Free Dining is BACK!!

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  Disney has made an exciting announcement today–FREE DINING IS BACK!!  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Disney has released another free dining promotion for 2019.  It is fairly unusual for Disney to release this many free dining promotions in one calendar year.  I suspect Disney is not seeing the reservations for Fall and Winter this year  they’d expected.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip to Disney this fall or winter for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party, or to enjoy the winter holiday magic at Walt Disney World, NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK.

Free Dining is BACK

The Details

Guests booking a five night/six day Walt Disney Travel Company package at a Disney resort, along with a Park Hopper park ticket are eligible to add free dining to their package.

Package must be booked BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2019.

This offer applies to packages for guests arriving during the following windows:

      • September 1 through September 18, 2019
      • November 17 – November 27, 2019
      • December 8 – December 23, 2019

Surprisingly, if you look at the dates above, you can see that you would be able to book a trip that includes Thanksgiving (as long as you arrive by November 28) or Christmas (as long as you arrive by December 23).  That’s CRAZY unusual for a free dining promotion!

Disney at the Holidays
Magic Kingdom Train Station  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Guest who book stays in Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts or Disney Deluxe Resorts will be eligible for the Free Disney Dining Plan.  Guests booking visits in Disney Moderate Resorts or Disney Value Resorts will be eligible for the Free Quick Service Dining Plan.  Note: Not ALL resorts are included in this promotion and availability for this promotion IS LIMITED.

Resorts Included In Free Dining Promotion

Free Dining is BACk
Old Key West Resort                                            (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Eligible Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (after it opens, December 16, 2019)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Eligible Disney Deluxe Resorts
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Eligible Disney Moderate Resorts
      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Eligible Disney Value Resorts
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Family Suites Only)
      • Disney’s All Star Music Resort (September Dates Excluded)
      • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (September Dates Excluded)
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort (September Dates Excluded)

The Fine Print

The number of rooms available for this promotion is LIMITED.

Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.

Minimum 4 night length of stay; minimum four day theme park tickets with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option.

Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at the time of package purchase.  Meal reservation availability is not guaranteed with this promotion.

Children ages 3 – 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if there is a children’s menu available at the chosen restaurant.

Gratuities are not included.

Free dining is BACK
Character Meals ARE included in the Disney Dining Plan!      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Guests staying in Value or Moderate Resorts will be eligible for the Quick Service Dining Plan.  Guests Staying in Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts will be eligible for the Disney Dining Plan.  Guests wishing to upgrade from the Quick Service Dining Plan to the Disney Dining Plan may do so by paying the difference between the two plans for each guest on the reservation.

Don’t Care About Free Dining?  Here’s ANOTHER Great Offer from Disney

Disney's Riviera Resort Disney vacation planning Disney trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney
Disney’s Riviera Resort  (Artist Rendering:Disney)

Disney also released an up to 20% off promotion for rooms at select Disney Resorts.  Reservations must be booked by September 29, 2019.  Most nights between September 1 and September 28 are included.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights between September 29 and November 7 are included.

The up to 20% off on rooms at select Disney Resorts may also be booked by December 24, 2019 for stays most nights, November 10-December 24.

20% Discount Tier

20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, most nights September 1 – September 28, most nights November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
15% Discount Tier

15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts and select Disney Moderate Resorts.  Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
10% Discount Tier

10% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts, select Disney Moderate Resorts and select Value Resorts.  Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
      • Disney’s All Star Movies Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s All Star Music Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort(November 10 – December 24 only)

The Fine Print for this Room Only Discount

The number of rooms available for this promotion is limited.

Additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than two adults per room.

This offer can’t be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Theme park admission is NOT included.

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Length of stay requirements may apply.

Florida Resident?

Florida Resident Disney Discount
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Florida residents can save up to 25% at select Disney resorts from September 1 to December 24 when they book by December 24, 2019.  Note: the number of rooms available for this offer is limited.  Proof of Florida residency will be required at check in.

25% Discount Tier

25% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
20% Discount Tier

20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Moderate Resorts are participating too.  Moderate Resorts listed below are offering a 20% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.

