1993. Before that I remember watching her wedding on television as an even younger girl. Now as fate would have it, I’ll be able to watch this latest Royal wedding in the Place Where Dreams Come True…

 

Disney's Wedding Pavilion
It will probably be even darker when I arrive here on Friday!!

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — In celebration of the long-awaited Royal Wedding, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons will host its first-ever “Tweet Up” and a viewing party on April 29, 2011, from 4-8 a.m. at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort.

The first 250 people who responded to a “tweet up” invitation have already secured their seats in Disney’s Wedding Pavilion. [UPDATE: The response to the “Tweet Up” mentioned above was so astounding — the 250 RSVPs for which the event was originally planned poured in during a period of about two hours — that Fairy Tale Weddings event organizers convened, broadened the plan for the viewing party, and re-opened the invitation … and then closed it again when a second wave of RSVPs poured in Tuesday, April 19, 2011. The number of guests expected for the event is now in excess of 500.]

“Everyone remembers where they watched the last royal wedding,” said Korri McFann, marketing director, Disney’s Fairytale Weddings & Honeymoons. “April 29 is another royal occasion and we are thrilled to offer such a special viewing to help create lasting memories for moms, daughters, families and friends.”

Guests are invited to dress up in “princess or prince attire” — or come in their pj’s — for the early-hour gathering to watch, via live television, the royal couple tie the knot. Deemed as the biggest royal wedding since Princess Diana and Prince Charles, the exchange of vows between Kate Middleton and Prince William will take place at Westminster Abbey with the Archbishop of Canterbury officiating.

In addition to the viewing, the occasion at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion will include:

  • An English-inspired breakfast will be served to honor the occasion.
  • Cinderella’s Coach, which was crafted by Bennington Carriages — coach maker for the British Monarchy — will be available as a backdrop for pictures.
  • Newly-released Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Jewels and tiaras, as well as Disney Princess-inspired wedding gowns from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo will be showcased.
  • There’ll be a few entertainment surprises in store.

I can’t wait to see the magic Disney has in store for this event. I will be there, tweeting and perhaps even live-blogging so be sure to follow me on twitter @zannaland as well as the official Disney Fairytale Weddings account @DisneyWeddings!

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Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Official Disney, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney Wedding Pavilion, disney world resort, fairy tale weddings, Fairytale weddings, princes william and harry, Princess Diana, royal wedding, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort, wedding pavilion

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  • Hocus Pocus Cottage in Salem, MA Airbnb – Book this Unique Stay for October 20, 2022
  • LIVE Updates from the 2022 D23 EXPO in Anaheim California
  • Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I Airplane Makes its West Coast Return for D23 Expo 2022
  • Lilly Singh and Raven-Symoné To Host ‘Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza!’
  • ICE! To Return to Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando for 2022
  • DIS Con 2022 Fan Expo Will Take Place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney+ to Highlight Upcoming Content Throughout D23 Expo Panels
  • D23 Expo 2022 Full Schedule Lineup – Including Muppets Christmas Carol

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