Dirk Wallen’s 1/13/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom on Monday and took a few newsworthy photos to share with us while he was there:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

City Hall remains open while some work is done to the pavement outside

While Casey’s is closed, the seating area is undergoing major changes as well

This outdoor patio on Cosmic Ray’s is being enclosed after 42 years…

Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

It seems that the Seven Dwarfs Mine store may have finally closed

Snow White recently got a new dress at the parks

Work continues on the Disney Vacation Club wing at the Polynesian

Busses were running from the Magic Kingdom to both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, not a regular occurrence

All Aboard for Brand New Disney Railroad Merchandise

Many die-hard Disney fans have seen the iconic photo of Walt riding the train he built in his backyard for his daughters. His love for trains is well-known.

walt-disney-backyard-train-set

Walt Disney World has featured railroads in its Parks since the opening days, and in honor of Walt’s love of trains, a series of Disney Attraction Poster t-shirts will be released January 27th, 2014.

 rr tshirts

The Disney Design Group artists worked with Designer Richard Terpstra to create  two t-shirts inspired by the Disney Railroad attraction posters found within the Disney Parks. According to the book, “The Poster Art of the Disney Parks” by Walt Disney Imagineers Vanessa Hunt and Danny Handke, the original attraction posters that inspired  the merchandise designs were created by Jim Michaelson, Ernie Prinzhorn and Rudy Lord in 1977.

These t-shirts will be available on the Disney Parks online store from January 27 to February 2, 2014.  The railroad-themed shirts will ship in 6-8 weeks (express shipping is not available).

rr cup and plate

While not available in January, these poster-themed plates and cups will be available at the new home goods mini-shop, Centerpiece,  at the Marketplace Co Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace opening later in 2014. There will be additional plates and cups featuring other attraction posters offered in Centerpiece.

rr poster

The Disney Parks attraction posters will also be offered later in the year, as a set, so look for those in a few months. The 2014 poster calendar set has featuring these has sold out and will not return to stores according to Disney.

Who’s coming aboard for train-themed merchandise?

Dirk Wallen’s 1/15/14 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom last week and has some newsworthy photos (and video) to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Banners for The Jungle Book on Blu-Ray now hanging in the Animation Courtyard

A billboard up as well

A billboard for Maleficent is also up near PIXAR Place, and yes, the horns stick out of the top…

The scanner boards at Star Tours have still not been activated to work with MagicBands yet

There’s also a new sign that will interact with guests installed in the pre-show area at Muppet Vision 3-D

The Etch-A-Sketch in the queue at Toy Story Mania was finally turned on last week, here’s a video showing the device in action:

Osborne Lights are coming down

All clear on this end of the street

The AFI exhibit is quietly being updated at the exit of the Backlot Tour

A few props have been switched out and moved around

Among the new additions is a costume from Batman

There are also now some items from E.T.

The croissant doughnut (or Cronut) is our only photo from Epcot, but you can pick up this incredible snack at the Refreshment Port

The Let The Memories Begin signage has been removed from the front of Animal Kingdom

Some walls are up near Island Mercantile where FastPass+ kiosks once stood… not sure if they are moving this help desk or not

Walls now up blocking guests from Camp Minnie-Mickey as it transforms into AVATAR

Camp Minnie-Mickey signage around the park has been removed

Work continues on the new home for Festival of the Lion King and the former Dawa Bar has now been absorbed by walls to accommodate queue construction

A look at the theater construction from far away

Not too long ago, Dug and Russell got some permanent signage for their meet and greet

Since Camp Minnie-mickey is closed and Animal Kingdom is down one show, Dinoland is now hosting a dance party

Here’s a short clip of the new offering that is full of obscure characters:

D23 Announces Upcoming 2014 Events Including Destination D at WDW

Today D23 officially announced its upcoming events for 2014. The most exciting thing about this announcement is the long awaited confirmation that D23 would hold another Destination D event in Orlando this year. The Fanniversary will also be returning again this year but this time around in the fall. Cities D23 will be traveling to this fall include Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York City, Seattle, and others TDA.

