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This is something the resort really can use. A place where some of the family can go to bed while others stay up at the value pricing. This was always a problem when my kids were younger having to pretty much all go to bed at the same time because it was a single room.

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  • 1 month later...

Tonight we did, once again, one of the resorts best "Hidden Gems!" Check it out...

 

Tonight we are at Fort Wilderness for the Chip n Dale Campfire!

 

Chip n Dale's campfire is a free event that takes place every night at Fort Wilderness.

 

KidTums was asked to help lead Chip n Dale into the campfire!

 

Chip n Dale campfire includes furries & singing! Love it!!!

 

KidTums thought it was awesome to get a pic with a "real celebrity!"

 

Time to roast a few more marshmallows!

 

S'mores, anyone?

 

Tonight's movie at the Fort Wilderness campfire is one of quality!

 

Tonights movie at the Chip n Dale campfire is Finding Nemo!

 

Gotta suck down one more marshmallow! (wonder how long it will be until someone photoshops this!)

 

Don't miss this at Fort Wilderness! Great fun! And it's FREE! (Although we recommend at least buying something, after all, it's a nice event without a cover charge. Give back a little!)

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I am definitely doing that next time I go. Looks like a ton of fun, and having treats is always good for me! Events like that are one of the best advantages WDW has over DLR. They can do fun events, and with a good price. They do offer the campfire year round don't they?

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I was wondering if I would enjoy this event going back for a second time, but it was just as fun and cute!

 

Definitely something to do at least once a year at the resort. Just make sure to look up the movie schedule before going, you wouldn't want to end up having to watch Hannah Montana or some crap!

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It's amazing that I've missed so many of the "little things" around the resort. I definitely need to take more time and poke around.

 

Of course, actually having a car this time will definitely help...

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Yesterday, I took an hour or so to stop by the Pop Century Resort (following my visit to the Magic Kingdom, which I'll post photos from soon) to check up on the progress of the Art of Animation Resort. Since my last visit, the buildings have not only grown to their full size construction-wise, but many details of the unique facades have been painted, applied and detailed.

 

Please note: These photos were taken from the publicly-accessible view of the Pop Century Resort and the Legacy Bridge.

 

Remember that Phase 1 opens on May 31st, 2012, so we aren't too far away from having access to the first wing of the new resort!

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Leaving the Magic Kingdom, early land clearing has become visible at the location of the future Grand Floridian DVC expansion.

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The wedding pavilion has been carefully lined with walls to prevent the construction from appearing in the wedding parties' views.

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The sun shines brightly upon this soon to open resort.

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Lookie here! We have a Cadillac Range too!

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The sides of the building show animated sketches from a flip book as if they were pages pulled from said book and lined up.

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It isn't as easy to recognize on the other buildings just yet, but the stairs are masked by the formation of a sketch book.

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Not all of the sketches have been applied to the building.

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The Finding Nemo Wing looks to be the most close to completion.

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The bridge from Pop Century that was meant to give access to the Legendary Years will soon give access to the Art of Animation Resort.

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The Lion King and Little Mermaid wings still have a ways to go before they can be opened to the public.

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That being said, the first coats of base paint have been applied to these buildings.

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A slightly more subdued color scheme than the one found in the Nemo wing, the Little Mermaid suites have yet to receive any facade additions.

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This side of the wing has plenty of work still to be done.

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The facade for the Finding Nemo wing looks incredible!

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The giant Crush statue has been installed and has been wrapped to prevent any damage during the last stages of the area's preparation.

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Fish have been added to the side of the building, adding an extra layer to this immersive environment.

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The water play area's coral reef theming continues to receive new details.

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Mr. Ray has been added to the opposite side of the play area.

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Another look at the most-completed sketch book at the Cars wing.

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This looks like it is basically done.

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Considering how little of the Art of Animation Resort is carried over from the unused Legendary Years section of Pop Century, the new resort is really huge.

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Back at the Pop Century Resort, the Mowgli and Baloo statue has been completely refurbished and looks completely new!

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I saw this on my way out...

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Ok...

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I had no clue they were adding a DVC to Grand Floridian. I wonder how construction is going to affect the Wedding Pavilion. I mean that wall is all well and good, but once it starts really getting constructed there will be noise and more annoyances.

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http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/12/walt-disney-imagineers-install-nemo-icons-at-disneys-art-of-animation-resort/

 

There couldn’t be a better occasion to share a sneak peek at the new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort than today, Walt Disney’s birthday.

