More Information on “What Will You Celebrate?”

WDWNT on September 18, 2008

The details for the 2009 “What Will You Celebrate?” events at the Disney Parks are continuing to pour in:

-The Disney Parks website has been updated with information about the new celebration already. You can view the altered website by going HERE. There is also a website devoted to just the 2009 celebration that you can see HERE.

-Here are two versions of the logo for “What Will You Celebrate?”:

-If you want to receive a free 1-day pass on your birthday, you can register online at the website we listed above or fill out paperwork when you arrive at one of the WDW parks on that same day. To clarify a rumor posted yesterday, here are the prizes that can be accepted as an alternative to the 1-day park birthday pass:

  • A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket* for you to use on your birthday for merchandise, recreation or fun activities at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort; or
  • A special birthday FASTPASS® badge+ for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday; or
  • A 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.

-You can see two promotional videos for “What will you Celebrate?” by viewing them below:

These two videos reveal that Disney will be keeping the “Where Dreams Come True” tag-line beyond the Year of a Million Dreams and the castle in the clouds logo in some shape or form. The two videos also feature what will be the theme song for “What Will You Celebrate?”.

-You can get details about a road tour that Disney is making to promote this special celebration by going HERE.

-While we have already previewed a few of the pins coming out to commemorate this event in 2009, here is yet another that will be released:

Celebrate!

As we are sure there will be more details on the way, be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information becomes public on 2009’s “What Will You Celebrate?” campaign at the Walt Disney World Resort.

“What Will You Celebrate?” Now Official

WDWNT on September 18, 2008

Here is a press release from earlier today on all the details for next year’s new “Disney Parks” celebration:

NEW YORK (Sept. 18, 2008) – Everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free, as Disney Parks embraces a newly identified family travel trend called “celebration vacations.”
 
In this new national trend, American families are hitting the road to mark life’s special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more – with a “celebration vacation.” In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts will lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.
 
And to kick it all off – a first-ever opportunity for guests to receive a free ticket to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009.
 
“Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, at an announcement event today in New York. “We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this new ‘celebration vacation’ trend to Disney Parks.”
 
Disney parks provide the perfect setting for this new style of vacation that celebrates the special occasions in life, Rasulo added.
 
Whether a guest is celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion, Disney parks already are filled with favorite characters, world-class attractions and entertainment, and legendary guest service – exactly the “something for everyone” that trend-watchers say families look for in a “celebration vacation.”    

“The special moments in your life become truly magical when you celebrate at a Disney park,” Rasulo said. “Sharing a milestone at Disney connects families, friends and generations.” 

Nationwide Survey Reveals ‘Celebration Vacation’ Trend
 
A nationwide survey of nearly 4,600 adults conducted by Ypartnership – co-author of the influential National Travel Monitor – showed that 70 percent of U.S. leisure travelers have taken a vacation with the primary purpose of marking a special occasion in their lives – a “celebration vacation,” as Ypartnership President and CEO Peter Yesawich termed it.
 
Respondents mentioned a broad range of events worth celebrating with a special vacation – not just birthdays and anniversaries but a first vacation with children, a job promotion or recovery from an illness.
 
Whenever something positive happens in their lives, people seek out ways to make them more special, Yesawich said, and vacations are clearly perceived as both an appropriate and desirable way to do so.
 
Time does pass quickly and there is a growing trend to slow down our frenetic lifestyles and stop to rejoice around the things that matter,” he said. “Families on ‘celebration vacations’ are looking to truly commemorate moments in their lives – in special places everyone can enjoy.”
 
Research showed that when they take that “celebration vacation,” families are looking for destinations that provide activities for children and – better yet – activities adults and children can enjoy together.
 
Given these findings, it’s not surprising that Disney Parks topped the list of destinations where families would most like to celebrate these special occasions,” Yesawich said. 
   
Turning Life’s Special Moments Into a Personal Disney Celebration
 
“We see our parks as the ideal setting for a personal celebration,” Rasulo said. “Guests can immerse themselves in their favorite stories and their favorite characters, creating a visit they’ll never forget.
 
“And when our cast members get involved, it feels as if the entire park is celebrating along with you.”
 
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can add on to the fun, choosing from more than 200 experiences ranging from breathtaking (magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths with undersea creatures) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures). At Disneyland Resort, celebrants can book more than 50 magical experiences, including “My Disneyland Birthday Party” and unique Disneyland guided tours.
 
