Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Narcoosee’s Waterfront Sunday Brunch – Now With Tables in Wonderland Discount

24 February 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The Narcoosee’s Waterfront Brunch has been taking place on Sundays since November 22, 2015, with great reaction to the selection of food. Now, Tables in Wonderland just announced that current Tables in Wonderland members will receive their 20% discount on the $69 per adult and $41 per child (3-9) prices. See photo below from Tables in Wonderland for more brunch info. It may be time to renew my Tables in Wonderland membership!

Narcoosee’s is one of my favorite under-appreciated Walt Disney World restaurants, due to its location and beautiful views alone. Located right on the water on the edge of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, it’s a hidden gem. I haven’t been in a while, but last time I was the food was incredible as well. I don’t live with many seafood eaters, so maybe I’ll have to treat my mom to a brunch here soon.

Have you been? What did you think of the brunch (or dinner)?

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

9 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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!

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.

…

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 at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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

Contemporary Sweets & Treats at Walt Disney World

2 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Contemporary Mary Blair gingerbread tree - my favorite display!

Yesterday we took a quick photo tour of Walt Disney World’s monorail resorts and their holiday decor. Today we’ll focus on what Disney’s Contemporary Resort is cooking up for guests who visit the Mary Blair-themed gingerbread tree in the Grand Canyon Concourse.

As you know, Mary Blair is the gifted artist responsible for so much within early Disney history, including the awe-inspiring murals on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Perhaps her most famous contribution is whimsical design of the “it’s a small world” attraction. As a tribute to Mary’s art, Disney has created a gingerbread tree in her style for the past 3 years. This display instantly became my favorite of the Disney resorts, surpassing even the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, simply because of the simplicity and tribute to Mary Blair.

The gingerbread tree has changed a bit since its first year, when it was just a plain tree with some frosting ‘snow’. Last year candy canes and ornaments were added with space for photo ops. This year the tree has brighter ornaments, a hidden Mickey or two, and the “it’s a small world” background is now edged in lights, has a black backdrop, and Mr. Sun’s face moves as it does in the attraction. When the tree first appeared, all that was sold at the counter were gingerbread cookies in the shape and style of “it’s a small world” characters and a few other treats. Now there are quite the array of elegantly decorated and beautiful cookies and treats, in addition to a Contemporary Resort-shaped A-frame gingerbread house with white chocolate monorail inside! Let’s take a closer look: