Florida flowers and Caribbean cruising - the trip report! THIS SECTION COMPLETED 4/12 - Page 61 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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There are other changes as well.
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I haven't even checked what the prices are for the Poly DVC bungalows, but I'm sure they're quite high to say the least!
I cannot find where I saw the rates but I have read that the bungalow nightly rate will be in the $2500 to $2700 range. This is probably correct since the quoted rate for a 1 Bedroom suite ranges between $1200 and $1760 depending on the season. All I can say is this will be out of my budget unless I win the lottery. HA HA
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You did get some really great shots out on the water!
I always wonder if anything will become of Discovery Island. And I did love River Country as a kid (and a 28 yr old, which was the last time I was there prior to it shutting down).
Glad the weekend weather is looking good! Enjoy!
As far as the DVC point cost for the Bungalows, it's a lot, as in Grand Villa level and then some. For example, for 1 night, Sunday, April 5 is 197 points for the Two BR Poly Bungalow. For comparison, a Bay Lake Tower Grand Villa, Magic Kingdom View, with three BRs and four full baths, is 175 points for that night. Wowzers.
I believe I read somewhere that the water in the plunge pools is filtered. I suspect it is also treated. I think it would have to be. They won't use lake water directly for the same reason that they don't let people go in the Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake. There's an Amoeba (Naegleria fowleri), very rare, that is found in hot springs and warm freshwater in the Southeastern US. It enters the body through the nose and can travel to and infect the brain. If someone is infected the mortality rate is very, very high. Although there were only 32 cases reported between 2001 and 2010, you can bet that there's no way Disney is going to gamble on this.
I really enjoyed seeing your pictures from the boat! It gives you a different perspective on the sights. I wish my DH would rent a boat with me but neither of us are confident behind the wheel of a boat so I doubt that it would ever happen! Enjoy your Easter travel!
I recently learned about the shoe tree myself. It seems to be a tradition with Cast Members to add their shoes to their tree. Not sure when it started. I love your pictures of the Grand Floridian.
Great pictures from around the lake and lagoon. That looks like a fun activity. I didn't know anything about the plunge pools so I googled it. I found this picture from WDW Magic that seems to say all is good.
[QUOTE=Pris;4434002]Great pictures from around the lake and lagoon. That looks like a fun activity. I didn't know anything about the plunge pools so I googled it. I found this picture from WDW Magic that seems to say all is good.
I just saw that photo on all ears, too. Very relieved! It's a hot tub without the jets or heater.
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More great pictures from the lagoon. I'm very interested in the story about the sneaker tree, I may have to google and see if I can find any information.
ETA: Apparently the tree is a tradition from crew members of the boats to tie their shoes together and throw them in the tree on their last day of work. Why it started, I can't find an answer for that.
What a cool sightseeing cruise. I have wanted to rent a boat while there for the longest time and just never have. I really should bump it up my list for next trip. Nice to know they have water patrols out and about too.
Your cruise around the lake seemed very relaxing. I truly enjoy seeing the shoreline from a different angle. We enjoy boating on the Hudson River, and I have to say, you seem to have encountered more patrol boats in an hour than we do in a month. It also made me wonder if people try and sneak onto Discovery Island causing Disney to have quite a few patrol boats.
Now you say it, that would not surprise me in the slightest! And trust Disney to have lots of patrol boats out - I guess it goes with safety being their number one priority.
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Skipping back to your race photos, you captured my friend in one photo. She was thrilled when I sent her the link to your TR.
I cannot find where I saw the rates but I have read that the bungalow nightly rate will be in the $2500 to $2700 range. This is probably correct since the quoted rate for a 1 Bedroom suite ranges between $1200 and $1760 depending on the season. All I can say is this will be out of my budget unless I win the lottery. HA HA
Those sort of prices would not surprise me in the slightest.
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the perspective from the water! It is truly a totally different way to see things and you often get views not available on land. How fun!
Enjoy your Easter travel!
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And trust Disney to have lots of patrol boats out - I guess it goes with safety being their number one priority. 
we are! 
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