With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor their celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Maybe they have a “princess” day with themed meals, shows, attractions and perfectly princess merchandise at Disneyland. Or they turn Walt Disney World “wild” with trail riding, bass fishing and water skiing.
 
Even before the Ypartnership findings, Disney noticed the celebration trend happening in its parks, Rasulo noted. For instance, guests have visited the parks to propose marriage, celebrate a child’s passage into high school, or pull the whole family together for the golden anniversary of their parents. “But Walt Disney World and Disneyland are now poised to champion milestone vacations for families and friends in a breakthrough way,” he said. “We’re asking our guests, ‘What will YOU celebrate?’
 
“Part of the celebration is all the firsts that magically happen at Disney Parks,” Rasulo said. “Guests become the star of their own celebration. It could be a first trip to Disney or a first family vacation without the stroller. We want to make a first visit – and every visit – even more memorable.”
 
Even if they’re not celebrating, Rasulo said, guests will be immersed in a “Celebrate Today!” spirit, making every day a party.
 
Making it Easier than Ever to Plan

Planning any event can be a challenge. With Disney’s new celebration planning tools, it’s easier than ever for guests to plan celebrations large and small, customizing and personalizing each experience and tending to all the details, from a special cake to an elaborate one-of-a-kind celebration that only Disney could create.
 
Thanks to new Web tools, guests can discover magical experiences, unique events, dining enhancements and more. 
 
Disney’s planning services allow guests to stay focused on what really matters – the people closest to them. And vacation packages make celebrating at Disney right for any budget.
 
Customizing Your Celebration
 
Depending on the Disney park they are headed to, guests can order everything from special dining to princess tea parties, from yacht cruises to treasure hunting on a pirate sailing adventure, from a quiet trail ride to parasailing thrills. Or they can opt for magical experiences for their group – from dessert parties to a Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise to special entertainment.
 
Among add-on experiences guests can choose to customize their “celebration vacation”:
 
  • Custom Bakery Cakes and Signature Desserts: Disney chefs create an unforgettable finale to a special dinner with a beautifully decorated cake themed to any occasion or a new line of celebration desserts.
  • For Lovebirds: Sweetheart dinners for two in which couples can clink “Celebrate Today!” champagne flutes.
  • Family Portraits: Capture the memory with a portrait session with Walt Disney World photographers. Build a custom photo album with Disney’s PhotoPass.
  • Personalized Souvenirs: Mark your occasion with personalized Mouse ears, character T-shirts and collectible pins.
  • Decorate Your Disney Guest Room: Step into a resort room decorated to fit your celebration theme with confetti, banners, surprises and more.
  • Stay Inside a Dream Theme: Book a themed guest room at either destination – princess-themed or Mickey-inspired at Disneyland or – coming in 2009 – pirate-themed at Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Set Sail: Book a private romantic cruise on a yacht or set your party afloat on a shared magical fireworks voyage.
  • Go Inside the Magic: Behind-the-scenes tours take you inside the storytelling, adventure and history of Disney Parks.
  • Disney Story Book Experiences: Choose from pirate adventures, tea parties, princess makeovers and more – all with the magic of Disney.
  • Disneyland Parties: “Celebration Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch,” all-new, is a full-blown party complete with frontier entertainment, goodie bags and a surprise treat for everyone – no matter what they’re celebrating. “My Disneyland Birthday Party” features cake decorating, party hats and even Mickey and Minnie pay a visit.
Celebrating in the Parks
 
 
Disney is unwrapping all-new entertainmentwith memory-makers in mind, allowing guests to focus their celebration on favorite characters, favorite attractions and favorite stories to create a custom celebration in the park. New park experiences coming in 2009 for all park guests to enjoy: 
  • Street Parties: Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park come to life with interactive street parties. The call to “Celebrate Today!” goes out to guests, music floods the streets, dancing kicks into high gear and the parks become “the happiest party on Earth.”
  • Tomorrowland Party: A high-energy, retro-futuristic music video dance party features Stitch, an interactive dance troupe, and a DJ celebration host who’s inviting all Walt Disney World guests to come party, dance and celebrate.
  • Park Décor: The parks will be decorated with colorful banners, balloons and festive party
    hats – as if awaiting your celebration.
  • Buttons: Complimentary celebration buttons will help Disney cast members and fellow guests recognize you and your celebration.
 Memories to Last a Lifetime
Disney parks are the ultimate setting for any celebration, turning a special occasion into a magical Disney experience. And with the opportunity of free admission to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme park on your birthday in 2009, it’s even more special. All it takes is a valid ID including proof of birth date. Guests can get more details and start the process by registering their birthdays at www.disneyparks.com.