      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (15% Discount)
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (15% Discount)
15% Discount Tier

15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • The Value Resorts listed below are offering a 15% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

The Fine Print for Florida Residents

Proof of Florida residency is required at check in.

This offer can’t be combined with any other promotion or discount.

This offer does not include theme park admission.

Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two adults are staying in the room.

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Length of stay requirements may apply.

Free Dining, Room Only and Florida Residents, Oh MY!!!

So, in a nutshell, there are a lot of discount offers available for you if you are considering taking a trip to Disney World this Fall or Winter.  There is a LOT to think about, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which discount (or which meal plan, for that matter) is best for you and your family.

That’s where working with a Disney Travel Agent (like me!) can help.  It doesn’t cost YOU anything, and I can take care of all the headaches you don’t have time or desire to take on.  I can help determine which package is best for you, and I can help with your trip planning as well!  I can even help with meal reservations and Fast Pass bookings.  Working with me will save you time, headaches, aggravation AND money.

Reach out today, brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.  I’d love to help you plan your next Disney dream vacation.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

 

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. – If you’d like to read more on the difference between the dining plans, and what you should consider when deciding if Free Dining is right for you, please check out the following posts:

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

Disney Launched Free Dining!

Skyliner Gondolas Open September 29!

Great news!  Disney has announced that the new Skyliner Transportation system will officially open for Disney World guests on September 29!  Testing has been going on for several months now, and I don’t know about you, but I have been DYING for the official announcement of WHEN the Skyliner gondolas would be ready for passengers.  And finally, we have our answer!  The Skyliner gondolas will be ready for YOU to ride on September 29, 2019.  Whooooooo Hoooooo!

Disney released this happy video along with the announcement:

Surprised?

I’m a teensy surprised that the Gondolas won’t be “LIVE” before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Hollywood Studios on August 29.  I had thought Disney would try and open the Skyliner Transporation System before that deadline to provide additional transportation options for guests, PLUS provide another “attraction” to absorb guests.  My thought was Skyliner Gondolas could help with crowd management.  However, it makes sense that it opens a month later.  I suspect Disney has their hands full already with making sure they are ready for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when it opens.

Disney Skyliner to Open September 29
Photo: Disney Parks

How gorgeous does that look?  I mean, seriously!  I am SUPER excited to ride one of these Gondolas through the whole route.  Remember: The Skyliner Transportation System will visit four resorts, plus Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  Here are the four resorts:

      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
      • Disney’s NEW Riviera Resort (opens in December)

Just the Facts, Ma’m.

TECHNICALLY, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are sharing one Skyliner Station.  The Station is located on the lake between the two resorts and is a short walk from either resort.  So, one stop on the Skyliner Transportation System, but TWO resorts served.  More bang for the buck, I guess.  But it sounds like the line goes further than it does when I say it goes to four resorts and two theme parks, so I wanted to clarify.

Disney Skyliner Station Pop Century Art of Animation
Skyliner Station Pop Century/Art of Animation                   Photo Credit: Amy Micari

There are more than 300 gondolas on the Skyliner Transportation line.  Each gondola (also being called “cabins”) can seat up to ten guests.  All gondolas are wheelchair accessible, according to Disney.

I’ve done several articles about the Skyliner system previously.  If you’d like to check those out, please go to any of the links below:

Excited Yet?

So, does knowing Skyliner Gondolas will officially open on September 29 have any impact on your vacation plans for this year?  If you’ve been on the fence about a Fall 2019 visit to Disney World, does this push you over the edge?  What about Holiday 2019 planning?  Does the official opening of the Skyliner system make you MORE eager to visit Disney World for the Holidays this year?

There are still some great packages available for fall, and I’m expecting holiday 2019 packages to be released any day now.  If you’re thinking about visiting Disney in 2019, NOW is the time to plan.  Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information or to get started!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

New Magic Band Options Coming for Disney Resort Guests

UPDATE: 5/20/19: New Magic Band upgrades are NOW available!

Good news!  There are new magic band options coming for Disney resort guests!  For the last few years, Disney has included magic bands for every resort guest as part of their resort reservation.

