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Dr. John’s 2014 Prescriptions for Walt Disney World

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Normally at this time of year, I write a retrospective piece looking back at the year in Disney, but for personal reasons, I’ve decided now is the time to look forward, not back. Instead of recollections, I’m writing prescriptions.These are the things I believe will help Walt Disney World continue to compete for the hearts and wallets of their fans while fending off challenges from other entertainment options both near (Universal Orlando) and far (changing TV viewing habits at home, for instance)

I’ll try and limit myself to one or two recommendations each and something that can at least get started in 2014. I don’t intend each prescription to solve every woe, but it will at least make a significant difference in one or two major problem areas.

Magic Kingdom
The oldest theme park in Central Florida is showing its age more and more and suffers from serious stagnation in both attractions and entertainment (translation: a serious capacity issue). There is something they can do quickly to make a dent. As part of an overall project to update Tomorrowland, I prescribe for the park an indoor air-conditioned high-capacity theater capable of hosting shows similar to the Hyperion Theater at California Adventure. With multiple shows a day, this adds a lot of capacity, gives guests a place to cool off in the heat and humidity, and allows for a showcase for Disney’s latest animated musicals (Rapunzel Stage show anyone?). This is also something that could be accomplished quickly and with minimal in park disruption by setting the theater outside the berm. Additional revenue can be raised by hosting events in the space, something the Magic Kingdom is currently lacking.

EPCOT
This park has the highest capacity of all four parks. It has two wonderful festivals and an enjoyable Christmas overlay. These are wonderful for what they do to attract guests. However, the mission and vision of EPCOT has been ignored for too long, and many areas of the park are in serious need of rejuvenation. Let’s tackle the two sections of the park separately.Read More »Dr. John’s 2014 Prescriptions for Walt Disney World

Inside the new DVC Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Disney Vacation Club Opens its 12th Resort in "Grand" Fashion

Disney Vacation Club welcomed the 12th resort to its collection with the opening of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This is the second of three planned DVC locations along the monorail resort loop at the Magic Kingdom. It features a few of its own amenities, but also shares the world-class dining and recreation offerings of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the flagship Walt Disney World resort.

“The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is yet another example of how we are listening and responding to our members,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club. “The resort builds on the continuing momentum to provide our members with ever-greater choices and experiences.”

The new resort features a variety of villa accommodations that sleep anywhere from five to nine guests, all designed to bring families closer and create memories that last a lifetime. The resort is the first Disney Vacation Club property to feature deluxe studios that sleep up to five guests. Additionally, expansive grand villas sleep 12 guests and feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a media room with a home theater system.

Timelapse Construction Video, more facts and photos from the new Villas below the jump:

Read More »Inside the new DVC Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Adventures by Disney Now Offering Frozen-Inspired Trip to Norway

Adventures by Disney and the Walt Disney Animation Studios are working together to create a family-friendly trip to Norway for vacationers to see for themselves the beautiful scenery that inspired Frozen, as well as get a glimpse of the rich culture and heritage of the… Read More »Adventures by Disney Now Offering Frozen-Inspired Trip to Norway

Polynesian Resort – DVC Coming Soon? Lobby Refurb too?

There is currently a big brouhaha in the subset of the Disney fan community that feels closely connected to the spirit of Aloha that the Polynesian Resort typifies at Walt Disney World. A long rumored Disney vacation club addition and lobby remodel at the Great… Read More »Polynesian Resort – DVC Coming Soon? Lobby Refurb too?

The Number One Thing You Need to Know about Trip Insurance.

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When you’ve booked your trip through Disney, you were probably asked if you wanted to purchase trip insurance. Chances are, you bought it, at about $151 for two adults. But did you make the right decision? Well, there are some good reasons to buy trip insurance and I’m not going to cover those now. The real question is, did you buy it at the right time?

When you buy trip insurance, it’s non-refundable.  This means that if you book your trip six-months out on the 20th of the month and cancel on the 30th of that same month, you lost $151.  But what would you have lost if you hadn’t bought the insurance? Nothing. Not your deposit, not the money you put toward your trip. Nothing.

Read More »The Number One Thing You Need to Know about Trip Insurance.

The Highs and Lows of Renting Disney Vacation Club Points.

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You’ve probably seen the kiosks for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) sales in the parks and at Downtown Disney. While Disney doesn’t like the word “timeshare,” that’s essentially what these properties are. Most are attached to deluxe resorts although there are also stand-alone properties like Saratoga Springs and Old Key West.  These resorts have the same superior theming and amenities as other deluxe resorts, but in addition to studios, which closely resemble standard hotel rooms, they also come with one, two, and three-bedroom units with full kitchens, multiple bathrooms and washer and driers.

Staying in a DVC villa is a great way to have all the comforts of home while on your Disney vacation, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. You can rent these villas from Disney, but there’s a less expensive option available: Renting points from a DVC owner.  This comes with some risks, but if you’re willing to take the chance, you can save a lot of money. Here’s how.Read More »The Highs and Lows of Renting Disney Vacation Club Points.

Aulani Construction Update

Disney has a hotel in Hawaii. Do you remember? It’s reportedly the best hotel in the Disney chain. But event the best Disney property doesn’t come out of the gate in perfect form. There’s always a period of what Imagineering calls “Test and adjustment.” Sometimes… Read More »Aulani Construction Update

Aulani Turns One and Reveals New Details for Expansion

It was one year ago today that Aulani Spa & Resort in Hawaii opened its doors to paying guests for the first time. Word on the street is that while it hasn’t been banner year Disney was hoping for with their first DVC/Hotel combo property,… Read More »Aulani Turns One and Reveals New Details for Expansion