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Brought to you by...
John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
We have divided Resorts into 10 sections.
NOTE: News sources remove their articles rather quickly. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the source's archives for the story. The source's URL is posted in its entirety to make it easier to track down the original article and avoid dead links. Be sure to copy and paste the entire URL in your web browser's address window. Certain news organizations require a free registration to view their articles online.
Stacie, a lifetime member since 2005, writes:
Thanks so much, Stacie, for your wonderful comments! As a lifetime member you're sure to get more great deals in the future!
Hotel fees that must die -- and how to kill
them
Go wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
How Beth, our travel agent, saved a family $3,000! "I figured out a LONG time ago that just because Disney's promotional offers state that certain dates or resorts are excluded doesn't mean that they really are. My personal opinion is that they deem those resorts and/or dates to have very limited availability so they aren't willing to release much discount space - but they will release SOME space, and it will go to those that ignore the promotion's stated rules and try anyway. For the current deal, the dates of April 5-18 are specifically not included. They make that really obvious on their website. I had about a dozen reservations falling into that period and I promptly told them all that the promotion didn't apply to them. And at first, it didn't. But today I got every single one of them changed over to the deal. Every one! In one case, a family with two rooms saved about $3000! Of course, when I called Disney to ask if they could just change the pricing code they told me no, it was not available for those dates. So I rebooked the reservations through the agent site and then called in to have them transfer the deposits over. The people all ended up with new reservation numbers, and they had to reconfirm their flight information and their special requests and celebrations for me, but given the amount of money they were saving I'm pretty sure no one minded. :)" |
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Beth, our travel agent, reviews Seralogo Hotel and Suites: "Still a Solid Choice When there’s an option I will always suggest staying at a Disney-owned resort. For our most recent trip to Disney World, though, value resorts were only open two of the three nights we needed and were priced at over $150 a night with tax. The only place open for all three nights was priced at over $500 a night. Forget that; this was supposed to be a quickie 'cheap' trip! In fact, as I worked my way down the list of 'preferred' hotels, it because obvious that the few places that were available to arrivals on the Friday night before Presidents Day were going to be charging us as much as they felt they could squeeze us for. Ever the bargain hunter that I am, I kept looking… eventually settling on an old standby, Seralago. I first toured this hotel many years ago when it was a Holiday Inn and thought it provided a lot of bang for your buck. At that point, many rooms had been upgraded to 'kid suites' and they were turning several more into very spacious two-room suites to accommodate eight people. Astronaut John Glenn was an original owner of this hotel when it opened in 1973, but despite its age it’s in great shape. The standard rooms have two reasonably comfy double beds, a small frig and tiny microwave, and a single-sink wash area. The small bathrooms have a tub/shower combo, and the HVAC works well. No elevators, though, and there are two floors so be prepared for stairs. Resort amenities include an arcade, restaurant, small bar, two heated pools w/ hot tub, a food court of sorts (better than nothing) and a convenience store area. Plenty of parking even when most of the 614 rooms are filled. They do provide complimentary Disney transportation, with three departures and three returns available during our weekend. You can easily walk over to Old Town if you want some non-Disney diversion and there are a zillion other restaurants and touristy things right there as well. The drive time to Epcot is about 15 minutes. More like 20 minutes to the Transportation and Ticket Center (for Magic Kingdom access). Two thumbs up on location. I’ve seen rates as low as $39 a night if you’re age 50+ and join the senior club. This weekend, when Disney was charging over $150 for value resorts, Seralago was charging $41 for senior club members. Standard rooms with the 'for anyone' discount were $79. $59 is about average. Tax is 13%. Suites cost more, but are still reasonable. Just remember that you’ll either need to use the shuttle (and work around the stated times), or drive yourself and deal with the $14 per day Disney parking fees."