The holiday season has officially arrived in Walt Disney World and if you’re looking to enjoy a festive getaway this year, check out the amazing deal being offered by the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels now through December 22!

There is still time to make plans to experience the special events being conducted in the Walt Disney World® Resort in Central Florida in November and December, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park, and Holidays Around The World along with the Candlelight Processional at Epcot®. It is also the ideal time to check out the dramatically transformed Disney Springs^TM area, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® Area. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, the vibrant new waterfront Disney Springs^TM offers a high-quality diverse mix of shops, an impressive variety of new upscale and casual dining options, and exceptional live entertainment, with more than 150 establishments across its four distinct outdoor neighborhoods.

A great way to experience these events and Disney Springs^TM is by taking advantage of the special “Holiday Rates” that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels for stays now through December 22, 2016. Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World® Resort, these seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels are within an easy walk to the significantly expanded Disney Springs^TM. In addition to featuring an ideal location at an outstanding value, the seven Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, two water parks, and at night to the Disney Springs^TM area.

The special rates also provide the opportunity to take in such exciting new offerings at the Walt Disney World® Resort as Star Wars^TM Launch Bay and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®; Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot®; Kilimanjaro Safaris^® for a full day to night experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom^® Theme Park; and Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire stage show at Magic Kingdom® Park.

Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2016 Disney Springs^TM Passport” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from Disney Springs^TM merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at Splitsville Luxury Lanes^TM, House of Blues^® Restaurant, Ghirardelli^® Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, STK Orlando, and Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea.

The Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels’ “Holiday Rates” for stays November 9-December 22, 2016 are:

• B Resort & Spa – 30% off best rate
• Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – 3^rd Night Free, with rates from $89 per room, per night. Also, “Kids Eat Free” at the hotel (valid for one child 10 and under per paying adult).
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — rates from $119 per suite, per night
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – rates from $109 per room, per night
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $95 per room, per night
• Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World® Resort – rates from $99 per room, per night
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs^TM Resort Area – rates from $72 per room, per night.

For more information on the special hotel rates, or to make a reservation, visit DisneySpringsHotels.com. The special rates are available for stays now through December 22, 2016, based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups.

Visiting provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7 – December 22, 2016 at Magic Kingdom® Park
• Holidays at Disney Springs^TM – November 11, 2016 – January 8, 2017 at Disney Springs^TM
• Holidays Around the World – November 25 – December 30, 2016 at Epcot®
• Candlelight Processional – November 25 – December 30, 2016 at Epcot®

Note that Theme Park admission is required, and some events require a separately priced ticket.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels include:

• The ability to purchase Disney Theme Park admissions at each hotel
• Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® Resort golf courses
• Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
• The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The reimagined Disney Springs^TM area overflows with the sights, sounds and flavors that come together in a beautiful outdoor environment with a charming waterfront setting. Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, this vibrant destination features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods:  The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side.

Among the many new offerings that are open at Disney Springs^TM are such outstanding retail tenants as kate spade new york, Vera Bradley, Tommy Bahama, PANDORA, Under Armour Brand House, ALEX AND ANI, Sephora, UGG, TROPHY ROOM, and MAC Cosmetics.

In addition, Disney Springs^TM features such new specialty dining locations as Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, renowned Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Amorette’s Patisserie, STK Orlando, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., D-Luxe Burger, Morimoto Asia Street Food, Sprinkles (cupcake bakery), The Daily Poutine, YeSake, and Aristocrepes.

Among the other appealing offerings which opened during the past year are the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, The Ganachery chocolate shop, Vivoli Il Gelato (serving Italian gelato like its sister shop in Florence, Italy), Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (which specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods), and Exposition Park (the home to Disney-owned food trucks, with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks).

Plus, there are two new parking garages with a total of 6,000 spaces, and the new Village Causeway, which provides guests another path of travel through the area. In addition a pedestrian bridge from the Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels to the Disney Springs^TM area is now available, making it even easier for guests.

Among the many other offerings open at Disney Springs^TM are:  World of Disney store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO® Store, Build-A-Dino® by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy, Orlando Harley-Davidson (apparel and accessories), Steve Baker Caricatures, Pearl Factory, Starbucks® at Disney Springs Marketplace, and Shop for Ireland.

Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels (DisneySpringsHotels.com) is a consortium of seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels that includes:

• B Resort & Spa — the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged^® AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
• Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, and offers two restaurants, lounge, and wireless internet
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — the luxurious and recently renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs^TM Resort Area
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace (formerly known as the Buena Vista Palace) – situated on 27 lush acres just steps from the Disney Springs^TM Area, the 27-story hotel just completed an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, and features a Character Breakfast every Sunday
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – the closest hotel to Disney Springs^TM, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana^® Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
• Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World® Resort — offers the ideal setting to stay, meet and play, featuring modern Florida décor and no resort fees
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs^TM Resort Area — featuring Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 comfortable guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney Springs^TM area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Visit DisneySpringsHotels.com .

Heading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

• Check out my book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!
• View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!
• Guarantee the best vacation price by clicking here for more information!

