• For information on the construction of the Animal Kingdom Villas go here
• For information on the construction of the Contemporary Resort Disney Vacation Club Tower go here

20 July 2008: Outer Rim bar at the Contemporary now closed and removed

The Outer Rim has now been removed in preparation for the space to become part of the new quick serve location at the Contemporary. A replacement bar is now located in The Wave restaurant.

14 July 2008: Latest Caribbean Beach main pool refurbishment progress photos

A lot of the areas are now looking fairly close to completion. The official reopening date remains September 16 2008, but it is still hoped that the work will be completed ahead of completion allowing an early reopening.

9 July 2008: The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort to be listed as a Moderate Resort

In the coming weeks, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are set to be repositioned in the Moderate Resort category. When making reservations online or via phone, the Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort will be listed along with the other moderate resorts.

The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort will continue to operate as normal.

4 July 2008: Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary Resort now completely removed

The Concourse Steakhouse has now been total removed, and preparations are underway to begin the installation of the new quick service restraurant.

3 July 2008: Boardwalk room refurbishment underway

As expected, the refurbishment of rooms at the Boardwalk is now underway. A large block of rooms around the Flying Fish Cafe are currently walled off.

30 June 2008: Latest Caribbean Beach main pool refurbishment progress photos

Thanks to jlanj4 for the photos.

17 June 2008: Massive guest room refurbishment project of several Disney resorts begins this summer

Disney are about to begin a large refurbishment project covering several of the most popular resorts at WDW. Set to begin this summer are the Caribbean Beach Resort and Boardwalk Resort, followed later in the year with Beach Club, Yacht Club, Coronado Springs, and Wilderness Lodge Villas. The projects are total refurbishment of the guests rooms, including new carpet, wallpaper, paint and furniture.

None of the refurbishments will affect existing bookings, and as they are working on the interior of guest rooms, there will be very minimal noticeable work underway.

7 June 2008: Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus for The Wave restaurant, opening today at the Contemporary Resort

Full menus for The Wave now available at http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?p=2938279

For a full list of other menus see
http://www.wdwmagic.com/menus.htm

4 June 2008: Caribbean Beach Resort pool refurbishment expected to be complete earlier than scheduled

The complete refurbishment of the main pool at the Caribbean Beach Resort is apparently further ahead than expected, and may be in a position to open earlier than the scheduled September 16 2008 date. Speculation currently puts the reopening around late July to early August 2008. As always, this is subject to change, and plans should still be made around the official reopening date of September 16 2008.

23 May 2008: Details on the new Wave restaurant at the Contemporary Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With drinks like the Antioxidant Cocktail, entrées such as whole-wheat linguine with clams, rock shrimp and fresh thyme in chunky tomato broth, and crispy almond-raisin "baklava" for dessert, The Wave brings a surge of new dining ideas to Walt Disney World Resort.

Located in Disney's Contemporary Resort, the new restaurant is "bold cooking inspired by fresh markets," said Dieter Hannig, vice president of new concepts for Walt Disney World Food & Beverage. "America is more and more a melting pot, and The Wave features American cooking with world flavors."

Guests enter the stylish new space on the first floor of the hotel through a brushed steel arch "tunnel" into The Wave's lounge, one of the largest at Walt Disney World Resort. The sleek, serene décor is earthy browns and golds, with frosted glass lamps for soft ambient light and a copper-colored metal ceiling. Banquettes and booths line the perimeter of the dining room, and wooden tables are set with white linen napkins. A large central table is draped in sheer fabric in purples and golds.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the 220-seat restaurant takes casual dining into the health-conscious 21st century. The classic American breakfast menu includes plenty of egg creations, but guests also can make their own Wave muesli or sip a Beta Berry Smoothie with raspberry puree and non-fat yogurt blended with Odwalla Berries GoMega (a great source of Omega-3). The Pure Sunshine breakfast cocktail features organic vodka and orange juice topped with Vitamin Energy Drink. Coffee is organic Colombian (fair trade and "Smithsonian-certified bird-friendly") and teas are whole leaf Pyramid bags in flavors from chamomile blossoms to monsoon chai.