Screen Shot 2014-01-21 at 1.10.51 PM

DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H20 Plus: Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” It’s in that spirit that guests this summer will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. Destination D: Attraction Rewind, held July 26 and 27 at Walt Disney World Resort, will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and revealing stories. In addition, several presentations will be dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

MARY POPPINS 50th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING: On August 24, 2014—nearly 50 years to the day on which this beloved classic premiered—D23 will celebrate with a very special screening event.

Screen Shot 2014-01-21 at 1.12.04 PM

D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: For the third year in a row, D23 will hit the road, visiting cities across the U.S. to commemorate dozens of magical Disney milestones celebrating landmark anniversaries this year. Hosted by Disney archivists and the D23 Team, D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York City, Seattle, and other cities in fall 2014. Fanniversary 2014 will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, characters, TV series, and more than 90 years of Disney history including Donald Duck, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid, and many more. Fanniversaryevents will be open to the public, with special admission prices and surprises created for D23 Members in attendance.

Screen Shot 2014-01-21 at 1.14.51 PM

D23’S LUNCH WITH A LEGEND: A limited number of D23 Members will join Disney Legend Marty Sklar for a private luncheon on The Walt Disney Studios lot, where Marty will talk about his extraordinary 54-year career with Disney. Look for additional “Legendary” lunches later this year.

DISNEY STORE MEMBER MIXERS: After giving members a peek at the reimagined stores in Florida, Kansas, New Jersey, California, and Nevada in 2013, Disney Store will once again invite D23 Members for exclusive mornings of shopping, discounts, games and goodies.

mickeys of glendale

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE: The Walt Disney Imagineering employee store in Glendale, Calif., will open its doors to D23 Members on April 26, June 21, and other dates throughout the year, with special guests and surprises. Members will have an opportunity to purchase limited-edition merchandise and view the park-like grounds at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts’ creative “think tank.”

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT: Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular movie screenings inside the historic Studio Theatre at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The 2014 roster includes Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and The Little Mermaid.

D23 DAY AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND ARCHIVES: D23’s members-only tours of the historic Studio Lot and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank return, highlighting historic moments from Disney film, television, and theme parks—as well as showcasing many of the external locations used for filming Saving Mr. Banks. Tours will take place March 22, May 31, August 2, and November 8.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Look for the return of some favorites, including the popular holiday offering DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December), as well as other D23 traditions.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2014 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website atwww.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

  • January 31: D23’s Lunch with a Legend — Marty Sklar, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 15: The Jungle Book, Burbank, Calif.
  • March 22: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • April 26: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping event, Glendale, Calif.
  • May 31: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 21: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping event, Glendale, Calif.
  • July 26 & 27: Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H20+, Walt Disney World Resort
  • August 2: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • August 24: Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Celebration, Los Angeles Area
  • Fall: D23’s 2014 Disney Fanniversary Celebration, locations to be announced mid-2014
  • September 13: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Burbank, Calif.
  • October 11: Sleeping Beauty, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 8: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 15: The Little Mermaid, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: Disney and Dickens, Burbank, Calif.

More Float Details Revealed for Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom

Screen Shot 2014-01-21 at 3.00.14 PM

Disney shared some new details of the new Festival of Fantasy Parade that is headed to the Magic Kingdom this spring. Be sure to watch the video below to get an actual peak at several of the new floats including Peter Pan’s, Ariel’s, Merida’s, and Rapunzel:

Among the most spectacular aspects of the upcoming “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” are the incredibly detailed floats, each bringing a classic Fantasyland story to the streets of Magic Kingdom Park.

FOF983268
Screen Shot 2014-01-21 at 3.00.37 PM Screen Shot 2014-01-21 at 2.59.57 PM Screen Shot 2014-01-21 at 2.59.53 PM

Today, Managing Producer Kris Bunnell brings us a special behind-the-scenes look at the development of those floats with Parade Designer Richard Improta and Creative Director Steven Davison:

Dirk Wallen’s 1/19/14 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom on Sunday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Work continues on the Disney Springs parking structure

Since this photo was taken, the new confer service location at House of Blues opened