“We believe Disney parks are uniquely positioned for any celebration and offer the ultimate setting for marking a cherished milestone,” Rasulo said. “People trust Disney to make an occasion truly magical. And now more than ever, Disney will help guests seize those special moments and turn them into memories that will live forever in their hearts.”

For more information or to book a Disney “celebration vacation,” guests can visitwww.disneyparks.com, call 407/W-DISNEY or contact their local travel agent.

Heeeeerrrrreeee’s Luke!

WDWNT on September 18, 2008

Hey everyone, Luke Manning here… Bet you didn’t expect me! I’ll be back on the Disneyland News Today Staff as the Lead News Reporter, due to both time issues, & that I decided I would still like to be involved with the site. So to welcome me back, here are a couple of the last news & rumors from around the Disneyland Resort:

  • It seems that the re-do of Sunshine Plaza, that was to of been known as Walt Disney Plaza, is now planned to be called Buena Vista Street.
  • Tomorrow, Disney will be announcing the new promotion for 2009 in New York City. Here are a few of the things planned to happen during the promotion:

    -Disney has dropped the proposed Magical Celebrations name and will simply be using two primary phrases (”What will you celebrate?” & “Celebrate Everyday”) to promote this new 2009 only celebration.
    -Guests who attend Disneyland on the day of their birthdays will be offered a special gift throughout 2009: The choice of a free birthday 1-day park ticket, $75.00 merchandise gift card, or 4 Fastpasses per person per party of up to 6 guests.
    -Although already previewed on the official Disney pin trading website, Disney will be introducing some new personalized pins that will feature magnetic name badges that can be removed and interchanged.
    -As far as entertainment offerings, Disneyland Park will be introducing a once-daily Disneyland Street Party on Main Street U.S.A.

    Stay tuned tomorrow to Disneyland News Today as this press event happens.

  • Finally, it seems the new boats are starting to be tested in the It’s a Small World flume, as seen in this picture from MintCrocodile:

Suddenly Swiss Shut-down

WDWNT on September 17, 2008

The Swiss Family Treehouse at the Magic Kingdom unexpectedly closed today for a refurbishment that is now scheduled to continue through the end of the month. With such a sudden unannounced closure, we can only guess that something was discovered to be wrong with the classic walk-through exhibit that has forced it to close for repairs on such short notice.

Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on this refurbishment becomes available.

Not-So-Scary But Ever-So-Cool

WDWNT on September 17, 2008

Walt Disney World has launched a new interactive website just to distribute details to guests on the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties at the Magic Kingdom, currently taking place on select evenings until the end of October. The website features the popular “Boo-To-You” theme song from the party’s parade as well as narration from a ghostly voice that actually moves between the left and right audio channels, mimicking  the voice-over effects from the stretching room scene of the Haunted Mansion. You can also view a special performance of the Cadaver Dans (otherwise known as Main Street U.S.A.’s Dapper Dans) singing “Grim Grinning Ghosts” while visiting the purple and black website. To get more information on the fireworks, candy, characters, and parade that make up this spirited nighttime after-hours event, be sure to go HERE.

Muppets Move Out For Halloween Time?

WDWNT on September 17, 2008

The Muppet Vision 3D attraction at Disney’s California Adventure may be experiencing some kind of Halloween layover this year, according to the current Disneyland Resort refurbishment schedule. The attraction is currently scheduled to be closed from September 16-24 and November 3-11, 2008. These two refurbishments sandwich the Halloween Time celebration at the resort, leading us to believe that something rather spooky would be taking up the theater during these fall festivities. The question at the moment is what will be appearing there.

Be sure to stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as more information on this Muppet Vision rumor becomes available.

DVC Resort Fact Sheets

WDWNT on September 17, 2008

Here are some fact sheets released by Disney on the two newest Disney Vacation Club projects announced today:

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a Disney Vacation Club Resort, will complement the strong horizontal lines of the original resort while adding its own unique touches, including a fireworks viewing deck, a rooftop lounge, a lakeside pool and much more. Add to that a sky bridge linking the tower to the original resort’s monorail station, restaurants and shops, and you’ve got a new classic Disney resort that allows guests to blow Tinker Bell a kiss goodnight as they relax after a fun day of theme park experiences.
 
