Tag Archives: Deluxe Resort

Minnie Van Service

October 18, 2017 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Disney World has a new service that I recently got to test out and it’s pretty fabulous.

Minnie Vans!

Disney’s version of Lyft or Uber

The Minnie Vans will take you everywhere on Disney Property.
Minnie Vans can make multiple stops along the way. If you want to go to McDonald’s, Speedway then your resort…you can. If you are leaving a park and need stops at different resorts, this is an option.
There is not an extra charge for this feature.
Drivers are Cast Members, not employed by Lyft. This means you receive the Disney customer service.
Each Chevy Traverse has two versatile car seats with different options based on the childs’ needs.
You must be 18 years or older to travel alone in the vehicle. However, an adult can take a child (14+) in the Minnie Van to drop them off at a park and the Minnie Van will return the adult back to where they would like.
Hours of operation 6:30 am – 12:30 am

They can transport up to 6 guests.
They do have accessible vehicles available. You order your Lyft as normal and when they arrive they will call for an accessible vehicle.
To book a Minnie Van – go to bell services where they will give you a code for booking. Download the Lyft app, when you enter the code you will see the Minnie Van as an option.
The Minnie Vans give you closer proximity to entrances at the parks than Uber or Lyft. At Magic Kingdom, they take you to the bus stop in front of the park, not the TTC as everyone else does.
If clients are going to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue – they will be taken right to the entrance vs having to walk. Also, the Minnie Van driver will take them through the campgrounds to see all the decorations.
Resorts are being added as they have enough staff trained.
They have a track of Disney music they play during the ride.
They have phone chargers available in the vehicle.
Cost is $20 flat rate. The cast members are salary but you can tip them through the app or cash.

They are now available at all the Disney Deluxe Resorts. It’s particularly a great option for those early morning breakfasts!

Universal

Royal Pacific Paradise

May 3, 2016 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Staying onsite at Universal Orlando Resort has many benefits and staying at one of the 3 deluxe resorts includes the best benefit of all, included Unlimited Express Pass.

HOTEL GUESTS ENJOY EXCLUSIVE THEME PARK BENEFITS

SKIP THE REGULAR LINES with Universal Express ^SM Unlimited ride access* in both theme parks – a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day^
(valid theme park admission required)
Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, one hour before the theme park opens^† (valid theme park admission required)

Loews Royal Pacific offers the lowest cost option of the deluxe resorts and is an absolutely gorgeous resort. Easy walking distance to both parks and boat service as well.

Dine on exceptional cuisine; delight in the impeccable service; and soak in the breathtaking splendor of lush tropical surroundings at a white sandy beach of the lagoon-style swimming pool; all while enjoying the latest in modern conveniences.

Royal Pacific offers several room categories, from standard, water view, suites and their fun kid’s suites…Jurassic Park themed!

Guest Room Amenities

1,000 guest rooms including 51 suites; rooms start at 335 sq. ft
Flat panel television with HD channels and On Demand^® in-room movies (fees apply)
iHome clock radio and docking station
Keurig coffee maker featuring Emeril’s Gourmet Coffee and assorted teas
Refrigerator
Cotton signature bathrobes
Nightly turndown service (upon request)
Iron, ironing board, hairdryer and in-room safe
Complimentary* wireless internet access in each guest room and most common areas of the hotel
Upgrade to Premium Plus^ wireless internet access for optimal entertainment and business needs
2 telephones (1 cordless) with dual voice lines, data port and voicemail
Club Level rooms feature complimentary continental breakfast, access to the fitness center, and more

Hotel Amenities

Whether it’s relaxing in the serene lagoon-style pool, the sights and sounds of our weekly luau, or a workout in the fitness center, Loews Royal Pacific Resort has something for everyone.

Pools

One of the most impressive features of this resort is the lagoon-style swimming pool and sandy beach. Sink your toes into the sand and ease your body into your lounge chair. Lagoon style swimming pool featuring a white sand beach and the following:

Two (2) hot tubs
Beach volleyball court
Private cabanas for rent

Mandara Spa^® & Fitness Center

Visit the full service Mandara Spa^® next door at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Mandara Spa^® offers comprehensive wellness services, a de-stressing zone where you can work out, or tune out with a delicious spa treatment.

Supervised Kids Camp

When Mom and Dad want to enjoy a night on the town, drop the kids off at the supervised children’s activity center.

Kids will enjoy an arts & crafts table, storybook corner, computer desks, a movie room, and more. Counselors are trained to supervise toilet-trained children ages 4-14 only. One counselor for every 8-10 children.

