Disney Refurbishments (2016)

Magic Kingdom® Park

Through June 2016
Monorail
The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.

Jul. 6 – Sep. 24, 2016
Swiss Family Treehouse

Aug. 1 – 7, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat

Epcot®

Jan. 4, 2016 – Summer 2016
Soarin’

Apr. 20 – May 27, 2016
Stave Church Gallery

May 2 – Jun. 16, 2016
House of the Whispering Willows

Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

Jan. 19 – Late 2016
Pizza Planet

Jul. 16 – 19, 2016
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

Jul. 24 – 27, 2016
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Jul. 25 – Sep. 29, 2016
DINOSAUR

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

None

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

None

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Apr. 2 – Sep. 24, 2016
Soft Goods Refurbishment

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

May 7 – 22, 2016
Concierge Lounge
Closed for refurbishment. An alternative lounge location will be available during this time.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Jul. 15, 2016 – Jan. 24, 2017
Soft Goods Refurbishment

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Jan. 22 – Aug. 17, 2016
Soft Goods & Bath Refurbishment

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Through Summer 2016
Flying Fish Restaurant

Jun. 8 – Jul. 12, 2016
Garden Suites Accessible Room Refurbishments

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

May 16 – Aug 30, 2016
Room Refurbishments
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

May 2 – Jun. 15, 2016
Trinidad South Pool

May 31 – Jul. 1, 2016
Martinique Pool

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Through July 2016
Construction work in Loop 2100
There will be increased traffic throughout the resort between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Guests should allow extra time for travel.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

May 1 – Fall 2016
Beach Renourishment Project

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Through Summer 2016
Routine Roof Maintenance
During this time Guests may see work in progress.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Feb. 7 – Jun. 22, 2016
Treehouse Villas Soft Goods Rehab

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Villas

Through 2017
General Resort Refurbishments
Due to extensive refurbishment projects, Guests will very likely see and hear construction work in various areas throughout their stay. To minimize disruptions, we will attempt to limit work until after 9:00 a.m.
At this time, many popular areas will remained closed – including the Hidden Springs Pool (the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), beach, marina, playground and more. In addition, certain pathways, like our nature trail, will be unavailable, and surrounding views may be altered. However, the recently renovated Silver Creek Springs Pool will remain open and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom park will continue to be offered.

Through 2017
Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center) – unavailable

July – October 2016
Sturdy Branches Health Club – unavailable

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Jan. 24 – Jul. 2, 2016
Hard Goods Refurbishment

June 2016
Shutter’s and Bleacher’s Bar & Grill
Closing to make way for new dining experiences coming soon

Buena Vista Palace

Through June 2016
General Resort Refurbishments
Due to multiple resort refurbishment projects, Guests will notice construction work in various areas. The pool will be unavailable. The spa pool, located in the main tower will remain open for all guests. Additionally, neighboring hotels on Hotel Plaza Blvd. will allow Buena Vista Palace guests to use their pools during this time. Watercress Café will be closed during this time, however, the one80 Sports Bar and Restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

June 2016 – September 2016
Guest Room Renovations
Renovation work is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. No guests will be accommodated in the renovation area as to minimize impact on the guest experience.
Disney Springs™

Through May 2016
Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive
Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that Guests use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Disney Springs and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences.

Jan. 6 – Summer 2016
Planet Hollywood
Apr. 4 – Fall 2016
Fulton’s Crab House – reopening as Paddlefish

Information and dates subject to change without notice.
Last Updated May 22, 2016

THE ULTIMATE DISNEY WORLD PACKING LIST

THIS LIST DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHOULD BRING EVERYTHING ON IT

I have created this list for my self originally and than I ended up adding thing to it that I thought might be useful to others. There is nothing I hate more than when packing having this feeling that I am forgetting something. This list helps me feel more in control.

CLOTHING ITEMS

Shirts
Shorts
Pants/capris
Underwear and bras
Pyjamas
Belts
Socks
Walking shoes
Sandals
Flip flops
Hair bands and accessories
Costumes
Hats/visors
Jewelry
Watches
Sunglasses
Swimsuits
Swimsuit cover-ups

LAUNDRY SUPPLIES

Laundry soap
Dryer sheets
Stain remover
Laundry bags
Quarters for machines

TOILETRIES

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Shower gel
Shampoo
Hair conditioner
Deodorant
Contacts/glasses
Contact lens solutions and case
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Face wash
Face lotion
Body lotion
Makeup
Makeup remover
Nail polish
Nail polish remover
Q-tips
Tampons/pads
Foot spray
Foot powder
Razors
Shaving cream
Tweezers
Nail clippers
Nail file
Hair brush
Hair gel
Hair spray
Perfume
Deodorant
Kleenex

