Is buying Disney’s Memory Maker worth it?

Is it worth it to buy Disney’s Memory Maker?

If capturing photographic memories of your vacation is a priority, then it is most certainly worth it. Now let me explain.

First we have to address what it is – and how much it costs.

What IS Disney’s Memory Maker?

Memory Maker is the package that you can buy at Walt Disney World Resort to give you the ability to download all of your PhotoPass photos and videos. These are the pictures and videos taken by the Disney photographers and on select attractions.

MM - Pixie Dust Fan and Sebastian

How much does Disney’s Memory Maker cost?

For one day – the current price is $75.00 USD

Advanced purchase (more than 3 days in advance) is $185.00 USD

Memory Maker $210.00 USD

For the most current pricing visit Disney’s official site here

Should you buy Disney’s Memory Maker?

Of course ‘worth it’ is very subjective. It has many factors considering what is important to you, and how much money you’re willing to spend for it.

In my opinion, if you are visiting for more than 5 days and are willing to stop at PhotoPass photographers to grab some fun shots, then it is absolutely worth it!

When Figment shows up – that’s my favorite time!

I have 5 reasons why I think it’s worth it to buy Memory Maker at Walt Disney World

1. Everyone is in the picture

You’ve spent all this money to have your whole family or friends together for this epic trip and all of your pictures are selfies or someone is missing. If you’re good at selfies (I am not) then you can get everyone in, but not a good background. If you can find a stranger to take your picture, you’re getting one or two shots and hope that they know what they’re doing. With the PhotoPass photographers they are professionals using professional equipment to get you all in the shot, and sometimes when you’re not even paying attention.

I didn’t even realize they were taking pictures while we were talking

2. Magic shots are so fun

Some photographers have what is called “magic shots”. Some are a fun surprise when your pictures are available for viewing, and others you are expecting because you need to have a fun pose to create them. Either way – they are FUN!

You might feel silly posing, but the pictures are so fun when you see them later!

How cute is this pic with BB8? And how sunburnt am I???

3. You get the attraction photos

How cool is it to get a picture of yourself ON the attraction? It might be right at the point when a Dinosaur jumps out at you, or a ghost – or it might just be some fun shot of you winning on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Whatever it is – it’s a picture that you couldn’t get yourself.

Trying to capture the winning moment!

4. You can SHARE it with your friends and family

You can share this with up to 25 members of your Family & Friends who share media with you on your My Disney Experience account. That makes it even more economical if you’re travelling with other friends and family. I do know of some people who link up on social media to split the costs – but I’m not sure that I would feel comfortable doing that with strangers.

You can get a video that zooms in and out on you in the Magic Kingdom. How cool is that?

5. The PhotoPass photographers make the pictures different than you would on your own.

I have had the pleasure of interacting with SO MANY great photographers over the years. They make me laugh and have made me do so many silly poses that I have some fantastic shots that I would have otherwise not gotten. I always ‘pose’ the same way when I’m getting a picture taken – I think we all do that don’t we? But these photographers can make you step outside of your comfort zone and just have FUN with it!

Posing in my poncho on Main Street. I would NEVER have posed like this if it wasn’t for the photographer.

Sure, you can buy all of these photos individually if you wanted, but why limit yourself? Having ALL of your memories captured and available for download is the best way to re-live the trip when you get home.

One night a photographer took a shot of me watching the fireworks!

Even when the weather is unbearable – there’s always time for a photo. I managed to get one at the famous purple wall while trying to catch some shade from the heat!

Do you think it’s worth it? Have you bought Disney’s Memory Maker before?

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – should you stay here?

I am a big believer in enjoying your RESORT while at Walt Disney World and not just being focused on the parks. The resorts offer a bit of a different kind of holiday, with pools, shops and food to be enjoyed outside of the parks.

Should you go to Walt Disney World and NOT go to the parks?

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is one of the best resorts in my opinion for a “vacation outside of the parks”. The proximity to Disney Springs offers a multitude of shopping, entertainment and dining experiences close by, while still being “far enough” for a little solitude and relaxation. It’s a leisurely walk over to Disney Springs or there is a boat you can take that launches from just behind the main building.

