Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Game Room

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort offers all of the traditional hotel amenities like pools, restaurants, and gift shops. There’s also one more that most kids (and kids at heart) adore — the hotel arcade!

The South Quarter Arcade offers the latest and greatest family-friendly video games, including classic arcade games, games of physical skill, driving games, touchscreen games and much more! Take a look around here:

Many Walt Disney World Resort hotels offer game rooms and arcades. All operate using the same game card system and pricing. So if your purchase a game card, carry it with you during your stay. If you are dining or visiting other resort hotels, you may want to stop at the game room for a few games. Here’s a list of all the arcade locations at Walt Disney World Resort hotels:
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Reel Fun Arcade
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Note’able Games
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – Game Point Arcade
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village – Safari So Good
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Pixel Play Arcade
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Lafferty Place Arcade
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn – Side Show Games and The Yard
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Goombay Games
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – The Game Station Arcade
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Iguana Arcade
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Davey Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade and Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Arcadia Games
Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Electric Eel Gameroom and Flying Fish Gameroom
Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Fast Forward Arcade
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter – South Quarter Games
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – Medicine Show Arcade
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Win, Place or Show Arcade
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Buttons & Bells Arcade
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – Lafferty Place Arcade
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

Game Card use is not restricted to your Resort hotel and points are not restricted to one Guest.

Please note: The Game Card is not valid at arcades at Disney theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels or Good Neighbor Hotels. Offer is subject to change without notice. Limit one (1) card per room.

Now you can experience a top of the line luxury resort location inside the gates of Walt Disney World at the Four Seasons Orlando.  This is not considered a Walt Disney World Resort (no magic bands) but they do offer some on-site Disney Experiences.  

Disney Experiences

• Good morning breakfast with Goofy & Friends takes place twice a week on Thursdays & Saturdays at Ravello’s Restaurant.  During peak season they add Tuesdays to the schedule. This is a buffet offering a wonderful assortment of traditional breakfast offerings.  Also a children’s buffet and omelette station.  Also included is complimentary digital downloads with a professional photographer taken with Goofy & His Friends. For Reservations call 407-313-7777.  Breakfast is served between 7:30am to 11:00am.
• $42.00 for adults
• $22.00 for kids ages 3 to 12

Tax and gratuity are not included in the prices above.

• Disney planning center desk in the lobby.  Where you can meet with a Disney Cast member to purchase your theme park tickets, make Disney Dining Reservations.  The Disney Planning Center is open daily from 7:00am to 10:00pm.  They also offer Hotel Packages that include your Walt Disney World Theme park tickets.  Free Transportation to the Disney Theme parks is also included by Luxury motor coaches.

Guest Rooms & Suites

Fresh and inviting contemporary decor.  There are 443 spacious guest rooms, including 68 suites.  With views of the Theme Park, Lake & Golf Course. Rooms also come with a Flat Screen TV, Charging Station, In-room safe, Coffee Maker. Deluxe Mosaic bathrooms with a soaking tub and shower.

Dining at Four Seasons

• Capa – Contemporary Spanish Style Steak house is located on the rooftop of the 17th floor.  Reservations recommended. Where you can enjoy views of the nightly fireworks.
• Ravello – Modern Italian dining on the 1st floor.  Serving breakfast from 6:30am – 11:00am and Dinner from 5:30pm to 10:00pm nightly.
• Pb&G – Offering up the best of what Florida has to offer.  In a poolside setting, suspended over the lake. Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
• Plancha – Cuban/American inspired menu. With a picturesque lakeside setting. Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

Lounges

• The Lobby Bar – The place to connect, people watch and indulge.  Dinner and Cocktails from 3:00pm to 12:00am.  Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Live music on Monday’s and Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• Capa Bar – A sophisticated spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail on the rooftop of the 17th floor.  Tapas and award-winning wines are served with a view to die for.
• Lickety Split – Perfect for someone on the go. Serving quick bites, pastries & gelato throughout the day.