Building upon a Beloved Icon
Bay Lake Tower builds on the celebrated legacy of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, hailed as a modern marvel of American architecture when it opened alongside the nearby Magic Kingdom Park on Oct. 1, 1971. While its innovative design drew early crowds, it was Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s unparalleled convenience that kept families coming back. Today, Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers conveniences unavailable at any other resort hotel, including a monorail station right inside the building, the fine dining and amazing views of the Walt Disney World Resort available at the California Grill, the innovative and healthful dining options served at new restaurant The Wave and the new game arcade and quick-service eatery located on the resort’s fourth floor. Plus, the proximity to the Magic Kingdom Park continually proves to be among the resort’s most popular “amenities,” allowing families to easily return to their rooms for quick breaks from their busy day in the Park.
 
Bay Lake Tower will take that experience one step further, adding the conveniences of “home” to this world-class vacation destination. Most rooms feature full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities that will add even more comfort and convenience to the unique experience offered by Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
 
Unparalleled Views
Bay Lake Tower’s crescent-shaped tower will boast some of the most dramatic Walt Disney World views available, offering open sightlines to an amenity-filled courtyard, the picturesque lakefront or one of the most beloved theme parks on earth. The view will be equally appealing on the other side of the window, with rich woods and warm fabrics complementing interior spaces and creating a welcoming, family friendly environment.
 
Planned Rooftop Lounge and Fireworks Viewing Area
The only view better than the one families will enjoy from their rooms may be the one available* from the exclusive rooftop deck, offering sweeping views of the resort and a dramatic look at Magic Kingdom Park’s fireworks by night. Plus, as an homage to the original, Bay Lake Tower’s rooftop lounge, Top of the World Lounge, was actually inspired by Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s former restaurant of the same name.
 
*Availability is limited and usage guidelines do apply.
 
Planned Spacious Lobby
After checking in at the original resort, Guests’ first glimpse of the tower’s interior will be revealed in the lobby area filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns. From the area, guests can catch their first look at Bay Lake Tower’s lakeside pool area and outside pool bar.
 
Planned Bay Cove Pool
Nestled in the shadow of Bay Lake Tower, the resort’s zero entry pool includes a water slide, separate whirlpool spa and an interactive children’s water feature – all overlooking picturesque Bay Lake.
 
Planned Resort Amenities
Beyond the rooftop lounge, spacious lobby and lakeside pool, Bay Lake Tower will feature a covered outdoor sky bridge that connects to the original resort so that guests can access the monorail as well as the restaurants and merchandise shops Guests love at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Plus, Bay Lake Tower Guests can pamper themselves with room service available through the original resort or make use of Community Hall, an activity center.
 
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disneydestinations worldwide, as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.
Number of Units:
295 two-bedroom equivalent villas
Fun Facts
  • Disney Vacation Club has doubled its membership since 2004 to include more than 350,000 individual members from each U.S. state and approximately 100 different countries.
  • There are 167 miles of post-tensioning cable running through the concrete slabs. These cables could stretch from Bay Lake Tower to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and back.
  • There are 1,398 tons of reinforcing steel, known as rebar, within the structure. This is equal to the weight of 254 full-grown elephants.
  • Bay Lake Tower rests on a foundation of more than 800 concrete piles that are 16” in diameter and extend 70’ into the ground. Stacked on top of one another, these would reach more than 10 miles into the sky.
Quick Facts
Date Announced:
September 16, 2008
 
Targeted Completion Date:
Fall 2009
 
Location/Geography: 
Bay Lake Tower is ideally situated between the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Contemporary Resort with easy access to the monorail
 
Room Mix:
Bay Lake Tower offers studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The majority of room categories include views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom Park.

 

Nostalgic memories of childhood playtime translate into over-the-treetops family vacation time with the addition of the Treehouse Villas to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Evoking a sense of adventure that makes kids feel more like grownups and grownups feel more like kids, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will combine a dash of luxury and comfort with the nostalgic memories of a childhood fortress.
 
Walt Disney World’s Long History of Treehouse Living
A cherished Walt Disney World tradition from 1975-2002, the original octagonal treehouse villas were built on pedestals in forested glens, offering Guests breathtaking treetop views of the natural surroundings.
 
When designing the new Treehouse Villas accommodations, Disney Imagineers went to great lengths to ensure that the new villas would actually lessen the original villas’ footprint. As a result, Disney Imagineers were able to reduce encroachment on the surrounding wetlands by 70 percent for each individual home site.
 
