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5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Old Key West

Old Key West was one of the very first Disney resorts I stayed at, back when it was called the Disney’s Vacation Club Resort. So glad they decided to change that name a few years after opening. Disney’s Old Key West Resort sounds much better. It was Disney’s very first “timeshare” resort, and whether you like or hate DVC, the resort is spectacular. I still consider it my home away from home at Disney World, though I try to stay at every Disney resort on a kind of rotating bases. Here are 5 reasons to stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

old key west
5 Reasons to stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  1. Relaxation – There are very few things in this world I love more than the Disney theme parks, but they do tend to be over stimulating for kids and adults alike. One of the most important things I look for in a Disney resort is the ability to have a place to leave the parks behind and relax. No where on Disney property is better for a little peace and quiet than Old Key West. Designed after Key West in southern Florida, you really do get that relaxing, laid back feeling at the resort. Everything is so quiet and spread out, you can’t help spending time at the resort and just loving it. Most villas have a little patio that overlooks the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, an awesome place to sit and read or relax while you take a small break from the parks.
  2. Parking – While this will not apply to everyone, if you happen to have a car there isn’t a better resort for parking than Old Key West. Most villas have parking lots right in front of them, so the walk from your room to your car is literally a few feet. No huge parking lots that should offer shuttles here, just easy access.
  3. Huge Rooms – Old Key West offers the largest villas on Disney property, by quite a way. The main room in the villa is HUGE, as are the bedrooms and bathrooms. You really feel like you have a ton of space. With the remodel a few years ago, the 2 bedroom villas now sleep 9, with a king bed in the master, 2 queen beds in the second bedroom and a fold out couch and chair in the main room. Even with 9 bodies in the villa, they still feel spacious.
  4. Villa Amenities – Not only do a miss the space when not staying in a villa at Disney World, I also miss the amenities you get when staying in a villa. In addition to the large family room which is great for gathering during the day, you also get a full kitchen (which is a great money saver on some meals) and a washer and dryer. When we visit Disney, we try to make it an extended stay, usually 11 – 12 nights, and the kitchen and washer/dryer pay for themselves.
  5. Access to Disney Springs – Old Key West is technically classified as a Disney Springs resort, but the access to Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom are very quick and painless by Disney bus. But, the access to Disney Springs is better than any resort not named Saratoga Springs. You can wonderful boat access directly from the heart of the resort right to Disney Springs, no stops involved and it is rarely crowded. Plus, there is a wonderful nature trail that runs from Old Key West, through the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and to Saratoga Springs, with a turnoff that heads to Disney Springs right before getting to Saratoga Springs. It is a great way to get to or from Disney Springs if you want to stretch your legs a little bit.

Disdom Hint: My favorite buildings at Old Key West are 63 and 64, not only do they have fantastic views but they are right next to the Hospitality House which is where the restaurants, main pool, bus stop and boat launch are. If staying at Old Key West, find yourself a map that includes the building numbers and request any building close to the Hospitality House, you will love it.

Why do you love staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort?

5 disney things

5 Disney Things You Should Know This Week – September 9, 2016

Welcome to another week of Disney things you should know. Not everyone can keep up with all of the Disney news (not even me, and I do this stuff full time), so we provide you with 5 Disney Things you should know from this week to help you keep up to date. This week features a new Disneyland discount, Disney Cruise spotify list to keep you happy between cruises, a new afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian and a few halloween tidbits.

Fall 2016 Disneyland Discount

Disneyland Discount

This week brings us a new Disneyland Discount for 2016 Fall dates. This is the same discount that was released last week for Disney VISA cardholders. It is now available to everyone, a Disney VISA is no longer required.

  • Save 20% on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel.
  • Save 15% on standard rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel.
  • Save 10% on standard and premium rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

For more information: 2016 Disneyland Fall Savings

Disney Cruise Spotify Playlist

disney cruise spotify

Do you have days when you wish you were on a Disney Cruise? I have them all the time (ok, every single day if you must know). Well, while I can’t really solve that problem for you, I can help a little bit. Disney Cruise has launched a Spotify playlist complete with all your DCL favorites. It includes both timeless tunes and modern reworkings of old favorites by contemporary artists. There’s no doubt you heard many of these songs on your Disney cruise in our stage shows and deck parties – or just walking down the hallway!

Listening to this playlist is sure to put a smile on your face—and keep you whistling while you work. You just need to have or create a Spotify account to enjoy it. I hope you like it as much as I do!

For more information: Disney Cruise Line Spotify Playlist

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back

not so scary halloween

If you are a fan of Disney, Halloween, Mickey Mouse or having fun, get yourself to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year.

This year’s event will feature many spectacular returning guest favorites, including “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,” “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” and “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks. But there are a few new additions to keep an eye out for.

  • “Zootopia” Clawhauser Stars In This Year’s Exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card – This year’s exclusive card is “Clawhauser’s Tricky Treat,” and when an “apprentice” uses this card to cast a spell in the game, dozens of magical donuts appear. (Learn how you can pick up your game card in this previous blog post).
  • “Zootopia” Nick and Judy Join The Creepa Crew – The Creepa Crew, which entertains guests waiting on Main Street, U.S.A. will be led by two of the Zootopia PD’s finest, BFFs Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.
  • The “Boo to You” Parade Will Give You A Sugar Rush – Vanellope von Schweetz from “Wreck It Ralph” will bring in the candy this year during the “Boo To You” parade. Spy her and her squad of dancers toward the end of the parade.

