We are in uncharted territory at the moment, with the Disney Parks worldwide closed due to the Corona Virus. This is all so unprecedented.
To brighten your day a little, I wanted to take you on a little tour of the beautiful topiaries Disney World has decorating Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival.
Hopefully, you can get there next year and see them all in person. Stay healthy.
Here are my favorites:
5. The Lego Store at Disney Springs. My boys really enjoy this store and so do I. Lego is fun. They have things you’ll never find anywhere else and the Lego creations are incredible.
4. 365 Days of Christmas at Disney Springs. Do I even have to say why? Because it’s Christmas… always. Christmas is the best.
3. World of Disney at Disney Springs has everything which is fitting as it is the largest Disney Store in the world. Even the decor is amazing to see.
2. MouseGear at Epcot smack dab in the middle of Future World. I particularly love the selection of t-shirts and hats here. I could spend hours in this place!
1.The Emporium on Main Street. This store runs almost the entire length of Main Street and it’s a great way to beat the crowds and heat by walking through it instead of the street! You can find anything and everything here and if you don’t want to carry your purchases, have them sent to Guest Services to be picked up on your way out or if you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, have it shipped there. And let’s face it, there is just something special about shopping right inside the Magic Kingdom on Main Street USA.
Disney World is constantly making improvements to its parks and resorts, it’s a never-ending process.
Here is what is happening in the coming year.
Magic Kingdom
| Splash Mountain Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Liberty Square Riverboat Magic Carpets of Aladdin Mad Tea Party |
Jan. 10 – 14, 2016 Jan. 18 – Feb. 11, 2016 Jan. 18 – 22, 2016 Jan. 25 – Feb. 3, 2016 Feb. 22 – 26, 2016 |
EPCOT
| Re-Imagination of Maelstrom Soarin’ |
Oct. 15, 2014 – Apr. 30, 2016 Jan. 4, 2016 – Summer 2016 |
Hollywood Studios
| Pizza Planet | Jan. 11 – Late 2016 |
Animal Kingdom
| Maharajah Jungle Trek Kali River Rapids Flights of Wonder |
Jan. 4 – 21, 2016 Jan. 4 – Feb. 11, 2016 Jan. 25 – Mar. 17, 2016 |
Typoon Lagoon
| Annual Refurbishment | Jan. 4 – Mar. 12, 2016 |
Blizzard Beach
| Annual Refurbishment | Oct. 4, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016 |
Resort Hotels
| Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort | |
| Bay Cove Pool | Feb. 1 – March 18, 2016 |
| Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort | |
| Surfboard Bay Pool | Jan. 25 – 28, 2016 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House | |
| Jambo House Soft Goods Rehab | Jan. 1 – May 20, 2016 |
| Disney’s Art of Animation Resort | |
| Schoolyard Sprayground | Jan. 3 – Mar. 11, 2016 |
| Disney’s Beach Club Villas | |
| Soft Goods Rehab | Jan. 22 – Aug. 17, 2016 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Inn | |
| Exterior Repair and Painting | Aug. 17, 2015 – May 5, 2016 |
| Flying Fish Restaurant | Feb. 1 – Sep. 30, 2016 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Villas | |
| Guest Villa Renovations | Through Spring 2016 |
| Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | |
| Old Port Royale – Path of Travel Impacts Guests in some parts of Martinique and Trinidad North may experience some contruction noise. |
Jan. 3 – Feb. 28, 2016 |
| Jamaica Pool | Jan. 6 – 8, 2016 |
| Martinique Quiet Pool | Jan. 11 – 13, 2016 |
| Fuentes del Morro Pool | Jan. 13 – 16, 2016 |
| Trinidad North Quiet Pool | Jan. 27 – 29, 2016 |
| Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | |
| Courtyard Pool | Jan. 16 – 19, 2016 |
| Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort | |
| Pool Slide | Feb. 1 – 17, 2016 |
| Disney’s Old Key West Resort | |
| Sandcastle Pool | Jan. 4 – 6, 2016 |
| Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort | |
| General Construction During this time, Guests will observe construction taking place and certain pathways and buildings may be unavailable. |
Through Spring 2016 |
| East Pool Closed for enhancement. Guests may see or hear work in progress. |
Now – Spring 2016 |
| Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside | |
| Ol’ Man Island Pool | Jan. 11 – Feb. 29, 2016 |
| Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | |
| Grandstand Pool | Jan. 20 – 22, 2016 |
| Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Villas | |
| General Resort Refurbishments Due to multiple resort refurbishment projects, Guests will notice construction work in various areas. Noise may be overheard while this work is being completed, but construction will not begin until after 9 a.m. Certain pathways, including the nature trail, will be unavailable. The Hidden Springs leisure pool area (the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), resort beach, playground, Marina and Recreation fire pit will be unavailable. |
Through 2017 |
| Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center) – unavailable | Jan. 3, 2016 – Through 2017 |
| Disney’s Yacht Club Resort | |
| Stormalong Bay Slide | Jan. 11 – 15, 2016 |
Walt Disney World® Resort will kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” with 24 hours of nonstop fun during a special event May 22-23 at the Magic Kingdom®, hosted by Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from Disney’s blockbuster animated hit “Frozen.”
