Let's Spring into action!

[DVCAshleyP]

Hi Everyone!


My name is Ashley P. and I am very fortunate to be working at David’s Disney Vacation Club Rentals.


This will be my first trip to Walt Disney World ever and the excitement is beyond what you can image. I have been to Disneyland before in California when I was a kid so I can only wonder what it will be like to visit WDW.


The next 6 nights and 7 days, I will be travelling alongside my co-worker Lindsay, and our manger Kelly to Disney to do research on everything Disney. The next few days, I will be updating everyone on where we go and what we are learning each day.


Let's begin!

Day 1

The day is finally here! After an early start to our morning, we have finally arrived to Orlando! We took the Magical Express to our resort, Saratoga Springs (SSR).

Magical Express is a complimentary service for all guests staying at any of the Walt Disney World resorts. Guest are able to use from the service from Orlando International Airport to their resort and vice versa. It is seamless process and we arrived to our resort within 35 minutes of boarding the bus.

Before arriving to the SSR, I expected it to be a large beautiful resort. Seeing it in person, I can say that it was what I expected it to be!

After we got settled in to our rooms, we went for a walk around the resort to take a look at a different locations in Saratoga Springs. When walking around SSR, I could noticed how peaceful the resort is. Also, seeing each of the buildings in person made me feel that I was in the 1920’s in New York.

Can you see the hidden Mickey Mouse?

After a long day of travelling, we went back to our rooms to relax for another fun fulfill day tomorrow.

Stay tune for day 2 tomorrow!

Ashley P.

#dvcrentals

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 2


Today, we have a busy day of touring 4 resorts in the Magic Kingdom area: Bay Lake Towers (BLT), Grand Floridian (GF), Wilderness Lodge (VWL), and Polynesian (Poly).


First stop, Bay Lake Tower (BLT)!

BLT is connected to Contemporary Resort by the Sky Way Bridge, which leads to the monorail. If guest do not wish to take the monorail to Magic Kingdom, they can opt out and take a 10 minute walk over to Magic Kingdom. The resort is very convenient for families who are travelling with young children or wish to be close to Magic Kingdom. The design of the resort is very modern and elegant where guest may be able to enjoy a view of the beautiful lake, or may be even able to see the Cinderella Castle.

Our next stop was Wilderness Lodge (VWL)!

If you love the outdoors and love camping, VWL is the resort for you! I know I love it here! Just from looking at the resort from the outside, it makes me feel that I am in the middle of the forest camping or on a Native American reserve learning about the history of the different tribes.

I absolutely love architecture of the building. It makes you feel that you are visiting one the North American National Parks. From the nature trails outside to the totem poles and the many fireplaces inside, this is definitely one of the top resorts on my list to stay at. Guest who are staying at VWL will have an option to take the boat or the bus to Magic Kingdom.

After taking a tour inside of VWL, we went outside to see how the construction was coming along. While in the resort, hearing the construction is very minimal but when you are outside, you can see that it is coming along and the noise is noticeable but it will not affect your vacation. Disney is anticipating to have the construction completed by next year but we do not have an exact date of when that would be.

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 2 continue!

Next stop, Grand Floridian (GF)!

GF is such a beautiful resort. The theme at GF is an old Victorian elegance that has been modernized. Just stepping into the lobby makes me feel that I am in England visiting Queen Victoria in one of her many homes. Outside, I felt that I was in a Caribbean resort and not in Central Florida in WDW. Guest are able to go to Magic Kingdom via the monorail, or by boat.

Before we head to our next resort, we stop by the Grand Floridian Café to get some lunch, since Gasparilla Island Grill was close for the day. Even though we did not have a reservation, the Cast Members at the Grand Floridian Cafe were very accommodating. I had the Lobster Egg Benedict, which was delish!

Our last resort of the day is Polynesian (Poly)!

