New Evermore Orlando Resort Opening Next to Walt Disney World Summer 2023

Via DisneyTips.com

Big news as Walt Disney World is about to get a neighbor that just announced their vision for a 1,100 acre project currently underway! The new Evermore Orlando Resort brings a new approach to the traditional vacation home rental experience and debuts the latest addition to contemporary luxury hotel brand.

As shared via EvermoreResort: Dart Interests, a leading developer and owner of groundbreaking, large-scale real estate projects announced on January 11 the launch of their latest project, Evermore Orlando Resort, a comprehensive redevelopment of the former #1 Tripadvisor rated Villas at Grand Cypress. The 1,100-acre resort complex bordering Walt Disney World brings a new approach to the traditional vacation home rental experience and debuts the latest addition to the Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Hilton’s contemporary luxury hotel brand.

“With the launch of the Evermore project, Dart is introducing an entirely new hospitality category that will change the landscape of vacation rental homes,” says Christopher Kelsey, President of Dart Interests.  “We are creating the first-ever wholly-owned, large-scale community of purpose-built vacation rental homes and operating them with hotel-quality standards and world-class resort amenities. Our approach solves the #1 problem for vacation renters: uncertainty in the quality of the home. Almost all vacation rentals are owned by individuals, each with their own unique tastes and willingness to maintain the properties. Our centralized ownership model makes it possible for our guests to be certain that they are getting a first-class home with superior safety standards. Our scale also means that we can deliver a wider array of services to our guests making their visit easier and more enjoyable.  Plus, our range in sizes – from 2 bedrooms to 11, makes us the perfect destination for any group, including large multi-generational or multi-family gatherings,” he adds.

Accommodations: At full buildout, the massive 10,000-bedroom resort represents an equity investment well in excess of a billion dollars and arguably creates a new institutional-grade asset class. Evermore’s first phase will open with nearly 1,500 bedrooms spread among an array of stay experiences, from single homes to villas, flats and hotel guestrooms. The plans include 69 houses ranging in size from five to eleven bedrooms. Beyond vacation homes, the resort complex will also offer 76 four-bedroom flats, 41 two and four-bedroom villas and a luxury Conrad hotel which will offer sophisticated design, best-in-class amenities and intuitive service to provide an exceptional travel experience in Orlando.

“We are incredibly excited to expand on our strong presence in the Orlando market and introduce the Conrad brand to a new city,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton. “Conrad Orlando at Evermore will undoubtedly be a sought-after destination for Orlando travelers and will provide guests with outstanding service and impactful experiences when they visit the city.”

Conrad Orlando at Evermore will debut with 433 rooms, including 51 impeccably designed suites and 10 spacious family suites offering oversized accommodations that deliver all the comforts of home. Other features include 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space, a tranquil spa and numerous dining options including a signature rooftop experience. The hotel will open with Hilton CleanStay, Hilton´s industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in properties around the world. The elevated processes and Team Member training have been developed with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, to help Conrad Orlando guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out.

“The signing of Conrad Orlando marks a significant milestone for the brand as we continue to grow our portfolio in iconic locations around the world to better meet the needs of our discerning travelers,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, global head for Conrad Hotels & Resorts. “This hotel’s ideal location within Orlando and near Walt Disney World, along with Conrad’s prestigious reputation for delivering intuitive service, infinite connections and modern design will ensure guests leave feeling truly inspired by their stay with us.”

Amenities: At the heart of the resort, all guests will enjoy a massive 20-acre tropical beach complex and Evermore Bay, an 8-acre crystalline water amenity by Crystal Lagoons®. This proprietary design incorporates unique, environmentally sustainable technology that uses up to 100 times less chemicals and only 2% of the energy used by conventional swimming pool filtration systems, creating ideal conditions for guests of all ages to enjoy the water year-round.

The surrounding beach areas will feature zero-entry swim areas, bars, cabanas, private fire-pits and an aquatic adventure area with a waterslide, rope swing and watersports of all kinds. Other amenities will include a lively food hall & gourmet market, a casual resort restaurant featuring views overlooking both the golf course and bay and a two-story Boathouse that will serve weddings and private events. While the Scottish links style ‘New Course’ will remain open for play throughout construction, a new 18-hole Nicklaus Design course will open with the resort and pay homage to the legacy of golf excellence at Grand Cypress.

Meetings & Events: Orlando currently ranks as Cvent’s No. 1 meeting destination in the country and the resort complex will offer event professionals over 150,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space for groups seeking a change from the traditional conference room. The Boathouse and garden lawn nestled on the bay’s edge will provide a sophisticated Orlando wedding and event locale with a classic Chris-Craft boat for private use.