It’s called The Smokehouse

Here is the menu

The West Side Starbucks under construction

A look at what will be The Landing

Paradise 37 will remain open through all of the construction

No visible progress on Pleasure Island

Walls up in the Marketplace

The Starbucks under construction in the Marketplace

Captain Jack’s and the marina has been reduced to some poles in the water

Moving over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Min and Bill’s is now serving turkey legs and pork shanks

The Glow with the Show window at Villains in Vogue has vanished behind this old Fantasmic display

Over at Animal Kingdom, the stroller parking area at the Wildlife Express Train in Africa is behind walls

Work continues on the new DVC wing of the Polynesian

We spotted out first Nikon Picture Spot in Fantasyland

FASTPASS machines are now being uninstalled at the Magic Kingdom as they are now only using FastPass+

Peter Pan FASTPASS covered up

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train appears to be nearing completion, and trains are now testing on the track daily! Here’s video of a train running:

VIDEO: Festival of Fantasy Floats Arrive at Magic Kingdom

Screen Shot 2014-01-29 at 4.29.33 PM

Disney recently posted a video of the floats for the new Festival of Fantasy parade finally arriving at the Magic Kingdom:

This video offers our first full-blown look at many of the floats in the parade and I must say, they look pretty amazing. Disney also confirmed that the parade will debut formally in March, but no exact date has been given. Rumors still indicate the date might be March 16th, but we’ll have to wait to find out.

Screen Shot 2014-01-29 at 4.29.48 PM

Screen Shot 2014-01-29 at 4.33.23 PM

Screen Shot 2014-01-29 at 4.29.59 PM

Stay tuned for more information on Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade!

So, what do you think of the floats?

Disney Vacation Club Introduces “Membership Magic”

magic_logo_blueWhether you’re new to the Member family or have been hearing “welcome home” for as long as you can remember, you help make the Disney Vacation Club community a special place to work and play. To help express our appreciation for the magic you bring to our neighborhood year after memorable year, Disney Vacation Club is rolling out “Membership Magic,” an unprecedented array of Membership enhancements, exclusive experiences and special offers.

 

Membership Magic news will appear in a variety of Member resources in the months and years ahead – from Disney Files Magazine to emails to some of your favorite social-media outlets. This newly enhanced home page here at DVCMember.com will be your one-stop-shop for all the latest developments. Visit often to stay up-to-date on new Membership Magic offerings, to be among the first to discover new DVCMember.com features and capabilities, to gain inspiration for your next dream vacation and to participate in conversations with your Disney neighbors.

An array of new member-exclusive offers and experiences will be available to book beginning February 6, 2014 through Member Services.  These offers and experiences are only available to Disney Vacation Club members.  More detailed information is available at DVCMember.com.

Some of the highlights include:

Member Night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes

We created this special Member event at a premiere bowling alley to give you more fun playing this classic game. After all, bowling in an exclusive setting can contribute to having a better game—and maybe even a higher score! This event is exclusive to Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests.

Wednesday nights, starting February 12, 2014
5:00 PM ET and 7:30 PM ET
$47 for adults (plus tax)
$38 for children 9 and under (plus tax)

Fishing Tournament

Put your tackle box to the test with a family-friendly fishing competition at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Each Thursday morning, you’re invited to cast off during the all-new Disney Vacation Club largemouth bass tournament, taking place on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Fuel up as you start the day with a mouthwatering continental breakfast before cruising out and competing for the biggest catch. A number of prizes will be awarded, including honors for the largest bass and total limit catch weight—both determined by pound and ounce. A limited number of boats will be made available, each accommodating up to 4 Guests.

Thursday Mornings – Starting February 20, 2014
10:00 AM to Noon
$70 per person

Fireworks Cruise

Savor a complimentary assortment of treats each Wednesday when you book a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise. Before departing from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, indulge your palate in lavish delicacies like champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Then, once you’ve embarked, bear witness to premium, unobstructed views of the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks, as seen from picturesque Seven Seas Lagoon. Two pontoon boats available for this experience—each one accommodating as many as 10 Guests.

Wednesday Evenings – Starting February 19, 2014
$85 per person

Culinary Magic

Recognizing that culinary adventures play a bigger role than ever in travel plans, Disney Vacation Club has joined forces with several renowned Walt Disney World Resort chefs to create a series of magical dining experiences intended solely for Members and their guests.

