Author Archives: Leah Althiser

1. What To Expect In A Post-Galaxy’s Edge Disney World

   March 18, 2019 1:25 pm 1 Comment

   

   Photo Credit: Disney Parks

   Have you heard about a little thing called Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that’s coming to Disney World later this year?

   Disney surprised the fan community when it announced that the new “Star Wars land” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would open ahead of schedule on August 29th. 

   For better or worse, Galaxy’s Edge will change your vacation experience at Walt Disney World. Here are six things to expect in a post-Star Wars land Disney World. 

   1) There Will Be Long Waits Just To SEE Galaxy’s Edge

   I’m sure many people expect that they will be able to amble into the new land just to check it out..

   Well, this likely won’t be the case for quite a long time after Galaxy’s Edge opens. As soon as the opening date was announced, Disney threw a warning up on it’s website that went something like this: capacity at Galaxy’s Edge is limited and you may not be able to get in.

   I expect waits of MANY hours just to get into the land right after it opens. Disney will control how many people are in the land at once and likely will only let more people in when others leave.

   So even if you only want to snap a few pictures or sip some blue milk, you may have to wait in a long line. There will be Extra Magic Hours offered for Galaxy’s Edge, and I expect they will be extensive. So visiting during those times and very early in the morning or late at night will be your best bet to see the new land.

   2) There Will Be More People Visiting Disney World

   Star Wars fans will show up for Galaxy’s Edge and they will likely visit other theme parks. This means increased crowds at all of Walt Disney World starting August 29th. 

   What’s not clear is HOW much the other theme parks will be affected. There may just be a slight increase compared to previous years at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. Or the parks might feel a lot more crowded. 

   There’s no way to know for sure but if you plan for holiday crowds at the end of September then you at least won’t be disappointed. You can still have an incredible time visiting the parks with heavy crowds, but you have to have a game plan. Check out this post for tips on enjoying the parks during busy times. 

   3) It May Be Harder To Find Availability

   Thanks to #2, you might have a harder time finding availability at your favorite DVC Resorts. Your 7- and 11-month window will become even more important after Galaxy’s Edge opens. 

   If you have any desire to stay at a non-home resort during during the 2019 holiday season, be ready to book in April (for November dates) and May (for December dates) to take advantage of your 7 month window. 

   This particularly applies to the Beach Club and Boardwalk resorts due to the easy access they provide to Hollywood Studios. I think studios will be particularly in demand, so be ready to book those at 8:00 am EST either 7 or 11 months in advance to the day. 

   4) Availability (And Prices) At Skyliner Resorts Will Be Affected

   Disney has been hard at work on it’s new transportation system, the Disney Skyliner. This gondola system will connect Hollywood Studios and Epcot with Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and the new Riviera DVC resort. 

   In the past it was easy to add a day (or a few) at Pop Century or Caribbean Beach on to your DVC stay since there was almost always availability at these huge resorts. We often stay a few nights at Pop Century before moving over to our favorite resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

   Stays like this will become increasingly difficult to book and likely more expensive. The resorts on the Skyliner will offer easier access to Hollywood Studios than resorts that require taking a bus. The traffic in and around Hollywood Studios will likely be horrendous. 

   The Skyliner will reportedly be able to transport up to 5,000 guest per hour in one direction which exceeds bus capacity by an ridiculous amount. Because of the ease of getting to Hollywood Studios from the Skyliner resorts, expect that it will be difficult to book these resorts and that, much like the monorail resorts, Disney will be able to charge a premium price to stay in them. 

   5) Hollywood Studios Fastpasses Will Be Hard To Get

   Disney has announced that there will NOT be Fastpasses available for the one attraction that will be open during “phase one” of Galaxy’s Edge: Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. The other attraction (Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance) will not be open in August, but is slated to open later in the year. 

   Since folks will already be in Hollywood Studios for Galaxy’s Edge, they will want to make the most of their park day and experience the rest of that park. This means that Fastpasses in Hollywood Studios will be hard to get, especially for Slinky Dog Dash (which was already pretty hard to get). 

   Be ready to book your Fastpasses at 7 am EST on the day your 60-day window opens if you plan on visiting Hollywood Studios after August 29th. I also suggest visiting Hollywood Studios later in your trip if you are staying for many days, since Fastpasses will be easier to get. 

   6) The Immersive Experience Will Be Unprecedented

   I know the crowds and increased demand for Disney resorts are a bummer. But the immersive experience at Galaxy’s Edge will be truly incredible (even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan). This land will raise the bar for future developments at Disney World and other theme parks. 

   I am surprised at how excited I am to experience Galaxy’s Edge. I have seen the movies but am by no means a Star Wars fanatic, yet I am really looking forward to seeing a new level of Disney storytelling. 

   Do you have plans to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this year? Or will you wait for the crowds and excitement to die down before you even try to visit? Please head over to our DVC Chat Facebook group and join the discussion!

2. 8 Reasons Disney World Regulars Will Love California Adventure Park

   January 23, 2019 9:53 am Comments Off on 8 Reasons Disney World Regulars Will Love California Adventure Park

   

   I’ve been a Walt Disney World regular for over 30 years and while I love my home, I’ve wanted to visit another Disney park somewhere in the world for many years. I finally made the trip out to Anaheim, California last month and was able to check out Disney California Adventure Park (DCA) while I was there!

   While there are some aspects of visiting a Disney theme park that seem to be universal (great details, clean bathrooms, and crowds, to name a few), our experience at DCA was VERY different than a day at a Disney World theme park.

   I think any Disney World regular will love Disneyland Resort’s “second gate”. Here are eight reasons why I think a visit to Disney California Adventure Park should be at the top of your Disney bucket list.

   1) How Spontaneous You Can Be

   I did very little advance planning before our visit to Disney California Adventure Park (DCA). I didn’t make FastPasses or ADRs, and I didn’t even buy our tickets until a few days before our visit!

   A large portion of guests at the California parks are locals who only visit for a day. So many decide to visit at the last minute. For that reason, the systems at DCA are made for those guests and require very little advance planning. Most guests at Walt Disney World are out-of-town guests who plan their trip well in advance, so it makes sense that the experience would be different.

   At DCA I was able to get all of the FastPasses I wanted during the day using MaxPass on my phone (more on that in a minute). There are tons of incredible quick service dining options that don’t require reservations. And I bought park tickets and had them active in the Disneyland app in minutes.

   If you remember visiting Disney World before My Disney Experience and 180-day ADRs and even cell phones (gasp), then a visit to DCA will feel nostalgic for you. Nothing was mapped out before our visit except for a loose touring plan. We winged it, had an incredible time, and were able to do almost everything we wanted.

   2) Direct Access From Disney’s Grand Californian

   

   If you are a DVC owner then you likely know that the only Disney Vacation Club resort in Anaheim is Disney’s Grand Californian. The two other Disney-owned hotels at Disneyland resort are The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier.

   The Grand Californian is the hotel closest to the theme parks by far. It even has direct access to Disney California Adventure Park through its own private entrance! If you are using points for a stay at the Grand Californian, you can go straight from the resort into the Grizzly Peak section of the park.

   What is extra magical about the convenient entrance is that there is continuous theming from the hotel to the park. The hotel’s design is Craftsman style with nods to the redwood forests of California. The section of the park you enter is inspired by California’s redwood forests and National parks. So there is a smooth transition from the hotel the park that feels totally natural.

   This experience made me excited for the Star Wars-themed hotel that is coming to Walt Disney World in the next few years. It will offer direct access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios with the same continuous storytelling. This is Disney at it’s best and most immersive!

   3) How Easy It Is To Walk From Other Hotels

   If you aren’t lucky enough to grab a reservation at the Grand Californian, fear not. There are MANY great hotels within walking distance from the Disneyland Resort theme parks.