Magic Kingdom Park will be open 24 hours from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday May 22, 2015 to Saturday, May 23, 2015*. You’re invited to come in costume** to show your Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.
During the “Coolest Summer Ever,” you can keep cool all summer long at four theme parks and two water parks. Highlights include:
- Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® June 17-Sept. 7, 2015 as it brings together Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and the citizens of Arendelle, all appearing daily in shows and experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® – including a royal processional, a sing-along show, Frozen-themed treats and merchandise, plus a Frozen fireworks display above Hollywood Boulevard.
- Cool Thrill Rides – Find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Don’t-miss attractions include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park; Test Track presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Star Wars Weekends – Your Clients will find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15-June 14, 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney® shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springs continues.
- Epcot Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout World Showcase at Epcot, which also brings a fresh summery twist on a fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
- A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Purchase a one-day water park ticket and park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open.
*Hours of operation: 6 a.m. on 5/22/15 to 6 a.m. on 5/23/15, subject to capacity restrictions. Only select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Valid theme park admission required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
**Disney characters will be in the parks throughout the day and all night, inviting guests to dress up for the occasion, too. Guests may join the party dressed in costume. Costumes should be child-friendly and adhere to any guidelines determined by Disney.
The EPCOT Flower and Garden festival kicked off this week with several new additions.
The annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is designed with something for everyone in the family: hands-on activities for all ages; how-to seminars from expert gardeners and Disney’s own team of master horticulturists and an exciting lineup of pop hit makers from the 1960s and ’70s appear every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Event Dates: March 4 – May 17, 2015
Event Tickets: Admission to Epcot® required.
Sample Kitchens from the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Take your pick from garden–grown treats, savory meats and spring-inspired flavors—including tempting TRYit! selections, featuring fun foods made with fresh ingredients—this year at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!
Florida Fresh – Experience a taste of several fresh Florida ingredients, each grown and produced locally. It’s a perfect opportunity to treat your senses to some of the most delightful fruit and drink the Sunshine State has to offer! Florida Fresh can be found next to the Germany Pavilion.
Hanami – Journey near the Japan Pavilion where the annual ritual of admiring springtime flowers is in full bloom. From delectable bites to refreshing beverages, uncover how Hanami’s flavors reflect the season.
Jardin de Fiestas – Make your way near the Mexico Pavilion where the tapas are spring light and cooked just right. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this festival of flavors, complete with savory tacos and mouthwatering cocktails.
Fleur de Lys – Indulge your senses in extravagance at this tasty milieu influenced by the “flower of the lily.” Once a royal emblem used by the French monarchy, the symbol now serves as inspiration for this decadent stop where you can refine your palate with some of the France Pavilion’s most magnificent culinary masterpieces!
Lotus House – Hit the pavement near the China Pavilion for a garden-fresh take on spring–influenced flavors. Appease your cravings with a wide variety of Chinese cuisine, including popular street foods and bubble tea!
Pineapple Promenade – Enjoy the Great White North with a tropical twist at the Canada side of World Showcase promenade. Then, get ready to hear your sweet tooth say, “thank you!” as you bite into all kinds of treats featuring this popular golden fruit.
Primavera Kitchen – Say, “Ciao!” to spring as you set sail for a land of garden–fresh foods near the Italy Pavilion. On your stop, be sure to explore the countryside’s many flavors—caprese, manicotti, torte di ricotta and fine Italian wines.
Taste of Marrakesh – Embark on a trek near the Morocco Pavilion and educate your tastes on North African spices. Each unique flavor has been paired with fresh ingredients and can be sampled with Moroccan beer and wine at this garden oasis.
New! Urban Farm Eats – Honor the earth and all it grows with a refreshing selection from this location’s all–natural menu. Choose from a hearty array of foods and beverages, many of which have been cultivated entirely from the soil!
The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews – Celebrate the truly American tradition of slow–cooked flavors near The American Adventure Pavilion. Sink your teeth into savory barbecue meats and then pair each one off with craft brews from across the country.
The Buttercup Cottage – Delight in elegant afternoon–tea offerings and fresh garden flavors near the United Kingdom Pavilion. Drop by this charming locale to sample scrumptious treats, British teas and beverages inspired by lovely English fruits and fragrances.
Intermissions Café – Dig into your day or turn over the evening at this charming stop found right within the Festival. Pop inside to find all kinds of fine food and beverages—wine, cheese, wraps, salads and more!