COST: $15 per hour, per child / $15 per meal

HOURS: Open from 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday and from 5:00 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. * Times are subject to change.

Restaurants

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop

In both atmosphere and menu, Emeril’s Tchoup Chop offers diners a unique and exotic journey through the Pacific Seas, a perfect complement for the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, complete with bamboo, waterfalls, sculpted gardens and giant woks in full view.

Islands Dining Room

Enjoy savory chef-inspired creations featuring noodle bar dishes, rice bowls, wok and hibachi specialties. At breakfast, join us for traditional favorites, along with several Polynesian-influenced morning specialties.

Jake’s American Bar

Jake’s American Bar is the perfect place to meet for drinks and lively conversation after your day’s adventures.

Wantilan Luau

Sit back and experience an evening of authentic Polynesian food and entertainment at the enchanting Wantilan Luau, a weekly Hawaiian dinner show featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet of Polynesian specialties, live Hawaiian music and traditional hula dancing. Hula and fire dancers delight the audience and entice a few to even learn the hula! (Fees apply; reservations required)

Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar

Enjoy a continental breakfast or a tropical cocktail at the Orchid Court Lounge, which overlooks a serene orchid garden. The Orchid Court Sushi Bar features modern, inventive sushi and sashimi presentations along with Asian-inspired desserts and South Seas martinis.

Bula Bar & Grille

Bula means “welcome” in Fijian, and you’ll definitely feel right at home at this poolside eatery serving up food and beverages with a tropical flair.

THE LONGER YOU STAY THE MORE YOU SAVE!

Stay more nights and save up to 35%!

Contact me to get starting planning your EPIC vacation at Universal Orlando!

All Inclusive Resorts

Sandals Negril Resort

October 23, 2015 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Sandals Fam Trip continues Sunday as we leave Sandals Whitehouse and travel to Negril to tour Sandal’s Negril and Beaches Negril before heading to Ocho Rios, our home for the next two nights.

The drive is about an hour from Whitehouse to Negril. Upon arrival, we are greeted with cold towels and a refreshing drink. We tour the resort and enjoy a goodbye drink, no alcohol, we’re working!

Sandals Negril offers some of best sunsets in the Caribbean!

Dining

There are seven (7) restaurant options available: Barefoot by the Sea (beach dining), Beach Bistro (beach grill), Bella Napoli Pizzaria(pizza), Cucina Romana (Italian), Kimonos (Japanese), Sundowner (Jamaican), Bayside (buffet/French)

Room Service offers 24 hours for Butler guests and 7am-10pm for Club Sandals.

Weekly Chocolate Symphony on Wednesdays.

Accommodations

Sandals Negril offers swim up rooms, these are the Crystal Lagoon Butler Suites. And they overlook the beach and ocean.

There are 226 rooms spread over 14 categories including Club Sandals and Butler Elite. This property features the Millionaire Honeymoon Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary, along with other rooms listed in Sandals Love Nest class.

Luxury Inclusions

Nightly entertainment such as beach parties, talent shows, Caribbean night, etc… compliment the myriad of land and water sports. 3 freshwater pools, 1 dive certification pool and 3 whirlpools. Along with 5 bar/lounges.

Luxury Extras

Red Lane Spa treatments, beach cabanas, Scuba Certification, Island Routes excursions, laundry/dry cleaning, photo shop, special private dinners and more are available at an extra cost.

As always, there is a “no tipping” policy for all team members except Butlers and Spa Technicians.

Find a full album of photos of Sandals Negril on my Facebook page.

Current Deals

Save up to 30% this summer!

March 25, 2015 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

SAVE UP TO 30% ON ROOMS AT SELECT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS THIS SUMMER!

Booking Window: March 23 – June 12, 2015

Travel Window: June 16 – Aug. 27, 2015

Offer Details:

Resort Category	Savings % (Travel from 6/16-8/9)	Savings % (Travel from 8/10-8/27)
Select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts	Save up to 30%	Save up to 30%
Select Moderate Resorts	20%	25%
Select Value Resorts	15%	20%

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, and is not valid at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort-The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms. 30% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Resort hotels.

Availability is dwindling fast on this one, contact me soon!

Current Deals

Disney Visa Summer Package Offer

Quote March 19, 2015 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Disney Visa cardholders can get a package with a room discount of up to 30% at select Disney resorts for stays 6/16/15 – 8/27/15. Value and Moderate resorts have a slightly higher discount during the last portion of August (8/10/15-8/27/15). The package includes a discounted room plus tickets and/or dining plan. There is no minimum length of stay with this offer.