   I think this aspect of visiting Disney California Adventure Park impressed me the most. “Off property” hotels there are just a stone’s thrown from the parks. We were able to get ready in the morning, walk out of our hotel room, and were at the gates to DCA after a 15-minute stroll.

   There are only a handful of hotels with walking access to a theme park at Walt Disney World and rooms at those hotels can be VERY hard to come by (these include Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, and Bay Lake Tower).

   So even if you book a hotel at the last minute for a trip to DCA, you will likely be able to have easy walking access to the theme parks, a coveted amenity at Disney World.

   4) Cars Land

   

   I had read and heard wonderful things about Cars Land before our visit to DCA. It has the reputation of being the best-themed land is any Disney park, so my expectations were pretty high.

   I am pleased to report that Cars Land did not disappoint! Though the land is small, it packs a huge punch with its attention to detail, gags, and attractions.

   We were able to ride Radiator Springs Racers twice thanks to FastPasses (it is the headliner in the park and had 2 hour+ waits all afternoon and evening). This attraction is everything Disney does so well – amazing storytelling, a dark ride section with impressive audio-animatronics, and a thrilling race through the canyons outside of Radiator Springs. My five-year-old daughter loved it and picked it as her favorite ride of the day.

   There is so much to take in at Cars Land that I suggest spending at least a few hours there. There are three attractions, three quick service dining options, and a character meet and greet. You’ll want plenty of time to take pictures and take in all of the amazing details.

   5) Food is Plentiful & Excellent

   

   It seemed to me like the concentration of food was much higher in DCA than any Disney World theme park.
   Every time I looked up there was another restaurant or food cart!

   You clearly won’t go hungry in California. In fact, there are so many options it is dizzying. In my opinion, here are some of your best options for dining at DCA:

   • Corndog Castle in Paradise Gardens Park for a requisite Disneyland corndog
   • Pacific Wharf Cafe in Pacific Wharf for soup in a sourdough bread bowl
   • Flo’s V-8 Cafe for breakfast (see the Brioche French Toast and Chicken Tamale pictured above)
   • A Chili Cone Queso from the Cozy Cone Motel
   • Cocktails and small plates from Carthay Circle Lounge

   Since it is so easy to leave the park and eat at the many restaurants within walking distance, there is more competition for guests’ dining dollars. I feel like competition elevates the food game here – there really aren’t many burgers or chicken fingers in the park. Everything we ate was top notch!

   6) MaxPass

   

   The FastPass system at DCA is similar to the old paper FastPass system at Disney World before FastPass+ and My Disney Experience were implemented. You must go the FastPass machine by the attraction, insert your park ticket, and you’ll get a ticket with a return window for the FastPass queue.

   However, there is a way to bypass having to physically go to the attraction to get a FastPass. In 2017 Disney introduced MaxPass, a paid service that allows guests to get FastPasses from their mobile devices.

   MaxPass costs $10 per guest per day and also includes PhotoPass downloads from that day. We purchased it for our trip and I am SO glad that we did!

   Once we checked in for an attraction I was able to get us another FastPass on my phone while we waited in the queue. It saved us a lot of walking and waiting and we had continuous FastPasses until 6 pm when they were exhausted for all rides.

   What’s also great about MaxPass is that you can get it for the days you want it and not other days. If you are short on time (like we were) and want to do the most possible, I strongly suggest paying the extra $10 and getting MaxPass.

   7) Pixar Pier

   

   The area of the park known as Paradise Pier was reimagined as “Pixar Pier” in June 2018. It includes the huge Incredicoaster (formerly known as California Screamin’), the iconic Mickey head Ferris wheel, Toy Story Midway Mania and more.

   Incredicoaster is the longest Disney coaster and in my opinion, the most fun. The music and sound effects really made the ride for me, along with some pretty serious drops and an upside-down loop. I was really impressed and can’t wait to get back to ride it again!

   Two new attractions are rounding out Pixar Pier in 2019 – Jessie’s Critter Carousel and the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.

   The whole Pixar Pier area is whimsical and delightful. Be sure to visit at night to see the light display on the Ferris Wheel!

   8) How Much You Can See in a Day

   DCA is 72 acres which makes it smaller than any park at Walt Disney World. By comparison, Magic Kingdom is 107 acres and Epcot is 300 acres!

   Its size and easy-to-navigate layout make it possible to do a LOT in one day there. We felt like we saw most of what we wanted to and we moved at a leisurely pace. While I don’t think it’s possible to experience everything at DCA in one day, you’ll spend a lot less time walking among attractions than you do at Epcot, for example!

   I hope this post inspired you to make plans for a visit to the West coast Disney parks! Any questions about Disney California Adventure Park? Join the discussion in the DVC Chat – For Members & Disney Fanatics Facebook group!

3. How To Survive (and Enjoy) The Holidays at Disney World

   December 11, 2018 8:55 am Comments Off on How To Survive (and Enjoy) The Holidays at Disney World

   The week before Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest week of the year at Walt Disney World. The parks will be filled with throngs of people and Magic Kingdom will likely fill to capacity and close to more guests at several points during the week.

   But if you visit during this week you can still have a fantastic time – but you will need to switch up your tactics. Here are my top ten tricks for actually enjoying yourself during the holidays at Disney World.

   

   1) Take Advantage of Extended Hours at Magic Kingdom

   Magic Kingdom is the busiest park, and this is especially true during the holidays. To help accommodate the crowds, Disney World offers extended hours at Magic Kingdom during the holidays.

   Beginning Saturday, December 22nd, Magic Kingdom is open from 8 am until at least midnight every day until New Year’s Eve. AND there are morning Extra Magic Hours every day during that period from 7 am to 8 am!

   If you are staying at a Disney World resort hotel then you should absolutely make plans to visit during the early morning if at all possible. This will be your best chance to ride attractions and I’d bet you could walk onto many during that first hour.

   

   2) Don’t Wait Forever for Food

   Lines for buying food at Quick Service dining locations can be just as long as lines for attractions when the parks are packed. Here are three ways to be prepared for this:

   Be ready to use Mobile Order at any Quick Service location that accepts it – even if you are just getting a Dole Whip! Learn all about how to use Mobile Order in this post.

   Don’t try to eat at peak dining times, which are generally from 11:30 to 1:30 for lunch and 5:30 to 7:30 for dinner. Plan your meals to eat at off-peak times to avoid long lines.

   Consider bringing your own food into the parks so you don’t get hangry trying to wait to eat at off-peak times. Throw some fruit and bars into your park bag, even if you are usually a die-hard theme park foodie.

   

   3) Pick Which Park You Visit On Which Day VERY Carefully

   Crowds move in pretty predictable ways at Disney World during the holidays. Here are a few things we know for sure:

   • Magic Kingdom will be the most crowded park on December 24th and 25th, followed closely by Epcot.
     Epcot and Magic Kingdom will both be packed on December 31st.
   • The third most crowded park on these days will be Hollywood Studios due to the holiday shows there.
   • To dodge crowds, plan to visit Magic Kingdom and Epcot on the other days during your visit if possible (such as the 23rd instead of the 24th, for example). Head to either Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios on the busiest days.

   My husband and I were at Disney World over Christmas a few years ago, and decided to visit Animal Kingdom (the least-Christmasy park) on Christmas Day. We were nervous about going to the theme parks at all on likely the busiest day of the year but were surprised to find VERY low crowds!

   So even on the busiest days if you choose your park days wisely you can avoid the crowds to some degree.

   4) Change Up Your FastPass Strategy (Especially at Magic Kingdom)

   If you are used to visited during less-crowded times of year you may have a go-to FastPass strategy in place. But with increased crowds and extended park hours, you will likely need to change up your strategy.

   This is especially true at Magic Kingdom, which offers FastPass for MANY attractions. Normally I wouldn’t recommend getting a FastPass for the first few hours the parks are open, but this changes during the crowded Christmas season.

