Breathless II was only commissioned to the Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in 2007 and it is already going out of service for two months due to a refurbishment. The boat will be pulled out of the water beginning March 1 for routine maintenance and rehab.

Built in the early 1990’s, Breathless II is a Hacker Craft replica of a 1920’s runabout. Measuring 26 feet in length, the boat is hand crafted and made out of solid mahogany. Everything about the boat is completely authentic, except the CD player, which was added, and the engine. Disney installed an 8.1 Mercury Marine engine with 420 horsepower.

Breathless II is used for 30-minute day cruises on Crescent Lake, as well as evening specialty cruises to see Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. However, due to this refurbishment, all day and evening cruises on Breathless II have been canceled. For guests who booked an evening specialty cruise there is an option to still be able to see the fireworks on a cruise. Instead of taking the cruise on Breathless II, guests will be offered a pontoon boat instead. You will still get the same view as you would on Breathless II, the only thing missing will be the speed of the cruise before the show begins.

While Breathless II is out of service any damages will be repaired, the faded finish sanded down and redone and the seats will be mended. When she returns to service she will feel like a brand new boat.

If you booked a day or evening cruise on Breathless II during March or April, call 407-WDW-PLAY for an update, to switch your boat or to cancel your cruise. If you have booked a cruise, you should have already received a call regarding the refurbishment of the boat, but if you have not, call ahead just in case.

Tags: wdw

ANAHEIM, Calif. - A longtime favorite of Disneyland guests will return as “The Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” an enhanced version of the show which appeared, in various forms, in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 1966 through 2004 . The attraction will reopen later this year in celebration of the 200th anniversary year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

The current Opera House presentation, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” will go on hiatus beginning Monday, March 16, in preparation for the new “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” show. When the updated “Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” opens later this year, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” will be presented as part of the “Disneyland Story” display of art, models and mementoes in the Opera House lobby.

Also planned for fall 2009 is a prominent new home on Main Street, U.S.A., for The Disney Gallery. Formerly located above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, The Disney Gallery houses treasured Disney artwork and collectibles representing creative efforts from throughout The Walt Disney Company. A frequently changing exhibit area often includes never-before-displayed art. The Disney Gallery’s new home will be in the Bank of Main Street building, located next door to the Main Street Opera House and currently serving as the headquarters for Disneyland Resort Annual Passport processing. The Bank will continue to operate as an Annual Passport center until mid-summer 2009. After that, Annual Passport processing will move to the Plaza Pavilion, near the entrance to Adventureland.

The original “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers for the State of Illinois Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and featured the world’s first fully animated human Audio-Animatronics figure, built by Walt Disney Imagineering. The show, made its Disneyland debut in the Main Street Opera House on July 18, 1965.

ANAHEIM, Calif - Two Jungle Cruise skippers from the Disneyland Resort, Kevin Lively and Mickey Wright, set sail today for Tokyo, where they will join other lucky Jungle Cruise skippers from Disney Parks around the world to take part in a unique opportunity that can only be found at a Disney park.

In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Tokyo Disney Resort, the Oriental Land Company, which owns and operates the resort, granted a unique dream wish to Jungle Cruise supervisor, Kenichi Ito. Ito's dream was to bring to the Tokyo Disney Resort Disney Jungle Cruise skippers from around the world who delivered the best spiels - providing this select group of skippers with an opportunity to share best practices and, of course, their best Jungle Cruise material.
"This is an incredible experience for me," said Lively. "It is truly an honor to be a part of this elite group of skippers and to be chosen to represent the original Jungle Cruise attraction."
Lively and Wright competed against 60 other Jungle Cruise skippers, where they practiced their very best material in front of an esteemed panel of "celebrity judges." Judges included Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios John Lasseter, who once served as a Jungle Cruise skipper, and Executive Vice President and Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar.
"All the skippers were terrific, every single one," said Sklar. "They were all able to use their own unique style during their performances to make the jokes funny every time. We had a tough time deciding the winners."
Since the attraction debuted at Disneyland in 1955, the skipper role has always been one of interaction and fun, telling the story of the Jungle Cruise through silly banter with the guests aboard.
The event, which is being paid for by the Oriental Land Company, takes place Feb. 27 through Mar. 6, and will include a two-day tour of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Skippers also will go through training on the Tokyo Jungle Cruise attraction and have the opportunity to present their winning spiels to fellow Jungle Cruise skippers.