The boat dock at Disney Springs

The resort was inspired by a late 1800’s New York retreat famous for its spas and horse racing. Horses are represented all over the resort, but the lobby has the best nod with the famous Disney horses being showcased throughout!

This one looks like Destiny from the movie “Enchanted.”

Decorated for the holidays, this is Angus – Merida’s horse in the movie Brave

The amenities and recreation at this resort should not be overlooked, they have a wide variety of things to enjoy.

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

This course has hosted the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour and USGA events (I have no idea what most of those things are, but a golf pro could tell you!). The 18-hole course was rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and has some pretty big accolades online. There is a pro shop with some impressive merchandise that even a ‘non-golfer’ who was a Disney fan would love.

While I was getting a tea one day in the shop I met a lovely local lady who said her husband loves to golf and this was his favorite course. Once a week he would come to the resort to golf and she would get a coffee and enjoy the shop and wander the grounds.

Bike Rentals

Admittedly this one is not for me, but it does look like fun when I have seen others do it! You can get individual bikes or surrey bikes (fit for 2 -6 people). When you can get people to come together to pedal somewhere, it just looks like family bonding at its finest!

Jogging Trails

They are all over Walt Disney World resorts, but I just really try to stay out of the way!

Basketball Court and Tennis Courts

Admittedly – I don’t even think I’ve seen these on my multiple stays! But they are there and you can get the basketball or tennis racquets at Horsing Around Rentals.

Playgrounds and Pools

There are 2 feature pools and 3 leisure pools at this resort. Whether you want a waterslide, play area or quiet time – there is a pool suited to your needs.

Senses Spa

Facials, massages, wraps and relaxation is what you’ll find at the onsite spa. Check the times before you go as some of the services may be unavailable.

Horsing Around Rentals

Movies, arcade, board games and more – there is activities suited to everyone at this resort.

This is absolutely a resort that you could visit and not go to the parks at all. While I always advocate for a balance of parks and resort time, you could absolutely spend a week here and not visit the parks at all.

This is a Disney Vacation Club Resort and offers studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units as well as Treehouses! (click here if you want to know what Disney Vacation Club is). I have yet to stay in a Treehouse but have enjoyed the studio, 1 and 2-bedroom units. The rooms have been updated and are bright and inviting – the furnishings used to be a lot darker.

There are laundry rooms if you have an extended stay or just want to go home with clean laundry (I love doing that, it makes unpacking easier).

The main building has a gift shop that has merchandise as well as some grocery items you might need. It also has a quick service spot for food and desserts that I always seem to enjoy!

Quick service seating

Do you want to know more about why we love Disney’s Saratoga Springs?

On episode 126 of the podcast, Carrie and I did a full review of “Is Saratoga Springs right for your vacation plans”. You can find the episode here or wherever you listen to your Disney podcasts.

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort? Check out the YouTube below of a 2 bedroom unit!

Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, what we like and what we don’t

Pixie Dust Fan Disney Podcast Episode 74

Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Joe Rohde retires and mobile shopping

On this episode of the podcast we start out covering the latest Disney news. We first reflect on the stay at home order in California that is impacting Downtown Disney and California Adventure. After that we dive in to Joe Rohde’s retirement and this new mobile shopping experience that I think might save us some money? Then it’s on to a review of Disney’s Boardwalk resort where we share what we like about the resort and what we think could use some improvement. What’s the thing that will make or break your trip here? You have to listen to find out!

Show Notes:

A Duckburg Family – Donald Duck’s family tree blog

A look at Carol’s Disney room pre-overlay can be found in this blog

YouTube video of Carol’s Christmas overlay is here

Find Francine and Carrie online:

Website: www.PixieDustFan.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PixieDustFan

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PixieDustFan

Carrie on Instagram: www.instagram.com/muppetcrazy/

Join our Facebook group: Pixie Dust Fans

Support Pixie Dust Fan by shopping at Disney and Amazon

Pixie Dust Fan merchandise available at Enchanted Collectors

I have resort tours on YouTube as well – check out my channel!

Don’t forget to sign up to stay in touch with Pixie Dust Fan news!

