Walt Disney World General Darren Wittko Walt Disney World General Darren Wittko

Disney World to Offer FREE Attraction Photos with Disney Genie+

On-ride photos will be FREE to guests who purchase Disney Genie+

Previously, Disney World announced a few enhancements being made to the Disney Genie+ service. I now have more details and a starting date.

Starting on March 20, 2023, guests will receive free access to attraction photos when they purchase Disney Genie+ service.

This is for on-ride photos only and does not include, for example, photos in front of Cinderella Castle or with your favorite character.

For these types of photo downloads, you will still need to purchase Memory Maker.

 
FREE attraction photos at Walt Disney World with Genie+

Starts on March 20, 2023

 

OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises

Also starting on March 20, 2023, Annual Passholders with a My Disney Experience account will receive access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses and, one “Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories” experience (for Annual Passholders over the age of 18 who consent to use of their photos and this technology).

Additionally, Passholders will receive a new offering where you can create and share short Disney-themed video slideshows with favorite photos from your theme park visits.


Best of the Best Orlando Travel Agent - Readers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt DIsney World.

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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EPCOT Added to After Hours Plus New Dates

A new theme park and new dates added for Disney World After Hours Events

Disney World not only added additional dates for Disney After Hours events but it also added a new theme park - EPCOT!

Disney World After Hours, are specially ticketed experiences that occur after the gates close for the night, extending access to favorite attractions and providing guests with more opportunities to have a special Disney experience.

After Hours tickets also allow you early entry into the park beginning at 6 p.m. at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and 7 p.m. at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Best of all, the number of tickets for these events is limited, which means lower wait times for some of their favorite attractions.


During EPCOT After Hours, popular attractions, like Frozen Ever After, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be operating.

Be sure to snap a few photos with your favorite Disney characters and munch on complimentary Disney snacks like ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages available at carts throughout the park.

OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will reopen this spring and along with it, H2O Glow After Hours will be back and ready to “light” up the summer.

EPCOT After Hours Dates

After Hours experiences are scheduled to kick off May 20 at Typhoon Lagoon and June 1 at EPCOT.

They join Magic Kingdom Park, running through March 27, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, currently running with additional dates being added beginning May 3.

EPCOT After Hours Ticket Prices

Event tickets for EPCOT, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be purchased by all guests starting March 3, 2023, with prices ranging from $75 to $149 (plus tax). 

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing Disney After Hours tickets for EPCOT and Typhoon Lagoon as early as February 28.

The advance-purchase window is available to guests at Disney Resort hotels and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort.


Best of the Best Orlando Travel Agent - Readers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt DIsney World.

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Icon of the Seas Shatters Records

SPOTLIGHT: All the ways Icon of the Seas is shattering records

Icon of the Seas is a first-of-its-kind Royal Caribbean adventure where you’ll have the time of your life, multiple times a day.

This cruise ship offers thrills you never dared to imagine and next-level chill you never dreamed possible.

And it’s shattering records in big, bold ways that will change the way you vacation — forever.




Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Last Day to Book Disney Cruise Line with 50% off Deposit

50% off deposit on most Disney Cruise Line voyages plus receive an onboard credit!

Book a Disney cruise by February 17, 2023 and pay only half of your required deposit on the day you make your reservation. See Important Details below.

This offer is valid on any new reservation for select Disney cruises departing between June 19, 2023 and May 31, 2024, that does not require final payment at time of booking.

Remaining balance will be due at time of final payment.

Embark on a tropical cruise to the Caribbean or The Bahamas—or choose from one of Disney’s other fun-filled itineraries to Alaska, Europe, Mexico and beyond. With exciting voyages sailing from Florida, Louisiana, Texas, California and New York, there’s no better time to cast off with Disney Cruise Line on that family vacation.

Important Details Regarding the 50% Off the Required Deposit Offer:

  • Remaining balance due at time of final payment.

  • Valid for new bookings only on select sailings booked through February 17, 2023.

  • Valid on select cruises sailing between June 19, 2023 and May 31, 2024, that do not require final payment at time of booking.

  • Not valid on Disney Wonder sailings departing October 3, 2023 through March 1, 2024.

  • This offer is valid from December 19, 2022 through February 17, 2023.

  • No code is needed.

  • Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.

