It’s probably going to be some time before we’ll be able to walk all the way from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom. Guests traveling from the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom have only been able to the get to the park via monorail or boat transportation, but soon that will change. At this point in time, walking is not an option, unless you want to swim across the canal.
Thanks to the addition of a new swing-arm bridge, guests will soon be able to travel on foot to the park. This will be a great alternative when the monorails are down or the lines are long to leave the park. Let’s take a look at how the progress is coming along.
The bridge is already installed, but is still in the “open” position that allows the boats and barges, like the Electrical Water Pageant, to pass through.
Wooden framework is also being put together on the Grand Floridian side, too, as guests will need a boarding ramp for the bridge.
This pathway and bridge will be a nice addition to the area, and one that’s been needed for a while. There will most likely be a security booth set up somewhere along the way for guests that are walking from the resort, similar to the booth near the Contemporary Resort walkway.
Kau’i Brandt, the beloved Hawaiian cultural representative and former dancer from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort better known as “Aunty Kau’i”, has passed away.
88-year-old Anake “Aunty” Kau’I Brandt was a Disney legend at the Polynesian, entertaining guests with hula dances and hand-made leis for over 30 years. The Hawaii-native was born in 1932 and grew up during the Pearl Harbor era before being trained as one of the state’s most famous hula dancers.
After being spotted by Disney talent scouts while performing in Waikiki in the 1960s, it took three attempts to get her to consider to leave Hawaii for a prospective luau show at Disneyland. Kau’i was reticent to leave, stating “I’ve always heard once you leave Hawaii, you never go back.”
In 1971, she left for Florida to help open Disney’s Polynesian Village resort, and she became a staple of the resort ever since. Brandt helped develop and launch the popular luau shows at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and continued working full-time at the Polynesian long after leaving the stage, as a cultural representative.
For many fans of the Poly, saying hi to Aunty Kau’i was part of the essential resort experience, and for regulars, she was regarded as an old friend, and the very embodiment of the spirit of Hawaii.
Good news for guests planning a stay at a Disney Vacation Club property in the coming months. According to DVCNews, DVC has eliminated fees for coffee packages, towel service, and laundry detergent.
The following is the new Disney Vacation Club policy:
You’ll be provided with the following amenities at no extra charge at the start of your stay and during each Housekeeping service. These amenities can also be replenished upon request at no additional charge:
– Coffee Package: Includes 1 package of coffee, 8 sugars, 8 creamers, 8 artificial sweeteners – Towel Package: Includes 4 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 4 washcloths, 1 bath mat – Laundry Detergent (only in 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas): Includes 1 box for 1 load of laundry
Previously, coffee packages were replenished for $3, towels for $6, and laundry detergent for $1. Paper plates, plastic ware, dish soap, dishwasher soap, and paper products continue to be replenished for free by calling housekeeping.
Other fees for additional full cleanings and trash/towel service remain.
Guests looking to relax in their own Cozy Cone or take a refreshing dip in the Hippy Dippy Pool should note shortened pool hours at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort throughout the colder winter months, starting today.
At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the Big Blue Pool will be open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Both the Cozy Cone and Flippin’ Fins pools will be open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Over at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, both the Bowling Pool and Computer Pool will be open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Hippy Dippy Pool will be open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Do note that the Hippy Dippy Pool will be closed for refurbishment from January 13th to March 31st.
Hours for all pools will be once again extended at the start of Spring.
Disney World has released more sale offers for guests planning a Spring or Summer visit in 2020. Discounts can be hard to come by during the Summer months as this is peak season at Disney World. As always, the number of rooms allocated for each sale offer is very limited so don’t wait long. Full details below.
Offer #1: Up to 25% off Select Rooms
Staying in the middle of the magic will help make your Walt Disney World Resort vacation even more super—especially when there are new and exciting experiences all over property.With this offer, you can save on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights April 1 through September 12, 2020.
Booking Window: Save up to 25% when you book by February 26, 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 there are more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts.
Advance reservations required.
Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Disney’s Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Offer #2: Kids Eat Free with Package Purchase
Get a FREE dining plan for kids (ages 3 to 9) when you buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way package for you and the kid(s) that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, theme park tickets and a dining plan. Valid for arrivals most nights from May 2 through August 8, 2020 when you book through February 26, 2020. All 3 dining plans—Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan and Disney Deluxe Dining plan—are eligible with this offer, but everyone in your reservation must be on the same package. For instance, if you purchase a package with the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, then your kid(s) (ages 3 to 9) will receive a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.
Booking Window: Book now through February 26, 2020
Travel Window: Arrivals most nights May 2 through August 8, 2020
Important Details
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Tickets are valid for one theme park per day (unless Park Hopper Option is purchased) and must be used within 14 days of first use.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Kid(s) must stay in room with adult.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Advance reservations required.
Disney dining plans exclude gratuities.
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the children’s menu, if available.
Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.
Theme park admission is required for some dining locations.
Offer #3: Florida Residents Save Up to 30% on Select Rooms this Spring and Summer
With this offer, Florida residents can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights April 1 through July 9, 2020.
Staying at a uniquely themed Disney Resort hotel gives you the opportunity to enjoy convenient benefits like reserving access to select FastPass+ experiences as early as 60 days prior to arrival, Extra Magic Hours and a variety of convenient transportation options.
Plus, when you add valid theme park admission to this room offer, you’ll be able to experience thrilling new attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, catch a limited-time fireworks spectacular at Epcot, explore timeless classics at Magic Kingdom park and celebrate the Circle of Life when they watch a mesmerizing performance of Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Travel Window: Most nights from April 1 through July 9, 2020.
Important Details
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.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Advance reservations required.
Proof of Florida residency required at check-in.
Valid admission is required to enjoy theme parks and special events and is not included in this offer.
Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Offer #4: 50% Off Required Deposit on Select 4-Night or Longer Disney Cruises
Book a magical Disney cruise by February 14, 2020 and pay only half of your required deposit on the day you make your reservation. Remaining deposit balance due at time of final payment.This offer is valid on any new reservation for a 4-night or longer Disney cruise departing between June 20, 2020 and May 31, 2021.
Embark on a tropical 4-night or longer cruise to the Caribbean or the Bahamas—or choose from one of our other fun-filled itineraries to Alaska, Europe, Mexico and beyond. With exciting voyages sailing from Florida, Texas, California, New Orleans and New York, there’s no better time to cast off with Disney Cruise Line on that family vacation.
Important Details Regarding the 50% Off the Required Deposit Offer:
Remaining deposit balance due at time of final payment.
Valid for new bookings only on sailings booked by February 14, 2020.
Valid on all 4-night or longer sailings that do not require final payment at time of booking and take place between June 20, 2020 and May 31, 2021.
This offer is valid from December 20, 2019 through February 14, 2020.
US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Columbia, Peru, and Chile only
No code is needed.
Taxes, fees and port expenses, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.
Not valid on categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT, VGT), suites or Concierge-level staterooms.
Rates are in U.S. dollars.
This offer cannot be combined with any other offers and discounts.
