For The First Time Ever, Disney Vacation Club is Opening Polynesian Bungalows, Wilderness Lodge Cabins, and Grand Villas For Tours

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

The world has changed quite a bit this year, and with the evolution of the theme park experience to match the needs of people, the Disney Vacation Club is completely revamping the way it does business as well.

Prior to the shutdown, DVC cast members could be found at dozens of sales kiosks in the theme parks, resorts, Disney Springs, and seemingly in the most unexpected of places at times. With their staffing reduced and occupancy in the many Disney Vacation Club resort hotels at an all-time low, DVC has found a pretty creative way to sell you on “Disney’s Best Kept Secret”.

Now, guests are welcome to come visit a DVC Open House at select resorts, allowing them unprecedented access to not models, but the actual rooms themselves at each resort. This was not often possible in the past due to high demand to stay in these lodgings.

While staying at the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge this week, we received a phone call in our hotel room that a Cascade Cabin was open for us to visit. Having always wanted to see one of these, we leapt at the opportunity. While touring the DVC hostess also informed us of opportunities to tour other 2-bedroom rooms and grand villas across all of Walt Disney World property.

If you’re staying at one of the Resorts listed below, you can stop by an Open House at your Resort from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday—with no need to call in advance. However, if you’re not staying at one of the Resorts below, please call (407) 827-4744 to check availability and schedule your visit.

Here are the rooms available to tour (they may have more rooms available, so if there’s something in particular you want to see, just ask):

Disney’s Riviera Resort

  • 2-Bedroom Villa: Rooms 8244 and 8246

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • 2-Bedroom Villa – Lake View: Room 7405

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

  • Cabin: Room 8013

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

  • 3-Bedroom Grand Villa: Room 7804 (just off the Lobby)

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

  • 2-Bedroom Villa: Room 134

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

  • 2-Bedroom Villa: Rooms 1007 and 1009 (located on Disney’s BoardWalk near Jellyrolls)

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

  • Bungalow: Room 7020

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
(Registered Guests of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Only)

  • 3-Bedroom Grand Villa: Room 1101
  • 2-Bedroom Villa: Room 1106

Note: Physical distancing measures will be in place at each Open House location to promote the health and well-being of our Guests and Cast Members. Each location will be limited to one family at a time.

You can read more about the offering at DiscoverDVC.com and even chant with a Vacation Club representative there. Guests who tour will also receive a free lithograph gift.

Whether you’re looking to join the Disney Vacation Club or not, this is a tremendous opportunity to see some of the most in-demand and just plain coolest hotel rooms at Walt Disney World.

Photo Update of Tron Coaster Construction at Magic Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World’s new Tron coaster, Tron Lightcylce Power Run, has been a fun one to follow along with as construction moves forward. Check out the most recent photos of the progress being made at Magic Kingdom!

First up, check out these two aerial photos from @bioreconstruct on Twitter:

@bioreconstruct shares: “Aerial photo (Aug 15) of Space Mountain and outdoor portion of Tron. At arrow, a large concrete support was cast months ago, and it seems like a walkway is being formed connecting to Storybook Circus. Aerial photo (Aug 15) of Space Mountain and outdoor portion of Tron. At arrow, a large concrete support was cast months ago, and it seems like a walkway is being formed connecting to Storybook Circus.”

We then set out to snap a few photos of the construction as seen from various areas in the park as of August 24:

Disney’s initial deadline was to have the coaster ready to ride in 2021 – in time to celebrate Disney’s 50th Anniversary. With the pandemic hitting, construction halted back in March but the construction resumed shortly after. Disney has not announced if there will be a delay to the opening. What we do know is it’s fun to watch the progress of the coaster as it unfolds!

Want a sneak peek of what this attraction will look like? Here’s a ride through of the attraction in Shanghai Disneyland. Hold on tight!

Digital Menus Offer Easy, Reduced-Contact Ordering at Walt Disney World Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

As you return to the magic, Walt Disney World is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of their Guests and Cast Members. Check out the quick video and details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog about their digital menus for reduced-contact ordering at Walt Disney World Resort.

During visits to Walt Disney World Resort, the delicious “Grey Stuff”  and many, many other mouthwatering dishes are just a few easy taps away with mobile ordering off our digital menus.  It’s menu magic technology that limits contact and is simple to use – scan a QR code, select and enjoy! Check out the quick video on DisneyParksBlog Instagram below.

Currently, most quick-service park restaurant menus are available in the Mobile Order section of the My Disney Experience app and/or displayed on signage at the restaurant. And at select table-service locations, you can easily access a digital menu by scanning a QR code for a magical dining experience.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Inspires ‘The One and Only Ivan’ Filmmakers

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

“The One and Only Ivan” is now available on Disney+! Did you know Disney’s Animal Kingdom inspired “The One and Only Ivan” filmmakers? Check out the details and photos as shared below by Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks.

Gorillas have always held a special place in my heart, so I’ve been deeply touched by the award-winning book “The One and Only Ivan,” which tells the true story of Ivan, a 400-pound silverback gorilla who was raised by humans for the first 27 years of his life in a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall. While there were several other animals there, such as Stella the elephant and Bob the dog, there were no other gorillas. Ivan did not know what it was like to be a part of a gorilla family until he moved to Zoo Atlanta, a fellow Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution that oversaw giving him the best possible care. 

'The One and Only Ivan' poster art

 “The One and Only Ivan” has been adapted for the screen premieres August 21,  streaming exclusively on Disney+

You may see some familiar sights from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in the film, as the park served as an inspiration to the filmmakers. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, with its lush greenery, was used as a model for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Filmmakers also spent time studying the behaviors of our western lowland gorilla troops, learning about their family dynamics and observing how they forage for food, play with one another, and sleep. We are very fortunate to have an exceptionally dedicated team of animal care experts who invest a lot of time in building trust with these gorillas, and all the 5,000+ animals in our care, which allows us to work closely with them.

In fact, our work with gorillas goes far beyond caring for the troops at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, through the Disney Conservation Fund, we support the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE), the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned Grauer’s gorillas, a critically endangered species. GRACE provides the sort of storybook ending that Ivan dreams about in the movie. Rescued gorillas join an adoptive gorilla family and get to live together in spacious natural forest enclosures.  Our animal care team members provide resources and share their expertise with staff at GRACE, which has been imperative in saving the lives of gorillas and helping ensure they thrive.

I’m very proud of the work our teams have done to support “The One and Only Ivan” and their dedication to ensuring gorillas are well cared for each and every day. I encourage you to watch this heartwarming story on Disney+, and be sure to check out our free downloadable activity packet with all you need to know about the care and conservation of these wonderful animals.

Learn to Draw a Disney Adventureland-Inspired Treehouse

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Who doesn’t love a fun treehouse? Whether or not you do much drawing, this step-by-step tutorial from Disney about how to draw an Adventureland-inspired treehouse is sure to pique your sense of adventure!

Hosted by Imagineer Jeremy Costello, the tutorial will show you and your family how to come away with a whimsical piece of art. The drawing features a number of tropical elements including thatch huts, exotic plants and birds, and more.

Have fun putting your own personal spin on the techniques Jeremy will highlight. Jeremy chose the topic because Adventureland is one of his favorite locations in Disney Parks, so join him on this adventure in art!