PARK TOURING BAG

Magic bands
Drivers license/ID for each adult
Cash/credit card
Camera
Cell phones
External battery charger and cords
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Collapsible cooler
Snacks
Autograph book
Towel (block the sun, save spot at parade, clean off a seat)
Mini first aid kit
Bottles of water
Fat pen for character autographs
Rain ponchos or umbrella
Mister fan & extra batteries
Moleskin
Pain medicine
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellant
Kleenex
Antibacterial hand gel/sanitizer
Wet wipes
Hats/visors
Large Ziploc for wet clothes
Dry change of clothes for kids
Glow sticks and necklaces
Pennies for pressing
Pins for trading

WATER PARK BAG

Magic band
Drivers incense/ ID for each adult
Cash/credit card
Sunglasses
Waterproof/underwater camera
Cell phones
Water bottle
Collapsible cooler
Snacks
Bathing suits
Beach towels
Earplugs
Goggles
Beach bag
Water toys
Books/magazines
Mister fan and extra batteries
Pain medicine
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellant
Kleenex
Antibacterial hand gel
Wet wiper
Hats/visors
Swim diapers
Waterproof watch
Waterproof case
Water shoes/flip flops
Large Ziplocs for wet clothes
Dry change of clothes

PAPERWORK

Hotel confirmation
Passports
Flight tickets
Rental car confirmation
Boarding passes
Chas/credit cards
Dollar bills for tips and tolls
Driver license/IDs
Notepad/notebook
Envelopes for Mousekeeping tips
Insurance
Guidebooks
Addresses for postcards
Pens

FOOD AND KITCHEN

Bottled water
Granola bars
Chips/pretzels
Crackers
Fruit snacks
Small cereal boxes
Plastic spoons
Ziploc bags
Trash bags
Paper towels/napkins
Corkscrew
Wine stopper
Wine glass
Small dish soap
Plastic mason jar for drinks

ROAD TRIP (if travelling by car)

GPS (make sure its maps are updated)
Ownership and insurance
Flashlight
Paper towel
Wet wipes
Cooler
Trash bags
Umbrella
Snacks
Drinks
Pillows
Blankets
Portable DVD player
Movies
Music

MEDICINE

Prescription medications
Moleskin (for blisters)
Band – Aids
Antibiotic ointment
Anti – itch gel/spray
Aloe Vera
Antacids
Pain medicine
Motion sickness remedies
Midol
Sinus/allergy medicine
Eye drops
Vitamins
Cough drops
Allergy medicine

TRAVELING WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS

Bottles
Baby food
Sippy cups
Plastic cups w/top & straw
Portable high chair
Bibs
Diapers
Swim diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper bag
Portable crib
Stroller
Car safety seat
Baby medicine
Special blanket/toy
Any other toys
Car window shades
Kids ID

EVERYTHING ELSE

Batteries
Cameras (with memory cards)
Power strip
IPod and ear buds/headphones
Laptop and charger
Extern battery charger
Backpacks
Lanyards
Beach bag
Collapsible cooler
Ziploc bags
Sewing kit/safety pins/small scissors
First aid kit
Stain wipes/stick
Workout stuff
Kobo
Ponchos

Disney Travel Planning Binder

One of the best parts of any Walt Disney World vacation is the planning! Deciding on when to go, where to stay, what restaurants you must go to and which rides you can’t miss.  But even a seasoned Disney traveler can get overwhelmed when planning all the details that go into a Disney vacation. The first thing any traveler should do is stay organized.  I do this by keeping all my information in a binder. It’s a cheap and easy way to keep my plans, wishes and important documentation, in one location. And it always travels to Disney with me. So I thought I would share my Disney Planning Binder with you.  For a binder, you may use a binder with clear pockets in the front and back. I got mine at Dollar Store. Here are some suggestions for Disney Planning Binder sections:

General info
Hotel
Dining and ADR
Each Park has its own section
Itinerary
Budget
Flight and hotel transportation
To do list
Packing list
Grocery information
Special event tickets
Other

For tabs I used thicker card stock and printed different designs.

I would also include at the beginning a clear pocket so I can put any correspondence that I receive from Disney regarding my vacation.