Dieter Hannig, who has led the development of new restaurants at Walt Disney World for more than a decade, will leave at the end of March.

The man who has led the development of new restaurants at Walt Disney World for more than a decade is stepping down.

Dieter Hannig, Disney World's vice president for food and beverage new concepts, said this week that he will leave the resort at the end of March.

"I'm sad to say goodbye," Hannig said. "But you know, we must be willing to let go of the life we had planned in order to have the life we have waiting for us."

Hannig, 59, accepted one of the buyouts that Disney last month offered to more than 600 executives across its domestic theme-park division, as the Burbank, Calif.-based media and entertainment giant cuts costs amid a deepening global recession.

Disney has declined to say how many executives will depart through the buyouts beyond saying it received a "satisfactory response." The company also plans to lay off an undisclosed number of employees in the coming weeks as part of a plan to combine back-office operations at Disney World and Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.

Disney has been hit hard by the worst recession in decades. Operating profit at its worldwide parks and resorts division fell by $123 million, or 24 percent, during the three months ended Dec. 27; attendance at Disney World fell 5 percent during the period.

Hannig has overseen the development of dozens of new restaurants at Disney World over the years. Critics credited him for elevating the resort into a top dining destination in the early 1990s, when he began encouraging executive chefs at Disney restaurants to run their eateries as if they owned them.

The German-born chef said his fondest projects included developing the California Grill atop Disney's Contemporary Resort and creating the African-inspired Jiko and Boma in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

He has most recently been developing a third African restaurant, which will feature dishes infused with Indian flavors in the time-share addition Disney is building next to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The restaurant -- "Sanaa," which is Swahili for "work of art" -- is scheduled to open in mid-April.

Hannig has spent 21 years with Disney, beginning his tenure at Disneyland Paris. He said the buyouts arrived at an opportune moment.

He and his wife, Ursula, are building a retreat in the mountains of Panama that will offer guests a combination of yoga and organically grown tropical food. It's an ideal next chapter for Hannig, who earned the nickname "Tofu King" for his devotion to healthy cooking and who is an avid mountain-climber and marathon runner.

Hannig and his wife celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary at base camp on Mt. Everest. "It's not what I would call a business. It's more a passion," Hannig said of the retreat.

Hannig said he expects to return to Central Florida frequently. Disney plans to use him as a consultant on future dining projects.

Service available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club resorts open as of February 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2009) – Walt Disney World Resort launched a new Online Check-In Service today, designed to simplify and streamline guest arrivals. The new service is complimentary and available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts open as of February 2009.

Within 10 days of their arrival dates, guests are able to provide check-in information, advise the resort of their arrival times and request room preferences (although those cannot be guaranteed). Guests can also register the names of all the people in their party and provide a credit card to cover charges at the resort hotel.

Upon arrival at their resorts, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration material are waiting. Disney cast members are also available to provide additional information and answer questions.

Meeting professionals can also arrange private group check-in at a Disney resort convention center or other locations.

“Our new Online Check-In Service offers added convenience and time savings for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests,” said Kevin Myers, vice president of Resort Operations for Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s the latest benefit created as part of our continuous effort to provide a seamless and hassle-free arrival experience for our guests as they begin their Disney vacation.”

Online Check-In Service is the newest Disney service designed to simplify the travel and arrival process. Guests staying at select Walt Disney World hotels get an extra dose of pixie dust with great perks and services including: Complimentary on-property transportation; Disney’s Magical Express, which offers complimentary airport shuttle and luggage delivery; and Extra Magic Hours, where each day one of the Walt Disney World theme parks opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours later, providing extra time in the parks to experience select attractions.

