As a family that visits Walt Disney World twice a year, we love staying resort hopping. Sometimes it’s fun to have a new view, ya know? Our most recent trip found us at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista – and gave us six reasons to love the closest resort to Disney Springs.
The Pool
If there’s one standout at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista it’s its pool. Actually, it’s its pools. Yep, there’s two! The main pool is much warmer than the adjacent smaller pool, but I love the fact that the property offers two pool temps. I, personally, like to swim in warmer water but for folks that like cooler water, they’re good to go.
The main pool’s features should be touched on as well. In the center of the zero depth pool is a swim-around waterfall with a couple of seating areas. Both my teen daughter and husband liked sitting against the wall and under a waterfall. It kept them in a shady spot and was super fun. The second spot, a water play area, is brimming with water squirters, a dump bucket, and climbing spots. While my teen felt a little too old to play on it, there were younger kids that were all about this spot.
The 1/2 Price Character Breakfasts
There’s no denying that Disney dining can take a toll on the old pocketbook, especially when it comes to character dining. But, there is a way to score half-price character dining- and that’s with an onsite character breakfast. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Wyndham LBV offers guests a loaded breakfast buffet and official Disney characters to go with it. I had a chance to actually sit at a breakfast table and dine with Pluto and goofy and the atmosphere is much more relaxed than your typical WDW character breakfast. The characters sat at the table with guests and I had so much fun taking loads of photos. Fun at a value? I’m so on board!
Breakfast is served from 7:30am- 10:30am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and includes those famous Mickey waffles.
The Hidden Mickeys
My daughter loves looking for Hidden Mickeys even when we’re not at Disney world, but put her on-property and she really amps up the hunt. Wyndham LBV has plenty of them to keep kids occupied, too. They’re practically everywhere including the landscaping and decorations, so keep an eye out.
We had a hoot of a time looking for hidden Mickeys during a Ford event on-property during our first night. I learned all about Ford’s autonomous vehicles and how they can self-park – no hands required! There was also a chat about travel insurance by Allianz and I’m highly considering it the next time we travel. In a nutshell, Allianz will cover your travel expenses if your trip is cancelled or interrupted. Did you know that airlines aren’t obligated to do anything in your flight is delayed? Yep. Here’s where Allianz steps in to reimburse you. There’s plenty of plans to choose from that will benefit your style of travel and budget, too.
While you’re hunting for Hidden Mickeys, check out the lobby area. We loved the decor and sundries store.
The Proximity to Disney Springs
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista prides itself on being the closest resort to Disney Springs and its location is really ideal if you’re all about that area. It’s literally across the street and even offers a raised walkway so you don’t have to cross the road in busy traffic.
Notable: the resort’s park shuttle runs right around every 30 minutes and hits two parks per shuttle. If you’re already over at Disney Springs, hop on a theme park bus to save you from walking back to the resort.
The Accommodations
The Wyndham offers two styles of accommodations: Tower and Garden. The Tower rooms are in the main part of the resort and run about $50 more than the Garden Rooms. They also offer pretty views of WDW fireworks shows so make sure you ask about Disney-facing rooms.
The Garden rooms, where we stayed, are considered value guest rooms. Honestly, they remind me of on-property WDW resort rooms without the Disney decor. Our two full-size bed room had plenty of space for the three of us and a separate bathroom area that could be closed off. Add in the fact that the official bathroom had a door on it as well and all three of use could get changed at once. LOVE time-saving comforts like this!
No matter which style of room you choose, you’ll get access to the resort goodies: the pool, pool-area crafts and kid fun, and the gorgeous lobby.
We stayed on the fifth floor and our room overlooked the pool area. At 9pm, we stepped out of our room’s door and watched Wishes at Magic Kingdom. Not only did we spare the crowds but we had the pleasure of checking it out one last time before it’s retired.
Parking Options
Hear me out on this one: I don’t like paying extra for parking if there’s a resort fee. I just don’t. But the parking at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista is affordable, as parking goes. Both Valet and Self-Parking options were $12 per night. My tip? Go with the valet and let them worry about finding a spot in a crowded lot for you.
Disclosure: I was given a media rate for my stay at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and consideration by Allianz! It’s to give you fine folks the scoop on what makes it so affordable and fun! All opinions are my own!
Leave a Reply