  • Not valid on categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT, VGT), suites or Concierge-level staterooms.

  • Rates are in US dollars.

  • This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.




Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Disney World Travel Protection Rate Change

There’s good news and bad news about travel protection from Walt Disney World this week.

I have good news and bad news about the travel protection offered through the Walt Disney Travel Company.

The bad news is that the price of travel protection just increased by $12.50.

You’ll now pay $95 per adult for Disney World Travel Protection.

The good news however is that children age 17 and under are now free, and automatically covered when adults purchase the travel protection plan.

Prior to this change, children’s policies were $6 each.

OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises

Is travel protection necessary? In my article Is Disney Travel Protection Worth it? I discuss how it gives you peace of mind and share a few good examples.

You can also read more about what the travel protection plan covers in my Guide to Disney Travel Protection here.

As a travel advisor, it is my honest and personal recommendation to purchase travel protection.

Full disclosure, Disney pays me a commission if you purchase travel protection, but the amount will just about buy a small coffee.

My point is, there is no upsell bonus or anything like that if you buy the plan.

I recommend travel protection based on my experiences with clients who purchased it - and even those who didn’t.

Recently one of my clients contracted Covid while at Disney. It spread to the entire family. While symptoms were all very mild thankfully, they spent over $1,000 on virtual doctor visits, having covid tests delivered to the hotel, and they were unable to fly home for 3 days.

This was all covered by their travel protection policy.

While Disney will work with you to some degree, if you have travel protection, it’s much easier to get a refund and reimbursements for medical expenses, extended stays and flight changes if you have it.


Best of the Best Orlando Travel Agent - Readers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt DIsney World.

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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First Look at Roundup Rodeo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Reservations, opening date, menu photos, and a peak inside Disney’s newest restaurant.

Today I’m excited to share that reservations for Roundup Rodeo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open to guests on February 21, 2023 at 6 a.m. ET. I’ll also share the menu photos plus a look inside!

Reservations can be made using the Disney World mobile app or by visiting the Dining Page on the Disney World website.

How much does Roundup Rodeo cost?

Lunch and Dinner menus are the same and range from $35 - $60 per person. at this time there are no characters present at this restaurant.

 
Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney's Hollywood Studios Reservations
 

Closer Look at Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Here’s a closer look at Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and how Imagineers collaborated with Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage to design this one-of-a-kind dining experience. 

Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney's Hollywood Studios Inside Restaurant

Using his imagination, Woody’s Roundup toys, and other playthings, Andy has built a rodeo restaurant for all his pals.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney's Hollywood Studios Inside Restaurant

Imagineers collaborated with Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage to design this one-of-a-kind dining experience. 

To fill the stands of his rodeo arena, Andy has decorated the cardboard box with hand-drawn audience members! The dining room also features the rodeo’s star performers: Jessie, Trixie, and Bo Peep with her leapin’ sheep Billy, Goat, and Gruff!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney's Hollywood Studios Inside Restaurant

Disney Pixar Animators designed figures that are unique to this restaurant and artwork that can only be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu Opening March 23

Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney's Hollywood Studios menu

Guests can start with the Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits served with sweet pepper jelly. They’re so delicious that you might be tempted to fill up on them but you’ll have to save room for all the delicious grub comin’ to the table!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney's Hollywood Studios menu

Fresh, delicious salads for all to enjoy!

  • Tomato Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled red onions tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with fresh dill (plant-based)

  • Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad: Romaine and kale mixed with green apples, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries tossed with green goddess dressing

  • Watermelon Salad: Cubed watermelon garnished with freshly torn mint leaves (plant-based)

You can enjoy a hearty serving of house-smoked meats, including:

  • Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, slow-cooked for hours in our onsite smokehouse

  • Buttercup’s Beef Brisket: Hand-sliced beef brisket, smoked then slow-cooked to juicy perfection

  • There’s a Sausage in My Boot: Spiced pork sausage fire-grilled over live oak to give it an added kick

  • BBQ Chicken – with Style! Chicken brined for 48 hours, rubbed with our secret backyard BBQ spice and smoked to tender juiciness


Best of the Best Orlando Travel Agent - Readers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt DIsney World.