At lunch, light eaters might enjoy lettuce wraps with sautéed lamb and bay scallops, or a lump crab cake with crispy papaya slaw. Entrées include oversized salads and a vegetarian sandwich with grilled tofu, roasted veggies and herb goat cheese on multi-grain bread, but guests also can chow down on an Angus chuck burger with cheese and Applewood smoked bacon, or a classic grilled Reuben.

The dinner menu offers a delicious spin on comfort classics such as pan-seared Alaskan black cod with corn and edamame (soybean) stew with cilantro chutney; braised lamb shank with bulgur lentil stew and red wine sauce, and a nouvelle chicken pot pie with thyme pastry. Sides at both lunch and dinner include braised greens and roasted sweet potatoes and carrots.

"Lots of stocks, lots of broths and seasonal ingredients keep the menu well balanced," said Chef Frank Brough. "We are sourcing ingredients locally and regionally to create fresh flavors, and our fresh catch of the day features sustainable seafood."

Desserts continue the theme with a dozen choices for mixing and matching three mini-favorites for one price. From chocolate mousse with chocolate ganache, to yogurt sorbet with blueberry compote and coconut panna cotta with passion fruit, guests can indulge their sweet tooth without a big hit in calories. Or go overboard with a dessert cocktail like the Mudslide martini: Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla vodka, Kahlúa and vanilla ice cream.

Wine 'With a Twist,' Innovative Spirits Menu

The wine program, with only screw cap wines, is cutting-edge and supports sustainable agriculture, says Master Sommelier John Blazon, manager of wine sales and standards for Walt Disney World Resort.

"The surge in the use of the screw cap is nothing short of a revolution in wine packaging," says Blazon. Industry experts say that the screw cap is the most significant technical evolution in the wine industry since the glass bottle was introduced 250 years ago.

And the options for screw cap wine are growing, said Blazon. The Wave serves no California wines (California Grill on the resort's 15th floor has a corner on the California market), but instead focuses on bright-style New World wines from the Southern Hemisphere, including Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Sparkling wines from Tasmania, Rieslings from South Australia, floral New Wave whites from Argentina and Pinot Noirs from New Zealand are among the interesting choices, with 50 available by the glass. A flight of 3-ounce samplings and dessert wines, ports and sherries round out the wine list.

For beer fans, certified organic ales from Orlando Brewing are on the menu. Produced in Orlando, these handcrafted ales use only American-grown certified-organic barley malt. Three Orlando Brewery ales are available on tap, including Blonde Ale, Pale Ale and Blackwater Dry Porter. Also on the menu is gluten-free Redbridge lager.

Trendy cocktails are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with a Pomegranate Splash (vodka, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice and soda water) or the Ultimate Bloody Mary (organic vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a dash of red chili sauce).

"Natural and flavorful are the buzzwords for cocktails," said Stuart McGuire, director of beverage sales and standards for Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. The Pure-tini mixes organic vodka with organic mango and passion fruit liqueur. The Antioxidant Cocktail features wild berry vodka, black raspberry liqueur, açai juice with agave, lychee, aloe juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

The Wave is part of a revitalization at Disney's Contemporary Resort that includes a makeover of the hotel's fourth floor with a new game arcade and new quick-service eatery for salads and sandwiches (replacing Concourse Steakhouse). The popular Chef Mickey's restaurant and the monorail station anchor that family-friendly area.

The first pre-opening menu is now available in our menu section.

The new restaurant will be on the Disney Dining Plan and will honor the DVC, Passholder, Disney Dining Experience, and Cast Member discounts as currently accepted at Concourse Steakhouse.