GENERAL INFO

Transportation Map
Disney World (or any other destination) Maps

HOTEL

You should include things like:

Hotel Confirmation
Map of Hotel
Outdoor Movie Schedules
Resort Dining Options– with Menus
Activity schedule
Hotel address and phone#

DINING WISH LIST AND ADR’S

Wish list for dining (before you make the reservations)
Disney Dining Plan Information
Dining Reservations Printable
Quick service dining wish list and locations
Menus
Snack List

PARKS

I usually do a different tab for each park, but all the tabs should include following for a corresponding park

Disney Theme Park Maps
Disney World Hours
Fast Pass Plus Reservation Planning
Ride Height Requirements if needed
Map of character locations
Quick service dining wish list and location
Snack List
Entertainment schedule

For MK include

Fire works viewing areas

For Epcot

Illuminations viewing areas

For HS

Fantasmic Seating Chart

Star Wars fire works best viewing map

For AK

Rivers of Lights Seating Chart

Map of Avatar Land once it becomes available

ITINERARY

Crowed calendar
Wish list for each park
Preliminary plans
Final daily plans

BUDGET

This can include:
Food budget
Souvenir wish list and budget
I would include a page protector in here so I can keep all my receipts from the parks in here

FLIGHT

Flight Confirmation
Confirmation of Disney Magical Express
Map of Orlando Airport & Disney Magical Express Welcome Centre
Also, this is a good place for a page protector to hold the luggage tags
Those not staying on-site might want to add a tab for a rental car or other transportation

PACKING LIST

Packing list for the hotel
List of things to take in a car for the road trip or
List of things to bring on the plane
List of documents necessary for travel

You can check out my Ultimate Disney Packing list

TO DO LIST

I would include a To do check list here
Calendar with dates. Some important dates are your ADR date (the date you can make Advance Dining Reservations,) the dates payments are due, the date to make Fast Pass+ Reservations, etc

GROCERY INFORMATION

List of groceries that you may need on your trip
Garden Grocer Info
If you ordered snacks and water on Amazon include that info.
Location of the closest grocery store

TICKETS AND SPECIAL EVENT TICKETS

Ticket receipts
Good place for a page protector to hold any hard tickets like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, etc

OTHER

Payment History
List of Pin trading locations
List of Pressed Penny Sites (from Park Pennies)
Buzz Scoring tips
Disney Springs map
Water park info
Anything else that didn’t go into other sections

You can see this blog in a video

I hope this has helped you get started making your own binder.  As always, if you have questions about planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation and you want advice email me at info@fairytaletravelconsultants.com or visit our website at http://www.fairytaletravelconsultants.com

How To Choose a Right Disney World Resort

Choosing to stay at an on site hotel/resort at Disney World offers some advantages such as:

• Free Disney Transportation

– between resorts and parks

– between parks

– from airport to resort and back

• 60 Day in advance Fast Pass + booking
• 180 Days beforehand for dining – you can book your dining for your whole stay at once
• Use of extra Magic Hours
• Option to use Disney Dinning plan –  if offered for free you can apply it to your booking with your ticket package (some restrictions apply)  or buying it on top of your hotel reservation
• Send purchases back to your room
• Option to charge things to your room
• Immersing yourself in Disney theming for your whole trip

Resort Options

• Campgrounds
• Value Resorts
• Moderate Resorts
• Deluxe Resorts
• Deluxe Villas

How to Choose the right Resort for you:

The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are located in Magic Kingdom Area.  You can camp in the magic of great outdoors.  The Campground sits on 750 acres of Pine and Cypress forest with roaming rabbits, deer, ducks and armadillos.  It offers charming woodland trails, a pristine beach, spectacular pool areas and fun entertainment. The campsites are fully equipped and offer four different campsites accommodating everything from tents to 45 foot and longer RVs, with maximum of 10 guests per site.  Each site is private and  equipped with water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and charcoal grill.  Most campsites also include a sewer hook up and some even allow pets.

Value Resorts are:

1. Disney’s Pop Century
2. Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
3. Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
4. Disney’s All Star Music Resort
5. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

These resorts are most affordable and offer great theming.  Downside is that the rooms are smaller and average around 260 square feet.  Most come with two double beds and one sink and a mini fridge.  Some of them offer Family Rooms accommodating more that four per room.  They have food courts offering quick service type of food.  Pools at Value resort are themed with kiddie pools and there are no slides.  They all have playgrounds as well. They all enjoy free transportation to and from parks and extended theme park hours.