For more information about the new Online Check-In Service or to make a resort reservation, call 407/W-DISNEY or your local travel agent or click on disneyworld.com.
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ONLINECHECK-IN/11-21-08:cs/rev:2-25-09:cs
Read more…

Tags: disney, Resorts

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Imaginations will take flight and set sail as children explore new, vibrant gardens and adventurous activities at the 16thannual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, March 18-May 31, 2009, at Walt Disney World Resort. The park’s bountiful garden of fun also will bloom with themed playgrounds, immersive scavenger hunts, a special Fairy & Princess Procession and floral vignettes budding with beloved Disney character topiaries.

To welcome families into the festival, a royal topiary court invites guests to celebrate Cinderella’s coronation day as a special “Cinderellabration” at the Epcot entrance. The signature topiary display, showcasing Cinderella’s royal moment, is designed in honor of Disney Parks’ new “What Will You Celebrate?” vacation initiative.

Throughout the rest of the theme park, families will enjoy the cascades of color at every turn, strolling through floral scenes made famous in Disney animated films, including “The Lion King” and the upcoming “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.”

Little ones can get moving – literally – in a special garden-themed playground featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy. The Let’s Get Moving play area encourages kids to climb and explore. And there will be plenty of “pixie power” in a Pixie Hollow-themed play area, with everyone’s favorite fairy, Tinker Bell, featured in a playful garden. For the little pirates of the family, another themed adventure area will feature Peter Pan and Captain Hook.

Aladdin and Lady and the Tramp will join other cherished characters making topiary appearances throughout Epcot, which is veiled with 30 million blooms of sweeping floral beds and exhibits.

Other family-friendly exhibits include Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden – a distinctive garden filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. And guests can learn how to create their own environmentally safe garden, including information about low-water-use, native plants and recycling, while kids enjoy a playground at the Green Garden exhibit.
Entertainment is available for the whole family throughout the festival. The Flower Power concert series, which stars pop hit-makers of the 1960s and '70s, will have guests be-bopping and grooving to classic tunes at the America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.


Some of the other activities sure to keep the “little gardeners” entertained at the 16thannual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival include:

Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden (adjacent to Mouse Gear in Future World), with special hands-on activities for children, a play structure and colorful topiaries of Tinker Bell and her friends; daily Fairy & Princess Processional at 2 p.m. where kids can come dressed up and show off their costumes; they can also get their face painted with their favorite fairy, flower or insect; plus, meet the director and producer of the upcoming fall release “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” March 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Pirates Adventure Zone (adjacent to the Germany Pavilion in World Showcase), an interactive play space designed for exploration and adventure greeted by Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Croc topiaries.
Let’s Get Moving (adjacent to the Imagination! pavilion in Future World), a recreational garden where children can climb and explore, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy topiaries demonstrating their favorite outdoor activities. Here, kids can climb aboard EVOS and Weevos Playsystems.
Green Garden (adjacent to the Morocco pavilion in World Showcase), a unique garden, which includes a playground, where guests can learn how to create an environmentally friendly, low-input garden of their own.
Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden (adjacent to Mouse Gear in Future World), where hundreds of butterflies inhabit a screened-in gazebo lush with foliage and color.
Character Topiary Scavenger Hunt (behind Spaceship Earth in Future World), a family-oriented challenge to locate favorite Disney character topiaries throughout Epcot.
Earth Station (Test Track Walkway, adjacent to the butterfly garden), where kids can discover fun activities and how to positively impact Earth.
Most festival activities are included in regular admission to Epcot. For more information and schedules, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit www.disneyworld.com/flower.

Happy Birthday, Steve! Today is Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs' 54rd birthday. Jobs was born on February 24, 1955.

Steve Jobs was a college dropout when he teamed up with Steve Wozniak in 1976 to sell personal computers assembled in Jobs' garage. That was the beginning of Apple, which revolutionized the computing industry and made Jobs a multimillionaire before he was 30 years old. He was forced out of the company in 1985 and started the NeXT Corporation, but returned to his old company in 1996 when Apple bought NeXT. Jobs soon became Apple's chief executive officer and sparked a resurgence in the company with products like the colorful iMac computer, [Mac OS X, the iPod, and the iPhone]. Jobs was also the CEO of Pixar, the animation company responsible for movies like Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. Pixar was purchased by the Walt Disney Company in 2006 for $7.4 billion in stock; the deal made Jobs the largest individual shareholder of Disney stock.