9 May 2008:  Kona Coffee bar to offer Sushi

The Kona Coffee bar at the Polynesian Resort is set offer a Sushi Menu until the end of the month as part of a trial.

27 April 2008: Contemporary Resort gets new palm trees at the main entrance

As part of all the recent improvements to the Contemporary Resort, a new area has just been newly planted with palm trees, giving the front of the Contemporary a very 'Florida" feel.

20 April 2008: Latest Caribbean Beach main pool refurbishment progress photos

14 April 2008: The Wave now accepting reservations and initial menu listing

Reservations are now being taken for June 30th and beyond at the new upscale restaurant in Disney's Contemporary Resort. The new location is expected to open shortly after the Concourse Steakhouse closes on May 31 2008.

"The Wave… of American Flavors! From the classic American breakfast, to lunch and dinner where flavors and aromas blend… The Wave offers casual dining featuring American cooking blended with world flavors. The stylish, contemporary Wave lounge sets the stage offering specific appetizer-style menu items, and featuring new world wines with a twist and trendy cocktails with natural flavors. "
The first pre-opening menu is now available in our menu section.

The new restaurant will be on the Disney Dining Plan and will honor the DVC, Passholder, Disney Dining Experience, and Cast Member discounts as currently accepted at Concourse Steakhouse.

For other menus, go to http://www.wdwmagic.com/menus.htm

4 April 2008: Disney release a bit more information on the new upscale Contemporary restaurant

This summer, The Wave debuts at Disney's Contemporary Resort, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located on the first floor with a "superlounge," the upscale restaurant will offer "bold American cooking with flavors from all over the world." The seasonal menu will feature local and regional products when possible, organic beers and trendy cocktails such as the "antioxidant cosmo" with açai juice. The innovative wine list has a quirky claim to fame -- all screw caps, no corks. Cutting-edge wines from around the globe will be showcased.

29 March 2008: Big changes coming to Fort Wilderness Resort

Some considerable changes and upgrades are coming to the Fort Wilderness Resort, details below.

NEW PREMIUM CAMPSITES – Power, Water, Sewer, and Cable TV included

The sites will feature expanded parking area offers and better manoeuvrability for the larger RVs of today that exceed 45 feet in length and/or have multiple slide outs. They will be wider (up to 24 ft), and deeper (up to 60 ft). They will also feature new upgraded picnic tables and grills and new landscaping to allow more privacy and better appearance. All sites will include cable and offer high-speed Internet access for an addition daily fee.

The exact size and shape of each campsite will depend on Mother Nature. While all the campsites in this new category will be enhanced, the final dimensions will be based on the limitations of the natural surroundings.

The Coquina area (dirt pad) will be completely removed. Tents will still be allowed on these sites, however, it will be difficult to secure a tent to the ground as the entire campsite pad will be paved, making it impossible to drive tent stakes into the ground to anchor a tent.

Pull-through sites will not be added, but the new sites are much deeper. This will allow across-the-street neighbors to pull all the way back allowing you more room to turn. The entrance of each site will be much wider and easier to back into.

As the sites are converted, pet loops will be re-designated as Loops: 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200 and 1300.

The conversion schedule is as follows:
(Schedule subject to change without notice)

Loop 900 – closed 7/08 to 7/25 – reopens 7/26/08.
Loop 1000 – closed 7/27 to 8/08 – reopens 8/09/08.
Loop 1100 – closed 8/10 to 8/22 – reopens 8/23/08.
Loop 500 – closed 8/24 to 9/21 – reopens 9/22/08.
Loop 800 – closed 9/22 to 11/01 – reopens 11/02/08.
Loop 400 – closed 11/03 to 11/21 – reopens 11/22/08.
Loop 600 – closed 11/30 to 12/19 – reopens 12/20/08.
Loop 1300 – closed 1/4 to 1/23 – reopens 1/24/09.
Loop 1200 – closed 1/25 to 2/06 – reopens 2/07/09.
Loop 1400 – closed 2/08 to 2/13 – reopens 2/14/09.
Loop 700 – closed 3/15 to 4/03 – reopens 4/04/09.