   I suggest grabbing three FastPasses for the early morning hours for attractions with waits that will build quickly (the four mountains, Peter Pan, etc.). The beginning times for these FastPasses should be roughly 8 am, 9 am, and 10 am.

   After you scan your MagicBand and check in for your third FastPass (ideally around 10 am), get on the MyDisneyExperience app and select your fourth FastPass. Try to find something you want to experience with a window starting as soon as possible.

   After you check in for that attraction, pick another immediately, and so on, until FastPass are completely exhausted (which I would expect to happen in the early afternoon hours). I estimate you’d be able to ride at least 6 attractions before noon this way, even on the busiest days of the year at Magic Kingdom!

   Most people will follow the normal plan to select FastPass for the afternoon, not understanding how crowded the parks will get. You can spend the afternoon enjoying the shows and atmosphere in the parks, having already ridden many attractions with your additional FastPasses.

   5) Adjust Your Expectations

   If you’ve visited Walt Disney World during less-crowded times of year and are heading there during a peak time, you will need to adjust your expectations in order to actually enjoy yourself.

   Don’t plan on riding a lot of attractions, especially during the busy afternoon and evening hours. There will be long lines for most attractions at this point. Instead, enjoy all of the extra holiday entertainment and mood in the parks. Grab a show schedule when you arrive (even if you’ve never done this before) and look for some shows later in the day you’d like to see.

   Also adjust how much time you plan for getting around in the parks. Added crowds mean longer “travel” time for getting from attraction to attraction and across the park.

   And last, don’t be in a rush! The key to enjoying yourself despite the crowds is to take your time and find delight in the fact that you are in the most magical place on Earth during the holidays!

   

   6) See The Christmas Party Entertainment Without Paying For The Party!

   Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features a special Christmas parade and a special holiday version of the Wishes fireworks show. Most people pay extra to see this entertainment at the hard-ticketed Christmas party.

   However, starting on the December 22nd, the Christmas parade is performed twice daily at noon and 3:30 pm. Holiday Wishes happens at 10 pm nightly and all of this is included with your regular park admission. So while you will have to deal with more crowded parks, you WON’T have to pay extra to see these amazing shows.

   7) Watch Magic Kingdom Fireworks Outside Of The Parks

   The theme parks will be the most crowded during the evening entertainment. This means you might have a more enjoyable experience watching the fireworks OUTSIDE of the parks.

   My favorite places to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks outside of the parks are the docks of the Transportations and Ticket Center, the beaches of the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, and from California Grill atop the Contemporary.

   The fireworks start at 10 pm so arrive to your destination well before that. Music is piped in at all of these locations and you’ll be able to get out of there without battling the throngs of people trying to leave the park after the fireworks.

   

   8) Take A Break From The Parks And Visit The Resorts

   The ultra-crowded afternoon hours are a great time to duck out of the parks and visit some Disney resorts.

   The Disney Deluxe resorts are lavishly decorated for the holidays – you can’t miss the life-size gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian lobby. The gingerbread displays at the Contemporary, Boardwalk, and Beach Club resorts are also incredible!

   You can escape from Epcot via the back entrance between the France and UK pavilions and walk over to the Beach Club or Boardwalk. You can take the monorail or boat launch from Magic Kingdom to check out the Grand Floridian, and take the monorail or walk over to the Contemporary.

   Two warnings though: you will likely NOT be permitted to park at any Deluxe resort close the parks during the holidays without a dining reservation. Also, if you leave Magic Kingdom to visit the resorts and the park reaches capacity while you are gone, you will NOT be allowed to re-enter the park later in the day.

   9) Check For Last-Minute Dining Reservations

   If you are visiting during a crowded time of year you might be discouraged by the limited Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs). But fear not – many dining reservations will open up 24-48 hours in advance of each day.

   There is a penalty if you don’t show or cancel your dining reservation the same day, so many people keep multiple reservations and cancel the day before as their plans settle down. I have found a great time to grab last-minute dining reservations is the afternoon before the day you want to dine.

   So keep checking the day or two before you want to eat somewhere, and I’d bet a reservation will appear that you can grab.

   

   10) Visit Attractions You Haven’t Seen (Or Haven’t Seen In Years)

   Big crowds mean long lines at all of the popular attractions. The holidays are a great time to revisit attractions you haven’t seen in years or finally check out those attractions you’ve never seen.

   Here are some suggestions for attractions you may have overlooked that will have short waits during the holidays:

   • Carousel of Progress (MK)
   • Tom Saywer Island (MK)
   • The Enchanted Tiki Room (MK)
   • Liberty Square Riverboat (MK)
   • Impressions de France (Epcot)
   • Journey Into Imagination (Epcot)
   • Turtle Talk With Crush (Epcot)
   • Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage (HS)
   • Muppet Vision 3D (HS)
   • It’s Tough To Be A Bug (AK)
   • Maharajah Jungle Trek (AK)
   • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (AK)

   I hope this post gave you lots of ideas for how you can enjoy your trip to Disney World during the crowded Holiday season! You can join the discussion over in the private Facebook group DVC Chat.

4. Learn How To Rent Your DVC Points to Pay Your Dues

   October 26, 2018 11:21 am Comments Off on Learn How To Rent Your DVC Points to Pay Your Dues

   Before I bought my Saratoga Springs contract from ResalesDVC many years ago, I did extensive research into how to visit Disney World more often for less money. I read about how some owners rented out a portion of their DVC points each year to cover their annual dues, and I was intrigued!

   If you are considering buying a DVC ownership interest, you may want to consider buying a larger contract than you plan to use yourself in order to rent points and offset the cost of your annual dues.

   In this post, I’ll share my experience buying a DVC contract with the intention to pay our dues by renting out part of our own points. This approach allowed us to stay at DVC resort every year for free after our initial ownership purchase.

   Why We Chose A Larger Contract

   

   Animal Kingdom DVC studio

   We bought a 160-point Saratoga Springs contract from ResalesDVC back in 2011. This was when the timeshare market as a whole was at a low and we got an amazing deal on our DVC ownership!

   I settled on the 160 point contract knowing that we would likely use much less than 160 points each year. Our family was just two people at the time (a little one has since joined us) and we loved staying in a Studio Villa at Animal Kingdom Lodge, our favorite resort.

   Since I was a teacher at the time, we had limited time to visit Disney World when we wanted to go (i.e. NOT during the summer!) So at the most I knew we would be able to spend 5-7 nights each year in Disney World.

   80 points, or half of our 160-point contract, would meet our needs for our stays (check out the 2019 DVC point charts here). But I decided on a larger contract, because 1) I had the down payment available and 2) I planned on renting out the excess points to pay our annual dues.

   How To Pay Your Dues By Renting Points

   

   Beach Club Villas

   When we were owners, we paid our annual dues each year with the money we made from renting half of our points.

   This is how it works: If you buy a 160 point contract, use 80 points for yourselves. You can stay five (or more) nights in a Studio Villa at most DVC resorts during Adventure Season for 80 points or less.

   Then rent out the other 80 points to someone looking to stay at DVC resort. This can be another owner who is out of points, someone who wants to try out staying in a DVC resort before they commit to buying themselves, or someone just wanting to pay less for a stay at a Deluxe Resort.

   There are several ways to find someone who wants to rent your points. My top two ways are using David’s Vacation Rentals or the Mouseowners Rent/Trade/Transfer board.

   You can expect to receive $13 -$16 per point for renting your points out to others who want to stay at a DVC resort. Since you are the owner, you are in control of the reservation and can create a contract with your rules for payments, changes, etc. You can see lots of samples of rental contracts here.

   If you rent with David’s they will take care of all the details for you. I have rented our points to many happy people through MouseOwners and have never had a bad experience.

   If you rent 80 points out at $14 per point, you will generate $1,120 through the rental of your points. In 2018, annual dues at Saratoga Springs were $5.86 per point (find the annual dues for every DVC resort here). That means your annual dues will be roughly $938.