As you start planning your trip, one of the fun steps has always been choosing the colors of the magic bands for each person in your group.

New Magic Band Options Coming Soon

It didn’t take long for people to start decorating their bands.  All kinds of different types of decorations emerged.  From intricate, hand painted designs, pre-printed stickers designed to specially fit magic bands, to bands covered in Swarovski crystals, magic bands have become expressions of individuality, special occasions, relationships and celebrations.

Disney Magic Band Decorations
Magic band stickers, sold on Etsy                                    (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Disney Magic Band Decorations
Original style magic bands decorated with stickers from Etsy.                      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Disney Special Edition Magic Bands

Now we know Disney, and Disney doesn’t leave money on the table.  It didn’t take long for Disney to come out with special, decorated magic bands.  Disney sells a variety of magic bands at the Disney store and at the gift shops in the parks and resorts.

The Disney Store has lots of limited edition magic bands.  Check them out here.  If you have park tickets, but are not staying on property, you may want to purchase magic bands to pair with your tickets.  That way you can use your magic band for park entry, instead of having to pull out your tickets every time you need park access, or to use a Fast Pass reservation.

Solid color magic bands are available for $14.99. Most of the special decorated magic bands are priced at $24.99 – $29.99.

New Magic Band Options for Resort Guests

New Magic Bands Coming Soon for Disney Resort Guests
(Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has decided to make special magic bands available for resort guests as an add-on option.  The solid color bands will continue to be available for no charge with your reservation.  However, if you want to “upgrade” your bands to special custom bands, you will have that option.  The price to upgrade will be $14.99, and you will have more than 30 magic band options available.

These special “upgraded” magic bands will be available to Disney resort guests.  They will also be available to new and renewing annual passholders.

Disney released a video about the new magic band options.

I think this is pretty good news, what do you think?  Will you be upgrading your next magic band?  Please comment below.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

Skyliner Update: Look Inside Disney Skyliner Cabins

Disney Skyliner testing continues, and appears to be going very well, as we discussed in our last Skyliner update post.  In this week’s Disney Skyliner Update, we get an up close and personal look at the gondolas themselves.  Disney is now calling the gondolas “guest cabins”, and this week, we get to look inside a Disney Skyliner Guest Cabin!

Up Close with a Skyliner Guest Cabin

Disney Skyliner Update Close Up Look
Disney Skyliner Guest Cabin                                                                   Photo Credit: Disney Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I mentioned last week, Disney is now sending a few guest cabins through the Skyliner system uncovered.  A few cabins have been seen in the testing without their off-white protective coverings.  So far, we haven’t seen any cabins actually decked out with the promised Disney characters out on the lines testing.

This week, Disney has more information about the guest cabins themselves.  For the first time, Disney is taking us INSIDE a Skyliner guest cabin and answering some of the questions we’ve all been asking.  Here’s what we know now, based on this latest information.

  • Guest cabins will have a maximum guest capacity of 10 guests per cabin
  • Cabins feature bench seating for guests, similar to what we’re used to on the monorail, the Walt Disney World Railroad, and other similar transportation options
  • Guest cabins are wheelchair accessible
  • Cabins do NOT have in cabin air conditioning or heating
  • Guest cabins do have small windows that open to let air circulate and provide cross ventilation
  • All guest cabins will feature Disney characters in specially shaded and reflective graphics to help protect the cabins from direct sunlight
  • Disney is confident that the cabins will be comfortable, even on very hot Florida days
  • Guest cabins will be eight different colors
  • Guest cabins will feature character graphics from all Disney owned properties, including classic Disney favorites, Marvel Studios and LucasFilm, including the Star Wars characters
  • The Skyliner system is intended to be constantly moving
  • There will be approximately 300 cabins in the Skyliner system

Look Inside a Disney Skyliner Guest Cabin

Disney has released a video giving you an inside look at the Skyliner guest cabins.  Take a tour:

Transit Time on Disney Skyliner System

While of course we don’t have any actual riders in the system yet, we do have some idea on transit times using the Skyliner System.

