Disney has sold off approximately 26 acres of land next to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, according to TC Palm‘s Colleen Wixon.
DVCNews.com reports that the land was previously earmarked for a resort expansion that was ultimately canceled due to low timeshare sales at the resort. The land that was sold is west of the resort’s parking lot, on the western end of S.R. A1A, not including the existing resort support facilities, recreation and parking facilities on that end of the road. The pond adjacent to the facilities is included in the sale.
The land has been sold to GHO Homes, who will build single-family homes and attached villas on the property. The residential development is still being designed, with sales likely beginning in 2021. GHO Homes’ president, Bill Handler, did not reveal the purchase price of the property. Earlier this year, the 32.6 acres of the resort was appraised at $4.6 million, according to Indian River County records.
This sale is not expected to affect existing operations at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Disney Vacation Development, Inc. has not issued any comment on the manner.
Since the very start of the company, Disney has upheld very strict appearance standards for its staff, known as cast members, regardless of what position they held. This came to be known as the “Disney Look”, which upheld that all cast members should have a “friendly, classic appearance” devoid of any extreme styles. In fact, here’s a blurb from the Disney Careers page:
At Disney Parks and Resorts, we’ve become famous for our friendly, classic appearance. This look is not a coincidence, but a result of our cast members’ support of the Appearance Standards, or as we call it, the Disney Look.
The Disney Look is a classic look that is clean, natural, polished and professional, and avoids “cutting edge” trends or extreme styles. It is designed with our costumed and non-costumed cast members in mind. Our themed costumed cast members are a critical part of enhancing the experience of our Disney show, and our non-costumed cast members also play an important role as representatives of the Disney brand. Regardless of the position you hold with us, when you take pride in your appearance, you become a role model for those around you, and you convey the attitude of excellence that has become synonymous with the Disney name.
The Disney Look is a classic look that is clean, natural, polished and professional, and avoids “cutting edge” trends or extreme styles. It is designed with our costumed and non-costumed cast members in mind. Our themed costumed cast members are a critical part of enhancing the experience of our Disney show, and our non-costumed cast members also play an important role as representatives of the Disney brand. Regardless of the position you hold with us, when you take pride in your appearance, you become a role model for those around you, and you convey the attitude of excellence that has become synonymous with the Disney name.
Now it appears that these rules may be becoming more lax to accommodate for more modern styles.
Starting October 28th, cast members will now be able to wear a single bracelet and a single necklace. Previously, necklaces and bracelets were not permitted, with cast members only having the option to wear rings, earrings, and a classic business-style wristwatch.
Cast members looking to grow their facial hair can now do so up to an inch, with visible stubble now allowed during the grow-out process. Previous rules stated that facial hair was limited to a quarter inch, and beard growth had to be done while the employee was on vacation. Back in the ’50s, all cast members had to be clean shaven.
“Get ready to step into a tale as old as time when you enter the new Enchanted Rose lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. As of today, this beautiful addition to the resort is now open!
Inspired by the magic and romance of Disney’s popular live-action movie, “Beauty and the Beast,” the lounge features four unique gathering spaces inspired by Belle and the Beast with elegance around every corner. Above the main bar, you’ll take in the sights of a gorgeous chandelier inspired by Belle’s flowing golden ball gown, while the library showcases classical baroque designs and French furnishings.
A garden room takes its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding the castle, and an outdoor patio evokes the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.
I recently shared a few details about the menu, which features a variety of delectable, shareable bites like artisanal cheeses, a house-made flatbread, short rib sliders, and even white sturgeon caviar. The lounge’s focal point is its library of wines. Sit back, relax and enjoy charming wines from around the world served by the ounce, glass, or bottle. Champagne, beer, and cider will also be available along with tableside cocktails.
While browsing the menu, you can read about a story of love that inspired the Amour cocktail. There’s also a story of envy to accompany the Envie cocktail. Brian Koziol, Master Sommelier, states “Our tales of tableside cocktails are a contrast of each other. The Amour is an elegant vodka cocktail featuring notes of citrus, pear, and flowers with a slightly sweet taste, while characteristics of the apple brandy Envie showcase apples, herbs, and bitters with a potent taste.”
Starting today, Enchanted Rose is now open! Guests can find it on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Your family can save up to 25% on Walt Disney World Resort stays most nights between January 1st, and April 25th, 2020.
And that’s not all: You’ll also receive a $30 Disney Gift Card PER PERSON (ages 3 and over) if you upgrade your package with 6-day or longer park tickets. Sounds like a free pair of mickey ears, or a mug or, hey, maybe just lots of popcorn!
DISNEY DELUXE VILLAS: SAVE UP TO 25%
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas 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 Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
20% discount applies for stays most nights 3/9/20 – 3/28/20 when you book by 1/1/20 and stays between 1/2/20 – 4/25/20 when you book by 3/7/20.
SAVE UP TO 10% AT THESE DISNEY DELUXE VILLAS
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
DISNEY DELUXE RESORTS: SAVE UP TO 25%
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
20% discount applies for stays most nights 3/9/20 – 3/28/20 when you book by 1/1/20 and stays between 1/2/20 – 4/25/20 when you book by 3/7/20.
SAVE UP TO 10% AT THESE DISNEY DELUXE RESORTS
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
DISNEY MODERATE RESORTS: SAVE UP TO 20%
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
15% discount applies for stays most nights 3/9/20 – 3/28/20 when you book by 1/1/20 and stays between 1/2/20 – 4/25/20 when you book by 3/7/20.
SAVE UP TO 10% AT THESE DISNEY MODERATE RESORTS
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
DISNEY VALUE RESORTS: SAVE UP TO 15%
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Disney’s Pop Century Resort
10% discount applies for stays most nights 3/9/20 – 3/28/20 when you book by 1/1/20 and stays between 1/2/20 – 4/25/20 when you book by 3/7/20.
But you have to book before January 1st, 2020 to take advantage of this special deal.
If you’ve ever taken a ride on any of the elevators at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll know that on your ascent or descent, you’re welcomed by the friendly voices of Mickey, Minnie, and even Goofy. It’s a small touch, but a sweet one nevertheless as it adds the quintessential “Disney touch” to any Disney Resort.
Now the Disney’s Contemporary Resort isn’t the only one with fun character elevators, as Disney’s Beach Club Resort now sports the fab four (terrific three?) in various elevator bays as well. As you go from floor to floor, a different character in each elevator will read out the level.
