A soothing escape into a world of pampering and relaxation is just steps away from Disney theme park fun at the newly re-imagined Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

The fully remodeled spa, now owned and operated by Disney, is set to open December 17.

I recently had a chance to duck in for a sneak peek and our Imagineers did a splendid job of blending Grand Floridian turn-of-the-century elegance with modern touches – plus a dash of Disney whimsy. Here are some of the highlights:

Spa-goers first walk through the new Victorian style entryway and indulge in a relax, renew, or imagine journey that’s determined by your treatment choice.

The centerpiece of the spa’s lobby is an original mural reflecting old Florida landscape and nature. Glass mosaic tiles in the Jacuzzi rooms further enhance the elegance and sophistication of the spa. All the senses are engaged in an ultimate relaxation experience – flavorful and soothing elixirs, color variations in lighting and orchestral music harmonize with the treatment selected.

Some 15 treatment rooms offer full-service pampering services such as watertherapy, sugar exfoliation body treatment, rejuvenating citrus facial, a restorative hand and foot ritual with Chinese Jasmine oils, plus a Magical Manicure or Princess Pedicure for youngsters. Lounges, whirlpools, and treatment rooms all provide rejuvenation through the healing nature of Florida citrus and botanicals.

The new menu of services also includes a signature 80-minute Grand Floridian treatment featuring a special aromatherapy massage.

Guests can book spa appointments at the new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort beginning November 15, by calling 407-WDW-SPAS (407-939-7727) or learn more by visitingwww.disneyworld.com/spas.

Incidentally, all of our spas, salons and fitness centers will be owned and operated by Disney beginning January 16. On that same day, the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will temporarily close for renovation and reopen in the summer as Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. More to come on that soon.

Wow, that looks like it would kill me…

Yep

Halloween merchandise is out

They now have color changing lanyards which turn colors in the sunlight

The Casitas building at Coronado Springs is getting a refurbishment

The pictures on the large wall at All-Star Music are gone, probably to be replaced after fading in the sunlight

Moving to Downtown Disney, Characters in Flight is still down for replacement

The balloon is being re-engineered after an accident overseas a few weeks ago

Work continues on Splitsville, but it honestly doesn’t look like much has changed here…

Now I know nothing has changed over here…

Disney does their best to keep guests entertained on Pleasure Island as they move between districts

The Mickey and Minnie statue at Disney’s Pin Traders has been removed

A quick trip to the LEGO Imagination Center

Lord of the Rings? Man, that is creepy…

Mavericks of Mayhem merchandise by Noah has landed at WDW

Plenty of Grumpy merchandise

The new mouse ear ornaments come in a wide variety

The horror… THE HORROR!

The lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside reopened this summer following a two-month renovation. The fresh new look includes new tile, colorful rugs, decorative period lighting and new furniture.  This  2,048-room resort depicts the lifestyle of the great Old South with wandering paths, picturesque waterways and the sounds of Cajun music, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside includes mansion-style accommodations and rustic retreats. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Two colorful new rugs decorate the lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. The design is part of a recent lobby renovation that included a new check-in,  new tile, furniture and decorative fixtures evocative of the period.  The new design scheme showcases the essence of the South. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside showcases new lighting fixtures, reflecting the romance of the South, as part of its recent lobby renovation. The moderate resort has a fresh new look in its expansive lobby. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

I’m happy to start off the week by sharing a fun update on Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Last week, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) put the finishing touches on the new resort’s marquee. Measuring in at 46 feet, six inches, the resort’s sign now holds the record as the largest freestanding marquee at Walt Disney World Resort. (Incidentally, it’s 18 inches taller than the famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign in Los Angeles, Calif.).

The photo, supplied by WDI, shows three layers of development the marquee went through in its creation – from digital design, to model, to full-scale installation.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which will feature four wings dedicated to popular films Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, will open in phases beginning May 31.