 

Walt was a pioneer in the art form of hand-drawn animation, and continually experimented with new technology and storytelling mediums (like television) that would give him new ways to bring stories and characters to life.

 

Walt Disney Imagineers will continue this tradition in 2012 with the debut of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which will allow guests to immerse themselves in one of four beloved animated films by staying (and playing) in resort buildings themed after family favorites – including one inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”

 

In this video clip, provided by Walt Disney Imagineering, Imagineer Ryan Parrish offers the first sneak peek inside the resort, as well as a look at the three large character icons featured in the “Finding Nemo” courtyard.

 

 

It turns out they only installed these a few days before my visit!

Edited by jedimaster1227
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Oranges underneath a van? Because they didn't want them to get too hot inside the car, but were too lazy to carry them back to their hotel room (and also cool with the fact that they were laying on a parking lot, wtf).. Strange..Anyone have another theory?

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http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/12/four-seasons-breaks-ground-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

 

We have a quick update to share about the new Four Seasons luxury resort coming to the Walt Disney World Resort. Construction officially kicked-off this week with a groundbreaking ceremony that included Mickey Mouse, Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts operations, and joint venture partners Silverstein Properties and Dune Real Estate.

 

When construction is finished, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World will have 444-rooms, three pools, a “lazy river” and of course, a spa with 18 treatment rooms for you to enjoy. There will be several sport facilities, including tennis courts, a climbing wall and more.

 

The resort is scheduled to open in 2014. And of course, we’ll share any updates here on the Disney Parks Blog.

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I took a screenshot from Google Earth and labeled it to make the reference easier.

 

The Red Circle is the new development area. Golden Oaks (The Housing Community) and the New Four Seasons will be located in that general area. Its about a 5 minute drive to the Magic Kingdom resort area from that circle.

 

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Magic Kingdom labeled for reference

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Heya, thanks for posting about this Adam! Really excited that this is officially official

 

Official Announcement - September 2011

 

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts finalises USD 360 million development deal in Orlando, Florida with Silverstein Properties and Dune Real Estate Partners

 

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has entered into a joint venture with Silverstein Properties and Dune Real Estate Partners to develop a 444-room luxury resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. Construction is set to begin on what will be the largest Four Seasons resort in the world this December, with a target opening date in 2014.

 

“Four Seasons had the unique opportunity to purchase a fantastic site at the Walt Disney World Resort,” says Kathleen Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Then, we partnered with Silverstein and Dune, some of the world’s most astute players in real estate to develop the project, which enabled financial commitments to be secured and the project to move forward. We are also delighted to work with The Walt Disney Company, which shares our vision for a family vacation experience unlike any other.”

 

Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hotel brand, acquired the land from Disney in August 2008, and will retain a 30 percent ownership interest in the project in addition to operating the resort.

 

Four Seasons has been working closely with New York-based Silverstein Properties, one of the nation’s most respected real estate development, ownership and management organisations, since July 2009. Silverstein advanced the design and master plan for the new resort in consultation with Four Seasons, including acquiring necessary approvals, assembling and directing architectural and engineering teams, and negotiating the construction contract with Turner Construction. This effort enabled financing to be secured.

 

“We are very pleased to be working with Four Seasons on this exciting project,” says Larry Silverstein, president and CEO, Silverstein Properties, which will continue to oversee resort development and construction. “It’s a great design in a great location, and we’ve assembled a great team who are going to make this resort a reality in a few short years.”

 

New York-based Dune Real Estate Partners, a highly regarded real estate private equity fund led by Daniel Neidich, is the majority investor.

 

“The opportunity to partner with Silverstein and Four Seasons, both distinguished leaders in their respective fields, has given us the confidence to make a significant investment in a new development,” says Neidich. “This is an irreplaceable asset - a rare opportunity in a remarkable location, with a prestigious brand that we believe will provide attractive returns to our investors for many years to come.”

 

Mexico City-based Grupo Financiero Inbursa has agreed to provide USD 190 million in construction financing for the project. Grupo Financiero Inbursa is one of the largest banks in Mexico, and this is their second large construction loan in the US.

 

“Four Seasons continues to seek out innovative partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations who share our vision,” says Scott Woroch, executive vice president, worldwide development, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Despite the difficult financing environment brought on by the global economic downturn in the last few years, the development concept we created with our partners for this unique site attracted debt and equity sponsorship, and is now moving forward.”