As a reminder, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party requires a separate ticket (a party specific ticket) that can be purchased here and is available for the following dates.

  • September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
  • October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread Houses

haunted mansion holiday

Sticking with the halloween theme, have you ever been to the Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland? One of my favorite all time Disney “attractions”. Well, this years is the 15th year of the makeover, and with that, we can now celebrate 15 years of Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread Houses. If you haven’t been, get there. In the mean time, enjoy the video of 15 years of gingerbread houses.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread House Fun Facts:

  • Heights have ranged from five feet (the smallest) to 15 feet (the tallest – almost touching the chandelier)
  • It takes 16 days to build and decorate the gingerbread house, on average
  • A team of 4 pastry chefs works together to create each masterpiece
  • Many of the pastry chefs have been part of this kooky tradition since 2001

This year’s house is made of:

  • 200 pounds gingerbread
  • 200 pounds powdered sugar
  • 4 gallons egg whites
  • 1 gallon lemon juice
  • 50 pounds fondant
  • 1/3 pound glitter

Do you have a favorite Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house?

New Afternoon Tea available at the Grand Floridian

grand floridian afternoon tea

Recently, Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room received a menu makeover, and now features the largest selection of Twinings loose-leaf teas, all of which are exclusive to Walt Disney World Resort. The stars of the new tea menu are the Twinings Signature Blends – served exclusively in the United States at the Garden View Tea Room – whether you select Perfect Afternoon, Garden Party or After Dinner Mint, you can’t go wrong. Pure Black and Flavored Black Teas, Oolong, Green and White Teas and caffeine-free Herbal Infusions are also available.

Teas are available in several ‘shires’ or packages, including The Bedfordshire Tea, The Derbyshire Tea, The Cheshire Tea, The Berkshire Tea and The Yorkshire Tea. Of course, there is a special tea available for guests age 3-9, Mrs. Potts includes tea sandwiches, a jam tart, delicate house-made pastries and a special ‘dark tea’ (chocolate milk).

Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. How will you celebrate afternoon tea?

Did I miss any Disney news this week that should have been included?

5 disney things

5 Disney Things You Should Know This Week – September 2, 2016

Welcome to another week of Disney things you should know. Not everyone can keep up with all of the Disney news (not even me, and I do this stuff full time), so we provide you with 5 Disney Things you should know from this week to help you keep up to date. This week features a new Disneyland and Walt Disney World discount, a brand new Disneyland parade and finally direct bus service from Walt Disney World theme parks to Disney Springs was announced. It was a busy Disney week!

Fall 2016 Disneyland Discount

Disneyland Discount

This week brings us a new Disneyland Discount for 2016 Fall dates. This discount is currently for Disney VISA cardholders only, but will be released to the general public next week, a Disney VISA will no longer be required starting on September 7, 2016.

  • Save 20% on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel.
  • Save 15% on standard rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel.
  • Save 10% on standard and premium rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

For more information: 2016 Disneyland Fall Savings – Disney VISA

Walt Disney World Fall Florida Resident Discounts

florida resident discount

Walt Disney World also received a new discount this week, this one for Florida Residents only for select Fall, 2016 travel dates. Travel from November 6 – December 23, 2016 and receive up to 30% off of your Walt Disney World resort.

For more information: WDW November – December 2016 Florida Resident Discount

Disney Theme Park to Disney Springs Bus Service

disney springs bus

Finally, you can take a bus directly from one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks directly to Disney Springs. This only makes sense as Disney has been pushing Disney Springs as much more of a destination for theme park visitors, with the addition of quite a few new restaurants and shops. Starting at 4 PM daily, guests will be able to go directly to Disney Springs via specially marked “Disney Springs” buses. Please note that this is a one way option, as there will not be a Disney Springs -> theme park option, so don’t make plans to go to Disney Springs for an early dinner hoping to go back to the parks for fireworks or extra magic hours.

For more information: Disney Springs Bus Service

New Fall Finale for ‘Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire’

friendship faire

As colors change along Main Street, U.S.A. with the onset of fall at Magic Kingdom Park, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” is also preparing to mark the season with enhancements to the show’s grand finale.

Beginning September 2, the finale scene in “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will feature new costumes, décor and choreography. You’ll also hear an original song celebrating autumn, from the songwriting duo of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn who composed the show’s catchy tune “On This Day.”

New Disneyland Frightfully Fun Parade

frightfully fun parade

Beginning this year, all you “boos” and “ghouls” are invited to gather for chills and thrills when the all-new “Frightfully Fun Parade” takes to the streets, featuring a spectacle of spooky spirits from the deepest bayous of New Orleans to Halloweentown and beyond.

The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow sets the mood as he arrives on his ghostly black steed just ahead of the parade itself, carrying a flickering jack-o-lantern as a warning to everyone along the parade route.

From “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King brings greetings from Halloweentown, as residents arrive to celebrate their favorite time of year. Grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize when Disney’s iconic Haunted Mansion attraction comes to “afterlife,” with swirling ballroom dancers, ominous gravediggers and a trio of hitchhiking ghosts. Inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” Dr. Facilier calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor, and the mischievous Disney Villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up some trouble. A dark and dungeon-like lair takes over the parade route, bringing with it a wicked gathering of villainy from Hades and the Evil Queen to Jafar, Cruella and more!

The “Frightfully Fun Parade” will be presented exclusively during Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event at Disneyland park hosted over 17 nights from September 23 to October 31, 2016.

Did I miss any Disney news this week that should have been included?