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What Is Disney Vacation Club?

Is Disney Vacation Club worth it? How does it work? We are exploring the pros and cons of membership and answering the most common questions about buying a Disney Vacation Club contract.

But first…..

What IS Disney Vacation Club (DVC)?

The Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s answer to vacation time shares, and it’s a popular investment for many die-hard fans.

While typical time shares have you securing a finite amount of time per year at a location, the Disney timeshare is more flexible in allowing you to customize your use. Members buy a contract of “points” that are replenished each year. For example – my very first contract I bought was for 160 points at Bay Lake Tower in 2009 while the resort was under construction. At that time the price per point was approximately $112 USD per point (that was a good deal back then). Each year I pay maintenance fees for the resort and my 160 points are replenished. The length of my contract was for 50 years.

My DVC Resort – Bay Lake Tower is connected to Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Please note that this article is my opinion and perspective and does not contain details of every aspect of Disney Vacation Club Membership. For full details you should refer to the offical DVC page.

Where can you use Disney Vacation Club points?

There are 3 collections available for your points to use.

Disney Collection
Concierge Collection
World Collection – Interval International

The Disney Collection

You can use your points at Disney Vacation Club Resorts such as Disney’s Beach Club, or Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World or Disney’s Grand Californian when visiting Disneyland. Aulani is a fantastic DVC resort in Ko Olina Hawaii or maybe you’d like a stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort in South Carolina.

Concierge Collection

This collection of hotels and resorts include a variety of spots from the Royal Garden in London England to the Fairmont hotels in Chicago and San Francisco.

World Collection – Interval International

Interval International is a large timeshare vacation exchange network that includes hotels all over the world. There is quite a variety of destinations in this collection.

For a full list of resorts you can check the official list here

Is it worth DVC if I’m not always staying in a Disney resort?

I have never used my points outside of a Disney resort. I think I would consider it if I needed to go somewhere else as a one off, but that isn’t the reason I bought it. If you’re an avid traveller who is always exploring different destinations – DVC is probably not what you need.

Using DVC points on a cruise is not a good idea.

Using your points on a Disney Cruise is not the best use of your points either. The trade of points for a cruise is just not worth it and not a good value. If you’re a big Disney Cruiser – I wouldn’t buy DVC for that.

How many DVC points do I need for a week at Walt Disney World?

There are many variables that are considered in the point calculations:

What time of year are you going?
What type of room do you need?
What resort are you staying at?

Points for a week at Walt Disney World examples:

Disney’s Bay Lake Tower Resort (Further info here)

November 14-23, 2020
Deluxe Studio Lake View Room
165 Points

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House

March 7–13, 2021
1 Bedroom Villa – Savanna View
231 Points

Same week in a standard view at Kadani Village (no animal view) is 195 vacation points for the 1 bedroom.

Disney’s Riviera Resort (Further info here)

February 7-13,2021
2 Bedroom Villa – Preferred View
370 Points

And my BUCKET LIST stay…

Disney’s Bay Lake Tower

February 7-13, 2021
3 Bedroom Grand Villa Theme Park View
754 Points

I quoted different weeks rather than spend the time searching for availability. Keep in mind this is just a guideline to give you an idea of what’s available and how many points are needed.

What are the different DVC room types?

You can use your points for rooms at the resorts that are not villas such as Disney’s Art of Animation or Disney’s Coronado Springs and have a room the same as if you were paying cash. The point are a bit high in my opinion if you’re not staying at a DVC resort, I don’t think it’s a good value.

In the DVC resorts, you generally have Studios and 1,2 and 3 bedroom units. They come in different variations and can be quite fancy such as the bungalows at the Polynesian Village Resort (starting at 115 points per night) or the Cabins at Copper Creek (starting at 87 points per night). While beautiful, you would need a very big contract if they were your desired accommodations each year.

Copper Creek Cabin

Can you bank and borrow points?

Yes, but since I’m always in a state of “borrow” I can’t speak to the banking! I have bought 2 more contracts since my first 160 points and I now have 310. My sister also has 300 points and we still don’t have enough. We are usually borrowing from the next year. Why do we go through so many points? 2 reasons – we travel with bigger groups sometimes and need 2 bedrooms OR we can’t get a studio when we want to go for the length of our trip.