Disney is still doing their very through testing.  We could see SOME impact on these transit numbers once they start testing with people.  It will be very interesting to see if the system will truly be able to operate continuously, once it starts testing with people.

Disney Skyliner Testing
Disney Skyliner System Testing                 Photo Credit: Amy Micari

Disney says we can expect transit times of five to fifteen minutes on the Skyliner System, depending on our origin and destination points.  The Skyliner Transportation system will transport guests from four Disney Resorts to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  The four Disney resorts being served are Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s new Riviera Resort (opening later this year).

Opening Date?

We still don’t have an official opening date for guests for the Disney Skyliner System.  Disney will have to complete their current round of system and cabin tests, first.  Once this round is over, testing with people will begin.  If those tests go as smoothly as anticipated, I believe it won’t be long before we get some official announcements with actual opening dates, at least for some sections of the system.

Officially, we’re still being told “Fall 2019”; however I’ll be surprised if we don’t see at least some kind of soft open by August.  I believe Disney will want the Skyliner System fully up and running when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on August 29.

Disney Skyliner Gondolas Disney World Star Wars Toy Story Guardians of the Galaxy
Disney Skyliner Gondola Graphics featuring characters from Toy Story, Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy and even fan favorites Donald and Daisy!

What do you think?  Are you getting excited about the Disney Skyliner System?  Please like this post, and comment below with your thoughts about the cabins!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

Disney Skyliner Update: April 2019

Hello everyone!  Lots of updates coming this weekend. I’ve been down with the most awful flu, so I’m a bit behind and I have SO much to tell you guys!!!  First up: Disney Skyliner Updates!  Disney is moving full speed ahead with their Skyliner testing.  Initial tests primarily involved the main line from Caribbean Beach station to Hollywood Studios; however, Skyliner vehicles are now being tested throughout the entire system!

Pop Century/Art of Animation Station

The Skyliner station located between Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is looking great.  In even better news, it’s now part of the Skyliner testing, and Skyliner vehicles are moving in and out of the station and along the Skyliner system.

Disney Skyliner Station Pop Century Art of Animation
Skyliner Station Pop Century/Art of Animation                                        Photo Credit: Amy Micari

Here is a short video of Skyliner testing in action at this station:

Here’s a closer look at the Station itself:

Disney Skyliner Station Pop Century Resort Art of Animation Resort
Disney Skyliner Station at Pop Century/Art of Animation                      Photo Credit: Amy Micari

First Look at Gondolas Unveiled!

Last week, Disney started sending a few of the Skyliners through the testing loops without their off-white covers.  The gondolas don’t yet have their “character” window dressings, but it’s fun to see them moving through the air looking like actual vehicles instead of fabric bubbles.

Disney Skyliner Testing Gondolas
Disney Skyliner Gondolas: Testing   Photo Credit: Amy Micari
Disney Skyliner Gondola Live Testing                    Photo Credit: Amy Micari

The gondolas are also moving through the system at their full speed, instead of the very slow speeds they were moving during the initial phase of testing.  Testing seems to be going very well, overall.

Fall 2019?

So the big question remains.  With testing going so well with unmanned gondolas, at what point will Disney begin testing the gondolas with actual victims (I mean people 😉)?  I am sure they have to meet very vigorous safety standards of their own, in addition to those of the state and federal government (in general, Disney’s safety standards are often higher than basic government standards).

Disney has not released an official opening date for the Skyliner transportation system yet.  The only information they have provided so far is “Fall 2019”.  However, with the opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge bumped up to August 29 from “Late Fall”, I can’t help but wonder if Disney might be REALLY interested in having some additional transportation methods in place when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens, or very shortly thereafter.  Not to mention, many people will (I suspect) view the Skyliner system as an attraction, not just a transportation system, so it will be another “crowd absorbing” measure, and we can never have too many of those!

My personal theory is that Disney is going to try and have testing completed and the Skyliner system ready for at least a soft open by late August.  I have no insider information that makes me think that–they have not released any information to us yet.  That is just my gut feeling, based on everything else that is going on around the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and increased crowd projections we are seeing for the fourth quarter, based on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge being open at Hollywood Studios.

