Disney Vacation Club Announces Expansion at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Disney Vacation Club has shared plans to reimagine one building of existing hotel rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa into Disney Vacation Club Villas.

“This is great news for Disney Vacation Club and our Members,” said Terri Schultz, senior vice president, Disney Vacation Club. “It will provide us with new and diverse inventory at a resort that is cherished by our Members and their families.”

Located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and on the monorail line to Magic Kingdom Park, the proposed project will transform Big Pine Key (building nine) at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa into approximately 200 Resort Studios, accommodating up to five Guests.

Featuring the Victorian elegance and charm of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, these new Villas will offer Members luxury accommodations and amenities, with some Villas boasting stunning views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom. Projected to open in summer 2022, these new Villas are an expansion of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and will be a part of its current condominium association. Information regarding the start of sales and rental bookings will be released at a later date.

Since 2013, Members have reveled in the Victorian splendor of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, enjoying the comforts of home, impeccable service, amenities and fun-in-the-sun recreation available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa currently has 100 Disney Vacation Club homes and offers a mix of accommodation styles, ranging from Deluxe Studios to three-bedroom Grand Villas.

ABOUT DISNEY VACATION CLUB

Disney Vacation Club, a leader in vacation ownership, debuted in 1991 with a flexible, vacation points-based system rather than the traditional fixed-week timeshare model. Today, Disney Vacation Club has more than 220,000 Member families, from all 50 states and approximately 100 countries, who have discovered the joys of membership.

Disney Vacation Club Members are able to choose from among a variety of exciting vacation destinations, including a stay at any Disney Vacation Club Resort or one of thousands of other vacation options in destinations around the world. Plus, when purchasing directly from Disney, Members can also enjoy the Disney Collection, which includes select Disney Resort hotels, Disney Cruise Line and guided vacations with Adventures by Disney,as well as the Concierge Collection, a portfolio of extraordinary hotels in sought-after destinations. Vacations at a Disney Vacation Club Resort can last anywhere from one night to several weeks.

With Disney Vacation Club properties located near the Disney theme parks in Florida and California, Members have easy access to new and innovative attractions on both coasts for years to come. For more information, visit www.disneyvacationclub.com.

Disney Wish Tower Suite & Stateroom Tour

Disney has been talking a lot about their newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet… and we understand why! The stunning Disney Wish will be a next level cruise experience for many reasons, but especially with their expanded suites and staterooms. We previously shared several details Disney revealed for the Disney Wish, but Disney is now taking us on a closer look with a video touring the Disney Wish tower suite and staterooms.

As shared by Disney: “See how we’re taking accommodations to the next level with the first-of-its-kind Wish Tower Suite inside the ship’s funnel, plus an all-new look and feel for every stateroom. Steeped in enchantment and inspired by Disney stories, accommodations aboard the Disney Wish will be a peaceful retreat designed with families in mind.”

The Maiden Voyage of the Disney Wish will take place on June 9, 2022. Guests will be able to start booking on May 27 of this year. Both three and four night itineraries will be available. The Maiden Voyage will be five nights and the ship will sail out of Port Canaveral, with stops in The Bahamas and Castaway Cay.

Disney Cast Members Receive New “EARidescent” Name Tags for 50th Anniversary

The 50th Anniversary celebrations beginning October 1, 2021 are gearing up! As the excitement builds, President of Walt Disney World Resort, Jeff Vahle, took to social media to share the first look at new name tags Cast Members are receiving for the celebration.

As shared via Jeff Vahle Instagram: “One of the most memorable moments in my career was when I received my first nametag and officially became a Cast Member. It’s a huge part of our culture and heritage shared by all Cast at Disney. As we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary this October, I am thrilled to preview new nametags in development, designed to bring some additional shimmer to our Cast Members providing countless memories for Guests. The new EARidescent design will premiere later this fall; I can’t wait to see the team receive them as we start The World’s Most Magical Celebration together.”

Cape May Cafe Returns with New Family-Style Dinner

Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort has reopened with a great family-style breakfast, but guests can also visit the cafe for dinner, which is available between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM daily. Dinner is $42 per adult and $25 per child, plus tax and gratuity, but can be more if you add on some additional seafood options.

Starters

Breads and Spreads

Parker House Rolls and Cornbread with Roasted Garlic-Herb Butter, Salted Butter, and Cheese Spread (Plant-based breads and spreads are available upon request)

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Seasonal Harvest Salad

Arugula, Kale, and Romaine with Orange Segments, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Sun-dried Cherries, with a Citrus-Vanilla Vinaigrette (Plant-based)

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Entrees

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Seafood Boil

PEI Mussels, Peel-n-Eat Shrimp , Cape May Clams, Sustainable Catch of the Day, Red Bliss Potatoes, and Corn on the Cobb

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The Turf Platter

Slow-roasted Strip Loin with Chimichurri and House-made Steak Sauce, Oven-roasted Lemon-Pepper Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Farmer’s Market Vegetables  

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Lobster Macaroni & Cheese

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Portobello Steak or Tofu Platter

The plant-based platter is available upon request.

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Additional Seafood Boil Enhancements

Steamed Crab Legs – $29 per pound

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So, with the buffet gone, crab legs move to an additional charge of $29 per pound.

Whole Maine Lobster – $35

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Assorted House-made Desserts

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Walt Disney World Park Hours Released Through July 31

Planning your vacation to Walt Disney World? You’ll want to keep an eye on your My Disney Experience App for the latest update in park hours. The Walt Disney World website now shows parks hours have been released through July 31! As you plan your vacation to the most magic place on earth, here are the current posted park hours for May 18 – July 31, 2021.

Magic Kingdom:

  •  May 18 – 31: 8:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • – June 1 – 26: 8:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • – June 27 – 30: 9:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  •  July 1 – 31: 9:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)

EPCOT:

  • – May 18 – 31: 11:00am to 10:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 10pm)
  •  June 1 – 30: 11:00am to 10:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 10pm)
  • – July 1 – 17: 11:00am to 10:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 10pm)
  • – July 18 – 31: 11:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  •  May 18 – 31: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  •  June 1 – 18: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  •  June 19: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  June 20 – 26: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • – June 27 – 30: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  July 1 – 31: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

  • – May 18 – 31: 8:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  June 1 – 20: 8:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  June 21: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  •  June 22: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  •  June 23 – 26: 8:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  •  June 27: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  •  June 28 – 30: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  •  July 1 – 31: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
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Keep checking the My Disney Experience App before visiting as Disney has been known to add extra hours as dates draw nearer. Just be sure to snag your Park Pass reservations as soon as you know which date you are looking to experience a select parks.