In 2006 Jay and Jacqui decided to become Disney Vacation Club Members. They kindly invited us all along with them for the 2006 Disney Trip and since then just keep inviting us back. We are ever so grateful to have them and my parents all together in one place, these have truly been trips of a lifetime.
In 2006 we stayed at the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Here is how Disney Describes it:
This Home Away From Home is part of the popular Disney Vacation Club properties.
Designed after its namesake upstate New York community, you’ll enjoy genteel surroundings while being steps away from exciting Downtown Disney.
With “Health, History and Horses” as its theme, turn of the century Victorian ambiance is evident throughout this beautiful destination. Intricate woodwork, soft pastels, finely polished furnishings and trademark floral patterns are found at every turn.
The décor emphasizes Saratoga’s longstanding tradition of horse racing. While you won’t hear the bugler’s call, you will enjoy artwork and other unique touches that bring this aspect of Saratoga’s history to life.
This was truly a GRAND resort and we stayed in a three bedroom GRAND VILLA, which was really amazing. It was two floors with an overlooking balcony, formal living room and dining room. The master suite with the fold away doors into the bathroom with soaker tub (which we soon found is the Disney trademark - their rooms are designed the same, just a themed differently at each resort). I loved the decor and grandeur of this hotel, it had a great zero entry pool, and it was super close to Downtown Disney, which I love and we even had a view of. The lobby area even had the cutest little seating area for kids with mini formal chairs, so cute. Unfortunately it was a little far from everything else, but the bus trip came in handy for naps on the ride home. Here is a glimpse. It had a few restaurant bars, mainly the Artiste Palate and the Turf Club bar and grille, which both we went to, but the main eateries were found at Downtown Disney. MMMMM Fulton's Crab Shack where we celebrated Kris' birthday.
In 2007 we stayed at Disney's Beach Club Villas. I just really LOVED this place. It was on the back doorstep of EPCOT'S World Showcase and walking distance to the hopping BOARDWALK. Here is Disney's Description: Add a touch of understated elegance to the summer ambiance of the turn of the century summer homes found on Martha's Vineyard, and you have Disney's Beach Club Resort.
This was one of my favorite resorts and favorite trips. I loved being at Disney for the spring flower festival at EPCOT, and May was a great time to travel. This resort had THE BEST POOL EVER. One of the pools (which the kids loved) was a zero entry sand bottom pool (with the magical non-stick sand). There was also the Storm Along Bay Part of the pool which essentially was a circular lazy river that you could coast along. These pools were occupying more than 3 acres - crazy.
I'm glad that we were here for our trip with the warmest weather, because we took advantage of this pool more than any other.
The vacation club villas were situated towards the back of the resort, but our back door literally was steps to EPCOT and it gave us nightly views of the Fireworks.
We also had our own little pool which we could use as well.
And of course our easy access to the Boardwalk for yummy food and drink.
We stayed in a two bedroom villa and my parents stayed in a studio next door. The master bedroom was the same layout as the first hotel, and the kitchen was the same as well, with different decor of course. It didn't have a second floor and instead of the dining table, there was a breakfast bar and banquet with a table. Very nice.
This hotel boasted the 'Cape May Cafe' Restaurant which we would see twice (once for my birthday) and the 50's inspired Beaches and Cream Soda shop which was adorable.
In 2008 We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. With the added bonus that it was Christmas Time and the place was exquisitly decorated. Of course the atmosphere of this place was one of a kind. We had never, and probably never again stay at a place like this. Surrounded by the Savanahs and the wildlife with amazing sights with just a look out the window. All of the resorts had great rooms, all of the resorts had a nice pool, but not all resorts had a giraffe standing outside your window. Or the opportunity to go for an evening walk and check out night goggle vision. This resort also had a great play park for the kids and we participated more in the kids activities that were offered. The room decor was quite original with wooden hand carved furniture and african/lion king inspired engravings.
This resort had the Boma and Jiko Restaurants and the lovely hangout at the Victoria Falls Lounge. This resort was also on the outskirts of the park but this location was well worth the bus ride.
And of course this year was the Contemporary. More specifically the Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary. This resort was one of the most exciting to drive up to. It is literally steps away from Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom. The girls could hardly believe it. Amazing. This was definitely the most modern resort we had seen. Being the DVC sister of the Contemporary. Most of the Amenities were in the attached Contemporary Resort, but Bay Lake Towers did have it's own pool with cool slide and the Top of the World Lounge to enjoy a drink and excellent views of the Fireworks. The room again was the same set up. In it's ultra modern fashion though, the sliding doors on the bathrooms didn't even have locks. Luckily, even with 5 kids, there were no intrusions that I can recall.
The proximity to the Magic Kingdom and the monorail connectionand boat launch to EPCOT and nearby resorts were a definite plus at this resort.
Oh and of course, we can't forget the nightly Bay Lake Water Light Parade. I remember this from when I was a kid a Fort Wilderness and it hasn't changed. Same floats, same crazy music. This time, a view from our window.
Super cool spot.
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