Sure, it’s fun to visit Walt Disney World’s (WDW) theme parks, but Mickey Mouse and his helpers have been busy in recent months giving restaurants and resorts on WDW property some big upgrades.
From updating two of Disney’s oldest resorts with a bit of character-specific flair to ‘reimagining’ a classic WDW restaurant with an iconic Disney film character in mind, there’s lots of new sights to see outside of Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
If a visit to the home of the Mouse is in your future, consider dining (and staying) at a few of these updated facilities for a bit of extra Disney magic.
1. Moana-Themed Rooms: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
‘See the line where the sky meets the sea, it calls me!’
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which opened in 1971, has upped the Pacific Island vibes in their guest rooms, giving the rooms a complete makeover themed around the animated film Moana.
From colorful paintings of characters like Moana and Hei Hei inside each room, to vibrant wallpaper with a tropical theme, guests who book a stay in these reimagined rooms will feel like they’re fully immersed in the story of Moana when their heads hit the pillow each night.
My family’s favorite part of these exciting rooms? The detailed shade adorning the floor lamp, which is decorated with images of everyone from Grandma Tala to those coconut-like pirates, the Kakamora.
At this time, Polynesian rooms designated for Disney Vacation Club members have not been updated, so book a regular room for your stay to make sure you’re bunking with Maui, Pua, and company.
2. Mary Poppins-Inspired Dining: Citricos At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort And Spa
Among the fine dining restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Citricos recently underwent a major makeover, changing the theming of the restaurant from citrusy hues to décor inspired by the film Mary Poppins Returns.
Upon entering the restaurant, guests will now see tapestry-covered furniture reminiscent of Mary Poppins’ carpet bag along with a beautiful teal and tan carpet designed to give guests the feeling of floating over the city of London via flying umbrella.
The kids in my dining party loved the restaurant’s Purple Penguin mocktail, served in an adorable penguin thermos that channels the animated penguins from both Mary Poppins Returns and the 1964 original film. (Pro tip: While the penguin thermos isn’t a take-home souvenir, we found them on Amazon for less than $20.)
The adults were thrilled with the restaurant’s fresh, seasonal Mediterranean-inspired menu, and with the opportunity to dress up nicely for a night out while vacationing. The newly reimagined Citricos is a great spot for grown ups to enjoy a delicious meal during their Walt Disney World vacation, but worry not: it’s fun for kids, too. Reservations are required and the restaurant has a dress code, so be sure to do your homework in advance.
3. Incredibles-Themed Rooms: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
As Walt Disney World prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in October, guest rooms inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which also opened in 1971, are getting an incredible upgrade.
Guest rooms throughout the futuristic resort are being renovated in an Incredibles theme, with beloved animated characters like Jack-Jack and Edna Mode making up everything from throw pillows to wall décor. The renovations promise to be super and oh-so-stylish, dahling! (Just remember…no capes!)
There are nine floors of guest rooms in the resort, all of which are being refurbished. And, while there’s no official date when the rooms will be available for booking, they’re sure to provide an exciting adventure for all guests who visit.
This article was written exclusively for Love What Matters by Terri Peters. Have an amazing story to share? Submit it here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.
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