If you want to feel that you are in Hawaii but still want to go the all of the Walt Disney World Parks, well then the Poly is the resort for you! In each of the rooms, guest can see the bright colours and centerpieces that are inspired by the island of Hawaii. In the bungalows, you will have the beautiful view of the lake. Guest staying here, will be able to go to Magic Kingdom by the Monorail or by bus.

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 2 continue!

After a morning of visiting the Resorts by Magic Kingdom, we went to the Animal Kingdom Park to enjoy our afternoon. We took the advantage of the fast passes for Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and The Festival of the Lion King.

For dinner, we went to Yak and Yeti.

For our appetizer, we have the pot stickers.

Kelly had the chicken lo mien.

Lindsay had the Korean Beef.

I had the Kobe Beef Burger.

The food was delicious and the service was great. I would defiantly come back here in the future.

After a long day, we went back to SSR to rest up for another full day!

Stay tune for Day 3!

Ashley P.
#dvcrentals

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 3

Day 3 started with picking up the rental car and heading over to Old Key West (OKW)!


While visiting OKW, it makes me feel that I am in South Florida in the Florida Keys with boats coming and out from the docks and the palm trees swaying in the wind. I love how close Old Key West is to Disney Springs, just like Saratoga Springs is and that I can just take a boat straight over. For guest who are needing two actual beds but only have four guest travelling, well the studios at OKW is the only resort in the Deluxe Villas that offer the 2 queen beds.

After OKW, we went back to SSR to visit two more buildings of the resort.

Next stop Disney Spring!

Disney Springs is the new Downtown Disney with new shops opening up and expansion happening each day. There is a shop for everyone in your guest list and no one is left out. Also, there are many restaurants for guest to try and during the evening, there is live music throughout Disney Springs for guest to enjoy.

We had lunch at BB Wolf. I had the Portuguese Sausage. It was a bit spicy and I am not a fan of spicy food but it was just enough for me to handle.

We stopped by Amorette’s Patisserie for a quick dessert before heading out of Disney Springs.

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 3 Continue!

Next stop, Boardwalk Villas (BWV)!

Once I stop on the boardwalk alone, I felt that I was in Atlantic City visiting the carnival. The pictures hanging from the light fixtures reminding me of the Great Gatsby. This resort is close to Epcot and Hollywood studios. It is a great location for guest who wish to travel during the Food and Wine Festival in the Fall or during the Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring.

Last resort of the day was Beach Club Villas (BCV)!

When I saw BCV in person, I felt that I was in New England and that there was a very elegance but casual feel to it. The décor inside is beautiful and just like BWV, it is close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. No wonder why the BWV and BCV sell out quickly` during Food and Wine Festival!

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 3 continue!


After visiting the 3 resorts and Disney Springs, we headed to Epcot for Food and Wine Festival and to go on some rides and see some shows.

This is from Brazil. The Escondidinho de Carne “Little Hidden One” and the Crispy Pork Belly. The Escondidinho de Carne was a meat pie and it was not what I was used to but it was yummy!

This is from Hops & Barley. The Smoked Beef Brisket, and the Carrot Cake and Cheese Icing. The Carrot Cake was good but the icing was too sweet for my taste.

This is from Poland. The Potato Pierogi! This is one of Kelly’s favourites.

This is from China and it’s the Mango Bubble Tea with Milk. I thought I wouldn’t like it because I don’t usually have milk in my bubble tea but it turns out I loved it!

This is from Africa, the curry chicken.

This is our second last stop of the night from the Food and Wine Festival and it is from Mexico.

It is the Barbacoa Enchilada.

Our last stop for the night is from Hawai’i and it was the Kalua Pork Slider.

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 3 continue!

After a long day of rides and visiting resorts, we watched the Illuminations before heading back to SSR to relax for another long but exciting day tomorrow!

Kelly, Mickey, myself, and Lindsay.

Minnie!

Goofy!

Stay tune for day 4!

Ashley P.
#dvcrentals

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 4

Day 4 started with a Character Dining reservation at ‘Ohana at the Poly. Here guest are able to see their favourite characters, Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto and also enjoy their breakfast.

