Seven Disney Springs Hotels Offering Special Rates Through September 30

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!


Disney Springs 1There 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 SpringsTM 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 WarsTM 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.

Disney Springs 2Featuring 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 SpringsTM, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® area. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, the vibrant new waterfront Disney SpringsTM 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 SpringsTM 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 SpringsTM area.

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

The Disney SpringsTM 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 SpringsTM 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.

D- Luxe Burger 1The reimagined Disney SpringsTM 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 SpringsTM 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.

Jock Lindsay's 6In addition, 11 new specialty dining locations also recently opened at Disney SpringsTM:  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 SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels to the Disney SpringsTM area opened, making it even easier for guests.

Among the many other offerings open at Disney SpringsTM 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 SpringsTM 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 SpringsTM 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 SpringsTM Resort Area
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – the closest hotel to Disney SpringsTM, 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 SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney SpringsTM area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues.


501 WaysHeading 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:

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

New Bus Service To Disney Springs

disney-bus

If you’re like me there have probably been several occasions after an exciting day in one of Walt Disney World’s theme parks, that you’ve wanted to hop on a bus and head directly to Disney Springs for a relaxing late dinner and drinks. But when you arrive at the bus stops, you soon discover that you’ll have to use a nearby resort as a hub and take two modes of transportation to actually get there. More than once my family has been too tired to deal with all of that, so we’ve ended up skipping Disney Springs and just heading straight back to our resort for the night. Well, Disney must have discovered this problem, because now they are offering bus service to Disney Springs from the parks. Guests are now able to board a bus that will transport them directly to the convenient Town Center drop-off location in the center of Disney Springs from Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom each day beginning at 4pm.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the newly reimagined Disney Springs, I highly recommend spending at least one evening there during your vacation. With so many new things to see and do, you won’t be disappointed!

Disney Springs a“Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting blend of shopping, dining and entertainment with a Disney touch. By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene at Disney Springs, whether they are shopping world-class brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Village Lake or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond. Now and every day, guests can enjoy the benefits of a dramatically transformed exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment featuring more than 150 establishments across its four neighborhoods – The Marketplace, Westside, The Landing, and Town Center.” – Disney

For more information and the latest news about Disney Springs, please click here!

501 WaysHeading 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:

Will you be using the new bus service?
Are you loving all of the new additions to Disney Springs? Please leave a comment!

Disney Springs Summer Celebration Continues Through Labor Day

Disney Springs 1

There are so many changes happening all around Walt Disney World right now, from Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but the one place that has received the biggest transformation recently has to be the newly reimagined Disney Springs. Dozens of new shops and restaurants have opened, and now it’s time to celebrate in style! Here’s everything you need to know about the Disney Springs Summer Celebration, courtesy of Disney:


This summer Disney Springs is the place to be by day and by night! With a Grand Opening Summer Celebration taking place all season long, Disney Springs features an array of hard-to-pass-up deals and a variety of delectable new dining options at the newest neighborhood–Town Center, plus free nightly entertainment featuring more than 20 different acts performing across all four neighborhoods – The Marketplace, Westside, The Landing, and Town Center.

Zara 1The best of summer and Central Florida come together to celebrate Disney Springs-style – in Town Center, with an outdoor party under the stars where guests stroll into all sorts of discoveries designed to delight the senses — renowned chefs serving up scrumptious samples from their restaurants, performances by nationally recognized entertainers, and proprietors showcasing their products and store designs that make shopping at Disney Springs simply special.

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting blend of shopping, dining and entertainment with a Disney touch. By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene at Disney Springs, whether they are shopping world-class brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Village Lake or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

Now and every day, guests can enjoy the benefits of a dramatically transformed exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment featuring more than 150 establishments across its four neighborhoods.

Discover Disney Springs like never before! Here are just a few of the highlights:

Town Center – Spectacular Shopping and Award-winning chefs

Town Center 4Some of the most unique and recognizable names in retail such as UNIQLO, Vince Camuto, Anthropologie, Zara, Lilly Pulitzer, Columbia Sportswear, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Oakley all call Town Center home.

Among new dining choices awaiting Town Center guests are restaurants developed by James Beard award-winning chefs. Frontera Cocina serves up gourmet Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails from the menu envisioned by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner. Chef Art Smith, two-time winner of the James Beard Award brings a unique taste of gourmet southern cuisine and Florida agriculture to the heart of Disney Springs with Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine.

The Landing – Inspired dining, breathtaking waterfront views, and unique boutiques

Jock Lindsay's 6High-quality retailers including Erwin Pearl for fashion jewelry and Havaianas for sandals are found along lantern-lined byways.

Dine off a shipshape menu at The BOATHOUSE or enjoy, at Morimoto Asia, Pan-Asian cuisine from celebrity chef Matsaharu Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame. STK Orlando offers guests a fine dining experience set in chic, contemporary surroundings. Finish off the evening with a relaxing stroll to grab a signature gelato at Vivoli Gelateria or a crafted cocktail at Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar.