Savory plant-based offerings are available upon request:

  • Slow-smoked Cauliflower topped with sweet harissa drizzle and crunchy walnut gremolata

  • Oven-roasted “Bratwurst” that is tender and juicy, sliced to perfection

  • Impossible “Rib Chop” seasoned with spices, then roasted and glazed with sweet BBQ sauce and skewered on a sugar cane “bone”

All entreés served with an assortment of sweet, traditional, and spicy BBQ sauces. 

You can choose four of the following sides for the table:

  • The Married Spuds: Loaded potato barrels drizzled with green goddess dressing, cheese sauce, and seasoned BBQ spices

  • Force Field Fried Pickles: Jumbo pickle spears coated with a dill-flavored breading and fried to perfection

  • Slinky Doooooooooog Mac & Cheese: Spiral pasta in a creamy house-made cheese sauce topped with crumbled cheddar crackers

  • Buckin’ Baked Beans: A traditional BBQ picnic favorite (plant-based)

  • Cowpoke Corn on the Cob: Grilled and seasoned with a chili-lime spice blend, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime juice

  • Mean Old Potato Salad: Homestyle with red-skinned potatoes

  • Veggie Slaw: Crunchy shredded veggie slaw that is a summertime favorite! (plant-based)

  • Campfire-roasted Vegetables: A variety of roasted seasonal vegetables (plant-based)

These perfectly portioned chuckwagon desserts offer a sweet take on the BBQ picnic classics.

You can choose from a selection for the table:

  • Cupcake à la Forky: Forky is up to something sweet! A classic chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate ganache center topped with velvety graham cracker buttercream and a sugar cookie

  • Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake: An iconic creamy dessert that balances the tanginess of the cheesecake with the natural sweetness of blueberries and lemon

  • Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie: Layers of graham cracker crust and silky chocolate mousse topped with chantilly cream

  • Goat’s Apple Pie: A picnic classic! Tart apples and warm pie spices balance perfectly with the creamy sweet filling under a crumble crust

  • Gruff’s Peach-Strawberry Pie: With its silky sweet peaches and tartness of strawberries, this dessert is a fruit-centric delight! (plant-based)

An assortment of craft cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages will have you feeling nostalgic for backyard picnics on warm summer days.

Grown-up Craft Cocktails:

  • Snake Eye Margarita: Inspired by a summertime BBQ featuring watermelon, smoke, and a bit of spice!

  • Rum Punch: Rum punch with vibrant flavors of passion fruit and pineapple finished with a smoky spiced garnish

  • Chocolate with a Grown-up Twist: A blend of chocolate rum, horchata liqueur, cocoa, and flavors of toasted marshmallow

  • Frozen Peanut Butter & Jelly: A fun frozen twist on the classic peanut butter & jelly featuring peanut butter whiskey

  • Whiskey Lemonade: A fresh take on a strawberry lemonade made with Tennessee whiskey and Italian bitter aperitif

  • The Rodeo Mule: A classic “patio sipper,” this mule mixes vodka with fresh juices and ginger beer

A selection of beer, hard cider, and wines by the glass are available.

Nonalcoholic offerings:

  • Molly’s Frozen Iced Tea: A frosty concoction with iced tea and citrus flavors

  • Frozen Cocoa: A frozen blend of cocoa and vanilla topped with miniature marshmallows

  • Partysaurus Tex: Strawberry lemonade is even more fun when you garnish it with gummy worms!



Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Easy Guide to the 2023 Disney World Dining Card Offer

Details and FAQ’s on the Disney Dining Promo Card

Get a Disney Dining Promo Card when you purchase a non-discounted vacation package that includes:

  • A room at a select Disney Resort - minimum 4 night stay

  • Theme park tickets - minimum 4-day ticket

Update: This offer expires March 27, 2023

Get a quote today ▸

The value of the Dining Card varies on the date of check-in and your Walt Disney World resort category. It’s important to note that the amount you receive is based on the number of nights you book, not per person.

For example, if you book a qualifying 5-night stay at a Deluxe Resort in early July, you will receive a $750 dining gift card.

June 25 - June 30 and July 11 - July 31

  • Disney Value Resorts: $35 per night

  • Disney Moderate Resorts: $75 per night

  • Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas: $125 per night

July 1 - July 10 and August 1 - September 14

  • Disney Value Resorts: $50 per night

  • Disney Moderate Resorts: $100 per night

  • Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas: $150 per night

 
disney world dining promo card 2023
 

Email and Barcode

Once you arrive at the resort and check-in, you’ll receive an email containing a barcode for your Disney Dining Promo card. The email will be sent to the email address associated with your My Disney Experience account.

