Mickey Chick's Top 5 Favorite Walt Disney World Resorts

     Choosing the right Walt Disney World Resort can be a difficult decision. Did you know that there are 25 Resorts of varying levels and amenities, with an array of accommodation options within those choices? It can be overwhelming to try to take all of that into consideration, so I thought I would break down my favorites - like potato chips, you can't have just one- and the reasons why.

5. Pop Century Resort 

If I'm looking for a quick, budget-conscious stay, I like Pop Century. Considered one of Disney's Value Resorts, Pop offers basic accommodations for up to four guests per room. The resort consists of 10 large outer-buildings with exterior entryways - so, more like a motel than a hotel - and depending on which building you are assigned, the trek to the main building for coffee in the morning can sure add those steps to your fitness tracker! 

Featuring similar accommodations, amenities, and whimsical oversized Disney character statues, but at a slightly higher price-point, Pop, in the Epcot resort area (even though the DME tags say AK ares), is a bit closer to the action than the All-Stars. While there is no table service dining here, the food court offers a wide selection of meal and snack options, as well as spontaneous cast-member flash mob dances.  Pop also offers 100% dedicated bus service. However, due to the sheer size of the resort, this can mean MTA rush-hour conditions with lack of seating, or needing to wait for a second, or third, vehicle to arrive in the mornings or at park closings. The buildings are spread out a bit more, but if you want to take this as an opportunity to get those steps in, the walking path takes you on a stroll through time with its signs offering bits of history and trivia along the way. This trail takes you partway around Hourglass Lake, where you can have a peek at sister resort, Art of Animation. Beginning September 29th, 2019, guests at these two resorts will also have the Disney Skyliner as an additional transportation option to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

4.  Port Orleans French Quarter 

This is another resort with exterior passageways. While its affiliated resort, Port Orleans Riverside, boasts an expansively spread out but beautifully landscaped environment, French Quarter is a compact alternative for those seeking moderate accommodations that do not require an internal bus system to get from their room to the main pool or dining facilities. The resort features a modest main pool with a water slide, a festive food court with delightful Mickey shaped beignets for breakfast, and a unique Jazz club. In room amenities include a coffee maker and a small fridge. Although transportation to the parks is limited to buses - that are sometimes shared with Port Orleans Riverside - if we want a bit more quiet, less walking, daily housekeeping, and access to Disney Springs, French Quarter fits the bill. 

3.  Disney's Yacht Club Resort  

It's no secret that I prefer Disney's deluxe resorts. Although these are well-known to boast more spacious rooms welcoming families of up to five guests, we have the luxury of having a smaller family so the generous size seems even more vast. Having a smaller traveling party also affords us the ability to dedicate more of our budget to our lodgings. Being DVC, one would think that Beach Club would be tops on the list where the popular Boardwalk area resorts are concerned, but we prefer this hidden gem to its counterpart. First, we love the proximity to Epcot's International Gateway. A short walk after an afternoon break at Stormalong Bay - the expansive Yacht and Beach Club pool complex - puts us at the park's back door, where a world of epicurean adventures await. 

If we'd like to take a stroll after dinner, Disney's Boardwalk offers a quaint nightlife with street performers, shopping kiosks, an array of sweets, beverages, and snack options, as well as the expansive ESPN Sports Club, the Dance Hall and a dueling piano bar for night-time adult fun. If we're not up for walking, a serene ride on a Friendship Boat can take us to any of the resorts on Crescent Lake as well as  Disney's Hollywood Studios or Epcot. 

So why not stay at the Boardwalk Inn? Simply put, we prefer the more compact, laid-back, and sophisticated atmosphere at the Yacht Club. The resort is a bit more refined, and houses fewer guests than the bustling Boardwalk. With it's larger

DVC options, Beach Club is a favorite for families looking to enjoy the energetic waterpark-esque feature-pool area, while we appreciate the more peaceful pace of the Yacht Club. So, for location, amenities, and accommodations, Yacht Club is tops on my list. However, all magic comes at a price and rack rates at this resort can be formidable. 

2.  Disney's Old Key West 

Perhaps I'm a bit biased because we're DVC and it's our home resort, but I sure do love this one. While I found the internal bus system at the moderate resorts inconvenient, I actually don't mind them at Old Key West. Perhaps it's that neighborhood feel, or the opportunity to see the spectacularly manicured golf course, or just the feeling of being "home." And even though they're considered Disney Deluxe Villas, accommodations are accessed through exterior entranceways. When we go to Old Key West, we tend to spend a bit more time appreciating the hometown feel. Whether it's taking a family walk, visiting the table service restaurant, or stopping by the shop to pick up more coffee filters for our villa,  there's a laid-back atmosphere here that allows us to breathe a bit more. We're a small family and I hate to cook, so we usually just stay in one of their extremely spacious studios which offer a kitchenette with a sink, coffeemaker, microwave, toaster, and a small fridge. We're pretty neat, so the lack of daily housekeeping doesn't bother us, plus it just makes it feel more "homey." Our stays here are generally more impromptu, with very little - if any -  pre-planning at all. Many times, we decide which park we'll go to when we see the bus coming. 

1. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Villas

My favorite resort is another Deluxe accommodation. Over the years, we've stayed in differing levels at "the Poly",  from Club Level to Villa. But no matter which, the atmosphere, amenities, transportation, and location cannot be beat. As one of the original three resorts on property, having been envisioned by Walt himself, the Polynesian boasts some of the largest rooms on property. In fact, the DVC studios even have TWO bathrooms, providing a shower and sink area for multiple family members to get ready to hit the parks at the same time. 

We never skip out on breakfast with Stitch at the popular, 'Ohana restaurant before boarding the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Or, we might choose a leisurely stroll to the Ticket and Transportation Center to get us to the Epcot monorail. A (shared) bus ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom can be accessed just steps from main building. This iconic structure, known as The Great Ceremonial House is exquisitely detailed, immediately transporting you to the South Pacific within seconds of stepping inside. At check-in, guests are greeted with leis and hearty "ALOOOOO-HA!" Following the meandering paths to or from your island destination (each of the buildings is named for one of the Polynesian isles), past the volcano pool, or along the shoreline with vistas of over-the-water bungalows with a glimmering castle peeking up from a distant horizon, offers a captivatingly serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the most popular family vacation destination in the world. Disney's Polynesian Resort is truly an oasis. 

When you're ready to experience one of the 25 Walt Disney World Resorts, be sure to contact Second Star Travel and make your vacation dreams into reality.

Mickey Chick's Adventures on the Dark Side: Part 2

This week, I continue with my perceptions of Universal Orlando Resort from the perspective of a devoted Disney fan (Part 1 here)...

The Parks:

Just past the pool cabana area at the Hard Rock Hotel, was the walking trail - my favorite feature of the Universal Resorts. A very quick 5 minute walk had us at the gates of Universal Studios Orlando. A brief pause at the security post and we were in the main hub. I liked this approach way better than doing it, right at the park gates.

But now that we’ve arrived at the parks, what does the Mickey Chick think?

*** I don’t hate it.***

• The Express Pass process does seem a bit antiquated to me. For instance, the park ticket/hotel room key is on one card, and the guest must obtain a separate card with an 80’s era instant black and white image. For each use of the Express Pass  queue, guests must show the attendant this card. I suppose it’s no different that the Fastpass+ touchpoints, but it does seem a bit behind-the-times.

• I think the theming of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley exemplify everything that an immersive, interactive land should be. It’s clear that these areas, just like the movies,  were built to J.K. Rowling’s specifications, adhering to even the most minute detail. While Disney has tried to replicate this with Pandora, the IP simply does not have the same appeal, or fanbase who are looking for specific references to their “world” and actually finding them. As a redhead, being called "Weasley" while being helped to wield my wand was a quintessential touch of interactive immersion. People aren’t entering Na’avi River Journey with tears, finally being able to experience what their imaginations have built while they read (and re-read) the series. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is that good - and Universal wins this one.  Hopefully, when Galaxy’s Edge comes on line we’ll hear the same reactions from the Star Wars fandom. 

Beyond The Wizarding World, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have some great, good, and not so good features...

• For instance, although the Simpsons ride is merely a revamped Back to the Future, I love Springfield (The Simpsons land) and find it campy and fun. 

• And who can resist ET? While much like a sci-fi Peter Pan’s Flight, the wait here is generally minimal. 

• Strolling through the themed streets and alleyways in Universal Studios is laid back and enjoyable as well.  

• The Mummy is a spectacular ride and we try to enjoy it multiple times throughout our visits.

• I also enjoy and appreciate that there are more roaming characters throughout the parks, and interaction is irreverent and fun, especially when it is inherent to the character. 

• The proximity of the two parks to each other, whether walking or via Hogwarts Express, makes it easy to take a refreshing midday splash through Rip-Saw Falls (a weakly themed Splash Mountain) or Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges (a better, wetter, Kali River Rapids). *This is where Express Pass beats Fastpass+. I can head over to either of these rides and hop into the Express Pass queue, whereas I would have to hope/plan/pray for a just-at-the-right-time Fastpass for one of them. The impromptu nature of theme park touring without the need for extensive pre-planning puts Universal ahead of the pack here.

• Plus, the proximity to the resorts themselves allows us to relax a bit more, without the pressure of trying to see as much as we can in a single day or visit. We can pop into a park for just a couple hours or do just a few rides, then leave and relax at the resort or get a bite to eat at City Walk, or do any combination of activities with relative ease. Advantage Universal.

• One of the biggest drawbacks at Universal is its reliance on 3D projection ride-throughs. After a full day of these types of attractions, my noggin is knocked a bit too much for my liking. I’ll take rides like Rip-Ride-Rockit (to U2’s Vertigo) and The Hulk any day of the week! 