It’s only a test, but we expect the new buffet concept at the Pepper Market in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort might stay. The former “food court”-style dining has been replaced with a concept that suits families and conventioneers – a quick bite and a diversity of flavors.

The restaurant looks the same, but instead of ordering from stations, you now pay a set price and it’s all you care to eat for everything from roast beef (or pork or turkey) to paninis, slices of pizza, pasta, salads and Mexican fare. We paired an enchilada with mashed potatoes, and had the kitchen make us a personal-size pizza instead of just ordering a slice of cheese or pepperoni. Everything is made from scratch, says Chef Stephen Wheeler.

Breakfast is waffles, made-to-order omelets, French toast, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and all the extras to accompany.

The buffet is for breakfast and lunch, dinner is a la carte. Cost is $14.99 for breakfast, $8.99 ages 3 to 11, and $16.99 for lunch, $9.99 ages 3 to 11. Non-alcoholic drink and dessert included.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort:
• Porte Cochere
• Main Lobby
• Bus stops
• Guest rooms
• Feature Pool (one pool at each; specified for some resorts below)

Old Key West:
• Olivia’s
• Turtle Shack

Saratoga Springs:
• Turf Club
• Arcade
• High Rock Springs Pool is enabled (not Paddock)
• Treehouses (Guest rooms)

Yacht & Beach:
• Captain’s Grill
• Yachtsman Steakhouse
• Arcade
• Convention Center lobby and porte cochere
• Meeting rooms and pre-function rooms (Conv. Center)
• Cape May Café
• Beaches & Cream
• Marketplace

Wilderness Lodge:
• Whispering Canyon Café
• Artist Point
• Roaring Forks
• Lobby and rooms in the Wilderness Lodge Villas

Polynesian Resort:
• Ohana
• Kona Café
• Captain Cooks
• Luau Cove
• Arcade

Coronado Springs:
• Maya Grill
• Pepper Market
• Food Court
• Arcade
• Convention Center lobby and porte cochere
• Meeting rooms and pre-function rooms (Conv. Center)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:
• Jiko
• Boma
• The Mara
• Sanaa
• Bus stop at Kidani
• Lobby and villas at Kidani

BoardWalk:
• Arcade
• The Boardwalk (from ESPN to Atlantic Dance… NOT inside the locations on The Boardwalk)
• Conference Center lobby and porte cochere
• The Attic
• Meeting rooms and pre-function rooms (Conf. Center)

Contemporary:
• California Grill (including private rooms)
• Chef Mickey’s
• The Wave
• Contempo Café
• Arcade
• Convention Center lobby and porte cochere (as well as 2nd floor common areas)
• Meeting rooms and pre-function spaces (Conv. Center)
• Rooms, lobby and Porte Cochere of Bay Lake Tower

Grand Floridian:
• Narcoossee’s
• Victoria & Albert’s
• Citricos
• 1900 Park Fare
• Grand Floridian Café
• Gasparilla Grill & Games
• Feature pool enabled is the Beach Pool (NOT the courtyard pool)
• Convention Center lobby and porte cochere
• Convention Center parking lot
• Convention Center courtyard/patio
• Meeting rooms and pre-function rooms (Conv. Center)

While everyone seems to be complaining that Downtown Disney no longer offers a district-to-district candy walk, the best kept secret seems to be Halloween festivities at Disney’s resort hotels. While this is not a complete list, we have uncovered the Halloween festivities for 13 of the Disney Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World. All of the following events will take place on Monday, October 31, 2011:

Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Starting at 1:30pm - Halloween-themed games Poolside
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Cookie Decorating(located at the End Zone, Intermission and World Premiere Food Courts)
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Towel Animal Display: Come see our towel animal display and learn how to make some yourself.
6:00pm - Halloween Costume Parade: Meet outside by the Children’s Activities party cart for a fun parade to show off your Halloween costume.
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Trick-or-Treating
Visit the following Candy Stops to receive some Halloween Treats:
• Donald’s Double Feature
•World Premiere Food Court
• Maestro Mickey’s
• Intermission Food Court
• Sport Goofy Gifts and Sundries
• End Zone Food Court
• Lobby at All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, and All-Star Sports