Treehouse Villas’ Unique Construction Process
Rather than heading to the nearest hardware store to purchase a few 2” x 4”s and a handful of nails, Disney Imagineers will break the typical treehouse mold with the construction of the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The construction process itself is unique, as crews will assemble all 60 vacation homes onsite like a giant 3-D puzzle.
 
Treehouse Living With All the Comforts of Home
Designed in a style decreed “cabin casual,” the Treehouse Villas will offer much more than the rope ladder and snack stash typically found in childhood treehouses. Elevated 10 feet off the ground, these villas will offer three bedrooms and two baths while comfortably accommodating up to nine Guests. An open kitchen will boast an island sink and a counter area offering seating for three, while a separate dining table will seat up to six. In addition, flat-screen TVs will be found in the living room and each bedroom, giving Guests an opportunity to catch up on the day’s latest news stories or favorite TV shows while relaxing after a fun-filled day at Disney’s theme parks. Throw in cathedral ceilings and granite countertops for a treehouse that surpasses every childhood expectation.
 
Resort Amenities
The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will feature its own planned pool area, in addition to sharing all that the main resort has to offer, including boat transportation between the Downtown Disney Area and the Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort dock, tennis courts, bicycle rental, a children’s playground, a nearby spa and fitness center and High Rock Spring Pool, which boasts its own water slide and whirlpool spa.
 
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disneydestinations worldwide, as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.
Fun Facts
  • Disney Vacation Club has doubled its membership since 2004 to include more than 350,000 individual members from each U.S. state and approximately 100 different countries.
  • Environmental sensitivity was extremely important to Disney Imagineers when constructing the new Treehouse Villas. As a result, 5,178 tons, or 65.22 percent, of materials from demolition were recycled, including concrete and metals.
  • When it comes to wiring, Disney Imagineers working on the Treehouse Villas went to great “lengths” to ensure every vacation home runs smoothly. Consequently, there are 87,858 lineal feet, or 16.6 miles, of wire for fiber optics, copper, telephones and CATV.
  • To support all 60 Treehouse Villas, there are a total of 480 concrete columns.
Quick Facts
Date Announced:
September 16, 2008 
Targeted Completion Date: 
Summer 2009
 
Location/Geography: 
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be located within Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa near the Downtown Disney Area
 
Size:
Three bedrooms, two baths
 
Number of Units: 
60 villas
 
Number of Guests per Unit: 
Villas accommodate up to nine Guests
 
Bedding Sizes:  
Master bedroom – Queen
Second bedroom – Queen

Vacation Club Concepts

WDWNT on September 17, 2008

Here are some concept art and press pictures released for the new DVC projects at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa for the Walt Disney World Resort.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:

Bay Lake Tower and Treehouses Now Official

WDWNT on September 16, 2008

DVC members received an email this morning from “Deevy See, the First Lady of Disney Vacation Club,” with “the big announcement” including a link to this YouTube video.  The email also mentions that viewers will see the new resort on an upcoming Travel Channel special “Season of Disney:  Disney’s Best Kept Secret” to be aired on September 18 at 8:00 pm EDT.

The Orlando Sentinel also published a full article this morning:

The Walt Disney Co.‘s rapidly growing time-share division takes an aggressive step forward today when it unveils plans for two new resorts in Orlando — even as Disney Vacation Club battles some of the strongest financial headwinds it has ever faced.

Disney this morning will formally reveal plans for its Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, confirming earlier reports that the 15-story tower rising just beyond the Magic Kingdom will be used for time shares. The company also will unveil plans to sell time shares at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a secluded community of 60 units that is being rebuilt in a forested pocket of Walt Disney World.

The twin announcements ensure that Celebration-based Disney Vacation Club, which has grown to nine resorts and more than 350,000 members, will have more time shares for sale in 2009 than it has ever had before.

Company executives say they are confident of strong demand for their newest resorts despite the slumping U.S. economy, which has eroded consumer spending and made financing for big-ticket purchases such as time shares harder to obtain.

“What we’re trying to do, particularly with the resorts that we build on site [at Walt Disney World], is really provide something that’s unique, something that you can’t get any other place in Central Florida — and, really, in the world,” said Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club. “With these two resorts, we believe we’ve done that.”