• One might also say that there is less actual theming and more “decoration” in Islands of Adventure. As a teacher, though, I do love Seuss Landing in all its simplicity. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Volcano Bay - Universal’s all-day water park. This is impressive in that it invites visitors to tropical Florida to enjoy a water park after their day at the theme parks has ended. Our day at Volcano Bay impressed us with the advent of Tapu-Tapu and the virtual elimination of water-park lines. A stay at the Aventura, or Cabana Bay resorts would put guests within walking distance of this spectacularly themed venue. 

Of course, in any theme park, it’s the employees who make the guest’s experience what it is. Disney calls them Cast, Universal calls them Team Members. I have to say that time and again I was impressed with the safety, courtesy, efficiency, and show exhibited by Universal’s Team Members. It is well known that a large number of them are also Disney cast, but there were many times that I almost felt as if these folks were out-Disneying Disney! 

All in all, we’ve enjoyed our stays at Universal. While, each of the newer hotels at Universal's Endless Summer - Dockside and Surfside Inns & Suites - seems to have something different to offer guests, whether with lower price-points, larger rooms, or proximity to other venues, I’m not sure we would want to stay anywhere beyond the three original resorts. For our smaller family, the amenities, being within walking distance, and the availability of Express Pass works best for us. 

To find out more about Universal Orlando Resort options, be sure to contact Second Star Travel.

FREE Dining: Walt Disney World Fall 2019

       The most-awaited, highly anticipated, favorite offer of the year is here! Enjoy a FREE dining plan with a non-discounted 5-night/6-day vacation package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and ticket with a Park Hopper Option.  
Book through September 29, 2019 for arrivals most nights: 

• September 1 through September 18, 2019 
• November 17 through November 27, 2019 
• December 8  through  December 23, 2019 

Ask us about packages of shorter or longer lengths of stay. While a minimum 4-night length of stay and 4-day ticket with a Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option is required for this special package, other discount offers may apply. Explore Disney Resort hotels and the eligible Disney dining plan in the link below or contact Second Star Travel for more information.
 

Mickey Chick's Adventures on the Dark Side: Part 1

     As much as I love Mickey and all (most) things Disney, the English teacher in me became intrigued by the addition of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter within Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. When I first saw the pictures of Diagon Alley, I knew I had to go.

     There are plenty of resources on the internet describing the parks and rides, with extensive photo galleries, walk-throughs and step-by-step guides. What I present today are my impressions as a thereto-fore exclusively Disney Parks gal. How did my experiences at Universal Orlando Resort compare to decades spent visiting Walt Disney World Resort?


Let’s begin with the hotels:

     Until recently, Universal Orlando Resort offered three deluxe-level accommodations in close-proximity to their parks - Lowes’ Portofino Bay Resort, Loews’ Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews’ Royal Pacific Resort. 

• What I like the most about staying at one of these legacy hotels is that a stay includes Universal’s Unlimited Express Pass for both parks for the entire length of stay. So for a three night say, you get four full days (park-open to park-close) of Express Pass.

• In addition, these hotels are in such close proximity to the parks and City-Walk that the leisurely stroll there and back give a more relaxing, laid-back feel than the frenetic, rush-hour busing and transportation options that are a requirement if staying anywhere on Walt Disney World property. The only thing that comes close is if we are staying at one of the Boardwalk area hotels. For those who choose not to walk, boat transportation is also available and runs frequently.

     After so many cruises, we’ve discovered that we love to stay club-level, and our visits to Royal Pacific and Hard Rock Hotel did not disappoint in this respect. In comparison to our concierge-level stay at Disney’s Yacht Club, the nod goes to Universal. We simply felt more welcomed at the Loews’ hotels.

• Royal Pacific Resort had a more varied evening appetizer array, while happy hour at the Hard Rock was, well, rockin’!

• The advantage also goes to Hard Rock for the in-room pampering, with little gifts and surprises left for us throughout the day.

• Our view from our room at Hard Rock offered us a panorama of Universal Studios during the day, with an additional stunning view of Volcano Bay at night.

     While we enjoyed the main pool at the Royal Pacific, the pool at the Hard Rock had a fun atmosphere well into the evening. Of course, if you prefer a zero-entry sand-bottomed pool with a lazy river and pirate-themed water-slide, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club takes this, hands down. For this trip, however, we really just wanted to wind-down, cool off, and chill with an adult-beverage, so we were quite satisfied.


     It was at the Loews’ hotels that we also noticed a new phenomenon that has been cropping up everywhere, it seems: the poolside cabana. We didn’t partake, but I guess I can see the appeal, especially after my most recent to the Polynesian Resort with its lack of any shade, other than in the pre-reserved cabanas, in the pool area. Just past the pool cabana area at the Hard Rock Hotel, was the walking trail - my favorite feature of the Universal Resorts - which leads to the parks.

In my next post, I'll cover my impressions of the Universal Orlando Resorts Theme Parks.

If you've liked what you've heard already and would like more information about visiting Universal Orlando Resorts, be sure to contact Second Star Travel.