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jambo House Pool Activities:
1:00pm - Skeleton Dance Party
2:00pm - Pitchburst
3:00pm - Oogie Boogie Pool Party
4:00pm - Pumpkin Toss & Creepy Critter Round-up
5:00pm - Create-Your-Own Halloween Craft
6:15pm - Campfire
7:30pm - Monster Beach Ball Bash
8:00pm - Movie from beyond the grave: “Hocus Pocus” Rated PG
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Trick-or-Treating
Visit the following Candy Stops to receive some Halloween Treats:
• Zawadi Marketplace
• Boma – Flavors of Africa
• The Mara
• Jiko – The Cooking Place
• Arusha Rock Overlook
• Uzima Overlook
• Lobby
Jambo House
• Johari Treasures
• Sanaa
• Pembe Overlook
• Kidani Rock Overlook
• Lobby
• Community Hall

Disney’s Boardwalk
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Trick or Treating
Visit the following Candy Stops to receive some Halloween Treats:
-Outside Thimbles & Threads
-Outside the Screen Door General Store
-DVD Kiosk inside the Lobby Viewing Tower
-DVC Sales Model on the BoardWalk
-Outside ESPN Club Merchandise Store
-Side Show Games Arcade – next to Muscles & Bustles
-Big River Grille & Brewing Works
-Outside between BoardWalk Joe’s and the Bakery
-Kouzzina by Cat Cora
-Lobby
-Community Hall
-Village Green
-Boat Dock

Disney’s Contemporary Resort
1:00pm – Name that Tune: Halloween Edition
2:00pm – Eyeball Toss
3:00pm – Monster Mash Pool Bash
4:00pm – Spooky Trivia
5:00pm – Zombie Dance Party
6:30pm – Campfire
8:00pm – Movie Under the Stars: “The Haunted Mansion”
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Trick or Treating
Visit the following Candy Stops to receive some Halloween Treats:
-Bayview Gifts
-Fantasia
-Fantasia Market
-Chef Mickey’s
-Contempo Cafe
-The Wave…of American Flavors
-Lobby
-The Game Station
-Community Hall at Bay Lake Towers

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
1:00pm - Skeleton Dance Party
2:00pm - Pitchburst
3:00pm - Oogie Boogie Pool Party
4:00pm - Pumpkin Toss & Creepy Critter Round-up
5:00pm - Create-Your-Own Halloween Craft
6:15pm - Campfire
7:30pm - Monster Beach Ball Bash
8:00pm - Movie from beyond the grave: “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” Rated PG
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Trick-or-Treating
Visit the following Candy Stops to receive some Halloween Treats:
-Panchito’s Gifts & Sundries
-Maya Grill
-Pepper Market
-Cafe Rix
-Lobby
-Dig Site Pool

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Halloween Golf Cart Parade - Let your imagination go wild as you turn your golf cart into a Halloween masterpiece! Awesome prizes will be awarded for the following categories: Best overall, Best Disney Themed, Most Unique, & Most Creative. Carts must meet all requirements regarding Disney’s Fort Wilderness golf cart policies. Drivers must be 16+ with a driver’s license. All passengers must be seated on a seat. Nothing may be pulled behind the golf carts, and flatbed carts are not allowed. Registration is required by 12:00pm at the Bike Barn or the Golf Cart Valet Podium.
Camp-or-Treat - 7:00pm – 9:00pm: Participation in Disney’s Fort Wilderness Camp-or-Treat is voluntary, but registration is requested for Guests wishing to distribute candy from their cabin or site. Candy is not provided by Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Camp-or-Treat Signs should be placed in a visible location at your site or cabin. Any food items that are distributed must be store bought and wrapped. Please use sidewalks while walking between loops. Candy will also be handed out from 7:00pm-9:00pm at Pioneer Hall, Settlement Trading Post, Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, and in the Reception Outpost.
Activities
- 10:15am – Halloween Craft
- 11:30am – Spooky Relays
- 12:30pm – Ghoulish Guard Games
- 1:30pm -Monster Mash Dance Party
- 2:00pm – Monster Mash Pool Party
- 3:00pm – Swimmin’ Hole Jamboree
- 4:00pm -Spooky Goofy Bingo
- 5:00pm – Terrible Temporary Tattoos
- 6:00pm – Swimmin Hole Jamboree
- 7:00pm – 9:00pm -Camp-or-Treat
- 8:40pm – Movie: “Hocus Pocus” Rated PG