 

About Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

The development will include a 444-room Four Seasons resort plus up to 40 Four Seasons Residence Club units and up to 90 Four Seasons Private Residences. Within the resort will be several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with Magic Kingdom views; a 14,000 square foot (1,300 square metre) spa with 18 treatment rooms; a fitness centre; three pools and a “lazy river”; sports facilities including tennis courts, basketball court and climbing wall; two recreational centres for children, teens and families; and approximately 37,750 square feet (3,500 square metres) of meeting and event space plus a business centre. The development will encompass the existing Tom Fazio-designed Osprey Ridge 18-hole championship golf course, which will be renovated and subsequently managed by Four Seasons. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is an enclave located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney.

 

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees – people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960 by its chairman Isadore Sharp, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 85 properties in 35 countries, and more than 50 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding.

 

About Silverstein Properties

Silverstein Properties, Inc. (SPI) is a privately-held, full-service real estate development, investment and management firm based in New York. Founded in 1957 by President and CEO Larry Silverstein, the company develops and acquires office, residential, hotel and retail properties. On behalf of principals, investors and financial partners, SPI has developed, owned and managed more than 35 million square feet (3.2 million square metres) of commercial, residential and retail space.

 

SPI has USD 10 billion worth of development activities underway, including rebuilding the commercial office space at the World Trade Center, one of the largest public-private developments ever undertaken. The company recently developed and opened Silver Towers, the largest residential rental development in New York. The company has been recognised as one of the “Best Places to Work in New York City” by Crain’s New York Business for the past three years.

 

About Dune Real Estate Partners

Dune Real Estate Partners LP manages the Dune Real Estate Funds, which were launched in 2005 to make opportunistic investments in a broad range of real estate-related assets, portfolios, joint ventures and operating companies worldwide. The funds have more than USD 1.5 billion under management and generally target distressed opportunities, underperforming and undervalued assets and portfolios, and value creation opportunities. The principals of Dune Real Estate Partners have an average of more than 24 years of real estate experience and together provide differentiated broad-based global relationships and investment expertise.

 

About Grupo Financiero Inbursa

Grupo Financiero Inbursa was established in 1965 in Mexico, and is active in banking services, pension and investment fund management, operating as a brokerage house, debt and equity issuance, a wide variety of insurance products, financial and pure leasing services, and equity investments.

 

Groundbreaking - December 2011

 

Construction Begins on Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Published Tuesday, Dec. 06, 2011

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 6, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts kicked off construction of its luxury resort at Walt Disney World Resort today, in a groundbreaking ceremony with joint venture partners Silverstein Properties and Dune Real Estate Partners. The 444-room resort, being built in the enclave of Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort, will create about 2,000 construction jobs, and hundreds of resort positions when open.

 

"Travelers around the world know and trust Four Seasons, and Walt Disney World is the world's premiere family vacation destination," said Meg Crofton, president Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations US & France. "Together, our two companies offer a brand-new reason to visit and experience Central Florida."

 

With an opening anticipated in 2014, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will feature several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with Magic Kingdom views; a 14,000 square foot spa; fitness center; three pools and a "lazy river;" sports and recreational facilities; meeting and event space plus a business center.

 

Kathleen Taylor, President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, spoke of the relationship with Disney: "Each of us is dedicated to creating a product of the highest quality and standards, something that will become a landmark here in Orlando, and a destination unto itself for travelers from all over the world. It is truly a one-of-a-kind project and Central Florida will be a valuable addition to our family of resorts, particularly since this is a destination our guests already enjoy."

 

The development will encompass the existing Tom Fazio-designed Osprey Ridge 18-hole championship golf course, which will be renovated and subsequently managed by Four Seasons. The first Four Seasons in Central Florida is located within the Golden Oak residential community at Walt Disney World Resort.

 

Larry Silverstein, president and CEO of Silverstein Properties, recalled making the decision to back the project. "At the end of the day, it became apparent that the concept was right; that the team superb; the location first class and the two names – Four Seasons and Disney – as good as you can get," he said.

 

SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort

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Everyone's favourite mouse was on hand yesterday to celebrate the start of construction on Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, set to open in 2014! Joining Mickey were Larry Silverstein, president and CEO of Silverstein Properties, Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, U.S. and France, and Kathleen Taylor, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

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Overall look at where it is on Disney property

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Detailed map of Golden Oak community and Four Seasons hotel site (in the center)

Edited by rollin_n_coastin
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