A new concert series is among one of the many things you will encounter as the 22nd Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival: A Spring Tradition returns to Walt Disney World® Resort March 4-May 17, 2015.
The new Garden Rocks™ Concert Series features 11 pop acts, including En Vogue, Little River Band, Jon Secada, Pablo Cruise and Taylor Dayne. Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. ever Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival. Check out this year’s lineup (subject to change without notice):
March 6-8: Gin Blossoms
March 13-15: Pablo Cruise
March 20-22: En Vogue
March 27-29: Starship
April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
April 10-12: Village People
April 17-19: Jon Secada
April 24-26: The Guess Who
May 1-3: Taylor Dayne
May 8-10: Little River Band
May 15-17: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
This concert series coincides with several promotions running right now for this time period including a fabulous “A Time to Treasure Travel Agency Exclusive” special. Let’s get planning!
The time has come to share the news, this Royal Coronation Day is really about YOU. Young ladies and gentleman from lands far and wide will gather together for a royal surprise! Each will be proclaimed royalty in a regal sort of way, while Anna and Elsa greet them on their very special day.
In the words of our favorite snowman “The hot and the cold are just so intense, put them together it just makes sense”. Your favorite hot items will be on the breakfast buffet while some cold ones will be available on this spectacular day!
That’s right, A Time to Treasure Travel is sponsoring this very special, Exclusive Character Breakfast with Anna and Elsa on September 24th, 2014. This event is already selling fast and space is limited.
Picture this, the perfect “Girls Getaway”, opt to stay in a “Royal Room” at Port Orleans Riverside or at the always elegant and regal looking Grand Floridian Resort. Attend a Royal Coronation Breakfast with Queen Elsa and Princess Anna. And best of all, your own precious little one enjoys their own “Coronation” as well. Meet & Greet, 5×7 photos, breakfast buffet…all in the picturesque setting of Royal Showplace East Hall at Epcot. I can help plan your trip and get you access to this exclusive event, just contact me soon barbara@atimetoreasuretravel.com, space is limited.
A throw back to our first family trip, we had to drag the kids out of the Seas Pavillion, they could have spent the whole day looking at the aquariums.
One of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts is the Yacht and Beach Club, two distinct hotels that share some recreational facilities.
The Yacht Club is a circa 1870’s mid-Atlantic themed hotel. Think Jersey Shore, Atlantic City or even New England.
Rooms
Standard rooms are comfortable and offer all the amenities. All Yacht Club rooms have a balcony, 2 queen or 1 king bed, many with an additional daybed. View options include Standard, Garden or Water. Club Level is offered at the Regatta Club with concierge service and a lounge serving continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine, finger foods, cordials and dessert.
Recreation
The centerpiece of the hotel is the shared pool. Except, it can barely be called a simple pool. Arguably the best pool on-site, Stormalong Bay, as it’s called is a three acre aquatic playground for young and young at heart. A pirate ship water slide, sand-bottom zero entry pool, lazy river with tubes (which are free to use), whirlpools and plenty of space to lounge. At night you can see some of the higher fireworks from Illuminations right from the pool.
The hotel offers the Sandcastle Club for the kids if parents want a night out alone. A lovely white sand beach for movies on the beach nightly. There is a quiet pool with a whirlpool and tennis courts as well.
Dining
The Yacht Club features several dining options. Top tier dining at one of Disney’s Signature restaurants, Yachtsman Steakhouse is right in the hotel. A more casual Captain’s Grille serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The lobby lounge, Crew’s Cup, offers coffee and some pastries in the mornings for a quick bite. The Ale and Compass Lounge offers lite fare in the afternoons and evenings.
Venture outside to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop for ice cream and burgers for lunch or dinner, overlooking Stormalong Bay. Of course, poolside dining and adult beverages are available for lunch and dinner at Hurricane Hanna’s, where kid’s meals come in a bucket with a shovel for playing in the sand later!
Additional close by options are restaurants inside the adjacent Beach Club Resort including their Marketplace for quick service meals and grab and go items. Or a stroll around the lake to the Boardwalk where there are more restaurant and quick service options. Or if you have Park Hopper, a must if you are staying in this resort location, you can hop into World Showcase at Epcot for dinner in the country of your choice or even grab breakfast in France in the mornings!
Transportation
This location is optimal! A short 5 minute stroll brings you into the International Gateway at Epcot. This is located by the United Kingdom pavilion. A slightly longer walk, about 20 minutes, will take you to Hollywood Studios. Friendship Boats are also available for traveling to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Buses to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom as well as Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon pick up just outside the lobby of the hotel.
These photos are from our last family vacation to Disney World where we called the Yacht Club Resort home. My boys loved the pool and often chose the pool over more park time. We loved the convenience of getting to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom bus was quick.
What’s your favorite Walt Disney World Resort? Where do you want to stay next?
Magical Travels with Barb 