REVISED PREFERRED CAMPSITES – Power, Water, Sewer, and Cable TV included

The most frequently requested locations, loops 100, 200, and 300 will not be converted to Premium campsites due to environmental limitations. Since they cannot be made any larger, campsites in these three loops will remain as Preferred. Also for similar reasons, loops 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900 will be reclassified as Preferred. All sites will include cable and offer high-speed Internet access for an addition daily fee. Picnic tables and grills will remain as they are now.

As the sites are converted, pet loops will be re-designated as Loops: 300, 1600, and 1800.

The addition of cable TV and Internet will not require any down time but completion dates are as follows:

Loop 100 – Already completed
Loop 200 – Already completed
Loop 300 – Already completed
Loop 1900 – completed by 7/04/08
Loop 1800 – completed by 7/25/08
Loop 1700 – completed by 9/19/08
Loop 1600 – completed by 10/31/08

Remember all dates are subject to change without notice.

TENT/POP-UP CAMPSITES – Power, Water, and Cable TV included

Loops 1500 and 2000 will remain as partial hook-up sites for campers using tents, pop-up campers and van campers. As now, RV will not be allowed on these sites. All sites will soon include cable TV and offer high-speed Internet access for an addition daily fee. Picnic tables and grills will remain as they are now. As now, there are no pet loops in this category.

The addition of cable TV and Internet will not require any down time but completion dates is expected by 11/21/08 for both loops.

Standard Full-Hookup Campsites

This category will be phased out completely as the new Premium and Preferred Campsites become available.

Creekside Meadow

This primitive campsite area will remain unchanged for use by scout troops, schools and other group campers.

Meadow Swimmin' Pool

Enhancements to this area are planned, including the addition of a slide and hot tub, but exact refurbishment dates have not be released as of yet.

River Country

As this area is controlled by Disney Attractions, no changes to this area are expected anytime in the near future, nor will this area be incorporated into Fort Wilderness Resort.

20 March 2008: Caribbean Beach main pool refurbishment progress photos

Thanks to Charlie for this latest set of photos of the Caribbean Beach Resort pool refurbishment.

18 March 2008: More resort pool refurbishments

Coronado Springs Pool refurbishment
The Jaguar Pool Slide will be closed for refurbishment from March 31 – April 18, 2008. The Lost City of Cibola Pool will continue to operate during this refurbishment.

Boardwalk Inn Pool refurbishment
The Boardwalk Inn Quiet Pool will be closed for refurbishment from March 31 – April 18, 2008. During this time, Guests may continue to enjoy the Luna Park Pool and Villas Quiet Pool.

Boardwalk Villas Pool refurbishment
The Boardwalk Villas Quiet Pool will be closed for refurbishment from April 21 – May 9, 2008. During this time, Guests may continue to enjoy the Luna Park Pool and Inn Quiet Pool.

Beach Club Pool refurbishment
The Beach Club Tidal Pool (Quiet Pool) & Spa will be closed for refurbishment March 31 - April 11. During this time, Guests may continue to enjoy Stormalong Bay (Feature Pool area) and the Beach Club Villa’s Quiet Pool.

Yacht Club Pool refurbishment
The Yacht Club Admiral Pool (Quiet Pool) & Spa will be closed for refurbishment April 14–21. During this time, Guests may continue to enjoy Stormalong Bay (Feature Pool area) and the Beach Club’s Quiet Pool.

18 March 2008: Concourse Steakhouse closing date

The Concourse Steakhouse is now set to permanently close on May 31, 2008 to make way for the Contemporary Resort's new quick service restaurant.