Is booking a DVC resort easy?

So you’ve bought your Disney Vacation Club and now want to book your stay – can you get what you want? Sometimes.

It is important that you buy your points at the resort that you would like to stay at most often, this makes it your “home resort”. You can book your home resort 11 months in advance while the other resorts you can only book 7 months ahead. If your home resort is NOT the Beach Club or Boardwalk, chances are slim that you will be able to get a reservation there during one of the EPCOT festivals when you try to book at the 7 month window. It’s even harder if you’re trying to get a studio as those are usually the first to go.

Disneys Boardwalk 1 Bedroom Villa Bedroom

Disney’s Boardwalk Resort bedroom in the 1 bedroom villa

Given that I don’t like to plan 11 or even 7 months in advance, I really struggle when booking. We often end up with split stays (where we are in 2 or 3 different resorts in a week) OR we have to get a bigger room than we need (like a 1 bedroom for two of us). It’s not like I’m not booking the week before we go, it’s usually 3 or 4 months in advance, but I rarely get the resort I want for the full time I need. For many people they book at the 11 month mark and this isn’t an issue for them, but it really is for me. If you would like to go to Disneyland and use your DVC points? Let’s just say getting a reservation for a week at Disney’s Grand Californian is like winning the lottery at 7 months! There are some tricks that require getting 1 day at a time in advance and then each day try and get another (I think they call it walking the reservation?). I have heard it works sometimes – but I think it’s a lot of effort.

Does Disney Vacation Club save you money?

It depends. I wish I had a straightforward answer for this but it’s different for everyone and so many factors to consider. If you need to finance the initial purchase the interest will add to your upfront cost and the yearly maintenance fees add to the investment as well. The maintenance fees are calculated per point, the bigger the contract – the more the fees will be. Try doing the math over the length of the contract and include the increase in fees each year. If you’re buying resale make sure you understand how many years in the contract and what perks you get with that purchase.

Disneys Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

You also should consider where you would stay normally vs where you have to stay for your points to realize their value. If you would normally visit when Disney has a promotion and get a 20% room discount at Disney’s Pop Century or Port Orleans Resorts – spending points on a 1 bedroom at the Beach Club is not a fair trade. Yes, you will be staying in deluxe accommodations, but you are still paying for them with your points. Due to availability you can end up staying in a bigger room than you need or staying somewhere you really didn’t want to stay. Consider the time of year you normally go, could you maximize regular promotions or is it a slower season where. your DVC points could be utilized properly.

Are there perks to owning Disney Vacation Club?

YES – there are some great perks. I definitely make the most of the Annual Pass discount that is offered to DVC members! There are food and merchandise discounts as well, sometimes as much as 20% which can be a big savings if you’re a shopper like me. The tours in the parks also have discounts, we have done Caring for Giants more times than I want to count as a result.

There are special “Member Cruises” on Disney Cruise Line specific for DVC members as well as events like “Moonlight Magic” where a park is open late for DVC members only or previews when new things are opening. I have only ever managed to get to a couple of these because my vacations didn’t line up properly OR I couldn’t get a ticket. I was thrilled to get to the Animal Kingdom one for Pandora opening and getting a sneak peek there. These events are limited capacity, so you’re not always guaranteed a spot at the DVC events. I like to consider them an added bonus – but I wouldn’t factor them in to my purchase decision unless I was local.

Knowing what I know – would I buy DVC again?

I’m not sure I would buy it today knowing what I know, primarily because the price has increase and availability is a real issue. More often than not I can’t get the resort I want for the time I need. Yes, I love staying in the 1 or 2 bedrooms, but I am paying for it. I spend the points for the bigger rooms because I want a certain resort or I just don’t want to have to pack up and move multiple times in a week. The 1 and 2 bedrooms have more availability – but then I run out of points even faster. Once the yearly points are gone I pay for the rest of my stays, I take advantage of the promotions available and try out the non-DVC resorts.