   As you can see, you will make more than enough renting half of your points to cover your annual dues. You will even have a profit of $182 you can put towards your own Disney trip!

   You’ll want to do the math and see which resorts have annual dues that will allow you to make the most profit. Saratoga Springs has one of the lowest annual dues, so that’s in part why we chose a Saratoga Springs contract.

   Summary

   Renting part of your points can help bring down the cost of DVC ownership and make your annual trips to Walt Disney World super affordable. While annual dues do increase slightly each year, so does what you can expect to earn by renting your points.

   You can see all of the current DVC contracts for sale here. I suggest not limiting your choices to the contracts with the amount of points you will use, but instead consider how you can offset part (or ALL) of your annual dues by buying a larger contract.

5. 6 Reasons to Love Saratoga Springs

   August 30, 2018 4:37 pm Comments Off on 6 Reasons to Love Saratoga Springs

   

   I recently spent two nights at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and I think that if you haven’t stayed here before (or not for a while) you are missing out on a wonderful DVC experience! Here are six reasons I think you will love Saratoga Springs.

   1) The Relaxing Atmosphere

   

   Saratoga Springs is themed around a town by the same name in New York state that was a vacation destination in the late 19th century. It was famous for its mineral springs spas and horse racing, hence the horse and racing related elements found around the resort.

   People from all over the East coast flocked to Saratoga Springs to relax and unwind, and Disney has remained true to that aim with the design of this resort. Water features, muted colors, and plenty of trees lend an atmosphere of relaxation to Saratoga Springs Resort.

   We went over to Disney’s Art of Animation to have dinner with friends one night during our stay. I was happy to leave the bright colors, in-your-face design elements, and loud music to return to Saratoga Springs! It is such a contrast to the over-stimulating theme parks and I personally love the tranquil environment there.

   2) Proximity to Disney Springs

   

   I don’t know about you, but five years ago I could take or leave Downtown Disney. But Disney Springs is now a destination for me, thanks to the addition of many excellent new restaurants and the improved atmosphere provided by the lovely springs that run through the area.

   

   Saratoga Springs is the only Disney World resort that offers both walking and boat access to Disney Springs. Rooms in the Congress Park section of Saratoga Springs are only a five-minute walk away from the Marketplace section of Disney Springs via the footbridge circled in red on the above map!

   

   So if you want to easily take advantage of the dining, shopping, and entertainment options at Disney Springs, Saratoga Springs is the best resort for your stay.

   3) Two Feature Pools

   

   I believe that Saratoga Springs in the only resort at Walt Disney World with two feature pools. Feature pools are different from “leisure” pools in that they have a dining option and extra features (at least at the deluxe resorts) of water slides, hot tubs, and/or water playgrounds.

   The High Rock Spring pool (pictured above) is located next to the main building and features a pool bar, long waterslide, two hot tubs, kiddie water slide, and Donald Duck water play area. It is a large zero-entry pool with lots of seating around it.

   

   The newer second zero-entry pool is the Paddock Pool. It has a 146-foot long waterslide, horseshoe-shaped hot tub, kiddie water play area with two waterslides, and a quick service dining location poolside.

   We spent a day at each of these pools and I actually preferred the Paddock Pool. It is so nice to not have to get dressed and go into the freezing air conditioning to get food, and the kid’s play area was perfect for my 5-year-old daughter.

   Just one of these pools would be a highlight of any Disney resort, but the fact that they are both located at Saratoga Springs makes the resort have a lot of appeal for my family.

   4) Amenities & Dining Galore

   

   Not only will you find wonderful pools at Saratoga Springs, but also four restaurants, an on-site spa, a golf course, and a fitness center.

   You can click here to check out the current menu for The Turf Club, the table service restaurant at the resort. You can also grab quick service fare at the Artist’s Palette, The Paddock Grill, and The Backstretch Pool Bar.

   

   I had this Chicken, Spinach & Artichoke Thin Crust Pie ($10.99) from the Artist’s Palette for lunch and it was so good I ate every last bite!

   

   Saratoga Springs is one of a handful of Disney World Deluxe resorts that has a spa on-site. Get details on the offerings at Senses Spa here.

   

   Next to the spa is a huge fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights, and machines.

   Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is adjacent to Saratoga Springs so getting in a round of golf is easy. There are also bicycle rentals, evening campfiress, poolside movies, even free Sunrise Yoga at 7:00 am on Mondays and Wednesdays.

   In short, you will find plenty to eat and plenty to do at Saratoga Springs.

   5) Villas with Great Theming

   

   We stayed in a Studio Villa in the Paddock section of Saratoga Springs. I was really pleased with our room – everything was in tip-top shape and made from quality materials.

   

   The theming in the rooms here is perfect – just enough to tell the story of where you are without being in-your-face, and just enough Disney touches for it to feel like a special place! There are nods to The Fox & the Hound throughout the room.

   6) Availability is Usually Not a Problem

   

   Saratoga Springs is a massive resort that contains only DVC villas. It is usually the last resort to fill up, so you can often find availability at Saratoga when other resorts are booked.

   As of 2017, there is a “Preferred” category which includes villas in the Springs and Congress Park sections of the resort. These rooms require more points per night because of their proximity to the main building and Disney Springs. Click here to view the 2018 Point Charts for Saratoga Springs.

   We had a Standard Studio, so I requested a room in the Paddock section. We were assigned a room overlooking the Paddock Pool. I loved that there were a quick service dining location and bus stop close by. We found that we never even needed to go to the main building until it was time to check out. Don’t feel that you need a room in a Preferred section to be close to the amenities! 

   For all of these reasons, I think anyone would enjoy a stay at Disney’s Saratoga Springs. Have you stayed there or are you interested in staying there? Join the discussion on the Resales DVC Facebook page!

6. Epcot Festival Roundup: What to Expect from all Four Festivals

   July 26, 2018 11:22 am Comments Off on Epcot Festival Roundup: What to Expect from all Four Festivals

   

   Epcot’s first festival took place back in 1994 when the International Flower and Garden Festival was inaugurated. It’s twenty-four years later and sample-sized food, musical performances, and special events abound as Epcot now hosts FOUR different festivals throughout the year!

   I’ve been able to visit each of the festivals in the past year or so, and I love each one for a different reason. In this post, I’ll highlight what to expect at each of the festivals and what I think are the best aspects of each. Then you can decide for yourself which festival you’d like to visit next!

   Epcot International Festival of the Arts

   

   The Epcot International Festival of the Arts takes place during the first two months of the year and celebrates visual, performing, and culinary arts. 2018 was just the second year of the festival and I expect it to grow even bigger next year.

   You’ll find art-inspired cuisine at booths around the park, visual art exhibits, seminars (both paid and free), live entertainment all day throughout the park, gallery tents featuring Disney art for sale, and a Broadway concert series Friday through Monday nights.

   In the bleak and dreary month of February, I visited Epcot for Festival of the Arts and I was blown away by the energy of the festival. Everywhere I turned there was something festival-related – live performances, art installations, fancy food, and more!

   

   I used some snack credits from my Disney Dining Plan to get some inspired food at the booths – the pork tacos from El Artista Hambriento booth near Mexico were my favorite item (though not the most aesthetic).

   The food items that I sampled were good, but they weren’t even close to as good as what I expect at Food & Wine festival. They were an excellent value on the Dining Plan, however, with several items close to $10 that you can get with a snack credit!

   

   The visual art displays (some of them interactive) around the park were a highlight. My favorites were the Living Statues in Future World and the masterpieces you could step into for a photo op. I attended a free seminar about a community art foundation in central Florida and it was ok, but nothing I’d recommend.