The Disney Dining Promo card cannot be added to your My Disney Experience account and therefore is not accessible on MagicBands or MagicMobile.

However, the Dining Promo Card can be added to your phone’s wallet feature, such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

Tip

Be sure you know the email address that is used to log into your My Disney Experience account. Even though My Disney Experience cannot be used for the Dining Card, Disney’s system uses the email address that is associated with your account.

The email you receive will contain the balance of your Disney Dining Promo Card and your card account number.

You may need to use the card account number for mobile pickup orders at some restaurants, so keep that email handy or take a screen capture of your number, or use your mobile wallet.

The remaining balance on your Disney Dining Promo Card will be shown at the bottom of your most recent receipt, or go to Disneygiftcard.com to get your updated balance.

OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises

Is the Dining Promo Card Accepted at all Dining Locations at Walt Disney World?

The card is accepted at most Disney dining locations

Can I redeem the card for cash if I don’t use all of the funds?

No. Any remaining balance is not eligible to be transferred to cash or applied to room folios upon checkout, even if there are room charges from food and beverage locations.

If there is a remaining balance on the card all balances will expire on September 30th, 2023.

Where can I get more information on the Disney Dining Promo Card?

Disney dining locations and any resort exclusions can be found at Disneyworld.com/DisneyDinePromo

Are there any Disney World resorts that are excluded form the Disney Dining Promo Card offer?

Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, and Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Related:

Best Disney World Hotel Deals for Summer 2023



Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Homewood Suites Flamingo Crossings

Disney World Vacation Packages at Homewood Suites Flamingo Crossing.

Homewood Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings

Its official name is Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings but let’s agree to just call it “Homewood Suites at Flamingo Crossings.”

This hotel is a certified Walt Disney World Gateway Hotel, meaning it meets or exceeds Disney’s standards for 3rd party hotels. Homewood Suites is located just outside the western entrance to Walt Disney World at the brand-new Disney-created Flamingo Crossings. Here, you’ll find several value hotel chains by Marriott and Hilton, most offering family suite accommodations and standard hotel rooms.

Flamingo Crossings is also home to the Disney College Program housing complex for Disney World interns, so it’s not unusual to see kids walking around in their Disney costumes before or after their shifts.


Disney World Vacation Package Details

What’s Included

  • Accommodations at Homewood Suites Flamingo Crossing

  • Disney World Theme Park tickets

  • Free hot breakfast each morning

  • All applicable taxes


Hotel entrance and check-in.

Just one section of Disney World’s massive housing complex for interns.

Homewood is considered a budget-friendly hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast, two bars, a resort-style pool, and a Disney World planning desk in case you have any questions about your Disney vacation.

Hotel front desk

Main floor, lobby, dining, and seating areas

Target at Flamingo Crossings is within walking distance to Homewood Suites.

Lobby seating and gathering area

The lounge in lobby small but there are plenty of seats nearby next to a TV and fireplace.


Studios | Homewood Suites

 
 

1-Bedroom Suite | Homewood Suites

 
 

Homewood Suites fitness center

Self-serve laundry room


How Homewood Suites compares to Disney World hotels

In terms of price, Homewood is comparable to the Walt Disney World Value Resorts such as Disney’s All-Stars Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort but when it comes to amenities, they are a closer match to Disney’s Villa Resorts.

This makes Homewood Suites quite a value because Disney’s 1 Bedroom Villas start at around $650 per night.

Disney’s hotels do not include a complimentary breakfast but they do have onsite dining. Homewood offers a free breakfast buffet but it does not have an onsite restaurant.

There are a number of restaurants within walking distance like 5 Guys Burgers, a barbecue restaurant, a Japanese BBQ restaurant, and 2 breweries. Homewood rooms also have kitchens.

You’ll find that transportation is more convenient at the Disney World hotels because they are closer to the parks and there are a number of complimentary transportation options at Disney such as buses, monorails, gondolas, and boats.

Disney hotels offer luggage assistance, Homewood has self-serve luggage. Both Disney and Homewood Suites offer luggage storage.

