Aulani Resort Will Plan to Begin a Phased Reopening on November 1

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Aloha! Great news Disney fans! Aulani Resort is planning to begin their phased reopening on November1, 2020. Check out all the details as shared below by Disney.

Over the past several months we have enjoyed sharing some Aulani Resort magic with you at home. We shared peaceful scenes from the resort to help you find your Zen, an inside look at Aulani Resort, Cast Member performances of hula at home and celebrated national Lū‘au Month. Through it all, we have looked forward to welcoming families back to our vacation paradise when the time was right, and today we’d like to share our plans with you. 

Credit: Disney

Given Hawaii’s recent announcement of a pre-arrival testing program for those traveling from out-of-state, we are working toward a phased reopening of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa beginning on Sunday, November 1. And just like our other Disney destinations that have re-opened, we are using a measured approach that focuses on the health and safety of our guests, cast and community. 

Our gradual, phased approach to reopening considers the guidance of local and national government and health authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the U.S. Travel Association and Disney’s team of health and safety experts. This deliberate approach allows us to evaluate and adjust along the way, as circumstances and the recommendations of health authorities evolve. 

Polynesian Resort Refurbishment Details Announced

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

A new sense of aloha is coming! Exciting news from Disney today regarding the beloved Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Refurbishment is underway for the resort and Disney is giving us a little insight on what’s to come. Check out all the details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

Today we’re thrilled to share news of exciting changes coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. A favorite destination of guests and cast members since its opening on Oct. 1, 1971, this beloved resort hotel immerses you in an oasis straight out of the South Seas with a sense of aloha that embraces you from the moment you arrive. 

That arrival experience is about to take on a whole new look with an enhanced entryway that will debut just in time for the resort hotel’s 50th anniversary. 

One of the biggest changes will greet you right up front – a new porte cochere will showcase the iconic mid-20th century architecture the Polynesian is famous for. Our team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World have crafted a design inspired by colors, patterns and textures found throughout the resort.  This new entry features a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style. There’s also a bold façade that features pops of color complementing the Longhouses found throughout the resort. Along the Monorail station, bold new wooden screens will be covered with geometric patterns in bright, tropical colors that complete an exciting new composition that will greet you when you arrive.

Sign outside of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Enhancements will also be made to the lush gardens and fountains that have welcomed guests to the resort since opening day. 

The open and airy design of the entryway will feature dramatic lighting elements, including beautiful chandeliers inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and oversized bamboo elements. The new chandeliers will match the existing grand chandelier in the resort lobby, artfully bridging interior and exterior spaces.  

While work is underway over the coming months, guests can still enjoy access to the Great Ceremonial House and its operating dining and retail outlets. 

The new arrival experience is just the beginning of what guests will discover when the resort reopens in summer 2021. All of the resort’s guest rooms are being beautifully redone too. We look forward to sharing more details about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as they become available.

Disney Testing Mobile Order-Table Service to Go

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Walt Disney World’s Mobile Ordering Service is a fantastic way to order meals from quick-service restaurants. It appears that Disney is now testing this service to include a new feature called “Mobile Oder-Table Service to Go,” allowing guests to easily order to-go meals from table service restaurants. Right now this is only available at Sanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village.

In the My Disney Experience App, at the bottom of the page is a “+” button. Once you push that button, you’ll be given four options: check dining availability, order food, shop memory maker, and buy tickets and passes. Click on the “order food” button, and you’ll be able to see the different restaurants that offer Mobile Ordering.

As you scroll down, you’ll see “Sanaa To Go – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village.” You’ll be able to choose an arrival window, just like at a quick-service restaurant.

After that, you’ll see a new informational pop-up that gives information on this new service including:

  • Arrival Window – let us know when to begin freshly preparing your order during the time slot you selected.
  • Prep & Wait Time – These meals are made to order, so expect the wait to be about the same as if you were to sit down at a restaurant.
  • Order Pick Up – Please hold off on going to the restaurant until we notify you that your order is ready.

Next, you’ll be able to “Build Your Order.” You’ll be able to view the menu and build your order, just as you would for a sit-down meal.

Next, you’ll select payment methods and pay for your order.

NEW “Magic Is Here” Annual Passholder 40% Off Room-Only Offer Now Available Through December 25

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Magic is here! Stay in the middle of it all with this room offer for fall and holiday travel—and make the most of your annual pass. With this offer, Passholders can save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights September 1 through December 25, 2020.

Book through December 25, 2020.

Take advantage of this offer and rediscover the most magical place on Earth! There’s still so much to explore and enjoy when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort.

For extra peace of mind, know that if your plans change, any Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees will be waived up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through December 31, 2020.

This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below. Select Disney Deluxe Villas. Save up to 40% for stays most nights September 1 to December 25, 2020.

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • 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
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The main entrance to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. (Photo courtesy, Walt Disney World)

Select Disney Deluxe ResortsSave up to 40% for stays most nights September 1 to December 25, 2020

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – reopening September 21
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Select Disney Moderate Resort HotelsSave up to 35% for stays most nights September 1 to December 25, 2020

  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – reopening October 14
  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Select Disney Value Resort HotelsSave up to 30% for stays most nights September 1 to December 25, 2020

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – reopening November 1
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price a non-Passholder pays for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply.

Two Special Offers Released for Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Happy September Disney fans! Walt Disney World has released 2 new special offers! Promotion details are listed below. Keep in mind, promotions may be confusing to navigate!

OFFER #1: Magic Is Here! Save Up to $500 on a 4-Night, 4-Day Room-and-Ticket Package at Select Disney Resort Hotels

Play, stay and SAVE at Walt Disney World Resort this fall and holiday season— where magical moments are waiting for you. Save up to $500 on a 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights September 4 through December 25, 2020. Book through December 25, 2020.

  • Book Through: December 25, 2020
  • Valid Travel Dates: Stays most nights September 4 through December 25, 2020
  • The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • Advance reservation required.
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion
  • Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same package.
  • Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
  • Theme park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket.
  • To visit the theme parks, theme park reservations via the Disney Park Pass System AND the tickets included in this package are required for the same park on the same date for each person in your party ages 3 and up (limit one park per day). Theme park reservations are limited and subject to availability.
  • Resort hotel reopening dates are subject to change.

OFFER #2: Residents of AL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA & WV: Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels

If you’re a resident of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia, discover great savings on rooms when you take advantage of this special offer. Get swept up in seasonal fun—and save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights September 4 through December 25, 2020 when you book through December 25, 2020.

  • Eligibility: This offer is valid for residents of the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Residency validated at time of reservation through credit card billing address.
  • Book Through December 25, 2020
  • Valid Travel Dates: Most nights September 4 through December 25, 2020
  • The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room.
  • Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
  • Advance reservations required.
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
  • Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
  • Valid admission and a park reservation are required to enjoy theme parks and special events and are not included in this offer.
  • Resort hotel reopening dates are subject to change.

Book with Confidence: For extra peace of mind, know that if your plans change, any Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees will be waived up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through December 31, 2020.