   

   My favorite part of the festival was the Disney on Broadway concert I attended. I lined up about 45 minutes before the show and got a second-row seat to a Broadway-caliber performance from Josh Strickland (the original Tarzan on Broadway) and Ashley Brown (the original Mary Poppins on Broadway). Seriously, a ticket to see these two would cost HUNDREDS of dollars in New York, and I got to see them for free with my park ticket!

   This is generally a less-crowded time of year at the parks, but watch out for President’s Day crowds which can be surprisingly big. So here’s what to expect a the Festival of the Arts:

   • Incredible Disney on Broadway performances three times nightly Friday through Monday
   • Stunning and interactive visual art displays around the park
   • Live performances throughout the day
   • Fun and visually appealing food that might not stand up to Food & Wine standards

   Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

   

   The first Epcot festival is now the longest, with Flower & Garden fest running from the end of February through the end of May.

   Epcot is always a treat for the senses, but the park explodes with color and beauty during Flower & Garden festival. This year there were over 100 topiaries around the park, including the new “face feature” princesses that look more realistic every year. Check out a complete list of topiaries with photos here.

   

   In 2018 there were 15 Outdoor Kitchens (re-purposed Food & Wine Festival booths) that served up small portions of food and drink. It seems like people either love or hate the “Frushi” found at the booth near Japan (we loved it). Almost universally loved is the Violet Lemonade, an Instagram-worthy non-alcoholic slushie drink. I enjoyed almost everything I tried at the booths – the food was especially fresh and inspired.

   

   This festival is the most kid-friendly, with impressive outdoor playgrounds set up around Epcot and two scavenger hunts geared toward kids. Kids will also love a perennial favorite, the butterfly house that is set up in Future World along the walkway leading to Canada.

   Garden Rocks concerts take place three times nightly (5:30, 6:45, and 8 pm) on Friday through Monday during the festival. They feature bands and artists that had hits in the 80’s and 90’s (or earlier) and have some are repeat acts from Food & Wine festival.

   I haven’t personally been to one of these concerts, but I imagine that they vary depending on who is performing and are overall really fun. Dining packages are available that include guaranteed seating (though on most nights you won’t need it – except during spring break).

   

   You’ll also find special seminars on gardening and growing your own food as well as special festival merchandise sold around the park.

   You can expect huge crowds during spring break, but after that crowds fall off and you can have a low-crowd experience at the festival, especially during the week. Overall this festival is much less crowded than Food & Wine and you shouldn’t have to wait in lines at the Outdoor Kitchens.

   • Here’s what to expect at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival:
   • The most kid-friendly festival with playgrounds, scavenger hunts, and the butterfly house
   • Gorgeous flower displays and topiaries – bring your nice camera
   • Fresh and inspired food and drink at the 15 Outdoor Kitchens
   • Lower crowds that Food & Wine (except during Spring Break)

   Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

   

   Ahhh, Food & Wine… some people would say that fall is the most wonderful time of the year at Disney World thanks to this event!

   Epcot’s most popular festival takes place from late summer through the middle of November every year. It began with about a dozen booths serving up sample-sized portions of food and beverages back in 1995. There are now over 35 booths all around World Showcase and Future World and the festival grows in size and scope every year!

   Weekend crowds (and unfortunately some drunkenness) are the first thing to expect at Food & Wine. Locals flock to the festival so I highly suggest avoiding Epcot on Friday through Sunday this time of year.

   

   Next, expect the food to be outstanding. I am rarely disappointed with anything I try at the festival! Every year there are both returning favorites and new items, so even if you have been in the past, expect that about 50% of what is offered will be new every year. Beverage offerings have expanded to include beer, spirits, and mixed drinks.

   The Disney Food Blog is an exhaustive resource for research and planning what food you might want to try at the festival. And I strongly suggest making at least a short list of things you really want to try, because otherwise you can get overwhelmed quickly with all of the options! Also, expect to wait in line at the more popular booths.

   

   Every day during the festival there are low-cost seminars and demonstrations in the Festival Center which is located at the old Wonders of Life pavilion. They are a great way to “plus” your experience if you have been to the festival before (check out other ways to enhance your visit to Food & Wine fest here).

   Every night during the festival there are three “Eat to the Beat” concerts in the American Garden amphitheater at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 pm. The lineup includes lots of artists most people over 30 years old will recognize and the concerts are very popular (especially on weekends). I saw Starship with Mickey Thomas recently and it was SUCH an awesome show.

   There are Eat to the Beat Dining Packages available every year that include guaranteed seats to the show and a meal at one of Epcot’s table service restaurants. These are a good way to go if there is an act you really want to see and don’t want to spend 1-2 hours waiting for seats.

   Here’s what to expect at Food & Wine:

   • Huge crowds on weekends that bring some unfortunate drunkenness (not as family-friendly as other festivals so visit during the week with kids) and waits for more popular booths
   • Popular concerts every night of the festival and dining packages with guaranteed seating
   • Low-cost food and beverage seminars every day that are a nice way to plus your experience

   Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

   

   While this is technically Epcot’s newest festival, many elements of the festival have been around for years as part of Epcot’s Holidays Around the World celebration.

   

    

   Each night from the day after Thanksgiving to December 30th there are three nightly performances of the Candlelight Processional. The performances include a massive choir, live orchestra, and celebrity narrator who reads passages from the biblical Christmas story. The show is tremendously popular (for good reason – it’s amazing!) and many people who wait in line will be turned away due to the limited seating.

   The best way to see the Candlelight Processional is to book a dining package that includes guaranteed preferred seating to the concert. You can read all about the dining packages and my recommendations for the best ones here.

   

   Due to the popularity of Food & Wine, it seems that food booths are a permanent feature at Epcot festivals! Festival of the Holidays features traditional fare from around the world at Holiday Kitchens. The food I tried was outstanding, with the mini turkey dinner (for only $5.25!) from the America booth and the Buche de Noel from Canada being stand-outs.

   Holiday storytellers around World Showcase share traditions from their country with guests throughout the day. There is a schedule of when and where to find each storyteller in the Times Guide, which you can grab when you enter the park. You can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the American Adventure pavilion. Expect festive live music performances throughout the park during the holiday season as well.

   

   I also have to mention the incredible special “holiday tag” ending to Illuminations, the nighttime show at Epcot. It adds a few more minutes of jaw-dropping pyrotechnics to an otherwise excellent show. My husband saw this version of Illuminations first and is forever disappointed with the “standard” non-holiday version!

   

   In summary, here’s what to expect at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays:

   • Nightly performances of the super-popular Candlelight Processional and dining packages with reserved seating
   • Delicious sample-sized food and drink at the Holiday Kitchens
   • Lots of bonus entertainment including live music, storytellers, Santa meet and greet, and an incredible special ending to Illuminations

   As you can tell, each festival at Epcot has something unique to offer guests. Which festival you enjoy most will depend on your own tastes and interests. I personally love them all and can’t wait to head back to Epcot for my next festival visit.

    

7. Arrival Night Hotels to Save Your DVC Points

   June 19, 2018 5:58 pm Comments Off on Arrival Night Hotels to Save Your DVC Points

   

   When I use my prized DVC points for a stay at Walt Disney World, I want to be able to make the most of each day at my resort. Sometimes I have to travel later in the day and can’t get to Disney World until dinner time or later, though.

   In these situations, I like to save my points and stay somewhere other than a DVC resort the first night. If you are basically just sleeping in the room and don’t mind switching hotels once I suggest crashing elsewhere your first night! Here are accommodation ideas for DVC owners looking to save points on their arrival nights.

   An Airport Hotel

   

   If you are coming in on a late flight, your best option might be to stay close to the airport. There are many hotels located a stone’s throw from Orlando International Airport (MCO) that offer free shuttles to/from the airport. You can collect your bags, take a five-minute shuttle ride and be in bed quickly after arriving.

   The next morning you can either take Uber or Lyft to your DVC resort to check in or even take the shuttle back to the airport and grab the Magical Express! You can enter any arrival time you want when you schedule the Magical Express, so if you don’t want to miss out on that ride just enter a flight arrival time around when you’d like to take it and you are all set.