Obviously the entire system will not be functional at that time: The fourth arm of the system is the new DVC resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is taking reservations for December at this time.  So likely, that station will not be open until the resort actually opens to guests, although I’m sure it will be testing during the Fall.

Disney Skyliner Testing
Disney Skyliner System Testing                  Photo Credit: Amy Micari

Final Thoughts

What do you think? Do you think the Skyliner system will open ahead of schedule?  Are you excited to check it out?  Will you be more likely to stay in a resort that is attached to a Skyliner station to have access to the Skyliner system?

Please comment below.  I’m really curious to know if the Skyliner system will have any impact on where you want to stay.  I’m a pretty die hard Magic Kingdom resort girl, but I’m very intrigued by the Skyliner system.  I think I will plan a visit to a Skyliner based resort, just to see what impact staying at a Skyliner station resort (Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort) has on my experience.  Mainly so I can take lots of pictures and videos and report back to you guys, of course!!

Let me know what you think!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

P.S. If you want to review any of our previous Disney Skyliner System Updates, take a look at these posts:

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Disney World in 2019

Transportation Update: Disney Skyliner

Skyliner Update: Fall 2019 OPEN

Transportation Update: Disney Skyliner Gondolas Revealed!

Skyliner Update: Testing Has BEGUN!

Disney Skyliner Update: Testing Photos!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

If you haven’t had a chance to visit Disney’s Art of Animation Resort yet, you should really try to squeeze an hour or two out of your schedule to go visit.  It’s really pretty spectacular, especially if you have little ones who are fans of Pixar and Disney favorites like Cars, Finding Nemo, the Lion King and the Little Mermaid.  One of Disney’s most colorful resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (DAAR for the balance of this article) is chock FULL of great places to take pictures–so if you’re looking for some different places  to take family pictures, DAAR is a terrific location for some really fun backgrounds and props–and the bright colors really POP.

We used DAAR as one of the locations for our engagement pictures, and loved the resort!  It was so much fun to wander around!  Some of our favorite shots come from ones we took there.  Here are some of them.  Photographs were taken by David and Vicki Arndt Photography.

See what I mean?  FUN.  And this is only from PART of the Cars section!!  I’ll show you some more later…

Here’s a quick video tour of the resort from Disney:

DAAR falls in the category of Disney’s Value Resorts, which are priced more affordably than the moderates or the deluxe resorts, but also tend to be limited in amenities, room size, and dining options.  Most of the value resorts have two double beds in each room  and there are a few rooms at each value resort that have one king size bed.   While the two double beds option works for small families, as the kids get a little bigger, or a third child joins the family, the value resorts end up not being a great solution for families–which is bummer, because families are exactly who the Values were originally designed for!  Room capacity is limited to 4, and in most value rooms, once all four are bigger than 4′ , it can be very cramped in those rooms. Of course, for many people, values remain an ideal solution, even if not the most comfortable one–if the intention is to spend the majority of your time at the parks and not at the resort or in your room, it may not really matter much to you.  But one bathroom can also be a limitation, especially if your family includes one or more of those challenging and wild creatures–the teenage girl!

Potential solutions have included booking two rooms (putting older kids in a room by themselves, and younger kids in with mom and dad), or staying off property to get more space without spending a lot more money–but then incurring additional costs for rental cars and parking–and missing out on benefits exclusive to resort guests like extra magic hours and package delivery.

With DAAR, Disney attempted to offer a solution that was still affordable enough to belong in the value resort category, but had more space and some more of the Disney “specialness” that some of these families were looking for.

Here’s a map of the Art of Animation resort that you would get upon check in:

art-of-animation-map

The Little Mermaid buildings, 7, 8, and 9 are very similar to what you would be used to if you’ve stayed at a Value resort before.  The rooms are designed for no more than 4 people, ideally 1-2 adults and 2 children.  These rooms are priced pretty closely to what you would find for value rooms at other value resorts, like Pop Century or All Star Movies.  However, because the resort is newer and more popular, the Little Mermaid rooms are often excluded from any “special offers”, and these rooms tend to sell out early–they’re more economical than the Family Suites, and they’re at the most popular of the value resorts, with arguably the best food court (more on that later)–so if you want a Little Mermaid room, be prepared to plan and book as early as possible, and know that you may not get any discounts.

