Update on the NEW DVC Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Work continues on the Disney Vacation Club Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This week crews began installing an overhang on the highest point on the roof.

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A coat of primer is being added to both side of the resort. It’s expected that the final coat of paint will match the other buildings at the Polynesian - dark brown.

Disney has not released details yet on the DVC Tower including points charts and the official name. Stay tuned for more updates.

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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.

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Go Inside Disney's Villains Themed Top of the World Lounge

The Top of the World Lounge is located on the roof of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It’s currently a private club for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members. To get up to the Top of the World Lounge, you will need to have a current Disney Vacation Club reservation at a Walt Disney World Resort.

Reservations

Reservations are not required but there is usually a waitlist for walkups. You can find the waitlist downstairs in the north elevator bank (the side of the tower toward Space Mountain). If you just want to go up to see the lounge and rooftop view, you might not have to wait. Ask at the check-in podium on the first floor if you can go up just to walk around, a Cast Member will let you know if it’s possible.

The lounge is extremely popular during fireworks.

Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower | Disney’s Contemporary Resort

I love the contemporary furniture but I’m not seeing the villain theme yet.

Sometimes special events are held here for DVC Members. These events have a hefty cover charge but usually include an open bar, desserts and fireworks viewing. You can call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to inquire about special events being offered for your travel dates.

OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises

Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower

Finally found a Disney villain! There’s a picture on a tv monitor of The Evil Queen.

There’s a bowl of “wishing apples” and of course, a mirror.

Top of the World: A Villain’s Lair at Bay Lake Tower

Looks like the villains were just here, but left their coats and capes behind.

Impressive view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the roof of the Top of the World Lounge.

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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

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Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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Tour Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is located 2 hours southeast of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

It’s actually part of the Walt Disney World collection of hotels - online check in is done through the Disney World mobile app.

The resort consists of standard hotel rooms, 1 and 2 bedroom villas, and 3-bedroom cottages.

On this trip we had an Ocean View hotel room. The extra cost for the view was well worth it.

Despite being a beach hotel, Disney has hidden the beach from any ground level area of the resort. Every possible view from the main floor or even outside on the sidewalk is blocked by thick vegetation.

I suspect this has to do with creating dark beaches for the sea turtles, so if you want to see the ocean, get an Ocean View room!

Tips for Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

• Sign up for activities as soon as you check-in, especially kid’s programs.

• Check-in is a 4pm, rooms are seldom ready earlier. But you can arrive any time and use the pool and beach.

• Beach chairs and cabanas are available to rent for a small fee or you can bring your own. Surprisingly Disney doesn’t overcharge you on the rentals.

• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is in a secluded location, there’s nothing for miles in either direction. Plan to spend most of your time in the resort. The village of Vero Beach is about 20 miles away.

• Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. This resort is sold out every night of the year

• December though February is considered the high season. September and October are the low season months.

Disney's Vero Beach Resort lobby

Inside the lobby you’ll find plenty of seating, tables, board games, video games, and various activities throughout the day, especially during inclement weather.

If there’s rain or a passing thunder storm, the pool staff sets up activities in the lobby to keep families entertained.

Deluxe Inn Room

On this trip we had a Deluxe Inn Room with an Ocean View. This is standard hotel room that has 2 queen beds and sleeps up to 4 people.

Rooms are quite spacious at 360 square feet.

Single sink vanity with a spacious water closet and bathtub and shower.

Rooms have a kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge and small sink.

The cupboards are stocked with plates, cups, glasses, bowls and utensils.

Most importantly, coffee is complimentary! It’s Joffrey’s Coffee - the same brand that’s provided at Walt Disney World hotels.

View of the Atlantic Ocean from our balcony.

While Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club family, even non-members can stay here.

The Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s version of a timeshare program.

Non-members may find that availability is limited. The hotel rooms and Deluxe Studio categories are often available to non-members.

DVC members have first pick at availability. After a period of time, any rooms that have not been booked by DVC members then go into general inventory.

1 Bedroom and 2 Bedroom Villas are almost never found in general inventory. If you find one, book it immediately!

Hotel rooms are located inside the main building, just off the lobby.

This is super convenient because you’re close to the beach, pool, parking garage and dining options.

The outer buildings are home to the Deluxe Studios, 1 Bedroom Villas and 2 Bedroom Villas.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is sold out every ngiht of year, according to hotel management. For this reason, you’ll want to book your stay are far in advance as possible.

The 3 Bedroom cottages are huge. They have 2nd floor balconies with views of the ocean.

Wind & Waves Market

The Vero Beach community is a private, affluent residential area. There isn’t much around in terms of shops or restaurants. Plan to rely on the resort for meals and beverages. The nearest town is 20 minutes away. (see my recommendations below).

Wind and Waves Market is actually quite reasonable which is surprising because guests are a captive audience here.

Inside you’ll find bakery items and a small counter service restaurant.

Best of all, they sell Mickey Bars!

Wind and Waves Market also sells milk, cereal, snacks, fruit, coffee, soft drinks and other essentials.

Pathway to the beach.

The beach at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. We paid $25 for 2 chairs and an umbrella for the day. You are also welcome to bring your own.

Vero Beach is made up of private beach communities and resorts.

You won’t find t-shirt shops and tourist attractions here. Vero Beach is all about natural beauty and the locals feel strongly about keeping it that way. Disney picked a great location for this resort, such a contrast from Orlando and Walt Disney World, the tourist capital of Florida.

Mickey-shaped pool and Pirate's Plunge water slide. The water is heated in cooler weather and is opened all year.

Wind and Waves Grill

Table service dining at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Wind and Waves Grill is where you can dine with Disney Characters on select days and times.

Advance reservations are highly recommended, but same-day reservations are also accepted.

Reservations for this restaurant can be made through Open Table or by stopping at the front desk.

Wind and Waves Grill serves American seafood dishes, specifically Florida seafood like Shrimp and Cheddar Grits served with pineapple chutney and coconut leek cream, Bacon-crusted Salmon with potato gnocchi and vegetables.

For breakfast, Signature Eggs Benedict, the Key Lime Mickey Waffles served with raspberries or Challah Bread French Toast.

A kids menu is available.

The restaurant is opened for breakfast and dinner.

Recommended Dining Near Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Riverside Cafe

This historic restaurant sits right on the Indian River in Vero Beach. Super friendly staff, lively bar crowd but also kid friendly.

Check out Riverside Cafe’s menu here.

Riverside Cafe

Riverside Cafe is a hidden gem in Vero Beach. If you want to go where the locals go, this is it.

Riverside Cafe

If you like to fish, bring your pole. There’s a bait shop in the parking lot and a fishing pier under the bridge, a popular fishing spot with locals.

Abbott's Frozen Custard

It might be fun to take a drive, do some exploring and stop for ice cream. I recommend Abbott’s Frozen Custard (4140 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960). It’s located about 20 minutes south of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, closer to town and other dining options.

Frozen custard is ice-cream’s cousin. They both contain milk, cream and sugar, but custard also has egg yolk to make it extra smooth and creamy.

The Lemon Tree Restaurant

Serving breakfast and lunch, The Lemon Tree is located in the town of Vero Beach (3125 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963). Plan to spend time walking around the town’s little shops and even some of the beach hotels.

The Lemon Tree is opened for breakfast and lunch daily, located about 20 minutes south of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

A popular breakfast spot with locals in Vero Beach.

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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