Luxury Disney

  For East Coasters who consider Disney World in Orlando their home park, a first trip to Disneyland is a special occasion.   The conventional wisdom is that staying on-site in Anaheim isn’t as important. Many off-site properties are walkable to the parks. But for Disney theme park enthusiasts like myself, a stay on property is worth it. Disneyland has three ...

Given that Mickey Mouse’s roots are in California, it’s no surprise where he chooses to spend his vacation: Hawaii.   Sunrise at Aulani In 2011, the Walt Disney Company opened its most ambitious resort not attached to a theme park. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa lies on the island of Oahu. Many may assume they know what to expect of ...

Considered Disney World's signature resort, The Grand Floridian has a lot of charm. But is it a luxury resort? The Grand Floridian Welcome The Cooler was a 2003 film starring William Macy, and he played a down-on-his-luck sad sack employed by casinos to loiter near the winning to turn their luck around. Disney World does the opposite of this casino practice. They ...

My eight-year-old is on a quest to see every Disney theme park in the world. We surprised him with a Disney Hong Kong vacation.   We've loved seeing the similarities and differences of the Disney parks in the United States, France, and Hong Kong.   Disney Hong Kong is a short ride from the Hong Kong International Airport, on the island of ...

The fenced in hot tub on the porch gives off a blue light at night, and the sounds of the fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant tell you that you have found a new way to experience magic, Copper Creek Disney style. The Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge Disney World is constantly evolving while still providing a timeless ...

What are the best Disney World hotels? Orlando has so many hotel options, it is hard to know what to choose. Here's a breakdown of the best. The Best Disney World Hotels Reviewed For You The First Decision: Staying On Disney Property or off site (or both)? There are clear advantages to each choice, depending on the purpose of the trip and ...

To walk the lobby while hearing live drumming is transporting and a noble effort of Disney’s ability to carry us to faraway places. Animal Kingdom Lodge We finally had the pleasure of checking Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge off of our Disney resort list. We’ve long enjoyed the restaurants and grounds of Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Lake Buena Vista Fast ...

Just like the Disney parks, there's a lot to learn about Disney cruising. Sail your first time like a pro with these Disney cruise tips.   We just sailed our first Disney Cruise. Despite all of my advanced research and my ninja-like travel planning skills, there were many unknowns for me. I am a planner, and I want to walk ...

People ask me what has been the best hotel to feature since I launched Luxe Recess in 2014. I am not saying that the Four Seasons Orlando is my favorite, because that’s like saying I have a favorite child. Although the fact that we did just return from our sixth visit may mean our family has found its magical place. There's ...

In the end, our favorite aspects of staying at the Polynesian had nothing to do with being club level The front entrance of the Polynesian resort transports you to the South Pacific. Walking into the Disney Polynesian Resort you are instantly transported into vacation mode. Tropical music plays, palm trees dance gently, and a piña colada whispers your name ...

Disney World restaurants are getting better all of the time The list of the best places to eat at Disney World grows all the time. The last three years have been exciting for foodies looking for a good meal in Disney World. The newest restaurants that have opened in the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs reflect current food trends ...

The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Disney World dining either delights or disappoints based on what city you call home. If you live in a major metropolitan area with access to great restaurants like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, or Washington DC, it's hard to get excited about dining at Disney World, particularly when the city of Orlando has such a ...

Tackling a Disney World vacation for the first time is daunting. Everyone has Disney World tips, just like they have pregnancy advice. But if you’re like me, you want to know whose advice you are taking. I am not a theme park addict, and I don't choose to do Disney World on a budget. But I care about quality and ...

Disney Cruise Concierge amenities might not seem like much. But during the cruise at every turn I felt like some invisible hand was guiding us to have the time of our lives. How a Disney Dream Suite delivered our best family vacation ever After taking a couple of Disney Cruises when our kids were younger I left feeling a little ...

Magic Village Resort is a newer Disney area villa option for the discriminating traveler, designed as a sophisticated option to convene, cook, and slumber. Magic Village is located just over a mile from Animal Kingdom Lodge. Extended family vacations are Disney World’s specialty. I see the families pass by sporting a dozen t-shirts in the same royal blue, adorned ...

The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate really surprised me. I would say not only surprised me, it impressed me. The Omni Orlando's new wave pool opened in the summer of 2017. I had few expectations checking into the Omni Orlando. I don't typically stay at many Omni properties, and I associate them with their historic mountain resorts like the Omni ...

Are you thinking about a Disney Cruise? I have struggled whether or not cruising was for us, and I have convinced my husband that we should try it.  We almost went once before, and I changed my mind at the last minute. I didn't think I would like Disney World either, so you just never know. (Thank you Disney World, ...

Why are the Disney Yacht and Beach Club are two of the most favorite resorts for Disney regulars? We'll help you decide if its the right choice for your Disney vacation. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney Beach Club are inspired by historic seaside resorts; nautical and beach imagery is everywhere. Joined together and within walking distance to Epcot, they share many ...

When to take that Disney vacation At what age do you take your kids to Disney World for the first time? Don't wait until they are older. You'll get so much more from the trip if you can see the experience through a preschooler's undoubting eyes. Most of my friends don't go to Disney World, and they have no interest. They perceive chaos, crowds, and ...

Considered the most deluxe Disney resort until the Grand Floridian came along, The Contemporary Resort boasts a guest experience few of the other Disney World Resorts can. It might be time for a rematch. Disney's Contemporary Resort The Contemporary was one of the two original resorts when Walt Disney World opened in 1971, along with the Polynesian. There are families who experienced it in the 1970's who ...

Disney offers several events requiring a premium ticket or fee. Read why Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is our favorite and enjoy some of my favorite Disney parks photos. 1.  The Crowds haven't yet descended upon Orlando. The Mickey's Very Merry Christmas parties begin at the beginning of November and run through until the the Christmas holiday approximately four nights each ...

Should you stay away from Disney World? I have been following the story of the Zika virus carefully, as I travel to Florida and Orlando on a regular basis. The Zika Virus is now in proven to be carried by mosquitos in a North Miami neighborhood. The rest of Florida may be next. Although state officials feel that their spraying efforts have eliminated ...

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando  is so beautiful, so sophisticated, and so family-friendly, it is just as perfect for a Disney World vacation as it is for a mom spa break or couple's getaway. The Waldorf Astoria and its adjoining Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek are within the resort area called Bonnet Creek. Although the hotels aren't officially Disney resorts, the Bonnet Creek Resort are ...

It's not just about skipping lines. I had so many questions about having a VIP tour guide at Disney World like how private tour companies differed from the official Disney tours and when the services are worth it. Here’s my best effort at answering questions regarding Disney VIP tour guides you may be considering for your Disney World vacation, which ...