14 March 2008: Caribbean Beach main pool refurbishment progress photos

The main pool at Caribbean Beach is being totally rebuilt, with a scheduled reopening September 16 2008. The photos below (Thanks to Moustronaut) show the latest progress of this extensive project.

12 March 2008: Resort pool refurbishment details

Beach Club Pool refurbishment
The Tidal Pool (Quiet Pool) & Spa will be closed for refurbishment March 31 - April 11 2008. During this time, Guests may continue to enjoy Stormalong Bay (Main Pool area) and the Beach Club Villa’s Quiet Pool.

Caribbean Beach Resort pool refurbishment
The Main Pool located at Old Port Royale is currently closed for refurbishment, from January 7 – September 15, 2008. Guests may continue to use the six quiet pools at each of the islands within the resort. In addition, waterslides for children will be added to the pools at the Jamaica Village and Barbados Village during this time and enhanced children’s recreation activities will be offered.

26 February 2008: The Disney Resort Collection catalogue launches today

Disney today begin a new offering available directly at resorts or from home via phone or internet. The Disney Resort Collection catalogue will be placed in all Disney Resort Guest rooms at Walt Disney World. The catalogue features amenities found in Disney Resort Guest rooms as well as personal and décor accessories inspired by visits to Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests have the ability to order Disney Resort Collection product during their stay for home delivery or receive additional information by calling 1-877-888-8287. Guests can also order from www.DisneyResortCollection.com

Visa, Master Card and American Express credit cards as well as personal checks are accepted. Disney Gift Cards or Key to the World Cards are not accepted as payment options during this launch phase.

The hours of operations for Disney Resort Collection is: Monday - Friday 8am - 10pm EST. Saturday 9am -5pm EST. Closed on all major holidays.

11 February 2008: Resort pool and restaurant refurbishments

The Nanea Volcano Pool at the Polynesian Resort will be closed for refurbishment from February 11 2008 – March 15, 2008. The pools at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be available for guests.

The "Doubloon Lagoon" pool, spa and deck area will be closed from January 28 2008 – March 15, 2008. The "Ol' Man Island Pool" will remain open. Guests may also use the "Alligator Bayou" and "Magnolia Bend" Pools. Shuttle transportation will be available during this closure.

The Yachtsman Steakhouse will be closed for refurbishment from February 18 2008 through February 26 2008, reopening on February 27 2008 at 5:30pm.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, which is offered March through December is currently closed and is set to reopen on March 6, 2008.

1 February 2008: Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort earn four diamond AAA rating

Walt Disney World Resort recently earned its fourth and fifth four-diamond distinctions from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort joined Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with their own official four-diamond ratings for 2008. The AAA diamond rating process is considered North America's premier hotel and restaurant rating system.

27 November 2007: Photos of the completed Contemporary concourse merchandise area

The new merchandise area is now open. Thanks to ScottJ for the photos.

22 November 2007: Contemporary concourse merchandise area opens

The Contemporary concourse merchandise area is now open.

11 November 2007: Latest photos of the Contemporary concourse merchandise area

27 October 2007: Latest photos of the Contemporary concourse merchandise area

These photos show the latest construction progress on the concourse merchandise area at the Contemporary Resort. Thanks to ScottJ for the photos.

27 October 2007: Latest photos of the Contemporary lobby area

Thanks to ScottJ for the photos.

22 October 2007: Boma receives a second check in location in the main lobby

In an effort to help alleviate some of the congestion that takes place around the entrance to the ever popular Boma restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there is now a new check in desk for the restaurant in the main lobby of the resort. Located just inside the main entry, next  to bell services, diners can check in at the podium, and receive a pager. Check in is also still available at the regular location at the entry to the restaurant. There is no information if this is a permanent addition, or a trial.

10 October 2007: The new Contemporary Resort front desk

The Contemporary Resort looks to have nearly completed it's front desk renovations, and it looks great. Work still continues on other areas of the lobby and the resort.