Explorer Island & Family Playground

• Featuring two water slides, zero-entry pool, splash park and lazy river. Kids can also check out the kids club called the Hideout.
• Oasis Pool (Adults Only) & Jacuzzi with an underwater entertainment system

Spa

• 13,000 Square foot spa – Featuring a full list of spa services and treatments. Open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Golf

• Tranquilo Golf Club –  Set on a picturesque and serene Tom Fazio designed course, with varying elevation and wetlands.  It is secluded and tranquil for a perfect way to escape and enjoy the abundant wildlife.  

So if you are looking for a great place to stay when visiting the Orlando area, look no further than the Four Seasons at Walt Disney World.  You will have a fun filled relaxing vacation with top of the line accommodations and services.

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn specializes in multi-generational travel as well as honeymoons and proposals at Walt Disney World.  She is also an avid cruiser, having set sail on all the major cruise lines. Dawn’s experience and expertise, along with a sprinkle of her pixie dust, will make your vacation one to remember! Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@destinationsinflorida.com

Located just steps away from Magic Kingdom’s front gate is this 16-story Contemporary-themed resort, Bay Lake Tower. All of the rooms boast views of the Magic Kingdom or relaxing Bay Lake. This conveniently located resort has a fantastic pool with water slide, Community Hall for the family, and the ease of being on the monorail. Bay Lake Tower is connected to the Contemporary via a sky bridge for access to the shops, restaurants, and game room.

The rooms at Bay Lake Tower are villas that are a part of Disney’s Vacation Club. However, guests who are not a member are lucky enough to be able to enjoy a stay at this resort. There are four different room categories: the studio, 1-bedroom villa, 2-bedroom villa, and the grand villa. The studios and 1-bedroom offer enough sleeping for a family of 4 plus an infant. The studio has a queen bed and sofa bed with a mini-kitchenette. The 1-bedroom offers a king bed in the bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room with a full kitchen and washer/dryer combo. The two bedroom sleeps a family of 8 by combining the studio with a 1-bedroom unit. The grand villa houses 12 in this expansive villa with a full kitchen and washer/dryer combo. Not to worry, if you’re staying in a studio there are laundry facilities located in the building that are complimentary.

Now the fun stuff, Bay Lake Tower has an amazing Activities Staff. Every night you can toast marshmallows and take in a Disney movie under the stars on the lawn. The Community Hall offers Resort Activities that include family crafts, video games, movie rentals, game boards, and pretty much anything to keep your family entertained when looking for some downtime from the parks. One of this hotel’s best features is the pool area that is exclusive to Bay Lake Tower guests. The pool offers two water slides, one for the adventurous and one for the not-so-adventurous. Also, there is a little spray park for the little ones. Guests also have full access to the marina for a variety of waterfront activities.

This resort is perfect for Magic Kingdom lovers who insist on the comforts of home while they’re on vacation. Rooms with a Magic Kingdom view will be excited to know you can watch the fireworks from your balcony and listen to the music from the Magic Kingdom on your TV in your villa. Guests with a Bay Lake view can view the different water activities during the day and watch the Electric Water Pageant float by at night. Contact me today to book your home-away-from-home vacation!

Detailed Disney Christmas Train Display

Many people set up Christmas trains to circle their Christmas tree or to liven up their Christmas decor this time of year and Walt Disney World is no different! Each year, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort displays a spectacular Christmas train in the resort lobby. Take a look!

The fantastic display features shops and restaurants that are found around Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts as well as some fun fictitious areas like Minnie’s Bake Shop. Many of the displayed pieces are from the popular Disney line by Department 56.  Department 56 items can be purchased from retailers like Macy’s, Amazon and more.

Skiers, snowboarders, cable cars and more add additional movement to the display. There’s even an Arendale section complete with Elsa’s Ice Palace and Wandering Oaken’s shop! You’ll see Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Oaken there too.