I have Disney friends who have sold their contracts due to the availability issues or because they wanted to cruise more and found it more economical to sell. Yes, you can buy DVC on the resale market – but beware of the reduced perks and restrictions that Disney has put in place for those contracts, of course they want to encourage you buy direct from Disney.

As a die-hard Disney fan who visits multiple times a year, and given what I paid for mine all those years ago – I’m happy with my DVC purchase overall. I love the discounts – but I would get the same food & merchandise discount with an annual pass anyway. I think the best part is that I have pre-paid some of my resort stays for years in advance. My contracts are all paid off and I don’t need to worry about that expense when I’m planning my next trip. With my annual pass and my DVC points I only have to consider the cost of my flights, food and shopping for most of my trips.

Is Disney Vacation Club for everyone? No. Is it good for Disney fans? Maybe. I would suggest that if you are considering buying DVC that you do the math and your research. Read the contracts and crunch the numbers. While I have given you my views and some high-level insight, there is much more to using your DVC than I have covered. It’s important to be very realistic about how you vacation today, and how your family will vacation in the future.

My friend Carrie and I have both been members for years and we shared our thoughts on Podcast Episode 35 “What is Disney Vacation Club”. Have a listen to the episode if you want some more perspective and watch the video below for a tour of a 1 bedroom at Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Are you a DVC member? Are you planning on buying? Leave a comment and let me know.

Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

The Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are not the ‘cabin’ that I would be used to – there is no camping here, it’s not even glamping. These cabins are luxury.

These two-bedroom waterfront cabins feature a full kitchen, private porch and a hot tub with views of Bay Lake.

The bedrooms are spacious and if you look closely, there is a little reading bench next to the window! Lots of USB charges and outlets in the night stands next to the bed. That makes a huge difference when you need to charge your phone at night for the next day at the parks!

SHOP FROM OUR TEE PUBLIC STORE!

Pixie Dust Fan’s Tee Public Store

Lots of space at the vanity but I’m not sure I would use the soaker tub if I had a hot tub?

While at Walt Disney World you often think about being at the parks from morning to night, I really like to enjoy my resort. I think I could totally carve out some time to relax and enjoy this cabin. It’s so peaceful and away from the hussle and bussle of the parks, but close enough to the Magic Kingdom that you’re never far from the excitement.

Imagine some great family time hanging out in this living room? The fireplace is a nice touch. The cabins sleep up to 8 adults, and the living space is big enough to acommodate the whole party.

If you wanted to order some groceries for your stay – you could totally be cooking full family meals in the fully equipped kitchen!

SHOP FROM OUR TEE PUBLIC STORE!

Pixie Dust Fan’s Tee Public Store

There’s even plenty of space for you all to sit down and enjoy your meal. Although we would probably use it for games and stuff…. maybe some take out from Geyser Point. If you haven’t been to Geyser Point – you need to check it out and it’s so conveniently close to the cabins!

Of course the real relaxation comes in the porch, this is where I’d love to sit and just be quiet….

Alright – not at the picnic table, but in the plunge pool!

There is a fence around the pool so if you have little ones, you don’t need to worry.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a terrific option for families who want to be near the Magic Kingdom, but not on the monorail line. A quick boat ride from the dock will have you at the Magic Kingdom in no time.

The theming is on point and the views from around the property are breathtaking. Head down to the beach and you can see the fireworks and electrical water pageant at night.

If you don’t want to splurge on the cabin but still need a little more space? The 1 bedrooms are great too! I have a full walkthrough video of the 1 bedroom below.

Have you stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge? What did you love about it? Let us know in the comments below!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Deluxe Studio Room

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is one of the most iconic resorts on Disney property. There are SO many great reasons to stay at this resort, in fact – I did a blog on the Top 5 Reasons to stay here. Aside from the regular resort rooms though, in a separate building is the Disney Vacation Club rooms, the Villas as they’re called. What is a Deluxe Villa Studio? I’ve got all the answers below on what I love about these rooms!