Considering a holiday getaway?
Which Disney Springs hotel do you like best? Please leave a comment!

Can you believe summer is almost over and fall officially begins this week? If you’re like me and hoping to get in a quick last minute getaway to Walt Disney World before the cold weather sets in at home, check out this amazing deal being offered now through September 30!

There is still time to make plans to experience the special events being conducted at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Central Florida this fall, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom® Park and the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot®. A great way to experience these events is by taking advantage of the special “Forever Fun Rates” that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels for stays from now through September 30, 2016. In addition to the outstanding special events, the rates provide the opportunity to take in such exciting new offerings at the Walt Disney World® Resort as Star Wars^TM Launch Bay and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®; Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot®; Kilimanjaro Safaris^® for a full day to night experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom^® Theme Park; and Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire stage show at Magic Kingdom® Park.

Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World® Resort, these seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels are within an easy walk to the dramatically transformed and significantly expanded Disney Springs^TM, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® area. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, the vibrant new waterfront Disney Springs^TM offers a high-quality diverse mix of shops, an impressive variety of new upscale and casual dining options, and exceptional live entertainment options, with more than 150 establishments across its four distinct outdoor neighborhoods.

In addition to featuring an ideal location at an outstanding value, the seven Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, two water parks, and to the Disney Springs^TM area.

Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2016 Disney Springs^TM Passport” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from Disney Springs^TM merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts at Splitsville Luxury Lanes^TM, House of Blues^® Restaurant, and Ghirardelli^® Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.

The Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels’ “Forever Fun Rates” for stays now through September 30, 2016 are:

• B Resort & Spa – rates from $89 per room, per night
• Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – rates from $67 per room, per night
• Buena Vista Palace – rates from $89 per room, per night
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — rates from $89 per suite, per night
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $89 per room, per night
• Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World® Resort – rates from $99 per room, per night
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – rates from $62 per room, per night.  

For more information on the special hotel rates, or to make a reservation, please click here. The special rates are available for stays now through September 30, 2016, based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups.

Visiting provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – select nights September 2 – October 31, 2016 at Magic Kingdom® Park
• Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – September 14 – November 14, 2016 at Epcot®.

Note that Theme Park admission is required, and some events require a separately priced ticket.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels include:

• The ability to purchase Disney theme park admissions at each hotel
• Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® Resort golf courses
• Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
• The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The reimagined Disney Springs^TM overflows with the sights, sounds and flavors that come together in a beautiful outdoor environment with a charming waterfront setting. Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, this vibrant destination features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods:  The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side.

Nearing completion of its transformation, Disney Springs^TM already has many new offerings that are open. Among these are 25 exciting new retail tenants that opened their doors in Town Center in May, which includes:  kate spade new york, Vera Bradley, Tommy Bahama, PANDORA, Under Armour Brand House, ALEX AND ANI, Sephora, UGG, TROPHY ROOM, and MAC Cosmetics.

In addition, 11 new specialty dining locations also recently opened at Disney Springs^TM:  Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, renowned Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Amorette’s Patisserie, STK Orlando, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., D-Luxe Burger, Morimoto Asia Street Food, Sprinkles (cupcake bakery), The Daily Poutine, YeSake, and Aristocrepes.  This follows such other recent openings as the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, The Ganachery chocolate shop, Vivoli Il Gelato (serving Italian gelato like its sister shop in Florence, Italy), Dockside Margaritas, and Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (which specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods).

Also recently opened is Exposition Park, the home to Disney-owned food trucks, with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. Plus, there are two new parking garages with a total of 6,000 spaces, and the new Village Causeway, which provides guests another path of travel through the area. Plus, a pedestrian bridge from the Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels to the Disney Springs^TM area opened, making it even easier for guests.

Among the many other offerings open at Disney Springs^TM are:  World of Disney store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO® Store, Build-A-Dino® by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy, Orlando Harley-Davidson (apparel and accessories), Steve Baker Caricatures, Pearl Factory, Starbucks® at Disney Springs Marketplace, and Shop for Ireland.

Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels is a consortium of seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels that includes:

• B Resort & Spa — the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged^® AVEDA Spa, and features the new American Kitchen Bar & Grill
• Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, and offers two restaurants, lounge, and wireless internet
• Buena Vista Palace — situated on 27 lush acres, the 27-story contemporary hotel is just steps from the Disney Springs^TM area, and features a Character Breakfast every Sunday, sports grill and grab-and-go market
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — the luxurious and newly renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs^TM Resort Area
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – the closest hotel to Disney Springs^TM, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana^® Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
• Holiday Inn located in the Walt Disney World® Resort — offers the ideal setting to stay, meet and play, featuring modern Florida décor and no resort fees
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista — featuring Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 comfortable guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney Springs^TM Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney Springs^TM area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

Heading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

• Check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!
• View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!
• Guarantee the best vacation price by clicking here for more information!

Considering a last minute getaway?
Which Disney Springs hotel do you like best? Please leave a comment!