   

   Our room at the DoubleTree Orlando Airport

   One airport hotel I can personally recommend is the DoubleTree by Hilton at Orlando Airport. We stayed there for one night last month before an early morning departure flight and it was perfect. They have a free shuttle to/from the airport that runs every 15 minutes (the hotel is about a mile from the airport).

   The DoubleTree does not charge a resort fee but there is a $15/night self-parking fee. Rooms start at $125/night when you book through the Hilton site. And if you happen to have any Hilton Honors points, this place is an absolute steal at only 20,000 points per night. Most Hiltons near Disney World require at least 40,000 points per night.

   A Disney Value Resort

   

   We often stay a night or two at a Disney Value resort before checking in to our DVC resort. If we are arriving late the first night and spending all day at the parks the next day, we just need a place to sleep and don’t mind if it doesn’t have all of the comforts of home.

   My personal favorite Value resort is Pop Century followed by All-Star Movies. You can read why in my post on the best and worst of Disney’s Value resorts. Art of Animation is great, but it is pricey for just a place to lay your head for a night or two. Rooms at Pop Century and the All-Stars are currently in the midst of a major upgrade, so if you haven’t stayed there in a while check out the new look here.

   

   When you are ready to move over to your DVC home, Disney will transfer your bags for you. You can head to the parks and your bags will often be waiting for you in your DVC villa after you check in there. Check out some helpful tips for split stays in this post.

   If you are arriving later in the day and taking the Magical Express,  you might want to consider picking up your bags yourself instead of relying on “Mickey” to deliver them to your room.

   In my experience, it has lately been taking up to five hours for bags to be delivered. If your flight arrives at 6 pm you could be left without your bags until 11 pm, which is definitely after my bedtime! It might be worth it just to get your bags yourself so you won’t be left without your toothbrush or awakened in the middle of the night when your bags are delivered.

   Recommended Off-Property Hotels

   

   On many occasions I have stayed off property on my arrival or departure nights to save points or because there wasn’t availability at Disney resorts. With Uber and Lyft now able to pick up at MCO (get tips on using them here), it is much more affordable to get to a hotel close to Walt Disney World.

   There are literally over 4,000 options for hotels in the Orlando area, so sifting through these to find a decent place can be overwhelming, to say the least! Here are places I can personally recommend based on my experience.

   Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista

   

   We stayed at the Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista this past December on a quick holiday trip to Walt Disney World. We only paid $75/night plus tax for a one-bedroom suite with two queen beds and thought the room was perfect for our needs (check out my full review of the hotel here).

   It is located less than a mile from the Disney Springs entrance to Walt Disney World. I highly suggest it as a budget-friendly option for your arrival night! It does not charge a resort fee or parking fee – a rare find for Orlando hotels – and you’ll get a basic free breakfast. Book directly with the hotel here for the best rates.

   Springhill Suites

   

   We’ve stayed at the SpringHill Suites in Marriott Village and thought it was excellent for arrival night accommodations. The rooms were spacious and lovely. You can often get a room there for less than $100/night on the Marriott website. 

   There is a $10/night parking fee (but no resort fees) and a free breakfast with Mickey waffles is included. This location is easy to get to from both the airport and about 5 minutes from the entrance to Disney World.

   Caribe Royale

   

   Photo Credit: Caribe Royale

   You probably have passed this resort on the Magical Express before! Caribe Royale is a large, all-suite resort located on World Center Drive about a mile from the south entrance to Walt Disney World. All of the rooms have a separate bedroom and sitting area and are well appointed.

   Caribe Royale has several on-site restaurants and bars plus a huge waterfall pool. Rooms start at about $120/night but you’ll also have to factor in a $25/night resort fee and $10/night self-parking fee. I suggest booking Caribe Royal on Orbitz since you can use one of their promo codes to save 15% off the cost of the room. These codes don’t work on chain hotels but do work at Caribe Royal since it is independently owned.

   Priceline & Hotwire

   

   My last suggestion is for the adventurous! I have on many occasions found excellent arrival night accommodations in the Disney World area through the sites Priceline and Hotwire. You can book regular hotels through their sites, but the best deals are on their “Hot Rate” and “Express Deal” hotels. You can often get four-star hotels close to Disney for under $100/night, but the name of the hotel won’t be revealed until after you check out.

   My suggestion for using these sites is to narrow your results to those with at least an 80% recommendation rate. When I have followed this approach I have never been disappointed! I also like how there are no hidden costs with these sites. You are shown at checkout your total costs, including any parking or resort fees.

   I hope this post gave you some ideas for arrival night accommodations to help you stretch your points farther on your next trip! Any questions about where to stay around Disney World when you don’t want to use points? Join the discussion at the DVC Chat Facebook Group!

8. WDW Tours Overview + Behind the Seeds Review

   May 1, 2018 11:14 am Comments Off on WDW Tours Overview + Behind the Seeds Review

   

   If you’ve been to the theme parks many times over you might be looking for ways to have new experiences at Walt Disney World. Backstage tours are a great way for DVC Members to try something new and different!

   In this post, I’ll

   • describe your options for Disney World tours,
   • explain how DVC Members can book them at a discount, and
   • share my experience with the “Behind the Seeds” tour at Epcot.

   If you haven’t considered taking a tour before, I’d bet you will after reading this!

   Disney World Tours Overview

   

   There are over thirty different “Backstage” (aka behind the scenes) tours offered at Walt Disney World. They range in price from $25 to $299, though eligible DVC Members are can receive a 15% discount on most of them!

   Here is an overview of some of the most popular tours:

   Tour Name	Meeting Location	Cost	Days/Times	Length	Requirements
   Behind The Seeds	Epcot Land Pavilion	$25 adults $19 children under 10	Daily, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm every 45 minutes	1 hour	No age minimum but children must be accompanied by an adult
   Backstage Magic	Epcot Guest Relations Window	$275 (includes lunch)	Mondays & Fridays at 9:00 am	7 hours	Park admission not required, minimum age 12
   Disney’s Family Magic Tour	Magic Kingdom City Hall	$39 (ages 3 and up)	Daily, 10:00 am	2 hours	Any age
   Epcot Seas Aqua Tour	Epcot Guest Relations	$145	Daily at 12:30 pm	2.5 hours	Park admission not required, ages 8 and up
   Epcot Seas Dolphins in Depth	Epcot Guest Relations	$199	Daily at 9:45 am	3 hours	Reopening June 8th, 2018, Park admission not required, 13 years old and up
   Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom	Magic Kingdom City Hall	$49	Wednesdays – Sundays at 8:00 am	3 hours	12 years old and up
   Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom	Magic Kingdom City Hall	$99	Daily at 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00 am	5 hours	16 years old and up
   Wild Africa Trek	Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safari	$189 – $249	Daily throughout the day	3 hours	8 years old and 48 inches tall, must be able to walk

   If the meeting location of the tour is inside the park, you can assume that admission to that park is required.

   This is just a small sampling of the most popular tours, but there are many others to consider. Some tours are only offered during one of Epcot’s festivals (such as Food & Wine).

   All tours can be booked by calling 407-WDW-TOUR. I suggest making a reservation for any tour. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance.

   I’ll share links to more information on all the tours at Walt Disney World at the bottom of the post, but let’s talk discounts next!

   Discounts on Disney World Tours

   As I mentioned above, eligible DVC Members can get a 15% discount on almost every tour offered at Walt Disney World. Discounts on tours are considered “Membership Extras”, so if you bought resale after April 4th, 2016 you would not qualify for the discounts.

   Not to fear, there are several other ways to get a discount on tours! Annual Passholders and Chase Disney Visa cardholders also qualify for the 15% discounts on most tours. Premium and VIP tours (Such as the Sense of Africa tour) are excluded from the Disney Visa discount.