The Marketplace — Family-friendly delights for guests of all ages

Disney Springs aBeautiful waterside shopping that combines new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded new Bibbity Bobbity Boutique inside the newly re-designed World of Disney store.

Nearby, the new Lime garage makes getting to the Marketplace a breeze

The West Side – Exuberant entertainment retail and dining options

La Nouba 1From new acts at Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants to colorful food trucks to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville, West Side offers something for everyone. There is even the opportunity to lift off in a tethered balloon. Characters in Flight rises from the banks of Village Lake for eye-popping, 360-degree views (on a clear day you can see Florida’s east coast).

Two new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces make parking convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and it’s free. Valet parking also is available. Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motor coach and watercraft.


501 WaysHeading 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:

Will you be enjoying the Disney Springs Summer Celebration?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Sprinkles In Disney Springs

Sprinkles 1

Calling all dessert fans! If you have a visit to Walt Disney World coming up soon, once you arrive, be sure to head over to Disney Springs to check out the recently opened Sprinkles location. This tiny spot is serving up huge treats that sweet freaks like myself just can’t pass up. The specialty is, of course, their world famous red velvet cupcakes, but also on the menu you’ll find even more cupcake varieties, ice cream, cookies, and beverages. Here’s a peek:

Cupcakes $4.95

  • Sprinkles 2Red Velvet Cupcake
  • Vegan Red Velvet Cupcake
  • Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cupcake
  • Sugar- Free Red Velvet Cupcake
  • Black and White Cupcake
  • Dark Chocolate Cupcake
  • Vanilla Cupcake
  • Vanilla Milk Chocolate Cupcake
  • Chocolate Marshmallow Cupcake
  • Strawberry Cupcake
  • Sprinkle Cupcake
  • Salty Caramel Cupcake
  • Banana Cupcake
  • Carrot Cupcake
  • Coconut Cupcake
  • Seasonal Cupcake

Cookies $3.50

  • Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Salted Oatmeal Cornflake Cookie
  • Peanut Butter Pretzel Chip Cookie
  • Brownie Cookie

Ice Cream Flavors

  • Vanilla
  • Red Velvet
  • Capn Crunch
  • Rocky Road
  • Cookie Dough
  • Peanut Butter Cup
  • Butter Pecan
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Strawberry
  • Mint Chip
  • Coffee
  • Mango Sorbet
  • Seasonal

Ice Cream Options

  • Ice Cream Cup – Single Scoop $4.95
  • Ice Cream Waffle Cone – Single Scoop $5.95
  • Ice Cream Cup – Double Scoop $6.95
  • Ice Cream Waffle Cone – Double Scoop $7.95
  • Ice Cream Cup – Kid’s Scoop $3.50
  • Ice Cream Waffle Cone – Kid’s Scoop $4.50
  • Assorted Toppings $1.00
  • Assorted Sauces $1.00

Specialty Ice Cream

  • Sprinkles Sandwich $7.95
  • Cookie Sandwich $8.95
  • Sprinkles Sundae $7.95
  • Mini Sprinkles Sundae $5.50
  • Double Scoop Sundae $7.95
  • Triple Scoop Sundae $9.95
  • Cookie Sundae $8.95
  • Brownie Sundae $8.95
  • Sprinkles Shot $5.50

Shakes

  • Sprinkles Shake $9.95
  • Shake $8.95
  • Malt $8.95
  • Float $8.95

Beverages $3

  • Assorted Beverages
  • Organic Milk
  • Bottled Water
  • Tea
  • Apple Juice

Espresso

  • Red Velvet Mocha $4.50
  • Vanilla Latte $4.50
  • Latte $4.00
  • Americano $3.50

Sprinkles is open most days from 10am – midnight and even offers a Cupcake ATM 24 hours a day for all of those late night cravings!

501 WaysHeading 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:

Have you tried Sprinkles yet? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Morimoto Asia Street Food In Disney Springs

Morimoto Asia

Even more food choices are coming our way this year as several new dining options open in Disney Springs. As more is unveiled look for many exciting locations including Morimoto Asia Street Food. Here’s everything you need to know about this new spot courtesy of Disney:


Disney Springs 1Morimoto Asia Street Food offers a new walk-up window on the patio featuring sushi, donburi rice bowls and bao tacos, plus snacks: such as takoyaki (octopus, nori, okomiyaki sauce), Morimoto sticky ribs, curry rice croquettes, pork egg rolls and taiyaki (snapper-shaped pancake filled with sweet adzuki red bean paste). Also on the menu: popping boba tea and an assortment of Asian-influenced beers and beverages.


Morimoto Asia Street Food is located in the heart of Disney Springs. I plan to check this place out during my next trip, and I’ll be sure to let you know what I thought!

501 WaysHeading 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:

Are you excited to try Morimoto Asia Street Food?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!