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
10:00am – 5:00pm - Candy Corn Guessing Contest
11:00am - Skull Scavenger Hunt
12:00pm - Poolside Craft
1:00pm - Cake Walk
2:00pm - Worms and Dirt: Create you own holiday TREAT that’s sure to TRICK your taste buds
3:00pm - SPOOKtacular Pool Party
5:00pm - Costume Parade: Begins from the green between buildings 5 & 6
6:00pm - Haunted Campfire

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1:00pm – 5:45pm – Guess How Many?
1:00pm – Creepy Critter Round-up
2:00pm – Haunted Disney Trivia
3:00pm -Spooktacular Pool Party
4:00pm – Candy Corn Catch
4:30pm – Boo Bingo
5:00pm -Monster Mash Dance Party
7:00pm – Pre-Show: “The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad” Rated G (with Crafts & Tattoos)
8:15pm – Hocus Pocus Trivia
8:30pm – Movie Under the Stars: “Hocus Pocus” Rated PG
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Trick-or-Treating
Visit the following Candy Stops to receive some Halloween Treats:
-Commander Porter’s
-M. Mouse Mercantile
-Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries
-Summer Lace
-1900 Park Fare
-Citricos
-Gasparilla Grill & Cafe
-Narcoossee’s
-Lobby
-Courtyard Pool (after 5:30pm)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort
11:00am–2:00pm - Ghoulish Guessing Contest: Can you divine the number of candies in the cauldron in Community Hall? The winner will be announced at the 7:30pm Monster Mash Party.
11:00am–12:00pm - Color Your Own Trick-or-Treat Tote: Make your own tote – Cute or Creepy – let your creativity decide!
12:00pm–1:00pm - Worms in Mud: Gooey, Messy, Chocolatey Madness! Messy fun for ALL ages right in front of Hank’s Rent ’N Return!
1:00pm– 2:00pm - Make a Monster Cupcake: Come to Community Hall – get a cupcake – and turn it into your own eerie, yet edible creation!
2:00pm - Phantasmal Pool Party: Creep on over to the Main Pool deck for some supernaturally spooky fun, games, prizes and dancing… featuring the Spooky Cake Stroll…yum! You don’t want to miss this… it’s sure to be a thriller for ALL ages!
5:30pm – 6:30pm - Trick or Treating Trail: Put on your costume and head on over to Headless Hank’s Rent ‘N Return for a map to guide you on your way! All ages welcome!
6:30pm – 7:00pm - Meet & Greet with a Disney Character: Once you’ve completed your quest for candy, come back to Community Hall and pose for a photo with one of your favorite Disney friends!
7:30pm – 8:30pm - Monster Mash Party: featuring the Costume Contest! Put your dancing shoes and your costume on! Is your costume cute, comical or really creepy? Show up and show off in front of Hank’s!
8:30pm - Spooky Cinema under the Stars!: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Rated PG

Disney’s Polynesian Resort
5:00pm – 8:00pm - Trick-or-Treating
Visit the following Candy Stops to receive some Halloween Treats:
-BouTiki
-Samoa Snacks
-Trader’s Jack’s
-‘Ohana
-Captain Cook’s
-Kona Cafe
-Kona Island
-Lobby
-Kilauea Cabana at the Pool