   Here are some of the tour costs with the 15% discount:

   • Behind the Seeds: $21
   • Family Magic: $33
   • Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom: $41
   • Epcot Seas Aqua Tour: $123
   • Backstage Magic: $234

   Some of these tours don’t require park admission, so a tour is a great idea if you don’t already have a park ticket.

   It’s always a good idea to confirm that the tour discount is still being offered before you make any plans. To make sure that you qualify for a tour discount, I suggest consulting these sites:

   • DVC Member Benefits for Tickets & Tours
   • Disney Chase Visa Cardholder Perks
   • Annual Passholder Tour & Entertainment Discounts

   A Review of the Behind the Seeds Tour

   

   The get a feel for what to expect on a Disney World Backstage Tour, I took the Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot last month.

   It was easy to register for the tour by calling 407-WDW-TOUR. I paid for the tour with my Chase Disney Visa so with my 15% discount the price was $21.25.

   

   I checked in at the meeting place for the tour, the Soarin’ desk inside the Land pavilion, 15 minutes prior to the tour and was given a nametag. Our tour guide met our group of about eight people soon after and whisked us backstage to begin the tour!

   

   I have been fascinated with the greenhouses you see on the Living with the Land attraction since I was a kid, so getting to experience them backstage was a huge treat.

   There were several hidden (and not-so-hidden) Mickeys throughout the backstage area, so you never forgot you were at Disney!

   

   We visited four greenhouses and the fish farm during the tour while Brian explained some of the techniques used at the facility. I think anyone with an interest in the natural sciences or gardening would be fascinated with the content.

   I was amazed at how much I learned in this 60-minute tour. I really appreciated the pace, which was brisk without feeling rushed. The time passed quickly and I was surprised when an hour had already passed.

   

   I also loved the sensory experience of the tour-  not only did we see and listen, but we also touched, smelled, and even tasted!

   There were two little ones on our tour (roughly ages one and six) and they did great. I plan on taking my daughter when she is old enough to understand more of the science, maybe around age nine or ten.

   Overall, I was blown away by the quality of this tour – I felt like it was worth at least double what I paid! If the Behind the Seeds is any indication, expect to get a great deal of education and entertainment on Disney World Backstage tours.

   Here’s where you can get more information about the various tours offered at Walt Disney World:

   • Magic Kingdom Tours
   • Epcot Tours
   • Hollywood Studio Tours
   • Animal Kingdom Tours
   • Animal Kingdom Lodge Tours

   I hope this post gave you a sense of the Backstage Tour offerings at Walt Disney World and enticed you to try one on your next trip! Have you ever taken a tour or do you have any questions about Disney World tours? Join the discussion on the ResalesDVC Facebook page!

   SaveSaveSaveSave

   SaveSave

   SaveSave

   SaveSave

9. DVC Villas That Offer the Best Return on Your Points

   March 16, 2018 12:45 pm Comments Off on DVC Villas That Offer the Best Return on Your Points

   

   During my years of studying Disney Vacation Club, I’ve discovered that there are definitely some sweet spots in the DVC point charts and villas. Certain villas offer additional bathrooms, beds, space, or just a better experience than others.

   In this post, I’ll share my picks for the villas that offer the best return on your points at Walt Disney World and my experience staying in some of them. Maybe you’ll discover a villa that works perfectly for your family that you hadn’t considered before!

   Villa Types That Offer A Great Return on Points

   First, here are my picks for the types of villas that offer the best return on your points:

   • Studio villas that sleep five
   • Studios you can get for ten points (and under)
   • One- and Two-bedroom villas with an additional bathroom
   • One-bedroom villas with a sleeper chair
   • Three-bedroom villas that require the least points

   Next, I’ll explain each category in detail and let you in on where you can find these rooms at Walt Disney World!

   Studio Villas That Sleep Five

   

   The addition of a fold-out single “Murphy Bed” in some studio villas is my favorite recent development with DVC rooms!

   Even though we just have one child, we strongly prefer this setup because it means we don’t have to unfold (and repack) the sleeper sofa every day and can even use it when our little one is asleep.

   I love the little Disney touches in these Murphy beds and the fact that they are more comfortable than the pull-out couches.

   I fit on the bed (just barely) and I’m 5’10”, so an older kiddo or teenager would be comfortable on the bed unless he/she is of above-average height. Be warned that they are narrower than a regular twin bed, so an adult may feel cramped.

   Here are the resorts that currently have studio villas that sleep five:

   • Boardwalk
   • Beach Club
   • Boulder Ridge (Wilderness Lodge)
   • Grand Floridian
   • Polynesian

   Ten Point and Under Studios

   

   I am ALWAYS trying to get the most bang for my buck. So, of course, I am drawn to the DVC rooms that allow me to stay on Disney World property for the least investment of points!

   There are a handful of studio villas that can be had for ten points and under during certain seasons at Walt Disney World. Since these offer such a great return on points, they tend to be very popular and book quickly! But if you plan far in advance and are ready to book when your window opens, you can get a great deal.

   Here are resorts that have studios for 10 points and under:

   • Animal Kingdom Lodge
   • Boardwalk
   • Old Key West

   Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) has 18 “value” studios that can be had for under 10 points during Adventure, Choice, and Dream seasons (check out the dates for these seasons in 2019 here). The number of points required for these rooms in 2019 Adventure season actually dropped to only eight points per night.

   I was able to score five nights in an AKL Value Studio last year and we loved the room. It is two feet narrower than the standard studio at AKL but we didn’t notice the difference. As for views, eight of the values have a Savannah view, eight have a pool view, and two have a parking lot view. They do NOT take request for these rooms, so it is the luck of the draw. We were pleased with our pool view value studio and would definitely stay there again!

   You can get a standard view studio at the Boardwalk for 10 points per night during Adventure and Choice Seasons. The Boardwalk is especially popular during Food & Wine Festival because of its proximity to Epcot, and these seasons cover most of the festival dates. That makes these rooms VERY hard to get, so be sure to book early!

   And last, studios at Old Key West can be had for 10 points during Adventure and Choice Seasons. This includes those designated as “Close to Hospitality House”. It is great to get a preferred location without having to spend extra points.

   These villas also offer two queen beds as opposed to the queen/pull-out sofa layout in other studios.  I’ve stayed in one while traveling with my mother-in-law and they are perfect for two adults who don’t want to share or bed or sleep on an uncomfortable pull-out sofa.

   One-Bedroom Villas with a Sleeper Chair (Sleep 5)

   

   Some families appreciate the extra space (and privacy!) and one-bedroom villa provides. Some one-bedrooms offer a chair that folds out into a single bed. This is helpful for families with three kids and those with older kids who don’t want to share a bed.

   Here are the resorts that have one-bedroom villas that sleep five:

   • Bay Lake Tower
   • Grand Floridian
   • Kidani Village (AKL)
   • Old Key West

   I’ve never slept in one of the sleeper chairs, but a friend’s teenage son has, and it seemed fine for him.

   One- & Two-Bedrooms with An Additional Bathroom

   

   Most one-bedroom DVC villas have one bathroom. Some have a master bathroom with a separate jetted tub, tiled shower, sink and toilet in one room. Others feature a split bathroom with a shower/sink in one room and a tub/sink in another, but with only one toilet.

   There are two resorts that feature a full second bathroom in one-bedroom villas! These resorts are:

   • Bay Lake Tower
   • Kidani Village (AKL)

   That also means that the two-bedroom villas at these resorts have THREE full bathrooms.

   This can come in handy in many situations. For example, my family stayed in a two-bedroom villa at Kidani Village with another family with two teenage sons. We took the master bedroom (with the gorgeous bathroom shown above),

   Three-Bedroom Villas That Require the Fewest Points

   

   I used to think that all three-bedroom villas were out of reach for us due to the huge number of points required. For example, a three-bedroom Grand Villa at The Grand Floridian ranges from 112 – 227 points per night!