Set within select premier restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort, these carefully crafted, fixed-price dinners provide Members with an opportunity to enjoy a cozy occasion—featuring exquisite foods and expertly chosen wines or beers, in addition to a live presentation from a culinary specialist.

Each Culinary Magic experience has been designed to feel as intimate as possible—with attendance limited, depending on the location— and takes place on the following dates:

February 27, 2014
Location: Flying Fish
Number of Guests: 40
Hosted by: Renowned Wine Expert
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Price: $165

March 13, 2014
Location: Cítricos
Number of Guests: 50
Hosted by: Renowned Wine Expert
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Price: $155

March 27, 2014
Location:Artist Point
Number of Guests: 50
Hosted by: Renowned Wine Expert
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Price: $165

Spa Nights: “Me Time”

Enjoy special Member access to Senses – A Disney Spa during select hours on Tuesday nights.

Now available at 2 Senses locations at Walt Disney World Resort—Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort—Members can indulge in even more special offers beyond the usual 15% spa treatment discount, including:
A glass of wine upon arrival
Complimentary service-enhancement upgrades—a $25 value—on any 50 or 80 minute massage and/or facial (based on availability)
A spa-product parting gift

Each of these unique experiences takes place from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and rotates weekly between the 2 Senses locations.

Pick from the following facial and massage enhancements for your “Me Time” experience—each a $25 value!

Facial Enhancements

•Bright Eyes – Reduce fine lines, relieve puffy and stressed eyes, and target dark circles and signs of fatigue as you re-energize the eye area.
•Hydrating Lip Treatment – Gently erase dryness and fine lines during a hydrating and plumping experience sure to leave your lips looking voluptuous and youthful.
•Hand Brightener – Turn back the hands of time with this lightening, brightening hand treatment as you naturally say goodbye to hyper pigmentation and darks spots.
•Facial Boost – Customize your facial for specific areas of concern with one of 4 Facial Boosters, including: Firming Booster (eases the signs of aging), Anti-Blemish Booster (eases the signs of acne), Anti-Redness Booster (especially for Rosacea) and Lightening Booster (lightens pigmentation).

Massage Enhancements

•Firming Leg Treatment – Relieve tired, aching legs with this immunity-boosting leg treatment and dance the night away.
•Aromatherapy Oil Upgrade – Enhance your overall wellbeing and mood with the addition of essential oils to your favorite massage.
•Eco Fin Hand Treatment – Soothe and soften hands with this eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin.
•Warm Moroccan Oil Scalp Treatment – Imagine warm Moroccan oil’s nutrient-rich, antioxidant-infused formulas kneaded into your scalp during your favorite massage.

Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass Special Offer

Enhance your vacation experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and enjoy limited time savings on Walt Disney World Premium Annual passes. Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of this special offer February 6 through April 30, 2014.

Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass: For a limited time, Disney Vacation Club Members can pay just $484, saving $245 off the regular price on their Premium Annual Pass.

Disney Premier Passport Special Offer

Discover vacation magic at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California with Membership Magic savings.

For the first time, Disney Vacation Club Members can pay a discounted rate of $849, saving $130 off the regular price on their Disney Premier Passport.

Save on Disneyland Resort Deluxe Annual Passports

Discover limited time savings on Disneyland Resort Deluxe Annual Passports for Disney Vacation Club Members at The Happiest Place on Earth. Enjoy an enhanced vacation experience at Disneyland Resort when you take advantage of this special offer available February 6 through April 30, 2014.

Disneyland Resort Deluxe Annual Passports: For the first time, Disney Vacation Club Members can pay a discounted rate of $429, saving $70 off the regular price on their Deluxe Annual Passport.