Some sources list Los Altos, California as Jobs's place of birth. However, in a 1995 oral history interview with The Smithsonian, Jobs said, "I was born in San Francisco, California, USA, planet Earth, February 24, 1955." Jobs was given up for adoption after birth and raised by his adoptive parents in Silicon Valley... His biological sister is novelist Mona Simpson, author of "Anywhere But Here."

Tags: Steve Jobs

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, popular for their Grammy Award-nominated single “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” and other hit makers will strike nostalgic notes during Flower Power concerts each weekend of the 16th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, at Walt Disney World Resort.

The spring shower of hit songs from the 1960s and '70s begins March 20-22 with opening-weekend performances by Davy Jones, known for a string of pop singles including “Daydream Believer,” and continues each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May 31. Some of the other returning acts include Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Ventures, Jose Feliciano and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats.

Flower Power concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and
7:45 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival. Concerts are included with regular Epcot admission.

Here’s the lineup (entertainment and show times subject to change without notice):

March 20-22 – Davy Jones “Daydream Believer”
March 27-March 29 – Paul Revere & The Raiders “Good Thing”
April 3-April 5 – The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie “Happy Together”
April 10-April 12 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
April 17-April 19 – The Ventures “Hawaii Five-O”
April 24-April 26 – Harold Melvin's Blue Notes (NEW) "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
May 1-May 3 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats “The Twist”
May 8-May 10 – Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
“(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection
May 15-May 17 – Jose Feliciano “Light My Fire”
May 22-May 24 – The 5th Dimension “Up, Up and Away”
May 29-May 31 – Tony Orlando “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”

More information can be found here.

Tags: EPCOT

The Walt Disney Co., the world’s biggest theme-park operator, is reorganizing its U.S. resort operation and cutting jobs to streamline decision-making and reduce costs.
The action consolidates oversight of parks in Southern California and Florida, Burbank, California-based Disney said today in an e-mailed statement. Al Weiss, president of worldwide operations, will lead the reorganization.
The moves were brought on by economic conditions, Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Jay Rasulo said in a statement. The company offered voluntary buyouts to about 600 parks-unit executives last month and extended discounts through Aug. 15 to lure visitors.
“We expect Disney to continue cutting costs so long as U.S. economic weakness persists,” Laura Martin, an analyst at Soleil Securities Corp. in Los Angeles, said in an interview.
Disney may postpone new attractions to lower spending further, said Martin, who rates the company “hold” and doesn’t own the shares. She expects the company to come up with additional promotions to bring visitors to its parks.
Disney fell 10 cents to $17.53 in extended trading. The shares lost 21 cents to $17.63 at 4:15 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.
The company’s ABC network cut 200 jobs and eliminated 200 that hadn’t been filled. ABC’s TV studio and programming divisions are merging. ESPN, Disney’s cable sports channel, said it won’t fill 200 vacant positions, froze hiring through September 2010 and halted executive pay raises.
The company is making “significant” cost cuts at every division and will continue to make reductions, Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger said on a Feb. 3 conference call. The cuts go beyond responding to the economic downturn, he said.
“The worsening recession of 2009 gives companies the opportunity to reevaluate every business,” Martin said.
Theme-Park Results
Disney this month reported a 32 percent drop in fiscal first-quarter profit and said it would cut more jobs in response to the deepening U.S. recession.
Theme-park profit in the period declined 24 percent to $382 million on a 3.9 percent drop in revenue. Disney is offering three nights free and a $200 credit for food and merchandise with a four-night reservation in Florida and Southern California.
“We expect Disney to use creative marketing and promotions to drive park attendance, but at lower revenue per person,” Martin said.

