Most Walt Disney World visitors know that there is far more to this vacation destination than just theme parks. Walt Disney World hotels offer world class dining locations, plenty of fun activities and some expert theming that will delight those who venture beyond the theme parks, whether or not they are actually staying at the resorts or not!
This month brings a number of updates to the various hotels around Walt Disney World, including more information about the Beauty and the Beast lounge coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel, testing of the new Skyliner system, plus a new water featuring coming to Disney’s newest hotel!
1. Enchanted Rose lounge to open soon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Image: Disney
Earlier this year Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort closed forever, and Disney announced that they were re-theming this space to a new Beauty and the Beast themed lounge, which we now know will be called Enchanted Rose, and will be opening in just a few weeks.
As confirmed previously, this location will feature four unique spaces inspired by the live action Beauty and the Beast film. The lounge’s signature bar will glow from the light of a gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. In another room, guests will find a space that recalls the iconic library from the film, with classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. Another character-inspired space inside this expanded lounge will be the garden room, which will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. Finally an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.
Image: Disney
The menu at the Enchanted Rose will include sharable bites, including Mini Smoked Short Rib Sliders with glacier blue cheese and onion marmalade on brioche buns, Espelette Pepper-Spiced Shrimp or Octopus a la Plancha with black olives, blistered tomatoes, and fingerling potatoes. The beverage menu will include specialty Beauty and the Beast-themed cocktails as well as spirits, beer, cider and non-alcoholic options for guests of all ages.
Though Disney hasn’t released an exact opening date, this location is about ready to debut, and should open in the next few weeks!
2. Cast Members now testing Disney Skyliner gondolas
Image: Disney
We’ve only got a few more days until the Disney Skyliner officially opens on September 29th, and in the meantime Cast Members at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will able to be the first to experience this new transportation option during previews on September 16 and 18. Epcot Cast Members will have then have the opportunity for test flights on September 17. More Cast member previews will then take place September 23 – 26 for Cast Members from other locations around Walt Disney World.
3. Opening date revealed for Disney’s Riviera Resort
Work on the 15th Disney Vacation Club property is progressing rapidly, as we approach this new hotel’s December 16th opening date, and recently Disney shared more about the S’il Vous Play interactive water play area that will be found at this hotel.
Drawing inspiration from the grand public fountains throughout Europe, this fanciful fountain will feature several beloved characters from the classic 1940 Disney film “Fantasia.” Inspired by the “Dance of the Hours” in “Fantasia,” S’il Vous Play celebrates music, art, dance and storytelling with a creative fountain that features whimsical animals as they frolic and play in the water.
Guests who explore this area will find an elephant filling a dump bucket with his trunk while hippos and ostriches dance and play, and hippos splashing water into decorative bowls and basins.