   However, I have found two villa types that offer three bedrooms at a point level that many owners could swing.

   The first is the three-bedroom Grand Villa at Old Key West. These villas sleep up to twelve guests and have one king bed, two queen beds, two full beds, and a pull-out sleeper sofa.

   The OKW Grand Villas start at 47 points per night during Adventure Season, which breaks down to less than 4 points per guest per night. If you were looking for a place for multiple families to stay together, this 2,375 square foot villa would offer plenty of room and privacy for everyone. Keep in mind they book quickly since they are such a great value with points!

   The other value three-bedrooms are the Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas. While they only sleep nine, they do provide three separate bedrooms: two with a queen bed and one with bunk beds. There’s also a sleeper sofa and chair in the living room. I like that they give more privacy than a two-bedroom at a similar point level (they begin at 39 points in Adventure Season).

   I hope this post gave you some ideas of villas that give the best bang for your buck (in points, of course). Any questions? Head over to the ResalesDVC Facebook page and join the discussion!

10. When It Makes Sense to Buy a Disney Annual Pass

    January 2, 2018 2:05 pm Comments Off on When It Makes Sense to Buy a Disney Annual Pass

    

    An Annual Pass is a Disney World lover’s dream come true… visit the parks as often as I want for a whole year?  Yes, please!

    While an AP isn’t cheap, buying one might actually save you money depending on several factors. In this post, I’ll do the math and explain when it makes sense to take the leap and buy an Annual Pass at Disney World.

    Discounts on Annual Passes

    

    First of all, there are some nice discounts available on APs for Disney Vacation Club members who qualify for Membership Extras.

    DVC members who bought directly from Disney (or resale prior to April 4th, 2016) can currently get a Platinum Plus Annual Pass for $559 plus tax. You must purchase your pass by January 3rd, 2018 to get this discount, but if you miss that deadline you can still get a Gold Annual Pass for the same price.

    Here’s a breakdown of what you get with each of the three main types of APs:

    • Gold Pass: Only available to Florida residents and qualifying DVC members. Admission to all four theme parks on most days, excluding blackout dates (here are the blackout dates for 2018).
    • Platinum Pass: Admission to all four theme parks any day of the year.
    • Platinum Plus Pass: Admission to all four theme parks and both water parks any day of the year.

    These three above passes also include free parking at the parks, free PhotoPass downloads, and discounts on dining, merchandise, hotels, and occasionally tickets for other guests.

    There are other discounts on APs for Florida residents, all of which are explained in detail here on the Mousesavers site. 

    Please note: Resale owners who purchase after April 4, 2016 do not qualify for the Gold Pass or discounts on Annual Passes. You can still purchase passes at the regular rate and enjoy the benefits of being an Annual Passholder as discussed below.

    Comparison to Standard Park Tickets

    

    Let’s compare the cost of a regular park ticket to that of an Annual Pass. I’ll consider prices if you are eligible for DVC discounts and if you aren’t.

    Currently, DVC members who have access to Membership Extras can get a 7-day park ticket starting at $370. This is a special ticket that allows the days to be used over the course of 6 months instead of the 14-day window of use for regular tickets.

    The difference between this 7-day ticket and a Gold Annual Pass is $189. Even if you go to Disney World only once in a year, it may make sense to upgrade to an AP due to the additional perks (read on to learn how you can easily save at least $189 with an AP). You can purchase passes through the DVC membership site.

    If you don’t get DVC discounts for Annual Passes, then the price of a Platinum Pass is $779 plus tax. A 7-day Park Hopper ticket is $485, so the difference between these two tickets is $284.

    Many people buy an AP and plan to use it on two trips roughly one year apart. This is an excellent way to cut down on ticket costs if you visit every year roughly around the same time. Two 7-day Park Hoppers would cost $970, so an AP would save you over $200 per person over that cost.

    There is potentially a great deal of value from the additional perks that come with an Annual Pass, as I will show you next. Even if you only plan on visiting once within a year, it might make sense to have just one person in your party upgrade to an AP just so you all have access to these perks.

    Value of Additional Perks

    Next, let’s look at the value of the perks that are included with the three main annual passes.

    PhotoPass Benefit

    

    Each pass includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads. If you purchase this option from Disney, it is called the “Memory Maker” package. It is active for 30 days from purchase, so it can really only be used for one trip.

    If you buy Memory Maker at least 3 days before your trip, it costs $169 plus tax. If you want it immediately it costs $199.

    I was really impressed with the quality of the PhotoPass pictures that I got with my annual pass this year. Some of them have become family favorites that we will treasure for years to come (such as this picture of our daughter with her favorite character, Flik).

    I’m sold on the benefit of having PhotoPass for any trip on which we spend extended time in the theme parks. So this benefit of an AP is worth at least $169 to me.

    Dining Discounts

    

    Disney offered fantastic dining discounts in 2017 for Annual Pass holders. I saved up to 20% at many desirable quick service and table service restaurants, such as Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The AP discount is good for up to 8 people dining in the same party as the passholder.

    The 20% discount was as good as the Tables in Wonderland discount and better than the DVC discounts usually offered, bringing even more value to an Annual Pass.

    I strategically planned to maximize the dining discounts that came with my AP, selecting restaurants that offered the best bang for my buck. I estimate that I over $150 just in dining discounts with my AP last year!

    Merchandise Discounts

    As an Annual Passholder, you will now get 20% off merchandise in most places around Disney World. This was increased from 10% as part of the 45th anniversary celebration, but the 20% discount appears to be staying around until further notice!

    I don’t buy a lot of merchandise on our multiple trips to Disney each year, but the 20% off savings adds up quickly. You’ll save $10 off every $50 in purchases at Disney, which could equal big savings for some folks.

    Resort Discounts

    

    If you like to stay at non-DVC resorts as part of your visit to Disney World, you’ll get additional savings on resort hotel stays with your Annual Pass.

    The AP discounts are usually 5-10% better than any publicly available offer and sometimes offer different inventory. I was able to find rooms at Disney Value resorts (such as All-Star Movies) for under $80 per night plus tax with my AP discount in 2017.

    If you want to get a room for your arrival night and not use points, the AP discount on resorts can really come in handy!

    Park Ticket Discounts

    

    Occasionally Disney has special offers on park tickets for guests of Annual Passholders. For example, this summer Passholders were able to buy one-day Park Hopper tickets for friends for only $79 each, a savings of over 40%.

    Passholders also get discounts on special ticketed events, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. You’ll save up to $8 per ticket and you can buy discounted tickets for yourself and up to 3 guests.

    Passholders will also save on tickets to Disney water parks. Currently, the savings is $4 per adult ticket.

    Other Discounts

    If you have an AP you’ll get to park for free at all Disney theme parks. This can save you the $20 per day parking fee if you stay off-property at any point. We took a short trip to Disney in early December and this perk saved us $60 since we stayed off-property.

    The additional discounts available to Passholders are always changing. They include discounts on tours, car rentals, golfing, spa and salon visits, and more. You can find the current additional discounts available here.

    Our Total Savings from Additional Perks

    If you visit Disney frequently, the savings from AP benefits can add up quickly. Here is a breakdown of what I saved over the course of one year from my AP:

    PhotoPass downloads: $169 (assuming I bought it only once)
    Dining discounts: $150
    Merchandise discounts: $20
    Additional tickets discount: $24
    Resort savings (over standard discount): $45
    Parking discount: $60

    Total savings: $468

    As you can see, the additional benefits of my AP almost paid for my pass, without considering how much I saved on park admission. The value of these perks and benefits are definitely something to consider as you decide on whether or not to upgrade to an AP.

    Any questions about Annual Passes for DVC members or the additional benefits of getting an AP? Join the discussion over at the ResalesDVC Facebook page!