Don’t miss Santa inside the train station or of the frozen lake and waterfall!

The train village is lit all day long and the train makes its way around the tracks from time to time. The Christmas train display is usually set up just prior to Thanksgiving and remains on display until shortly after Christmas. Make sure to stop by and see it on your next visit to Walt Disney World!

One of my favorite Walt Disney World Resort hotels is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for so many reasons. You will truly feel like you have landed on a Hawaiian island when you stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resor. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with leis for every member of your family, which is just the beginning of the magical (and tropical) experience here.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort sits directly across from Magic Kingdom Park on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Therefore, the property offers stunning views of Cinderella Castle, the lagoon, and the rest of Walt Disney World Resort. There are plenty of exciting recreational options as well from boating to an incredible feature pool. The Lava Pool features a waterfall, thrilling water slide, kids play area, infinity hot tub, and more. This area is exclusively for resort guests and offers one of the best views of Wishes Nighttime Spectacular outside of Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort also features some delicious dining options. This resort is home to a character meal, dinner show, interactive bar, table service restaurant, and quick service food court. You can enjoy breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at ‘Ohana, take in a real luau at Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, try the Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe, enjoy a drink at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, and so much more! You can get a taste of Hawaii or stick with the classics you know and love.

If you are looking for an extra special experience, you can book one of twenty over-the-water two bedroom bungalows. These incredible bungalows feature a private plunge pool and a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom Park, Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, and the Electrical Water Pageant.

Written by Siera Duiser: Siera Duiser is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical vacations at no cost to you. Contact Siera to book your next vacation at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or 734-771-1290. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

The Orlando Eye and I-Drive 360 are adding to Central Florida’s holiday happenings with special events to celebrate the season. From Dec. 1-25, guests on the Orlando Eye can indulge in some holiday spirit at 400 feet by riding in one of four beautifully themed holiday capsules, ranging from The Night Before Christmas, Gingerbread House, Winter Wonderland and Candy Canes. Holiday capsule packages begin at $30, and include priority boarding and holiday music throughout the flight.

During select times throughout the month, younger guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a flight with Santa Claus himself! Santa flight packages begin at $35, and include priority boarding, photo opportunities, a holiday cookie and a holiday story reading.

Throughout the entire season, look to the skies to see the Orlando Eye lit in different colors to celebrate the holidays. In addition to special lighting for Christmas and the New Year, the Eye will feature blue and white lighting on Dec. 14 to celebrate the last day of Hanukkah.

The fun doesn’t end after guests take their flight on the Orlando Eye, as I-Drive 360 has completely decked the center’s courtyard with a 20-feet Christmas tree, purple wreaths, string lighting, as well as an outdoor ice-skating rink and snow machines. Ice-skating rates begin at $10 (with advanced purchase of Orlando Eye admission) or $12 at the door. The cost includes 30 minutes of skate time and skate rentals.

Tickets may be purchased at online or at the attraction’s admissions desk. Prices and event hours subject to change without notice.

Contact your Destinations in Florida Travel Agent for more information. 1- 877-918-8941

Find Fossils at T Rex Cafe Dig Site

One of our favorite free activities at Disney World is the dig site at T Rex Cafe at Disney Springs (Downtown Disney).  This fun area will keep you little ones busy for hours!

Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover at T Rex Cafe

When you think of visiting a Disney park, thrill rides might not necessarily be the first thing that comes to mind. True, the parks are very family friendly and offer a wide variety of attractions that are suitable for every age and range of fun-seekers. However, the Disney parks do offer some very entertaining thrills, if you’re up for them. Here some of my favorite thrill rides at Walt Disney World.

#5 Space Mountain – Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom offers great thrills because you just don’t know what to expect. This roller coaster in the dark hits a top speed of less than 30 mph, but most of the fun in Space Mountain is in not knowing what’s coming next. You’ll blast off into the vastness of outer space. Twists and turns abound as you hurtle past stars, asteroids, and planets.