The company is especially optimistic about the roughly 300-unit Bay Lake Tower, which will be linked to the iconic Contemporary Resort by a fifth-floor pedestrian bridge and will feature the first time shares Disney has ever sold within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom theme park. Sales will begin Sunday, with first crack going to existing Vacation Club owners.

“We think it’s going to do very, very well,” Lewis said. “That is a premium location . . . right across the street — literally — from our flagship park.”

Disney will command a premium price for that convenience. Lewis said prices at Bay Lake Tower will begin at $18,000 — the most expensive starting point of any Vacation Club resort. Prices at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, which opened its first phase last year, begin just below $17,000.

The 60 elevated homes comprising the Treehouse Villas will be built as a new phase of the Saratoga Springs resort near Downtown Disney. A sales date and prices haven’t yet been set.

The Treehouse Villas will open next summer. Bay Lake Tower will follow in the fall.

Although different in size and theme, Disney says both resorts share a similar heritage.

The Contemporary, which was just the second hotel to open at Walt Disney World, is one of the park’s most recognizable monuments, with its mammoth, A-frame structure straddling the resort’s monorail. The Treehouses have stood in a quiet corner of the park since 1975, used at various times as hotel rooms, Disney Institute housing, and dorms for international student-employees.

Design challenges

When designers first set to work on blueprints for an addition to the Contemporary, concepts ranged from copies of the main hotel to a “George Jetson”-like theme, said Bill Hanus, director of development at Walt Disney Imagineering. But they worried about constructing a building that could be seen as competing with the original. They opted instead to build a crescent-shaped tower, hoping the Bay Lake Tower’s curved architecture will complement the angular Contemporary.
There are touches of symmetry: Exterior grooves marking each floor are aligned in both buildings, and a rooftop lounge on the Bay Lake Tower matches the California Grill restaurant on top of the Contemporary.

Inside, designers have made sure to emphasize the views that they hope will ultimately make Bay Lake Tower one of Disney Vacation Club’s most sought-after resorts. Rooms will contain nearly wall-length windows that open to views of the Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake. Some bathrooms will even have sliding walls allowing guests to watch fireworks while soaking in tubs.

“It feels like a Tomorrowland building,” Hanus said, alluding to the section of the Magic Kingdom that the tower overlooks.

Saving trees

Each of the new Treehouse Villas has been manufactured in sections at a factory in Wingate, Pa., and they are being installed by cranes that lift them over existing treetops. That approach will allow Disney to build modern, 1,200-square-foot homes without damaging the lush, campsite feel that many Disney fans recall, said Jim Durham, vice president of resort projects for Imagineering.

Disney Vacation Club is now scheduled to have space in four time-share resorts for sale in 2009, with Bay Lake Tower and the Treehouse Villas joining the Animal Kingdom Villas and the upcoming Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland in California. It will be the first time the company has had four resorts for sale at once.
Disney is also in the early stages of developing a roughly 800-room resort in Hawaii that will include both time shares and hotel rooms.

“It’s certainly going to be challenging,” said Jeremy Glaser, a lodging industry analyst with the research firm Morningstar Inc. “I think they’ll find buyers, just not at the same speed as they were before.”

But Lewis said Disney’s investment in Bay Lake Tower and the Treehouse Villas demonstrate its confidence that its time-share business will remain strong.

“During tough economic times, people are really a little bit more receptive to a message regarding how you can save money on future vacations,” Lewis said. “Clearly, we’re not recession-proof. But we are recession-resilient.”

Important Announcement Regarding Disneyland News Today

WDWNT on September 16, 2008

Over the last few weeks, the staff of WDWNT has been seriously discussing the future of the Disneyland News Today Podcast and website operations. These discussion have led to a number of important decisions, the most pressing being the departure of Luke Manning and some of the staff members who appeared on the weekly Disneyland News Today Podcast. However, despite these seemingly earth-shattering changes, we will still be producing the podcast regularly and updating the website as frequently as possible with news from the Disneyland Resort. In addition, Luke Manning will not be gone forever from this website and podcast, as you will continue to periodically hear from him over the next few months until he is once again ready to assume a regular position here on the WDWNT Network.

If you have any questions or suggestions about these changes, please feel free to contact us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com. We are also looking for contributors to help out with the Disneyland News Today Podcast and website, and more information on positions is available by email request.

We thank you for staying with us at this difficult time and hope these changes will help us to better inform and entertain you over the many months to come.

Sincerely Yours,
Tom Corless
Owner of the WDWNT Network