Resorts - Old Key West

Disney's Old Key West Resort opened in December 1991 as the "Disney Vacation Club Resort", but was appropriately renamed in 1996. Boasting the designation of being Disney's first timeshare resort, Old Key West set the standard for all other vacation club resorts to follow.Keeping with our approach of introducing resorts with the full understanding that there are a multitude of blogs or sites available with in-depth information about costs, layout, etc.; we will again forgo the in-depth review you may find on other sites and offer a brief overview of things of interest surrounding the resort that may help you make the decision as to whether or not you would like to stay there.

Atmosphere: Reminiscent of the Florida Keys, the resort is awash with pale pastels and lush greenery. Palm trees sway over waterways that lead past a red and white stripped lighthouse to Downtown Disney, and alongside the beautiful fairways of the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Starting your morning by walking onto the deck outside your room, and listening to a symphony of birds chirping, as well as the "ping" of golf balls being tapped toward luxuriant greens, while the breeze gently blows through the palm fronds automatically sets a relaxing tone. The attention to detail in this storyline might even impress Key West's most famous former resident, Mr. HemingwayResort Location: Old Key West Resort is conveniently located near the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney, though not far from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. As always, you can reach any park location using Disney's Transportation Buses. However, you may also take a nice trip in a ferryboat to Downtown Disney. There is also a walkway leading to Downtown Disney for those who would rather walk.

Restaurants: Old Key West Resort features 3 restaurants. Located near the Hospitality House, Olivia's Cafe is a casual restaurant. Olivia's offers both indoor and outdoor seating for the three main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) daily. From conch fritters to spiced pecan-crusted Mahi Mahi, and key lime tarts; Olivia's menu is complete with a variety of delicious courses. Goods Foods to Go is a counter service restaurant near the pool area which serves everything from Angus burgers to conch chowder. The Turtle Shack is another counter service restaurant open seasonally. Lastly, the Gurgling Suitcase offers a place to sip adult beverages if that is what you desire.

Pools: As with all Disney resorts, the story is central to the theme. What story about the Florida Keys would be complete without a sand-castle? Climb the stairs to a second story seat on a water slide that rushes you through a sand-castle structure before releasing you into the refreshing pools waters through the sand-castle's Hidden Mickey opening. This pool is one of my kid's favorites for this reason alone.Other Activities & Attractions: You will find that most Disney resorts offer a wealth of fun and engaging activities, and Old Key West is no different. Tennis, Golf, Basketball Courts, Jogging Trails, Shuffleboard and Watercraft Rentals rank among a number of other available activities to choose from.Have you stayed at Disney's Old Key West Resort? What were your opinions? Was there something you liked about the resort or wanted to add in order to help people better enjoy their stay here? If so, just add your comments below, we would love to hear from you!

Resorts - Disney's Boardwalk Resort

A part of the magic that resides at Walt Disney World lies in part to the fact that the parks are not amusement parks, but are theme parks. Now, you may be wondering why I concern myself with the minutia of semantics. Well, it is quite simple really. In short, an amusement park is a collection of thrill rides, various attractions and the occasional sprinkling of shows. The rides or attractions generally have no relation to each other. In a theme park, everything is related in some way in an effort to tell an overall story.

Not only are the Disney parks themed, so are the resorts. Each location designed in a way that tells its own individual story. And, as with the attractions and parks as a whole, the level of detail serves to make those stories deeply immerse.

Such is the case with Disney's Boardwalk Resort. This may be this author's favorite resort, and happens to be my family's home resort for the Disney Vacation Club. A cross between Atlantic City and Coney Island, this resort transports you to a time just prior to the mid-twentieth century.With a full understanding that there is a multitude of blogs or sites available with in-depth information about resort costs, layout, etc., DLuminations would like to forego the in-depth review you may find on those other sites and offer a brief overview of things of interest surrounding the resort that may help you make the decision as to whether or not you would like to stay there.

The Boardwalk: Can't you hear the Drifters singing those famous lyrics now? "Under the boardwalk..." Oh well, in case you don't, the resort itself offers plenty of nostalgia of its own. Arcades, fishing, watercraft and bike rentals all along the wooden planks of the boardwalk just to name a few. But, this perhaps isn't the neatest part of the boardwalk area. Instead, take a moment to stroll around the area during the evening hours, or simply look out over your balcony if you are located on the boardwalk side of the resort. You are likely to encounter magicians, musicians or comedians who will surely bring something magical to your trip.Resort Location: Nestled between EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, this resort allows for easy access to two parks. Sure, you can take a bus to either of the parks - as you could from any resort - but you can also take a ferry boat or even walk to the resorts in minimal time. The walkway from the Boardwalk Resort brings you to the front entrance of Hollywood Studios, just past the bus terminals. The entrance to EPCOT, however, is found between England and France in the World Showcase.

Not only does the placement of the resort allow for ways access to two parks, if you find yourself back at the resort prior to Illuminations in EPCOT, you can still see much of the fireworks from the Crescent Lake side of the resort. You can also catch a glimpse of the fireworks from Fantasmic!