3 October 2007: Disney Expands Resort Business on Oceanfront Property in Hawaii

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts announced today that the Company has finalized plans to purchase 21 acres of oceanfront property on Hawaii's island of Oahu.

The property, located on the island's western side in the picturesque Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Honolulu's premier resort destination, will be home to Disney's first mixed-use family resort outside of its theme park developments. The expansive resort, scheduled to open in 2011, will have more than 800 units including hotel rooms and villas for Disney Vacation Club, which is Disney's rapidly growing timeshare business.

"This resort hotel will give our guests another way to visit an exciting part of the world with a brand they trust," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "In fact, Hawaii has been among our most requested Disney Vacation Club getaway locations beyond our theme parks. We are looking forward to building a special family resort that honors the cultural diversity of Hawaii and reflects the spirit of aloha that makes this location so unique."

Consistently ranked as one of the top family destinations in the world, Hawaii's natural beauty and extensive offering of family activities make it an ideal location for a Disney resort. The new resort hotel will be the latest addition to the Ko Olina development, known for its sweeping ocean views, picture-postcard white sand beaches and tranquil crystal blue lagoons.

Part of the Disney resort hotel in Ko Olina will be dedicated to Disney Vacation Club, a timeshare program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By becoming a member of Disney Vacation Club, families can enjoy vacations at Disney destinations worldwide as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.

Disney Vacation Club has grown to serve more than 350,000 individual members from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

"We are delighted to create a place in Hawaii that our Disney Vacation Club members can call home," said Jim Lewis, President of Disney Vacation Club. "We know that both our existing members and new members will be thrilled about this resort in Ko Olina."

Designs for the resort are still being finalized by Walt Disney Imagineers, who have been traveling extensively throughout Hawaii for the past several months as they garner ideas to develop a resort celebrating Hawaii's vibrant culture and rich heritage. The team is working closely with local architects, engineers and cultural advisors, conducting research and exploring the region, building on a tradition that has long been a hallmark in the creation of everything from Disney films to Disney vacation destinations.

Plans for the resort hotel are expected to be finalized and revealed in early 2008.

"We are very excited about becoming part of the Ko Olina community," Rasulo said. "Clearly, Hawaii already has a special place in our hearts and in Disney's history. Building a resort hotel in Hawaii is the next chapter in our effort to create immersive Disney experiences that allow families to reconnect and recharge in the areas of the world they most long to visit."
 

3 October 2007: Kona Coffee Bar to offer Sushi during the evenings?

There is some speculation that the popular Kona Coffee Bar in the Polynesian Resort may operate as a Sushi Bar during the evenings. There is no official confirmation yet of when, or if, this addition will take place.

6 September 2007: Contemporary photo update - Tempo Grab and Go, concourse construction, and the new look lobby area

Above: The now closed Food and Fun Center which is now being converted into a new table service restaurant called The Wave which will open around April 2008.

 
Above: Concept art of the new look lobby and check in area.

Above: Progress so far on the half completed new look lobby area.

 
Above: The temporary Tempo Grab and Go quick service location near the Outer Rim lounge on the 4th Floor will operate through August 14, 2008. Sandwiches, flatbread and other quick serve items are available.

 
Above: Seating for the Grab and Go is fairly limited.

Above: An overhead view of the Grab n Go

 
Above: Concept art of the new merchandise location in the middle of the concourse.

Above: An overhead view of the concourse construction.

17 August 2007: New Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts room category

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Guests shopping for Walt Disney World accommodations will discover a "new" category of resort at the Vacation Kingdom. In an effort to alleviate confusion about the availability of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) accommodations as nightly rentals, Disney vacation planners are now using the term Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts in reference to the DVC properties for non-members.

The Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts category tops off a lineup of Disney resorts for every taste and budget including Disney Value Resorts, Disney Moderate Resorts and Disney Deluxe Resorts. The Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts offer comforts of home with most rooms featuring full kitchens or kitchenettes, washer/dryers, whirlpool tubs and living areas. Villas available include studios and accommodations with up to three bedrooms.