 

Hayley Nance’s 1/26/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

We welcome WDWNT’s own Hayley Nance on-board as a Walt Disney World photographer/reporter this week, and she gets started by bringing us some wonderful photos from earlier this week at the Magic Kingdom:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Removal of the Cinderella Castle Dreamlights is in full swing

Awww…

Cinderella’s rented crane returns for an annual visit

Legacy FastPass machines and signage are now vanishing from the park

After 11 years, there is no more FastPass signage or machines at Mickey’s Philharmagic

The screens in the finale of “it’s a small world” have been covered up again for some reason

Perhaps until they are ready to start working with MagicBands

Work continues on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the tarps remain under the bridge still

A look through the peep holes…

Walls have also gone up across the way now as they finish up some pavement work

Plenty of fake trees now cover the mountain

Looks like some more greenery will be appearing soon

The entrance structure seems to be complete

The rain did not give us a clear view this week 🙁

The crane, ruining vacation photos since 2007

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Prepares to Open in 2014

Mark your calendar: set amid lush Florida woodlands and pools is a lakeside resort that promises to be unlike any other.  Luxurious accommodations, dining par excellence, a sumptuous Spa, extensive light-filled meeting and celebration spaces, and acres upon acres of recreational pursuits from golf and tennis to basketball and waterslides await at the new Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, set to open in summer 2014.

Located just minutes from the Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Disney’sHollywood Studios® – and easily accessible to numerous area attractions – Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a place where every experience can be customized and personalized, whether staying as an individual guest or part of a group.

“The family trip of a lifetime, a dream wedding, great golf or spa weekends, a well-executed conference participants will be talking about for years to come – that’s the vision that is driving everything as we build Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort,” says Regional Vice President and General Manager Thomas Steinhauer. “We can’t wait to share the magic, and that’s why we’ve opened the books early with two special offers so families, couples and groups can start looking forward to their stay with us now.”

Now taking reservations for arrivals beginning in August 2014: The introductory Stay Longer – Third Night Free is ideal for family, couples’ and friends’ getaways. The Group Value Offer includes savings on golf, spa and more with a minimum of 10 rooms booked per night, with rates beginning at just USD 229.00 per night.

Highlights

  • Rooms with a very special view – In addition to rolling greens and parkland, many accommodations offer spectacular vistas over the Magic Kingdom® Park’s nightly fireworks display from the comfort of one’s furnished balcony.  Among 444 rooms and suites decorated in a fresh and contemporary style is a 16th floor Royal Suite that can be configured with up to three separate living rooms and nine – yes, nine – bedrooms.

ORL_023_aspect16x9

  • A world-class culinary experience – After a day of eating on the run, Four Seasons invites guests to enjoy creative cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients at its restaurants and lounges. Ravello is a culinary trip to the Amalfi coast – colourful, lively, and rich with the aromas and flavours wafting from the open kitchen.  Capa,named for the matador’s red cape, sets the stage for tapas and steaks with rooftop fireworks views.  PB+Gstands for pool, bar and grill, where guests can choose creative salads and poolside fare coupled with smokehouse BBQ specialties and hang out in the lounge with its central bar, dine on floating pavilions, or simply grab and go. At Plancha in the golf clubhouse, all guests can savour Cuban American cuisine in a lakeside setting.

cq5dam.web.1280.720

  • The Spa at Four Seasons – Inspired by the natural beauty of central Florida’s flora and fauna, the world class Spa will offer 18 luxuriant treatment rooms – including two bungalows for private retreats – plus men’s and women’s private outdoor lounges and whirlpool.
  • Explorer Island – A five acre (two hectare) playground packed with fun for all ages, Explorer Island includes a 7,590 square foot (705 square metre) family pool with a lazy river winding around a “ruined” mansion, climbing wall, waterslides, and a Kids for All Seasons program.  Look forward to beach volleyball, basketball, a video gaming centre, outdoor movie nights on the Starstruck screen, and more.

ORL_116_aspect16x9

  • Central Florida’s most beautiful golf course – Designed by Tom Fazio and managed by Four Seasons, the Resort’s Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary golf course is unique in the region for its rolling hills and lush landscaping – reopening in fall 2014.
  • More fun – Three Har-Tru tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness centre, and an adults only pool surrounded by private cabanas.
  • Customizable event facilities – A 37,450 square foot (3,480 square metre) state-of-the-art conference facility with many naturally lit indoor and outdoor spaces with endless configurations for corporate and social events small and large – including up to 720 guests under sunshine or starlight.
  • Access to many special Walt Disney World® offerings – including special on-site Disney Character Breakfasts with Goofy and Pals, plus an onsite Disney Planning Center and the unique option of expert event services from one of the world’s best entertainment companies.