Lastly, although this resort offers more than its fair share of wonderful dining experiences, if you are in the mood for something extra special, you may walk across the bridge or take a ferry to the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, where you can dive-in to a World Famous Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream.

Restaurants: The Boardwalk Resort may be home to some of the best meals in all of Walt Disney World. From Iron Chef Cat Cora's Kouzina, to the Flying Fish Cafe, or Big River Grill & Brewing Works, you are sure to have an amazing dining experience. For the more laid back guest, try the ESPN Club or the Boardwalk Bakery.Nightlife: As already noted, there are a number of neat experiences waiting for you to enjoy during the evening hours. However, for those who desire something more, try the Atlantic City Dance Hall or JellyRolls. The Atlantic City Dance Hall is located at one end of the boardwalk (closest to Hollywood Studios) and provides a great atmosphere for dancing the night away while overlooking Crescent Lake. JellyRolls is an all request, dueling piano bar that is too fun to pass up.Pools: Though there are two pools at this location, the Luna Park Pool ranked #3 in an earlier post listing the Top 10 Disney Resort Pools. The pool features a 200-foot waterslide called the Keister Coaster. The opportunity to shoot out of the clown's mouth at the end of this roller coaster inspired slide definitely makes the slide worth getting your "keister" wet for! The circus atmosphere is completed by elephants on the pool deck that shower you with their trunks.Have you stayed at Disney's Boardwalk Resort? What were your impressions or opinions? Was there something you liked about the resort or wanted to add to help people better enjoy their stay? If so, just add your comments below; we would love to hear from you!

Attractions - Top 10 Pools

For many, it just isn't a vacation unless you get to spend some time splashing around in a pool. This, coupled with the warm, central Florida sun, makes fun-time in the pool a must. At Disney, the combination of attention to detail and the understanding that everything speaks brings that hint of Disney magic which turns a normal pool into an aquatic adventure.

Although we can list many reasons for staying in specific Disney Resorts, what if our only concern was the pool? Well, that is the idea behind our Top 10 Pools list for the Disney Resorts. If swimming is your "thing", consider this list before booking your Disney vacation.

1. Stormalong Bay (Yacht & Beach Club Resort): This 3-acre pool takes first place by a landslide. Featuring a 230-foot waterslide that starts inside a Pirate Ship, floating lagoon (also known as a "lazy river"), and whirlpools, this pool features something absolutely unique - sand. Yes, sand fills the bottom of this salt-water pool, giving it a tropical feel. Sliding out of the ship gives the feeling of escaping from the Black Pearl. The pool is like an attraction unto itself. That's enough for us.

2. Nanea Volcano Pool (Polynesian Resort): Overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, this heated pool puts you in the middle of the Pacific Rim. Featuring a 40-foot high volcano with a waterfall, and a 142-foot tubular waterslide, this zero-depth-entry pool makes for great Magical Moments. 3. Luna Park Pool (Boardwalk Resort): This pool features a 200-foot waterslide called the Keister Coaster. The opportunity to shoot out of the clown's mouth at the end of this roller coaster inspired slide definitely makes this slide worth getting your "keister" wet for! The circus atmosphere is completed by elephants on the pool deck that shower you with their trunks.
4. Silver Springs Pool (Wilderness Lodge): Overlooking Bay Lake, this pool appears to be carved from rock over time. You also get the feeling of swimming in a forest. This, along with the waterslide and geyser that erupts hourly, fits perfectly with the resort theme.5. Uzima Springs Pool (Animal Kingdom Lodge): Swim in this 11,000-square-foot, zero-depth-entry, natural watering hole. The 128-foot slide couples with the zero-depth-entry to make this an enjoyable spot on a hot African afternoon.6. Spanish Fort Pool (Caribbean Beach Resort): This pool's Spanish fort theme looks like a lost scene from Pirates of the Caribbean, making the pool almost and extension of a park attraction. A waterslide, waterfalls, and water cannons make anyone feel a little more like Captain Jack.

7. Mayan Dig Site Pool (Coronado Springs Resort): This 272,000 gallon pool surrounds a Mayan pyramid. It also features a 123-foot water slide and the largest outdoor hot tub in Walt Disney World. You may leave this pool in the mood for dinner at San Angel Inn!8. Old Key West Pool (Old Key West Resort): The best feature found at this pool is the sand-castle themed waterslide with a large Hidden Mickey at the opening. The mere incorporation of the Hidden Mickey design gives this pool a top 10 spot.
9. High Rock Spring Pool (Saratoga Springs Resort): A cascading waterfall feeds into this zero-depth-entry, heated, freeform pool. A waterslide rounds off the great list of features offered here.

10. Grand Floridian Pool (Grand Floridian Resort): Overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, this zero-depth-entry pool features a waterfall and a waterslide. Private cabana's are available for rental and seem to fit the luxurious, 19th century, Victorian era feel of the resort itself.
What? Your favorite is not listed here? What is it then? Let us hear it. What is your favorite Disney Resort pool? What made it your favorite?