Currently the Disney Deluxe Villa Resort option is available at: Disney's Old Key West Resort, The Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Beach Club Villas, Disney's BoardWalk Villas, The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

17 August 2007: New Grand Floridian Portrait Sessions

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- There's a new occasion to "say cheese" at Walt Disney World Resort: during individual portrait sessions now available at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Guests who desire a more one-on-one photo experience during their Walt Disney World vacation can book a shoot at the majestic Victorian-style resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer escorts the group through some of its most picturesque backdrops. Consultations are available prior to the shoot to discuss wardrobe, session location and theme options.

Guests can create a portrait package that suits their individual needs with two current offers: a single sitting ($49.95), and a package that includes a sitting and a PhotoPass CD with all of the digital images taken by theme park photographers during a guest's vacation ($124.95). For more information or to book a portrait session, visit Disney's PhotoPass desk on the second floor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or call 407/824-1700.

9 August 2007: New electric boats at the Swan and Dolphin Resort

The swan paddle boats have been retired and now replaced with electric boats.

The Sony Playstation consoles have been removed from the guestrooms, and guests can now play games on the TV using the keyboard as the controller.

5 May 2007: Contemporary Resort changes and new table service restaurant

Beside the demolition of the North Wing, the Contemporary has been undergoing some other changes to merchandise and dining locations.

The Fantasia merchandise location has been temporarily moved into the concourse area of the 4th Floor while it's regular location is being refurbished. The new Fantasia shop will open in mid-August, 2007.

A temporary quick service restaurant location will open near the Outer Rim lounge on the 4th Floor on July 30, 2007, and will operate through August 14, 2008. The Food and Fun Center will be closed during this timeframe as the location is being converted into a new table service restaurant called The Wave which will open around April 2008. Concourse Steakhouse will close at that time to make way for a new, permanent quick service restaurant which will open in mid-August, 2008.

New landscaping and traffic flow will be phased in from July 2007 through to October 2007.

A new look will be phased into the lobby from June 11 through mid-November 2007.

1 May 2007: All Disney resorts become Smoke-free

All Walt Disney World® Resorts, including Disney Vacation Club Resorts, will become smoke-free on June 1, 2007. The new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios, and balconies.

6 March 2007: Demolition of the Contemporary North Wing photo update

The photos below show the current progress on demolishing the Contemporary North Wing in preparation for the new Disney Vacation Club Tower wing. Thanks to jvrabel for the photos.

See the new dedicated section for more photos and information

13 February 2007: Demolition of the Contemporary North Wing photo update

This series of photos shows the current progress on demolishing the Contemporary North Wing in preparation for the new Disney Vacation Club Tower wing. Thanks to Metscool for the photos.

31 January 2007: Contemporary North Wing now being demolished

In preparation for the new DVC Tower, demolition of the North Wing at the Contemporary Resort is now very much underway. The tennis courts are completely gone, and the main building of the North Wing is now being demolished.

25 January 2007: Disney Animal Kingdom Villas officially announced

 
COPYRIGHT 2007. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. -- Disney Vacation Club is developing a new time-share resort on Walt Disney World property to meet ongoing strong demand for its unique vacation-ownership program.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas will be located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which readers of Travel & Leisure Family magazine recently honored with the No. 4 spot on their list of the 50 greatest family resorts in the United States and Canada.

"We continue to see strong demand from families who want to build a lifetime of unforgettable memories by vacationing in ways they never dreamed possible," said Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club. "I am delighted to announce that our members will have yet another place to call home with Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas. This begins another exciting new era for Disney Vacation Club as we continue to explore future destination possibilities both domestically and internationally."

The Disney Vacation Club accommodations will feature intricate African-inspired details and home-like amenities, and most will offer sweeping views of an expanded savanna inhabited by a variety of African animals. Members who call this resort "home" will live their very own true-life adventure in a setting inspired by the intrepid explorers and historic expeditions of 19th century Africa.