Tags: disney company

2009 Edition of Disney Dollars Celebrate Celebrating

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Collectors of Disney Dollars, the colorful “official currency” of Walt Disney World Resort, have cause for celebration: The 2009 series has been issued.  And in concert with Disney Parks’ “What Will You Celebrate?” in 2009, the theme of the $1, $5 and $10 denomination bills calls attention to celebrating.
Mickey Mouse and Pluto with a cake are on the front of the $1 bill, while Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse grace the $5.  On the $10, Goofy is joined by Donald Duck and Mickey as he blows out the candles on a cake.
Disney Dollars, which debuted in 1987, are individually numbered – making each a unique keepsake or gift. The bills also can be used for purchases throughout Walt Disney World Resort.  Disney Dollars can be purchased at theme park Guest Relations, resort front desks and Downtown Disney Marketplace at Guest Relations, and at the information desk at the World of Disney merchandise shop.

Tags: disney, Money

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Spring break is here and surf’s up at Walt Disney World Resort beginning March 22 when Typhoon Lagoon water park reopens following refurbishment.  A day later,
would-be surfers will learn to ride the wave during the season’s first Cocoa Beach Surf School session.
            Guests can enjoy both “bobbing” and surfing-size waves during regular Typhoon Lagoon operating hours, but activity is limited to body surfing.  However, during reservation-only sessions before and after park hours, “surf’s up” and the boards are in the water:
Cocoa Beach Surf School – With mentoring from professional surf instructors, participants learn the basics during the 2½-hour early-morning class on select mornings.  Instruction begins on land, then moves into the water on boards provided by the surf school.  Class enrollment is by reservation and size is limited to 12 to 14 participants.  For more information and reservations, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY.
Private Surf Events – Accomplished surfers can hold events with custom surfing waves either on mornings when the surf school isn’t in session or after normal operating hours.  Information and reservations are available by calling 407/WDW-SURF.
            While the 2.75-million-gallon wave pool is a “centerpiece” of Typhoon Lagoon, the park features attractions for the whole family – from fast waterslides to a children’s area with pint-sized raft rides.  Guests can snorkel Shark Reef – with real sharks – and test three different rollercoaster-like water slides on Crush ‘n’ Gusher … or grab an inner tube for a gentle journey along Castaway Creek, a meandering stream, 2,000 feet long, that passes through cool mists and grottoes, lush rainforests and invigorating waterfalls.
            More information about Typhoon Lagoon is available at DisneyWorld.com. On the home page under the “Discover” tab, click on Theme Parks & Water Parks.

The American Idol Experience’ Tops List of 3 New Must-Dos
For Spring Guests at Walt Disney World Resort

            LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney guests who want to be literally in the middle of the theme park action are in for a treat – or three – at Walt Disney World Resort this spring.  Imagine performing a vocal onstage in front of a thousand people.  Or being part of an audience that evaluates and votes on vocal performances.  Or playing the role of a world adventurer crusading to thwart the bad guys.  Or a party-goer who “gets down” and dances in the street.
            Three new experiences will allow spring vacationers to participate in all those activities following debuts in late January and February of ‘The American Idol Experience’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot and “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party at Magic Kingdom.  Here’s a snapshot of each experience:
             “The American Idol Experience” – Starry-eyed Disney guests get a taste of the pop culture phenomenon “American Idol” – up close and personal by experiencing the challenge of auditioning and the rush of performing onstage in competition or judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the “American Idol” set.  There are several show times daily.  Guests advancing through the screening process to the nightly final competition can earn a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the “American Idol” TV show by topping the audience voting.
Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure – In an experience inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Kim Possible” animated series, guests become secret agents to save the world from comical villains and their mad inventions in this interactive adventure packed with mystery and excitement.  Guests team up with members of Team Possible in this high-tech adventure in Epcot’s Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom pavilions.  Each pavilion features a different mission and villain from the TV series.
“Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party – It’s party time when a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and other performers processes down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle to high-energy tunes such as “Breakout” and “I Like To Move It.”  Floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages are part of the procession, and near the castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian – the life and light of the party – pop out of four huge boxes.  They join about a dozen other Disney characters headed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to mix and mingle and dance in the street with Magic Kingdom guests during a 12- to 15-minute party that takes place three times daily.
While in Magic Kingdom, guests may want to check out the “refreshed” 3 o’clock parade.  New music, new costumes and some new float décor are now part of the parade.  The procession also makes more stops – during which party dancers perform to get guests into a celebratory spirit.  And to go with the changes, the parade has a new name: “Celebrate A Dream Come True.”  It and the street party are part of Disney Parks’ program “What Will You Celebrate?” which began in January.