For example, if you plan to visit a park on your check out day, you can store your bags with the hotel.


Pool and recreation

The pool, basketball court, and soccer field are located behind the hotel. The pool offers lounge seating, umbrellas, a water slide, and a pool bar.

Resort-style pool at Homewood Suites Flamingo Crossings

Basketball court at Homewood Suites Flamingo Crossings

Soccer field at Homewood Suites Flamingo Crossings

Complimentary breakfast at Homewood Suites.

Restaurant at Homewood Suites Flamingo Crossings Disney World

Dining area

24/7 Shop

Homewood Suites - bar - Disney World - Flamingo Crossing

Pool bar

Dining area

24/7 Shop offers snacks, wine, soft drinks and more

Lobby bar

Homewood’s Disney Planning Center is located in the lobby.

Hotel Address

Homewood Suites Orlando Flamingo Crossing

411 Flagler Ave

Winter Garden, FL 34787

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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Disney World Discount Tickets

Save money on Disney World tickets with Undercover Tourist, a trusted Disney ticket wholesaler.

Disney World Ticket Discounts from Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist offers discounted Walt Disney World tickets. You will need to buy your Disney Theme park tickets in advance to save money and secure your park reservation.

Choose between four different types of Walt Disney World tickets:

Undercover Tourist Disney Theme Park tickets may be added to My Disney Experience and they work with MagicBands.

Before you visit a park, you must make a Disney Park Pass Reservation.

OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises


Best of the Best Orlando Travel Agent - Readers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt DIsney World.

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Go Inside Disney's Villains Themed Top of the World Lounge

Top of the World Lounge: A Villians Lair is small on theme but big on views

The Top of the World Lounge is located on the roof of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It’s currently a private club for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members. To get up to the Top of the World Lounge, you will need to have a current Disney Vacation Club reservation at a Walt Disney World Resort.

Reservations

Reservations are not required but there is usually a waitlist for walkups. You can find the waitlist downstairs in the north elevator bank (the side of the tower toward Space Mountain). If you just want to go up to see the lounge and rooftop view, you might not have to wait. Ask at the check-in podium on the first floor if you can go up just to walk around, a Cast Member will let you know if it’s possible.

The lounge is extremely popular during fireworks.

Top of the World Lounge: A Villains Lair at Bay Lake Tower

Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower | Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Top of the World Lounge: A Villains Lair at Bay Lake Tower

I love the contemporary furniture but I’m not seeing the villain theme yet.

Sometimes special events are held here for DVC Members. These events have a hefty cover charge but usually include an open bar, desserts and fireworks viewing. You can call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to inquire about special events being offered for your travel dates.

OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises

Disney's Top of the World Lounge: A Villains Lair at Bay Lake Tower

Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower

Top of the World Lounge: A Villains Lair at Bay Lake Tower

Finally found a Disney villain! There’s a picture on a tv monitor of The Evil Queen.

Top of the World Lounge: A Villains Lair at Bay Lake Tower

There’s a bowl of “wishing apples” and of course, a mirror.

Disney's Top of the World Lounge Villains

Top of the World: A Villain’s Lair at Bay Lake Tower

Top of the World Lounge: A Villains Lair at Bay Lake Tower

Looks like the villains were just here, but left their coats and capes behind.

Top of the World Lounge: A Villains Lair at Bay Lake Tower Fireworks

Impressive view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the roof of the Top of the World Lounge.


Best of the Best Orlando Travel Agent - Readers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt DIsney World.

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Disney Cruise Line Adds More Concierge Staterooms

The Disney Magic will soon have additional concierge staterooms.

Disney Cruise Line is converting several standard rooms over to Concierge category staterooms.

Eleven Category 4A staterooms, Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, are being converted into Category 3A , Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah accommodations.

The furnishings and amenities will be upgraded for sailings beginning May 5, 2023 and beyond, and will be available for booking beginning Feb. 1, 2023. 

The impacted staterooms are as follows:

  • 8026

  • 8036

  • 8038

  • 8040

  • 8042

  • 8526

  • 8528

  • 8536

  • 8538

  • 8540

  • 8542

In anticipation of the conversion, guests with existing reservations are not impacted by this change. Please note, these staterooms will continue to be Category 4A staterooms for available sail dates prior to May 5, 2023.




Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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