The Noble Efforts of the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund

One thing I will never criticize Disney about is the good work done by the Animal Kingdom and its sometimes-partner the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.  The two might technically be separate entities – the Animal Kingdom is a part of Disney World, and the DWCF is a philanthropic branch of the Walt Disney Corporation – but they often work together. Work together, of course, being an operative word.  The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund is what it’s called: a fund.  While some employees might actually go out and do something, the primary purpose of the division is to provide financial support for … Continue reading

Fun for Grown-Ups at Disney: Epcot

Given that Disney World is a family friendly park there aren’t a lot of places there that are exclusive for adults. Today I’ve decided to focus on somewhere that, although it contains plenty for kids as well, would also make a fun day out for grown-ups. Many of the Epcot attractions I’ll look at might also appeal to some kids, but I tried to choose things that would better hold an adult’s interest. When I think of Epcot the World Showcase comes first to mind. Epcot is home to pavilions dedicated to 11 different countries from across the globe. Each … Continue reading

Fun for Grown-Ups at Disney: The Spas

When I last talked about fun things for adults to do alone at Disney, I highlighted a fast-paced thrill ride. Today I’m going to talk about a service Disney features that is perfect for winding down after racing around the tracks at the Richard Petty Experience: spas. Several of the hotels at Disney Parks have spas, but Disney World in particular boasts a few larger ones worthy of note: the Grand Floridian, Saratoga Springs, and Mandara. These three offer an extra level of pampering ideal for a vacation all about taking time to relax. The Balinese-themed Mandara spa can actually … Continue reading

Disney Coffee to Support our Troops

The Walt Disney World Dolphin resort goes through a lot of coffee. Every day, they leave packets of coffee in each guest room and, with all the visitors they have, that adds up to a pretty big hill of beans! Since they recently changed coffee supply companies, they’ve decided to get rid of the surplus coffee they had from their initial supplier and who better to give it to than United States’ troops serving overseas? Well, that’s what I think and apparently what somebody in charge at the Dolphin thought too. Thanks to the Wesley Chapel nonprofit group “Support Our … Continue reading

Walt Disney World Swan

Like the Walt Disney World Dolphin, the Swan is not owned by Disney. It is on Disney property but owned and operated by Westin Hotels. The Dolphin and the Swan are both located on Crescent Lake. As a guest at the Swan or Dolphin, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours and the Walt Disney Word transportation system. The Swan and the Dolphin, are connected by an outdoor bridge. From this bridge, you can catch a boat to Epcot or Disney-MGM Studios. Bus service is provided to all other Disney resorts and attractions. Other Disney resort guest perks are … Continue reading

Walt Disney World Dolphin

The Walt Disney World Dolphin resort is located on Crescent Lake and shares recreational options, convention facilities, restaurants and shopping with it’s sister site, the Walt Disney World Swan. These hotels are not owned by Disney but by Westin Hotels. Through a reciprocal agreement, they are considered Walt Disney World resorts. The Dolphin is within walking distance of Epcot, Disney’s Boardwalk and the Yacht & Beach Club. This 27 story, triangular tower with 1,509 units (136 are suites and 77 are concierge rooms) is crowned by two 56-foot dolphin statues. Just a note – if you’re expecting the usual dolphin … Continue reading

Disney Deals

Everyone is looking for a way to enjoy their dream vacation but save a few dollars, right? Here is a newly updated list of the best deals Disney has to offer: Free Dining Package No–that wasn’t a typo and considering how expensive the food is at Disney World, if you’re traveling between 8/26 and 9/22 you should definitely call to make reserve your free dining package. Normally the dining package is an extra expense that you can add on. Purchase at least 3 consecutive hotel nights at an official Walt Disney World resort, plus at least a one-day theme park … Continue reading

Magic Kingdom to Serve Beer, Wine

A bar inside the Dolphin Resort at Disney World Last week the official Disney Parks blog revealed a detail about the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the new Fantasyland expansion, one that breaks a tradition held by the Magic Kingdom since its inception: Be Our Guest will serve alcohol. The decision came when Walt Disney World execs contemplated the theme of the restaurant. In keeping with the setting of “Beauty and the Beast,” the film on which the restaurant is based, execs wanted to offer the finest French cuisine. Part of the French dining experience is to serve alcohol, so … Continue reading

Alternatives to Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival

If you love the idea of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival but the high prices and pressing crowds aren’t for you, then Walt Disney World’s still got you covered with a couple similar options. First up, if you’re in town on September 30, when the festival opens, consider purchasing a ticket for the First Bites Opening Reception. Announced Monday on the Disney Parks blog, exactly one month before the festival’s kickoff, the First Bites Opening Reception offers the best of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in a classier, more intimate setting. The reception, held from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 … Continue reading

Ways to Have Fun on a Budget

The month of May is cause for celebration in our family. In addition to Mother’s Day, we also celebrate three birthdays, one wedding anniversary, Memorial Day, and the end of the school year. Who knew we could do all that celebrating without breaking the bank? In the last week or so I have been inundated with dozens of special offers from different companies offering free meals, free gifts, big discounts, and a ton of additional ways to save big bucks on fun activities. For example, Disneyland and Walt Disney World are offering free admission throughout 2009 for anyone celebrating a … Continue reading