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Inside Lake Buena Vista Resort Village

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The Disney Blog crew was invited to spend a complimentary night at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village, aka the Pirate Ship Pool hotel. We frequently drive by the hotel on the nearby 417 highway and every time we look at that huge pirate ship by the pool and wish we could stay there. It’s located behind the Lake Buena Vista Outlet Mall on the 535, just a short hop from EPCOT or Downtown Disney and close to all sorts of shopping and dining as well as the I-4 in case you want to visit any of the other Central Florida attractions.

Honestly, if you’re in Orlando to visit the theme parks, chances are you’re looking for a hotel that satisfies a few needs. It should be clean, relatively close to the attractions, have nearby shopping an dining, and a fantastic pool. For Lake Buena Vista Resort Village you can check all those things off. The resort then takes it to the next level with the fantastic themed pirates ship pool, a wonderful spa, and a restaurant that serves up some of the best fish-n-chips I’ve had in Orlando.

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American Idol Experience to close at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Over the weekend news broke that the caste of the American Idol Experience had been informed their show would be canceled early next year. Lower ratings on the TV show have resulted in low guest interest in the park attraction. However, managers are considering promotions like bringing back the popular American Idol Experience Junior Edition where kids 9-14 get their chance to perform before the January bow.

Walt Disney World and American Idol producers released this statement:

“After more than five successful years, The American Idol Experience will be coming to a close at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in January 2015. Our partnership with FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment has been a great addition to the park and we are very appreciative of the amazing cast and guests who have devoted their time and talent to make this experience special and memorable. We are incredibly proud of the more than 2,000 Dream Tickets that have given guests a chance to live their very own Cinderella story and audition for ‘American Idol’. This past season alone, three of the Top 13 contestants were originally discovered through The American Idol Experience and we expect the attraction to continue providing top contestants for ‘American Idol’ XIV in the coming year.”

The cast and crew of American Idol Experience worked hard to produce what I considered a great show. But its time was always going to be limited.

Follow me below the jump for a few more juicy rumors:

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Rock Your Disney Side Grand Opening Ceremony

Woke up early this morning to make it to the Magic Kingdom for the 6AM opening ceremony of the Rock Your Disney Side 24 hour day and if everything works out right, I’ll be wandering out to the parking lot at 6AM on Saturday morning.… Read More »Rock Your Disney Side Grand Opening Ceremony

More changes announced for Disney’s Polynesian Resort

New Excitement at Disney's Polynesian

Disney mentioned changes coming to the Polynesian Resort at the What’s New What’s Next presentation earlier this month, now they’ve updated us with some additional information on what we can expect as the resort transitions.

As announced it will be getting a few DVC Suites as bungalows out over the water. To accommodate this change the name will revert back to its original 1971 opening-day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Disney also announced a brand new children’s activity center called Club Disney will be opening at the resort next month. Imagineers drew inspiration from classic Disney Little Golden Books, including “Alice In Wonderland,” “Pinocchio” and “Lady and The Tramp” to make the play areas. Club Disney replaces the Neverland Club. Read More »More changes announced for Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Free Dining Returns Select Weeks This Fall at Walt Disney World

One of Walt Disney World’s most popular incentives to book an off-season stay has returned for the fall of 2014. Travelers are eligible for the free dining plan when they purchase a non-discounted six-night/seven-day Magic Your Way Package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.… Read More »Free Dining Returns Select Weeks This Fall at Walt Disney World

I’m about to Drop In On Ihu’s Breakaway Falls

Tomorrow morning I’ll be climbing 126 steps to a height of 80 feet to experience Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. Orlando’s tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind opens officially May 9. But I’m getting a preview tomorrow. The question is, am I brave… Read More »I’m about to Drop In On Ihu’s Breakaway Falls

The Pros and Cons of Free Dining.

This post brought to you by Christina Wood of Pixie Vacations, the preferred Disney vacation travel planner of The Disney Blog. As you probably know by now, Disney has announced free dining for the fall of 2014. As usual, Disney fans are in a complete… Read More »The Pros and Cons of Free Dining.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Official Dedication Ceremony

Walt Disney Parks Chair Tom Staggs, Snow White, and all seven of Walt Disney’s famous dwarfs gathered on Friday to officially dedicate the newest attraction at the Magic Kingdom and the crown jewel of New Fantasyland, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. “Seven Dwarfs Mine Train… Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Official Dedication Ceremony