The Best Family and Friends Vacation Ever

How much fun can Four Seasons pack into one holiday?  “That’s up to you – with easy access to Walt Disney World® Resort’s four theme parks and other attractions plus plenty to keep everyone happy right here atFour Seasons, you’ll wish there were a lot more than 24 hours in a day,” promises Steinhauer.

Explorer Island is at the heart of family fun at Four Seasons, where kids and adults of all ages will find a world of adventures.  Everyone can spend the day at the family pool – or perhaps send young explorers off to the fully supervised Kids for All Seasons facility while the older kids find a quiet spot along the lazy river, get their gaming fix at the Hideout or mix it up with tennis or golf. When parents of children ages four and under want some time on the greens or the massage table, or a quiet dinner on their own, Four Seasons offers qualified babysitting services.  Packing is even a breeze with cribs, high chairs and other baby gear available with the Resort’s compliments.

Still want more?  Expert Four Seasons concierges are ready with ideas for all interests from luxury and outlet shopping to show tickets and more.

The Wedding of One’s Dreams

The imagination soars amid acres of protected tranquility that make an intimate destination wedding truly unforgettable at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

Some couples plan an elegant affair – a glittering ballroom, lavish flowers, exquisite dining, and dancing under the stars – while others want the day to be relaxed and spontaneous. Whatever one’s heart desires, everyone wants their families and friends to have a great time before, during and after the big day – from bridal party spa treatments and rounds of golf to memorable rehearsal dinners and next-day brunches.  The Resort is also offering attractive wedding packages to make planning even easier.

“Now everyone’s dreams can – and will – come true,” says Steinhauer.  “With so many creative options available from settings to decoration, food and entertainment, our expert Four Seasons planners and catering team works with each couple to plan and execute a flawless, worry-free wedding.”

Adult Haven

At Four Seasons Resort Orlando, the adults-only pool is called The Oasis, and with good reason.  Think uninterrupted laps, poolside cocktails, napping in a private cabana, and blessed quiet and tranquility.

More possibilities tempt: Indulge in an entire day of restorative treatments in a secluded couple’s Spa suite, or perhaps a tennis lesson or a game of golf.  After a day of serious shopping, feast on tapas and sizzling steaks against a backdrop of fireworks to celebrate the end to a perfect day.

For romantic getaways, golf weekends, the annual  reunion with friends or a “hen party” with the girls, or simply a much needed resort vacation that leaves the day to day grind far behind, Four Seasons Resort Orlando can tailor a holiday to whatever one’s interests and needs.

“And let’s be honest, sometimes we all need an excuse to be kids again,” says Steinhauer with a smile.

Productivity, Check.  Fun, Double Check.

From annual conferences and trade shows to planning meetings, board retreats and incentive trips for top performers, Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers a breadth of customizable spaces and settings along with expert event support and top notch catering to realize every planner’s vision and objectives.

A total of 37,450 square feet (3,480 square metres) of function space includes divisible ballrooms that can accommodate up to 1,056 for a sit down event or 1,290 for a reception, plus a selection of more intimate rooms, many with adjacent private lakeside terraces.   An astounding 504 people can be comfortably accommodated for an outdoor banquet under sun or stars.

With abundant fresh air and inspiring views, business is more productive – and with so many resort activities – including tournaments and team bonding opportunities – spouse programs are a snap, while participants will beg to tack on a few extra days so they can enjoy it all.

“When you book an event at Four Seasons, your planning and execution team increases immediately with the addition of our experienced and enthusiastic staff.  And when you book an event at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, you get even more – the creative power of the Disney Event Group, who can work with planners to put together events right at Four Seasons or in the theme parks that are truly unique and unforgettable,” notes Steinhauer.

The special relationship between Four Seasons Resort Orlando and Walt Disney World® Resort gives planners access to world class creative talent and production resources from the Disney Event Group, private theme park events, engaging professional development through the Disney Institute, innovative team building activities, and specially priced theme park tickets for attendees to network, bond and just have a great time.