After recovering from jet lag / severe sunshine and Disney depression last week, I’ve finally sorted out my 1000 + photos from Orlando. But before I subject you to reels of my childlike grin cuddled up with my favourite mice, I’d like to share my many homes throughout the trip. With my friend a fully fledged Disney cast member, we were able to hotel hop across the park getting a taste for the magical nights that can be spent in the Walt Disney World Resort’s many hotels.
Art of Animation / Pop Century
My first taste of an overnight Disney vacation was at Art of Animation, the park’s most character influenced hotel. The lobby was plastered in drawings and imagery from the movies with each block themed to one in particular.
For one night we slept in the colourful home of Finding Nemo, under the watchful eye of Marlin, Bruce and Dory.
Although not the most luxurious of accommodations, the decor and undeniable fun atmosphere make this a fantastic choice for excitable fans of any age.
We also stayed next door at Pop Century later on in the trip. Equally seen as a cheap and cheerful resort, the rooms are basic and the canteen more then casual. However for families and budget Disney go-ers, its worth a consideration for the onsite perks.
Animal Kingdom Lodges
The best view from all of the hotels we stayed in was at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which as you can guess is a part of the Animal Kingdom park.
Our Savanna view room on the top floor looked out over the African animal grounds which got us jumping out of bed to look for giraffes and zebra.
Not all rooms have such an impressive view however all around the hotel you can find spots to relax among the wildlife in the corridors, lobby and restaurant.
The Beach Club
My favourite nights on our trip were those we spent staying at Disney’s Boardwalk. Surrounding part of the lake that flows around the park, the boardwalk is a truly magical area with less glitter and more cocktails. Designed for the adults who need a bit of luxurious reality, a number of restaurants, bars and even a retro themed Dance Hall surround the lake opposite three deluxe hotels.
Perhaps the best hotel of the trip was Disney Boardwalk’s Beach Club. As soon as we arrived, I felt like I’d stepped back in time to the era of Dirty Dancing. A pastel coloured building was met with a mini beachfront with palm trees swaying in the light breeze.
As a birthday treat for my friend, we were upgraded to Club Level looking out over nearby Epcot, an access only top floor of the hotel which added that extra touch of luxury.
Fruity fizz on arrival, complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day and a concierge at your beck and call… this is how to do Disney.
The Yacht Club
The Beach Club’s formal lakeside sister is the grand Yacht Club, where one can expect nautical elegance and a plush New England style. The bedrooms were beautifully themed with a touch of Disney magic and provided a comfortable rest upon my last night in Orlando.