5 Reasons I Love The Deluxe Studio Villa At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

1 They have a little kitchenette

You can’t cook in it – and that’s fine by me. I don’t like to cook at home, so I wouldn’t do it on vacation. What I do like is the coffee maker, toaster and sink… feels like a spot to have our snacks or a cup of tea. While all rooms now have the mini fridge – this kitchenette has a microwave. Perfect for heating up some leftovers I brought home from dinner for a late night snack!

SHOP FROM OUR TEE PUBLIC STORE!

Pixie Dust Fan’s Tee Public Store

2 They have a Dumbo bed

Seriously – a Dumbo bed!! Now this is meant for kids, but this fold down bed (trundle bed) is incredible. Look inside! Who doesn’t want to sleep in a bed that has Dumbo inside??

3 They have 2 showers

When you travel with a family, getting ready can be a bit tricky! Sometimes I travel with 3 or 4 women in a room, all trying to get ready at the same time! It’s a scheduling nightmare in some rooms, but in the Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Grand Floridian – you get 2 showers! There is a gorgeous stand up shower as well as a bathtub/shower combo! 2 people can get ready at the same time – cutting the time in the morning to get out the door in half!

I love the tiles in the shower!

SHOP FROM OUR TEE PUBLIC STORE!

Pixie Dust Fan’s Tee Public Store

4 It’s at the Grand Floridian!

Ok, maybe that’s a bit of a cheat but c’mon! The Grand Floridian is one of the most gorgeous resorts on property. It’s on the Monorail line, has some great food options AND it has some terrific theming! In the specific building that the villas are in there is incredible references to Mary Poppins from the Penguin Fountain when you enter to the finishing touches on the elevator.

Can you see it?

If you want to know why you should stay at the Grand Floridian you can read my top 5 reasons here. The other thing that makes this resort so unique is having Afternoon Tea. It is one of the best experiences and a lovely way to spend an afternoon… check out the post to see what Afternoon Tea is all about!

5 There is “relaxing space”

I love the fact that there is a couch with coffee tables and another round table in these rooms. We spend time in the room when I’m working and I need to upload content, download pics etc – so it makes a big difference to us that there’s a place for me to work and a place for my travel party to sit! No sitting on the bed, there is an actual comfy couch! There is also a balcony – this makes for a great place to unwind after a day in the parks!

I have a full walk through video tour below of the Deluxe Studio! Have you stayed in one of these rooms?

5 Reasons To Love Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World is the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort and it has everything you could want and more!

Each resort at Walt Disney World Resort has it’s pros and cons, but it all depends on what is important to YOU for your vacation.

I’ve come up with 5 reasons to love Disney’s Riviera Resort

1 Skyliner Access

Disney’s new mode of transportation is not only efficient – it’s fun too!! I am in awe of the Disney Skyliner and how quickly it can move you from point A to point B. With it’s own Skyliner station you can get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot with ease. Want to mix things up and dine at a different resort?

You can get to:

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

2 The Villas

Granted I only stayed in the 1 bedroom villa, but there are some new options at this resort including a studio that sleeps 2! It’s nice if you’re doing a solo trip to have the option of a smaller studio.

The 1 bedroom was gorgeous though. All the amenities we needed plus som bright windows, a balcony with a view and as many USB stations as I could use!! The big soaker tub, the shower and the beds were so comfy! Check out the full room tour here:

3 Character Dining

At the top of Disney’s Riviera Resort you have the Breakfast a la Art with Mickey and Friends character dining experience. Let me tell you – it was so much fun!

The food was delicious – and so well themed. The ‘art’ theme was all throughout the meal. Look at how the pastries came out

Check out our art supplies!

The characters all has specific back stories and fabulous outfits.

Minnie is a poet, Mickey is a painter, Donald is a sculptor and Daisy is a dancer!

4 The Views

The rooftop terrace is something to see – we got a chance to go out and explore after breakfast and those views are breathtaking!!

Wouldn’t you love to relax here one night?

Being able to see the Tower of terror off in the distance, and look down on Caribbean Beach – see the Swan and Dolphin? You won’t find views like this anywhere else!

Dinner at Topolino’s and staying till fireworks time – you’ll see Hollywood Studios AND Epcot from up here!

SHOP FROM OUR TEE PUBLIC STORE!