With Central Florida previously reaching 75 million annual visitors, the announcement of Evermore Orlando Resort comes at a time of measured reopening for the tourism industry in America’s most visited destination and the hospitality industry worldwide. “Our willingness to go forward with Evermore in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic is testimony to the resilience of the Orlando market, its talented workforce and our unique Disney-adjacent location,” said says local leader David Pace, President of Dart Interests Florida. “Our owners have been invested in this project long before COVID-19 and we’re embracing new group travel trends through a lens of innovation. Our commitment to Orange County and a strong belief in the power of tourism give us renewed energy to build a resort that will elevate the current hospitality landscape and position Evermore to become one of Orlando’s most desired vacation destinations.”

Bookings for Evermore Orlando Resort are slated to launch in 2022 with the grand opening for the first guests anticipated for summer 2023.

California Grill Adds and Updates Menu Items

Via wdwnt.com

The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which reopened in July, has added several new allergy-friendly items to their menu. They have also updated their oak-fired filet of beef dish.

Allergy-Friendly Menu

The allergy-friendly menu has the following new or returning items.

  • Poached Shrimp Roll with Nori, Jicama and Mango (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish, and Soy Allergies) – $27
  • Truffle Selezione Pasta with Baby Carrots, Green Beans, Forest Mushrooms and Truffle Tofu Cream (For Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies) – $37
  • Cashew Cheesecake: Coffee-Cashew Cheesecake coated in Chocolate Glaze (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut, and Soy Allergies) – $14

Allergy-Friendly Kids’ Appetizers

Two allergy-friendly appetizers were added to the kids’ menu.

  • Chicken Noodle Soup: House-made Chicken Broth, Macaroni, and Vegetables (For Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies) – $6
  • Hearts of Romaine: Avocado-Ranch Dressing, Tomatoes, Bacon and Croutons (For Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies) – $6

Oak-Fired Filet of Beef – $59

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The oak-fired filet of beef was previously served with oxtail marmalade, red wine sweet onion juice, and aged gouda mac and cheese, and Brussels sprouts. It is now served with grilled Brentwood corn, Calabrian chili butter, creamy barley, and sweet onion demi sauce. The price remains the same.

Tonga Toast Recipe from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

We love that we can now make some of our favorite Disney recipes at home! If you’re looking for a fantastic breakfast option, look no further than the beloved Tonga Toast, served at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! 

From a Disney Cast Member;

When you read “banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar” you know what’s coming – Tonga Toast! Currently served at Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s, this decadent breakfast classic has been on the menu at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort since 1971.

This blissfully rich breakfast recipe is the perfect treat and a great way for the family to enjoy a taste of Disney magic.

Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Serves 4

Ingredients:

Sugar-Cinnamon

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Batter

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Tonga Toast

  • 1 quart canola oil, for frying
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long)
  • 2 large bananas, peeled

Directions:

For Sugar-Cinnamon:

Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended.  Set aside.

For Batter:

Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.

For Tonga Toast:

  1. Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.)
  2. Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices.
  3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise.
  4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice.
  5. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil.
  6. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil.
  7. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast.

NoteThis recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder, while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe! 

Meet Obie, Newest Baby at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Via DisneyTips.com

A new baby has arrived at Walt Disney World! Celebrate with us the arrival of a Shetland pony born on January 7 at Disney’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch located in Disney’s Fort Wilderness. 

As shared via Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page: “Here’s a first look at the newest baby at Walt Disney World, courtesy of our ranch hand friends at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Meet Obie, a Shetland pony born to mom Lady on Jan. 7. He’s less than a week old, but the ranch team said he’s already keeping pace with his mom and nearly ready to make his onstage debut.

Dr. Mark takes to Instagram to share more details at @DrMarkAtDisney: “Guess what new baby just galloped into the world? Wishing a warm welcome to our newest addition, Obie! Obie joins a herd of 28 other ponies @WaltDisneyWorld’s Tri-Circle D Ranch. This little guy is a quick learner – standing and nursing within just one hour of his birth! He loves chasing his mom, Lady, around the field, running circles around her while she grazes on the green grass. Did You Know? Obie is actually the brother of Lilly, who was our first Cinderella pony born at the ranch? In a few years, he will join his sister and father on Cinderella’s pumpkin coach in parades and @Disney’s Fairytale Weddings throughout the resort.”

NEW Wilderness Explorers “UP” MagicBand with Grape Soda Badge

Via wdwnt.com

Adventure is out there! And you can go on your own Walt Disney World adventure with this new MagicBand inspired by Pixar’s Up.

up-magicband-2

This brown MagicBand resembles a wilderness explorer sash.

On one end of the MagicBand, Russell poses with his own Wilderness Explorer sash and Kevin in the background. The other end has several Wilderness Explorer badges, plus the iconic Grape Soda cap as a three-dimensional charm.

This MagicBand retails for $29.99.