Bay Lake Tower has a distinctively modern design that is balanced by a warm and inviting décor, with the feel of an urban boutique hotel.
Choose from a variety of flexible family friendly Vacation Homes, many offering fantastic views of Magic Kingdom® Park or beautiful Bay Lake. Become a Disney Vacation Club Member today by purchasing a real estate interest in Bay Lake Tower. And build a lifetime of vacation memories with your family at Disney Vacation Club's newest resort.

Studio
Full bathroom
Sleeps up to four
Queen-size bed, plus full-size sofa bed
Flat-panel TV and DVD player
Wet bar, small refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker
Private balcony or porch


One-Bedroom Vacation Home
Two full bathrooms
Sleeps up to five
Master bedroom suite with king-size bed, and connecting bathroom with whirlpool tub
Queen-size sofa bed and sleeper chair in living room
Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat-panel TV in master bedroom
Full kitchen includes: coffeemaker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and more
Laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer
Private balcony or porch



Dedicated Two-Bedroom Vacation Home
Three full bathrooms
Sleeps up to nine
Master bedroom suite with king-size bed and connecting bathroom with whirlpool tub
Second bedroom with separate bathroom and two queen-size beds
Queen-size sofa bed and sleeper chair in living room
Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat-panel TV in master bedroom and the second bedroom
Full kitchen includes: coffeemaker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and more
Laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer
Private balcony or porch
Two-Bedroom Lockoff Vacation Home
Three full bathrooms: one is a Master bathroom with whirlpool tub
Defined as a Studio plus One-Bedroom
Sleeps up to nine
Master bedroom suite with king-size bed
Second bedroom with one queen-size bed plus one full-size sofa bed
Queen-size sofa bed in living room
Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat-panel TV in master bedroom and the second bedroom
Full kitchen includes: coffeemaker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and more
Laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer
Private balcony or porch
2-Story Grand Villa Vacation Home
Four full bathrooms: one is a Master bathroom with whirlpool tub
Sleeps up to 12
Master bedroom suite with king-size bed
Two additional bedrooms, each with two queen-size beds
Queen-size sofa bed in living room
Full-size sofa bed in upstairs sitting area
Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat-panel TV in master bedroom and both additional bedrooms
Full kitchen includes: coffeemaker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and more
Dining room with dining table and chairs
Laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer
Private balcony
*Floor plans and furnishings are subject to change. Actual room size may vary slightly depending on room location.
Vacation Home amenities*:

Bedroom(s):
Master bedroom:
One king-size bed with linens
Second and third bedrooms:
Two queen-size beds with linens, or
One queen-size bed and one full-size sleeper sofa with linens
Nightstands
Pak-n-Play® crib
Lamps
Hutch
Chair
Clock radio
Cable television
*Amenities may vary by resort and are subject to change without notice.



Unparalleled Views
Bay Lake Tower’s crescent-shaped tower will boast some of the most dramatic Walt Disney World views available, offering open sightlines to an amenity-filled courtyard, the picturesque lakefront or one of the most beloved theme parks on earth. The view will be equally appealing on the other side of the window, with rich woods and warm fabrics complementing interior spaces and creating a welcoming, family friendly environment.

Planned Rooftop Lounge and Fireworks Viewing Area
The only view better than the one families will enjoy from their rooms may be the one available* from the exclusive rooftop deck, offering sweeping views of the resort and a dramatic look at Magic Kingdom Park’s fireworks by night. Plus, as an homage to the original, Bay Lake Tower’s rooftop lounge, Top of the World Lounge, was actually inspired by Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s former restaurant of the same name.

