Walt Disney World Resort News (and Rumors)

50 MILLION SMILES 

Goggles, ski hats, snow cones, syrup and Super Soakers were the order of the day Aug. 21, 2003, at Disney's Blizzard Beach water park at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. A nine-foot snow cone creation in the shape of Mickey Mouse was constructed to celebrate the Disney water parks' 50 millionth guest. The Simonet family (left) from St. Augustine, Fla., was honored as the 50 millionth guest this morning and joined in the fun, which included a 21 water-gun salute using Super Soakers and colorful snow cone syrup. 


(Photo: Garth Vaughan/The Walt Disney Company)

Relish Wetzel's Pretzel's at Downtown Disney West Side

Rick Wetzel, who has past Disney "connections" as a former cast member on the Jungle Cruise, now runs Wetzel's Pretzel's at Downtown Disney West Side--including scrumptious hot dogs made with pretzel bread. A favorite dessert among guests is Haagen Das Ice Cream.

New DVC Resort on Schedule to Open in 2004

American Idyll

Construction is well under way for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the newest proposed Disney Vacation Club Resort. This grand lakeside community is being built on a 65-acre site just across from the magical metropolis of Downtown Disney. When completed, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be the largest fully dedicated DVC Resort, with 552 planned Vacation Homes (subject to obtaining all necessary approvals).

Projected opening of the Resort's first phase is late spring 2004, but it's never too early to begin dreaming about your visit.

Straight from the Source

The focal point of the Resort is the breathtaking High Rock Spring, which cascades down rockwork, emptying into a cool, clear free-form pool--the Resort's main pool. To learn more, we spoke with Keith Borngirno of MSi, the architectural planning and design firm that's helping to bring the look and feel of Upstate New York to Central Florida.

Noting that the "heart and genesis for the idea of this Resort are the natural springs," Keith designed a pool inspired by the springs found in the Resort's New York namesake. The main feature pool will be about 6,400 square feet in surface area, accommodating 180 guests. The site's 10-foot change in elevation will be preserved, serving as a transition from the lobby and restaurant area to the pool deck level. Keith says they'll use the "spring and rockwork to transition that grade as a functional element."

The pool has a zero-entry feature making it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Both sides of the pool entrance will have some unique water spout features, too. Two whirlpool spas are planned for the main pool area, one of which is tucked up into a rockwork slope near an additional small, unconnected waterfall. The two additional quiet pools that dot the property will have a "more formal garden quality" to them, with some cast stone water features, according to Keith.

For the main pool, Keith and his team have created a unique slide that twists and turns several times, "meandering through the rockwork." Plans also call for a bridge to be constructed over the slide's exit into the pool. And just like you'll find trees and plants native to Upstate New York at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the rockwork mentioned earlier will also have similar "roots." Keith and his team conducted research in the Empire State, taking photographs of rock formations and landscape in the Adirondack Mountains and around the Saratoga Springs area. The colors, shapes and types of rock formations they found will serve as inspiration for the rockwork by the pool and throughout the Resort.

Here's the Rub

The natural springs in Saratoga Springs, New York, were believed to have healing powers. But while Keith and his team are incorporating spring-like water features into the design of the Resort, if you're looking to heal your body, mind and spirit, The Spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort is the place to go. And there's no need to wait--it's already open! Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To ensure availability, reservations should be made three weeks in advance by calling 407.827.4455. Special discounts have been arranged for Disney Vacation Club members.

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