Pixie Dust Fan’s Tee Public Store

5 The Art – So Much WALT

The art work at Disney’s Riviera resort is right up my alley. I love all of the classics that are represented

Gorgeous painting of the castle.

What struck me the most aside from the classic Disney paintings was the amount of pictures of Walt Disney and his family. These pictures are so unique and show him on vacation, smiling, dreaming. This is the man that created it all – and it’s wonderful to see his presence in this new resort.

What do you think? Will this be on your list to stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort?

If you want to hear a full review – check out Podcast Episode 27 for my review!

5 Reasons To Stay At Disney’s Bay Lake Tower

Disney’s Bay Lake Tower is one of my absolute favorite places to stay when I visit Walt Disney World. While all of the resorts have their own unique charm and benefits, Bay Lake Tower has everything that is important to me – and then some!

Here are my top 5 reasons I love Disney’s Bay Lake Tower!

1. Proximity to Magic Kingdom

You can’t beat this proximity, there is NO other resort that’s closer to the Magic Kingdom. You have to walk PAST Bay Lake Tower if you’re walking from the Contemporary! There is nothing like being able to walk to the park, and better yet – LEAVING after fireworks and not having to get on a boat, bus or monorail? Priceless!

The other benefit of being so close is being able to watch the fireworks from pretty much anywhere. If you splurge for a Theme Park View you’ll be blown away, but even if you didn’t – you can see the fireworks from anywhere out front really.

Seeing the fireworks from Bay Lake Tower – it’s that close!

2. Proximity to the Contemporary Resort

I think if I had to pick 1 resort as my all time favourite it would be the Contemporary. I don’t know how much of it is nostalgia, but it has some pretty terrific stuff that makes it my favourite. Staying at Bay Lake Tower you get the benefit of being able to walk over and jump on the Monorail, shop in the fantastic stores, eat at Contempo Cafe or have a drink at the Outer Rim. Can you say table for 2 at California Grill and I can walk back to my room after? Ya, it’s that close – and it’s wonderful!

3. There is nothing IN the resort itself

This may sound like a drawback, but it isn’t. There is no food court or restaurant or even stores in Bay Lake Tower. The only thing is the Top Of The World lounge for Disney Vacation Club members on (you guessed it) the top floor. Otherwise, it’s just resort rooms. What that means? No one has any reason to be in Bay Lake Tower if they’re not staying there. No crowds, no loud hallways – just peace and quiet! Of course it has a pool, laundry room and games – but nothing of ‘fun’ inside the resort.

The pool at Bay Lake Tower

4. Room Variety

The ability to book a studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom comes in VERY handy for my family. When we travel as an extended group – we like to stay together and normally get the 2 bedroom. We have a full kitchen in there so that we can make breakfasts and the living room makes it comfortable for us to hang out as adults when the kids have gone to bed. I have YET to stay in a 3 bedroom… but I’m working on it!

The 1 bedroom units also feature 2 full bathrooms. This is the PERFECT set up when we have 4 adults, there’s nothing worse than 4 us trying to share the same bathroom!

The only thing that I wish was a little better was the configuration of the studios. They didn’t utilize the space very well – it’s really only suitable for 2 or 3 adults maximum. If you go with 3 or 4 adults, you better REALLY like each other! Otherwise, I would suggest staying at the Contemporary Resort where the rooms are MUCH bigger than the studio at Bay Lake.

Part of the living room at Bay Lake Tower

5. Being IN The Bubble

When you arrive at Walt Disney World, you enter the ‘bubble’ as I like to call it. It’s the place where you cross the threshold and the outside world doesn’t exist, at least that’s what I try to do. When you stay at one of the Monorail/Magic Kingdom resorts, you are REALLY next to the magic. You can hear the train whistle in the park, you can see the boats on Bay Lake and at night you can see the fireworks. Being ‘surrounded’ by all of those sites and sounds really do drown out the ‘real world’ just for a bit. Yes, you can feel this way staying anywhere on property, but being THAT close to the Magic Kingdom just gives it that little extra Pixie Dust.

Check out the 1 bedroom at Bay Lake Tower and tell me what you think!