Up to 30% off most Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resort rooms, except:

Up to 20% off Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savanna View & Club Level), Beach Club Villas, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas
Up to 10% off Deluxe Suites

Up to 20% off most Moderate resort rooms (25% for 8/10/15 – 8/27/15), except:

Up to 10% off Coronado Suites

Up to 15% off most Value resort rooms (20% for 8/10/15 – 8/27/15)

Offer excludes Villas at Grand Floridian, Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian Bungalows & Villas, Port Orleans French Quarter, Little Mermaid (i.e. Standard) rooms at Art of Animation Resort, All Star Movies, campsites and 3-bedroom villas. As with all Disney promotional discounts, some resorts, room types and date combinations will not be available. It’s important to be flexible if you want to book a discounted package. Book by 6/12/15.

This offer is expected to become available to the general public on 3/23/15.

News

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Update

January 21, 2015 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort is currently undergoing an exciting transformation!

The resort will include the largest Deluxe Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. The 360 Deluxe Studios will sleep up to five Guests each and have the ability to connect to another Deluxe Studio. These rooms will feature a kitchenette, enhanced storage space, two separate bathroom areas – one a full bathroom with a tub/shower and one with a shower and sink. Plus, a pull-down armoire bed showcases painted artwork from the popular Disney film, “Lilo and Stitch.”

The new Disney Vacation Club bungalows are the first of their kind on any Disney property. The 20 bungalows will sleep up to eight Guests each in a home-like setting reminiscent of the South Pacific.

Booking for non DVC members as regular room rentals begins February 11th, 2015, there will be very limited availability for the bungalows.

Disney Resorts

Contemporary Resort

May 11, 2014 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the “face” of Disney Resorts. The first resort to open and the sight of it is what most people associate with Disney resorts.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers some unique features that make it an excellent choice for families. While lacking in an over-the-top theme that many of the other resorts have, the resort is modern, fresh and fun!

Rooms

The Contemporary offers 655 rooms between the main Tower with either Theme Park or Bay Lake views and the Garden Wing. Rooms are exactly the same in either building but note that in the Garden Wing, 1st-floor rooms have a patio, but second-floor rooms do not have a balcony. Garden Wing rooms are often a better bargain and a much quieter location just a short few minutes walk to the Tower. Club Level is offered via their Atrium Club or Tower Club. Club level offers concierge service, lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine, hor ‘d oeuvres, cordials, and desserts.

Recreation

Two heated pools with a slide, whirlpools, water feature, poolside cabanas available for rental overlook Bay Lake. A beach for sunbathing and viewing the evening Water Parade, tennis, health club, arcade, and a marina with watercraft rentals. Activities at the resort include movies under the stars and poolside fun in the afternoon led by Cast Members.

Dining

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers one of the best signature dining establishments on site. The California Grill is located high atop the hotel with its own private terrace for viewing the nightly fireworks show, Wishes at Magic Kingdom.

Downstairs, the Wave serves breakfast, lunch and dinner while on the 4th floor concourse Chef Mickey’s offers your favorite characters for a buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also on the 4th floor concourse, the Contempo Cafe is a quick-service with plenty of seating, dine while watching the monorail come and go. A poolside bar and grill serves up snacks and meals and beverages.

Transportation/Location

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

That’s right, the location of this resort is a major benefit of staying here. It’s walking distance to the Magic Kingdom park. A short 7-10 minute stroll along a pathway brings you to the front gates of the Magic Kingdom. Nothing beats walking home after the fireworks while everyone else is scrambling for the buses and boats.

Another super benefit…the Monorail goes right through the hotel’s main concourse. It’s a sight to see and entertainment in itself. Hop on the Monorail (resort line) to get to the Ticket & Transportation Center where you can switch to the Epcot Express. Or stay on and visit the other Deluxe resorts on the Resort Line. Stops at the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort and then the Magic Kingdom Park before arriving back at the Contemporary. Buses will take you to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom as well as Downtown Disney. The Contemporary boat launch offers service to the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness as well.

The location and convenience of the Contemporary is perfect for families, especially those traveling with young children and using strollers. The walkway and the monorail eliminate the need to wake a sleeping child, and we all know kids need all the sleep they can get after a day in the parks. When we stayed here, the walkway was our favorite feature, because it was so easy and convenient we stayed for fireworks and spent more evenings at Magic Kingdom than we would have otherwise.