Here’s what a typical Little Mermaid room looks like:

The other sets of buildings, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars are comprised exclusively of what Disney is calling their “Family Suites”.

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In the family suites, the room layout is bigger and a bit creative to accommodate families a little more comfortably.  The most noticeable differences are that the Family Suite contains one bedroom with a queen size bed with a door that closes–AND the Family Suite has two bathrooms.  One, off the bedroom with the queen size bed, and the other off the main “living” area.

The secret sauce is that main “living” area can be cleverly converted at bedtime into sleeping spaces for the kids.  The sofa is a double-size sofa sleeper–I guess that’s not too surprising by itself.  But the dining area houses a double-size murphy bed that folds down into another sleeping space.  The Family Suite can sleep up to six!  Disney says up to 6 adults, but I think you’d have to be pretty friendly adults to be cozy in that double murphy bed :-)!

Here are the standard amenities in a Family Suite (some of these are common to all values, and some are unique to Family Suites):

  • Kitchenette with Microwave, Coffeemaker and Mini-Fridge
  • Telephone with Voicemail
  • Alarm clock with Radio
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron and Ironing Board
  • Complimentary WiFi Service.

Here’s a look at the Finding Nemo Family Suite:

Family Suites at DAAR are not priced as economically as the regular value rooms, for obvious reasons–at 520 square feet, they’re about double the size of a standard value room (260 square feet).  And that extra bathroom is worth its weight in gold to a lot of people.  Add in the microwave and the mini fridge (most of the values have a limited number of mini fridges available–but it can be difficult to make sure you get one) and you’ve added more than double the value without doubling the price.  The Family Suites at DAAR are priced in some cases than some standard moderate resort rooms…but here again, a second bathroom and an additional 200 square feet add a lot of value.  We’ve seen the same challenge with standard moderate rooms that we see with value rooms–moderate rooms are slightly bigger, but they still have a max capacity of 4 persons–very occasionally 5 can be accommodated in special themed rooms, but usually that fifth person needs to be pretty small.  So, for some families, it makes sense to consider the Family Suites at DAAR–especially when considering the other benefits of the overall resort as a whole. It just depends on your individual needs and priorities.  Interestingly enough, while the Family Suites are pretty popular, they do not sell out as quickly as the Little Mermaid rooms, so are usually included in Disney promotions and specials–you might be surprised at what a great deal your travel agent can find for you on one of these rooms.  *

Here’s a look at a Cars Family Suite:

Here’s a walking tour of the Lion King Family Suite that Destinations in Florida, the travel agency I’m affiliated with, provided me.

Dining Options

Landscape of Flavors

All value resorts are somewhat limited in the dining options available, and DAAR is no exception to this rule.  You will NOT find a table service restaurant at DAAR.  However, you will find one of the best quick service options available at any of the Disney resorts.  All the values have a “food courts” sort of design…at DAAR, it’s called the Landscape of Flavors, and it’s five “mini-restaurants”, all quick service, of course.  It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you’ve been reading me for awhile, you’ve most likely picked up on the fact that I don’t LOVE quick service.  I much prefer table service.  I like to sit down with my family and take a break and order.  I think quick service is stressful and I think the whole hunting for a table thing dredges up bad high school lunchroom memories or something….

But, Landscape of Flavors does at least have some unique items and a bit more variety available than you generally find at quick service places…and many, many people that stay at DAAR frequently rave about how good it is.  Lines can be long in the mornings, as with most places as guests are scrambling to get to the parks, so if you can get moving earlier and pack your patience, you’ll be happier.