Walt Disney Imagineers are designing the new village of Vacation Homes to feel curiously at home in the natural world. The architectural style will evoke the look of a thatched-roof, hewn-timber structure that will appear to emerge organically from the land beneath it, drifting in and out of view from lush landscapes like a giraffe hiding in the tall grasses of the savanna. Add authentic artwork, imaginative architectural details and Disney's world-class brand of storytelling, and the result will be an immersive village unlike any other.

 
COPYRIGHT 2007. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

These new accommodations are scheduled for development in phases with an anticipated opening beginning fall 2007, with completion scheduled for spring 2009. The project's first phase will include 134 remodeled accommodations on the fifth and sixth floors of the existing Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge building, and subsequent phases will include the construction of 324 Vacation Homes in a new building on the resort property, for a total of 458 Vacation Homes.

The highly anticipated project also calls for construction of a new table-service restaurant, themed pool and water-play area, fitness center, merchandise shop, sports-and-recreation facilities and more.

COPYRIGHT 2007. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY 

Disney Vacation Club, now celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary, is an innovative time-share program that lets families enjoy flexibility and savings on future vacations at Disney destinations and more than 500 other popular vacation sites around the world. Since 2000, Disney Vacation Club membership has doubled to include more than 300,000 individuals from more than 100 countries and every U.S. state.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas will be the eighth Disney Vacation Club Resort, joining five others at the Walt Disney World Resort, one in Vero Beach, Fla., and one in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Disney Vacation Club has sold out of memberships at its first six resorts, and sales remain ahead of schedule at its seventh property, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, which opened in May 2004 near the Downtown Disney area at the Walt Disney World Resort.

23 January 2007: Disney Vacation Club at the Contemporary Resort update

Since early 2006 we have been tracking the speculation that the Disney Vacation Club will soon be coming to the Contemporary Resort. More details have begun to emerge on this story, and the latest information is that work will begin imminently on the demolition of the existing 3 story tall North Wing of the Contemporary (The left hand side if facing the Contemporary from the front of the resort). Once the demolition is complete, a new crescent shaped, 16 story tower will be built on the site. The expected completion date of the project will be late 2009.

The photo below shows the current closed off North Wing that is set to be demolished.

23 January 2007: Disney Vacation Club at the Animal Kingdom Lodge update

Back in October 2006, Disney announced that they were planning to expand the popular Disney Vacation Club to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. 134 units will be converted from existing rooms on the 5th and 6th floors at the resort, and a new wing, with 324 properties will be built. The first conversions will be ready by late 2007, with the remainder built by mid 2009.

Some more details have just been revealed about the new wing. It will be built on the left hand side of the resort (if facing the front entrance), and will consist of 18 connected buildings, in the shape of 2 horseshoes. Each building will be 5 stories tall, and there is the possibility that parking will be on the first level. As well as savannah overlooks, the new extension will have it's own check in building, swimming pool, tennis courts and animal support buildings.

21 November 2006: Captain Cook's reopens

Captain Cook's at the Polynesian Resort has now reopened after it's refurbishment.

25 October 2006: Contemporary North refurbishment wall photos

Further to the 21 October update below, these new photos show the scale of the refurbishment wall. If you look closely, you can see the wall surrounding the building and the parking lot. Thanks to Daniel for the photos.

21 October 2006: Construction walls at the Contemporary

A new 9 foot tall construction wall (screened with green) has been erected around the north wing of the contemporary, the racquetball courts, and half of the parking lot right by the north wing. There are also reports that parking at the STOLport will no longer be permitted for cast events from November 1. This news seems to coincide with the 11 March update below regarding some major upcoming construction at the Contemporary.

MORE RESORT NEWS IN THE "RESORT ARCHIVE"

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