Moderate Resorts are:

1. Disney’s Coronado Springs
2. Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
3. Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside
4. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
5. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

These resorts still come at a conservative budget but offer a bit more space coming at around 314 square feet and include two queen beds, two sinks and option for five people in standard room.  They also include a mini fridge and coffee maker.  You can enjoy organized activities, themed pools with slides and water sports rentals.  They also offer themed choices at some resorts like pirate room or royal rooms.  Food options that are offered at moderates are food courts and most have a sit down restaurant.  Transportation and extra magic hours are included.

Deluxe Resorts:

1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
3. Disney’s Board Walk Inn
4. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
5. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
6. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
7. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
8. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Elaborate theming through out resorts is evident.  The size range of rooms is 344 square feet to 440 square feet.  Most rooms offer two queen beds and some offer a pull out sofa. They offer waterpark style pools, on site restaurants, specious accommodations.  They are located in a very short proximity to theme parks. On site childcare is available as well as full room service.  You can access at least one theme park via monorail, boat or walkway.  Interior corridors and services are centrally located under one roof.  They all offer a club level-concierge level room options.

Deluxe Villas:

1. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
2. Disney’s Board Walk Villas
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jumbo House
4. Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
5. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
6. Disney’s Beach Club Villas
7. Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
8. Disney’s Old Key West Resort
9. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
10. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

These Villas are a home base for DVC members.  The room options vary wildly from compact studios equipped with microwaves, coffeemakers and mini fridge to sprawling three bedroom three baths villas with full kitchens, washers and dryers.  Out of ten of them seven are associated with a Deluxe Resort sitting right next to them which allows you to enjoy amenities associated with the Deluxe Resort plus amenities exclusive to DVC such as pools and recreational facilities.

There are also two hotels on Disney property but not owned by Disney.  Theses are Disney Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

Having all this information how do you choose?  You should ask yourself these questions:

1. What is my budget
2. How many guests
3. How much time are you planning to spend at a resort
4. Proximity to the park
5. Why are you visiting the park or which park are you planning on visiting the most
6. Are you cooking or dinning out
7. What Amenities are important to you

If you are considering planning and booking your next Disney trip give fairytaletravelconsultants.com a try.  Their services are Totally Free.

 

Disney Travel Planner and why should you use one

Many of you ask why should you use a Disney Travel Planner or what can a Disney Travel Planner do that I can’t. Although general travel agents aren’t needed as much anymore, especially because the internet makes everything so easy and accessible, destination specific agents are definitely invaluable because they provide such detailed information and guidance for a specific place. You might find all of the answers you need online, but it could take a while, and then you still are never 100% certain you are getting the most up to date information from certain sources when it comes to booking your vacation.  I have decided to give it a try and explain the role of a Disney Travel Planner and why it would benefit you to use one.    

1.  Disney Travel Planner is a bit different than a regular travel agent.  Disney Travel Planner have completed College of Disney Knowledge, an online course offered by Disney that covers Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and Aulani.  Disney Travel Planner mostly only works with Disney.  And lastly most of Disney Travel Planners are Disney’s biggest fans and can offer you advice from personal experiences.
2. The services offered by Disney Travel Planner should be offered to you free of charge because they get paid a commission from Disney.  Not only does it not cost you anything to use a planner, it can actually SAVE you money because agents are aware of all new discount codes and will apply them to your reservation as they become available.
3. Restaurant Recommendations & Reservations – one of the services offered by most of the Disney Travel Planners are booking super hard-to-get dining reservations that require being online or on the phone at the crack of dawn 180 days in advance of your trip. Disney travel agents will make these reservations for you, allowing you to relax and sleep in. If you don’t wish for them to make those reservations for you they can instead make recommendations for your dining.
4. They can also make all of your FastPass+ reservations  or recommendations for your trip and special bookings such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique as well.
5. They share a lot of information that you might not be aware of.
6. They can be a sounding board – its good to ask questions and have someone give me their opinion.
7. Disney Personalized Itineraries – they can make itineraries for you or help you make your own
8. They can make suggestions such as where is the best place to watch fire works, which rides will make you wet, hight restrictions for rides, show recommendations, character meet and greet locations, best places for pictures etc.

When you have a destination like Disney World (which can include a trip to other theme park attractions in Orlando) or Disneyland or a Disney Cruise, there are SO many moving pieces involved, why wouldn’t you want an “expert” to help you? It can be a huge time and stress savings to rely on an expert to help advise you on your trip plans.

If you wish to use a Disney Planner for your next trip give a Fairytale Travel Consultant  a try.  You can fill out a no obligation quote on their website http://www.faitytaletravelconsultants.com or email them directly at info@fairytaletravelconsultans.com