Our next stop is Animal Kingdom Villas (AKV)! Jambo House is the first building in Animal Kingdom and there are four room categories in this building, Value, Standard, Savannah, and Killimanjaro Club Concierge. While Kidani Village is newer of the two buildings and will only have two room categories: Standard and Savannah.

Guest would have to take the bus to any of the parks from AKV. There is also an internal bus that guest can use between Jambo and Kidani.

When I stepped into AKV, I felt that I was in Africa visiting the Safari and the Animals. I love how if I were in the Savannah view, I can see the animals roaming around. Also, I now see why guest ask for Jambo House as it has more variety of restaurants options. But if I was travelling with a large group, I would choose Kidani Village as the 1-bedroom or larger will have that extra bathroom for someone else to use. Also, I feel that Kidani Village is more quite.

After we visited AKV, we went back to SSR to relax before the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)! Stay tune for the rest of Day 4!

 

[Kelly Sullivan]

looks like an exciting fun filled adventure thus far! Looking forward to more

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 4 continue!

After a nice relaxing afternoon, it was time to go to the MNSSHP!! We decided to dress up as the characters from the movie UP! I was Carl, Kelly was Dug, and Lindsay was Russell.

For dinner, we went to Casey’s. I had the corn dog nuggets. Yum!

Hocus Pocus time!

The MNSSHP was great and fun. I loved seeing families dressing up and seeing all the different costumes that I wouldn’t even think would go together. The best part of the night would probably the treats!

After another fun day, we went back to SSR with our bag full of candies. I cannot believe how fast this week has gone but stay tune for Day 5!

Ashley P.
#dvcrentals

 

[Shrfleen]

Day 4 continue!


After a nice relaxing afternoon, it was time to go to the MNSSHP!! We decided to dress up as the characters from the movie UP! I was Carl, Kelly was Dug, and Lindsay was Russell.





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For dinner, we went to Casey’s. I had the corn dog nuggets. Yum!


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Hocus Pocus time!





The MNSSHP was great and fun. I loved seeing families dressing up and seeing all the different costumes that I wouldn’t even think would go together. The best part of the night would probably the treats!





After another fun day, we went back to SSR with our bag full of candies. I cannot believe how fast this week has gone but stay tune for Day 5!


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Ashley P.

#dvcrentals

Those corn dog nuggets were delicious! By the end of the trip I wanted to go back for more! Enjoying your trip report!

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 5

Today we are visiting the moderate and value resorts at Disney. First stop Caribbean Beach! When stepping into this resort, I felt that I was actually in a resort in the Caribbean’s. From the colours on the wall to the décor.

Next stop, Art of Animations. This resort is bright and colourful and if I was on a budget, I would probably stay here. I love the artwork on the walls and how detailed they are. All in all, Disney does an amazing job with each of the different themes of all the resorts, from the Value all the way to the Deluxe Resorts.

After visiting the Caribbean Beach and Art of Animations, we went to lunch at The Artist’s Palette. I had the cheeseburger flatbread.

After lunch, we went to Hollywood Studios!

For dinner, we went to the All American Café. I had the Angus Burger.

Tomorrow will be our last day at WDW before we fly back home. I had have a lot of fun while here but I also have learned a lot about the resorts. I cannot wait to bring back the knowledge (and goodies) back home with me.

Stay tune for Day 6!

Ashley P.
#dvcrentals

 

[DVCAshleyP]

Day 6!

Today is our last day in WDW . We spent the day at the parks and relaxing at the resort before our flight back home tomorrow.

I love it here in WDW and I am grateful that I work for a company like David’s Disney Vacation Club Rentals. This trip is an amazing learning experience and I can’t wait to go back home to discuss what I learnt with my co-workers, family, and friends!

Thank you everyone from tuning into this report. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. But until next time, have a magical day everyone!

Ashley P.
#dvcrentals