Things are constantly CHANGING in Disney World.
New restaurants are opening up, hotel pool areas are closing for refurbishment, new structures are being built, and much more. Over at Disney World’s hotels, we’ve seen a number of new things hit the shelves and other updates in terms of parking and construction. Want to make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest? Here’s what you need to know.
Let’s go through all of the latest updates from Disney World’s resort hotels.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Merchandise Updates
M. Mouse Mercantile
At M. Mouse Mercantile we spotted a Disney Princess Woven Crossbody Bag that used to be available on shopDisney but has seemingly been removed from the website.
The bag is priced at $29.99.
Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries
Looking for a stationery kit? You’ll find a Princess and the Frog-themed one here for $24.99.
We also spotted a 2023 pen here for $9.99.
Ring in the new year with…some writing! Who knows? Maybe this pen will help you acquire ALL the Disney autographs you’ve got on your bucket list!
Construction Updates
In terms of construction, the Conch Key building is undergoing some substantial updates.
There are lots of structures in place all around the outside of the hotel as refurbishments take place.
The Grand Floridian is in a bit of a state of transition at the moment. Citricos reopened with a Mary Poppins Returns theme, some rooms got an update and new Disney Vacation Club rooms debuted, Narcoossee’s is closed for refurbishment, and the lobby is set to be updated too. We look forward to seeing the finished product of all this work!
General Updates
During one trip to the Grand Floridian, we were informed that guests were not allowed to park at the hotel unless they had a hotel reservation there or had a dining reservation at the hotel. That was largely due to the popularity of the hotel’s Gingerbread House and about 400 guests that were set to visit the hotel for weddings.
Keep in mind that parking restrictions can be more strictly enforced at Disney World hotels around the busy holiday season. Be sure to check and see what the situation is like when you visit.
Click here to see more about the parking restrictions being enforced at the hotels
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Merchandise Updates
Fantasia Marketplace
At Fantasia Marketplace, we spotted a Q9-0 Star Wars figure for $24.99…
…a Tech Star Wars action figure for $24.99…
…a Bo-Katan action figure for $24.99…
…a Spider-Man Venom pin for $17.99…
…and another Spider-Man pin for $17.99.
Bayview Gifts
Here, we spotted a Disney World chain necklace for $29.99…
…Castle and snacks charm necklace for $24.99…
…a Disney World charm bracelet for $24.99…
…princess earrings for $24.99…
…and castle earrings for $19.99.
General Updates
In terms of general updates, we noticed that there were a LOT of people in the hotel over by the Gingerbread Castle display.
But the restaurants weren’t all that packed!
Lunchtime is often a good time to visit Disney World’s hotels to take advantage of lower crowds since many guests will be in the park at that time.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Construction Updates
Over at the Polynesian, construction continues on the Disney Vacation Club villas being built at the hotel.
The land has been cleared and we could see that some equipment was in place to continue the construction.
The expansion is expected to open in 2024, and the new villas will be inspired by early concepts for the hotel.
Click here to learn more about the expansion’s original announcement
General Updates
In terms of crowd levels, it was very busy near Kona Island…
…and Tambu Lounge.
This hotel has MANY great spots to eat though, so you could opt to explore other restaurants within the hotel — like Capt. Cook’s — if other places are too busy.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Merchandise Updates
The Artist’s Palette
If you’re looking for more merchandise, head over to The Artist’s Palette. Here, we found a DVC mug for $24.99…
…DVC luggage tag for $14.99…
…DVC card set for $14.99…
…the Saratoga Springs holiday pin for $19.99…
…an Anastasia mug for $19.99…
…the Saratoga Springs DVC hoodie for $44.99…
…a photo frame for $29.99…
…a Saratoga Springs pin themed to Tangled for $19.99…
…a Saratoga Springs hat for $29.99…
…and a Saratoga Springs brown shirt for $29.99.
This really is a great spot to stock up on all that DVC and hotel-specific merch!
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Merchandise Updates
Conch Flats General Store
Looking for even MORE DVC and hotel-themed goodies? We’ve got the place for you! Stop by Conch Flats General Store to pick up an Old Key West holiday pin for $19.99…
…Old Key West hat for $29.99…
…Old Key West Hoodie for $44.99…
…Old Key West brown shirt for $29.99…
…a Tommy Bahama Old Key West zip-up jacket for $125…
…and an Old Key West ornament for $22.99.
There’s plenty of shopping to be done here!
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
Merchandise Updates
Jackson Square Gifts & Desires
And finally, over at Port Orleans Resort French Quarter we found a Tommy Bahama Port Orleans Resort French Quarter zip-up jacket for $125…
…along with a Tommy Bahama Port Orleans Resort French Quarter polo for $110.
And that’s a general overview of the updates we’ve spotted in Disney World’s hotels lately, along with a very recent update at Disney’s BoardWalk with the addition of a sign for the NEW Carousel Coffee spot that’ll be opening there soon!
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we see. For a list of the BEST hotels for 2023 click here, or to see the WORST Disney hotels for 2023 click here. Stay tuned for more Disney news!
Click here to see why your Disney World hotel stay will be DIFFERENT in 2023
Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels?
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The “I’m So Tired; Just Tell Me What To Do” Guide To Choosing the Perfect Disney World Hotel
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8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room
The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room
The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS!
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