Tags: Bay Lake Tower , resorts, Magic Kingdom

I have posted some NEW Photos in the photo gallery. I will posting some more as soon as I fix a storage issue. The new photo galleries are:

• Main Street
• Cinderella Castle
• Tomorrowland
• Adventureland
• Frontierland
• The Hub

Check back soon to see more !!!

The wilderness lodge is one of the deluxe resorts near the Magic Kingdom. It is not a Monorail a resort but you can use a boat or bus to get to many places on property from this resort. I personally love this resort, the lobby is large but very warm and welcoming. You can spend hours just sitting near the fireplace reading a book or listening to music in a rocking chair. The water fall water starts from a little geyser in the lobby, so you sit in front of this stream of water in the lobby with a cocktail and just relax. The music in the lobby adds to the theme of the resort. There are 2 pools to enjoy, one is a family pool and the other is a quiet pool. There is plenty of recreation in the area too.

Below is some the Disney Official information about the Wilderness resort

Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a full-service Disney Deluxe Resort hotel with 727 Guest rooms. Inspired by the Great American Northwest National Park lodges from the turn of the 20th century, this architecturally grand Resort honors American craftsmanship and artistry, and celebrates the majesty of the unspoiled wilderness.

Features of Disney's Wilderness Lodge include:

• a stunning 7-story lobby built from 85 loads of Lodgepole Pine
• an 82-foot tall lobby fireplace
• a bubbling spring that flows into a creek, tumbles over a sparkling waterfall and empties into the featured swimming pool
• Fire Rock Geyser, fashioned after Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful, that erupts on the hour with a plume of water jetting 120 feet into the air
• 727 Guest rooms with themes of wildlife, nature and Native American designs
• Old Faithful Club, located on the 7th floor, available to Guests of Concierge category rooms
• Honeymoon Suites with marble whirlpool tubs

Dining Options

Dining at Disney's Wilderness Lodge includes 3 restaurants, one lounge and a poolside snack bar that cover the range from fine dining to quick-service snacks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals at Disney's Wilderness Lodge range from $12 to $60 per person. Price range is based on average Guest check, not including alcohol, tax and tip.

Amenities and Services

Amenities and Services at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, a Disney Deluxe Resort hotel, feature cable TV, room service, a health club and spa, laundry facilities and services, and babysitting services. Internet access is available for an additional fee.

Recreation

Recreation at Disney's Wilderness Lodge centers around the great outdoors and include pools, playgrounds, watercraft rentals, a health club and spa, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Room Types and Pricing

Room rates at Disney's Wilderness Lodge start at $240 per night, plus tax in a standard room most nights during Value Season. Additional per adult charges apply for more than 2 adults per room. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply.

Room types at Disney's Wilderness Lodge offer standard views, wood views and courtyard views; some rooms provide the chance to watch Fire Rock Geyser erupt from the room's private balcony.

Suites are available at the Old Faithful Club category, with Concierge Service. Club Level Rooms include access to Club category lounge, complimentary Health Club access, and additional services.

Transportation

Transportation at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is complimentary for Resort hotel Guests. Magic Kingdom Theme Park can be reached from Disney's Wilderness Lodge by boat or bus. Other destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney Theme Parks and Disney Water Parks, are also accessable from Disney's Wilderness Lodge by complimentary bus and boat transportation.

Benefits

Benefits of staying at Disney's Wilderness Lodge include:

Additional time, or Extra Magic Hours, at select Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Complimentary transportation between Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Orlando International Airport with Disney's Magical Express service
Complimentary transportation between Disney's Wilderness Lodge and destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney Theme Parks and Disney Water Parks
Key to the World Card, a combination of hotel key, Theme Park ticket and shopping charge card
Package delivery from select Disney shops to Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Signature Disney service from Disney Cast Members, available to assist you 24 hours a day
Walt Disney World Accommodations

Disney's Wilderness Lodge is one of 8 Disney Deluxe Resort hotels—and one of more than 20 hotels and accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

Link to Disney site
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/wilderness-lodge-resort/

Tags: wilderness lodge, Magic Kingdom, Resorts