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
10:00am – 5:00pm - Candy Corn Guessing Contest
Riverside Levee Marina
** All Activities from 11:00am-3:00pm will take place at
the Ol’ Man Island Pool
** Please join us in the lobby to cast your vote for your
favorite pumpkin in our pumpkin decorating contest!
11:00am - Skull Scavenger Hunt
12:00pm - Color-Your-Own Trick or Treating Bag
1:00pm - Cake Walk
2:00pm - Worms and Dirt: Create you own holiday TREAT that’s sure to TRICK your taste buds
3:00pm - SPOOKtacular Pool Party
5:00pm - Costume Parade: Begins from building 90
6:00pm - Haunted Campfire
7:00pm - Monster Mash on the Green: Building 90 Green
8:00pm - Movie Under the stars: “Hocus Pocus” Rated PG
4:00pm – 7:00pm - Trick-or-Treating
Visit the following Candy Stops to receive some Halloween Treats:
-Fulton’s General Store
-Boatwright’s Dining Hall
-Riverside Mill Food Court
-Front Desk
-Riverside Marina

What if Disney could bring the magic of the parks and big screen into your very own Walt Disney World resortroom? Well, our creative team at Disney Floral & Gifts found a way to do just that with a new guest experience called “A Pirate’s Adventure” and it’s going to be available for sale soon.

You may be familiar with our “In-Room Celebrations,” which feel like Mickey and the gang have come to your Walt Disney World Resort room to create a personalized celebration just for you. Well this new offering is actually an “adventure” prepared by Captain Jack Sparrow. The story is that Jack was chased by a band of pirates and ducked into your room to hide his treasure. The pirate code states the treasure shall be yours if you can solve the riddles he left behind and find the key to unlock his treasure chest. Then the treasure chest will be yours to do with what you will.

Ken Malquist, show director for Disney Floral & Gifts, says it’s a great experience for the entire family. “You know, when we watch kids play, some of their greatest adventures takes place in their bedrooms, building forts and playing dress-up. So we took this concept and came up with a storyline to place the guest in an imaginative, yet authentic adventure,” Ken said.

There’s much more to share about this experience, but for now, know that “A Pirate’s Adventure” will be available for sale late Summer 2011 with delivery to the Walt Disney World Resort Fall 2011.

A look inside the Cars rooms, where guests are staying at the Cozy Cone Motel

The Lion King rooms are themed to the “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” sequence

Finding Nemo rooms

The giant Mickey wreath is back on Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

Tarps are down on the right side of Exposition Hall

Some new tarps are up on the left side now

The tarps are finally down on the Disney Clothiers facade, the bottom is still walled off

That’s a big crane!

Work continues on the Fantasyland expansion at a blistering speed

A wall of trees now help to somewhat theme the area

Not much visible change at “Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid”

It appears that the building for “Enchanted Tales with Belle” is also rising along with the “Be Our Guest” restaurant

We’re going to continue to post photos of the new Mad Tea Party roof until it looks normal…

Not yet…

Work continues on the facade of El Pirata Y El Perico

Welcome to Animal Kingdom!

The Jingle Jungle parade started a bit early this year

Let’s take a safari!

Does that hippo wink?

A lot of work going on in the savanna

Something being constructed…

Any idea what this could be? We’re thinking it has to do with the Wild Africa Trek.

Work visible from quite a distance

Cats are so lazy…

“Hakuna Matata!”

Over to the Studios fro some Osborne Lights

“The Legacy Continues” at One Man’s Dream…

This fall….

The year’s haven’t been good to Figment

Plush!

I’m not sure if anything in this case opened after 1983, not 1986…

A look at the future of Hong Kong Disneyland

Tokyo has been taking a lot from the U.S. parks as of late, Fantasmic! will be the next step, although their show will be very different

Are we counting chickens before they hatch November 30th?

If you ever wondered how often plans change at WDI, count the differences in this model and the real thing

What is the “much more”? WE NEED TO KNOW!!!