#4 Test Track – You get to design and ride in your custom concept vehicle in this speedy ride in Epcot. Once you’ve chosen the design, you’ll buckle up and zip through exhilarating hills and switchbacks. And then you’ll head to the outdoor track and see how she can really open up!

#3 Rock N Roller Coaster – This coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios features the music of Aerosmith. You’ll board a “super-stretch” limousine for a ride that’s in a real hurry to get through the streets of LA to the concert. You’ll encounter three inversions—two loops and a corkscrew—plus an initial launch that will leave you breathless.

#2 Expedition Everest – Just lining up for this coaster in Disney’s Animal Kingdom you start to get a feel for what to expect. Documentation from explorers and reports of yeti sightings are posted all along the queue. Are you sure you’re ready for this? Board a refurbished steam train for your expedition to the base of Mount Everest. Don’t worry—this train will take a few shortcuts to get you there quickly. Unfortunately, this mountain is said to be guarded by the yeti. Super high hills and backward drops highlight this heart-stopping attraction, and you won’t soon forget your encounter with the fearsome yeti.

#1 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Well, “terror” is in the title of this attraction, and it doesn’t disappoint for thrill-seekers. You can hear the screams as you make your way up Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Enter an eerily deserted hotel lobby, and then the library where you’ll hear the story of the ill-fated Hollywood Tower Hotel. Yes, the original elevators have long been gone, but don’t worry, you can take the freight elevator. Dour looking bellhops will lead you along through the boiler room, all adding to the creepiness factor. Finally, you board the elevator as you hope to avoid the same fate as those unlucky five who disappeared so many years ago. And then…well, you just have to try it yourself.

Are you ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime? Laura can help! Laura creates lasting memories by planning customized vacations all over the world. Not only does she find you the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion! If you are ready to save on your next vacation, book with Laura at Laura@DestinationsInFlorida.com

What do you think of when you hear Christmas? I think of Christmas trees, Santa, lights, and, of course, Gingerbread men and houses. Disney manages to take each of these elements and bring the most delightful Christmas celebration to life.

If you are looking for a way to enhance your Christmas mood, make your way over to the Grand Floridian Resort at Disney World. The minute you step into the lobby you are transported to a magnificent Christmas wonderland. The aroma of Ginger immediately hits your nose before you even see the beautifully decorated resort. We entered from the monorail and followed our noses to the lobby. Looking around you see wreaths and lights on the balconies, and then you look down to the lobby floor and see the largest gingerbread house of your life. The house is so large they sell gingerbread treats from inside. Three adult Cast members fit comfortably inside the house.

Pam Mikhail
Agent with Destinations to Explore
pam@destinationsinflorida.com
(262)442-0706

Grand Floridian Shopping

Guests visiting Walt Disney World can enjoy various gift shops and retail shops in the resort hotels. One specific store is a standout boutique for designer brands and merchandise for women – Summer Lace at Disney’s Grand Floridian.

Summer Lace is located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s main building beside the Garden View Tea Room. The shop’s windows and decor reflect the elegant Victorian theme of the hotel, while keeping a balance with the modern and beautiful items on display for sale.

The shop carries high end clothing, accessories and more, often featuring companies that have a partnership with Disney in some way. For example, you will find a large selection of Disney Dooney & Bourke handbags, Vera Bradley purses and totes, Harvey’s bags and more. By way of accessories, both Pandora and Alex and Ani are sold at Summer Lace. And perfumes from Guerlain, Geir Ness and Givency (all sold in Epcot’s World Showcase) are available there as well.

Other famous maker brands including Lily Pulitzer can also be purchased here.

Summer Lace carries Disney branded apparel, shoes, accessories and bags too, including the new stylish Disney Boutique line as well as more classic souvenir-type pieces. All of these offerings combine to provide everything a fashionable lady needs! It’s a great place to buy a gift or something to enjoy wearing on your Walt Disney World vacation!