NEWS: Mermaid School and more coming to Walt Disney World Resort hotels this spring

A lineup of new and returning experiences are coming to Walt Disney World’s Resort hotels this spring, including a chocolate workshop, Mermaid School, and more!

The Chocolate Workshop Presented by The Ganachery

This hands-on workshop at Disney’s Riviera Resort will offer a taste of The Ganachery, the specialty chocolate shop located at Disney Springs. Guests will learn from an expert Chef Chocolatier how to properly taste chocolate, see a demonstration of how to make ganache, and create their own chocolate truffle pops.

This class begins in March, and will be offered on Sundays at 11 a.m. Classes are $60 per person plus tax. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Mermaid School

Back by popular demand, this experience gives guests ages 4 and up the chance to be mermaids with fun pool activities, complete with a swimmable “tail” just like Ariel. At the end of the experience, guests will now get a special medallion to commemorate their time under the sea.

Mermaid School will return on March 1, with classes offered at new locations. Guests will be able to experience this offering at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Classes are $55 per person plus tax, and reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Crockett’s Craft Corner at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Let your inner artist out with this experience at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The two-hour board-and-brush-style workshop lets guests ages 8 and up design, paint, and take home their own rustic wooden sign. While painting, participants can enjoy light food and beverage options.

Crockett’s Craft Corner is offered on Wednesday afternoons inside Trails End Restaurant and is priced at $75 per person plus tax. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Walt Disney World Resort Fun Runs

Looking for a fun way to stay active on your Disney vacation? Try one of the many Fun Runs offered at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels!

Courses range from 1.2-1.8 miles at the following resorts:

Disney’s Coronado Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s All-Star Resorts

Fun Runs are $15 per person plus tax, and include a custom bib, finishers prize, and a selection of snacks. Guests ages 2 and under are free, and strollers are welcome during the runs. You can reserve your spot by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is back at Disney’s Beach Club Resort for another year of high-seas fun. This group experience invites kids ages 4-12 to go on an epic adventure with Captain Hook and his crew in search of hidden treasure around Crescent Lake, leading up to a pirate feast!

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is a great way for kids to have fun in a safe environment while parents head off on their own.

This experience is $55 plus tax per child, and now through May 31, Annual Passholders can get 10 percent off the ticket price. Disney Vacation Club Members can also get 10 percent off, though there’s no end date for that offer. To reserve a spot, call (407) 824-KIDS.

About the Author: DBTN - FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF DBTN

My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story

NEWS: Mermaid School and more coming to Walt Disney World Resort hotels this spring