Disney Resorts In-Room Dining

DAAR also offers in-room dining (room service) at this resort from 4 p.m. to midnight.  You can order from a limited menu and get sandwiches, salads, wings, etc.  You can even get pizza!  I’m not much of a pizza person, and at Disney, that’s probably the LAST thing on my wish list, but I know there are many of you that would rather stay home than go without pizza for a week, so I promise you can get it here.  You can also order beer and wine, as long as you are 21 years of age or older.  Typical exorbitant room service prices and delivery charges apply, as with room service at any hotel or resort.

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The Drop Off Pool Bar

What’s an afternoon in the sun by the pool without a wonderful poolside bar where you can pickup beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and some tasty snacks?

 

Recreation

Can we talk about the POOLS??  Of which there are SEVERAL, including The Big Blue Pool, which just happens to be the LARGEST pool at any Walt Disney World resort.  It’s the “main” pool, right at the center of the resort, and did I mention, GIANT?  It’s pretty hard to miss, I think you’ll be able to find it.  It’s got a zero entry, and plays Disney songs and characters on speakers underwater to entertain swimmers.   The Big Blue Pool is themed to Finding Nemo, and is surrounded by giant colorful set pieces featuring characters from that movie.

Nearby is the Schoolyard Sprayground for the little kids to run around and get sprayed by pop-up jets and gushing water.  Note: LOTS of screaming is generally heard in this vicinity.  Do not panic.  They apparently LIKE getting wet…and then screaming to make sure you know that.

For the days you don’t have time for them to get wet, there is also a DRY playground nearby, Squirt’s Righteous Reef.  I know his name is Squirt, but he doesn’t, I promise.

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At the Cars end of the Resort, we have the Cozy Cone Pool, which is so cute…there are cone shaped “cabanas” around the pool!  Lots of Cars characters around the pool too, so tons of great photo ops, and not as big or as busy as the BIG main pool.

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The other end of the resort is the Little Mermaid area.  The Flippin’ Fins pool is at this end.  While it is larger than the Cozy Cone pool, it’s still about 1/3 the size of the GIANT Big Blue Pool.

Yes, I know, these aren’t actually pool pictures.  I realized too late I didn’t have Flippin’ Fins pool pictures but these were taken in that area, so hey, more engagement pictures.  Aren’t you excited?  I figured.

Movies Under the Stars

I think all the resorts are doing this now, and it’s a pretty fun idea, especially if you have a non-resort day on your calendar.  Disney puts up a big projection screen in the evening on the grassy area between the Lion King building and the Finding Nemo building, and will show a Disney movie on it.  All resort guests are welcome to come hang out, watch the movie, enjoy the atmosphere.

Pixel Play Arcade

Another standard feature at most Disney Resorts, an Arcade is located in the Animation Hall at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.  Called Pixel Play Arcade, the DAAR Arcade features both classic games and new video games.

Jogging/Running/Walking Trail

There’s a scenic 1.38 mile trail that goes around Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is consistently rated highest among Disney’s Value Resorts.  Trip Advisor currently has more than 7,800 reviews for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and averages a score of 4.5 (Excellent is 5.0).

Overall, I think this resort has been a great addition to the Disney resort family.  I think the Family Suites fill a much needed gap, and I’m hopeful that Disney will include more Family Suites in future resorts going forward.

The new Skyliner will have a station located between Pop Century and Art of Animation (these resorts are walking distance apart; originally, Art of Animation’s property was planned for an expansion of Pop Century).   I think that will make this resort even MORE appealing.  As with all Disney resorts, Magical Express and Disney bus transportation is free from this resort to the Parks, Disney Springs and the Airport.  Note: If you bring a car, they do charge $13 per day for parking.

I want to hear from YOU…Have you ever stayed here?  What did you think?  Would you want to stay here again?  Would you recommend it to a friend?  If you haven’t stayed here yet, was it on your radar?

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

* In addition to being a lifelong Disney fan and a self confessed Cinderella Castle junkie (it IS so a thing), I am also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Travel Agent.  I can help you book a vacation to this or any other Disney resort or destination–there are no fees to you, and I will make your trip planning SO much easier! Please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com today to learn more.  You can also reach me on Instagram HERE or on Facebook HERE .  Hope to talk to you soon!