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about HAWTHORN SUITES: "If you’ve been an Affordable Disney reader for a few years, have used me to plan your Disney trip, and have chosen to do an offsite hotel then chances are you’ve heard me sing the praises of Hawthorn Suites on Palm Parkway. I’ve done so based on a tour I once took of the property. (I rarely recommend places that I haven’t seen personally.) Last month was my daughter’s 12th birthday and she wanted to go to Disney World. We had to be at my father’s place in Sarasota for Thanksgiving anyway, so we took her to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This was a big-time budget trip since I’d just spent five days at Disney the week before for a conference. Conveniently, my 'significant other' and I still had valid park tickets from that trip, and my daughter got her free birthday ticket. We dined by grazing rather than doing big, sit-down meals and found the associated costs of doing so were quite reasonable. So that just left us with needing a hotel for one night. Now, as a travel agent, I usually have access to some pretty decent rates… but when booking at the last minute, and needing the night before Thanksgiving in a major Florida resort destination, not so much. I decided this was the perfect chance for me to actually try out Hawthorn Suites myself and I booked it at the AAA rate of $89. We arrived right around lunch time - several hours before check-in time - but they gave us the option of waiting for a king room to be cleaned or taking a room with two queen beds. We took what was ready. The suite was smaller than I remembered, but clean and well-maintained (as was the rest of the hotel). I was responsible for some veggie dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, so I had to make them prior to leaving and haul them all the way to Orlando and toss them in our room frig on arrival. (Good thing these suites have full-sized refrigerators!) We also had plenty of room in the semi-fully-equipped kitchen to store a small birthday cake, some bananas, several bottles of water, a bag of chips, and my bottle of non-alcoholic champagne. (What’s a birthday party for a 12-year-old without that?!) It was a rather cold, rainy day so we didn’t get to use the pool or sip umbrella drinks under the tiki hut - nor did we return that evening for the Manager’s reception and dinner. Still, the idea that they even HAVE a reception and light dinner is a nice one. (It’s held several nights a week.) We did stick our heads into the fitness center and the arcade, though. Didn’t use them, but we looked. Two thumbs up. The drive over to Downtown Disney was maybe five minutes at most. It took longer to find a parking space than it did to get over there. We then jumped on the first bus headed toward the Studios. In our case, it was a bus to the Swan and Dolphin resorts. (Downtown Disney buses don’t go direct to theme parks.) We got off at the Swan and walked over to the Studios, a 10-minute excursion if you move along at a decent pace. At the end of our day, we jumped on a bus to Caribbean Beach Resort, got off at the first stop, and waited maybe five minutes for a bus to Downtown Disney where we hunted down our car and drove back to the hotel. In the morning, we enjoyed a complimentary breakfast buffet in a sunny area off the main lobby. Admittedly, it wasn’t as extensive as some I’ve seen at similar hotels, but they did offer fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, assorted breads and pastries, etc. It was more than adequate, and better than going to McDonald’s. Summary: Hawthorn Suites Palm Parkway is in a wonderful, convenient location and you get a lot for your money. You can sleep six in a suite (although you’d drive each other nuts after a few days) and breakfast is included. The kitchen has a sink, microwave, full frig, and a two-plate cooktop. No oven, though, and the kitchen equipment is just enough to get by. With a pool, half-court basketball, fitness center and small arcade there are enough amenities to suit most families. So I will continue to whole-heartedly recommend this location for those that need to stay off Disney property. However, getting to and from the parks when it can’t work around the free hotel shuttle times is still a major hassle so if there’s any way at all that you can afford a Disney-owned resort then it’s still the better choice."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney Meetings & Conventions: "No matter how many of these things I go to on Disney property, I’m always amazed and impressed by the quality of what they provide. I’ve been to good meetings elsewhere, of course, but you can really get a taste for the 'Disney difference' after doing just one done in their style. Contrary to popular belief, doing a meeting or convention at Disney doesn’t cost anything more than doing it at another 4-star property would - and you do NOT need a giant herd of people in order to hold such a gathering. It all starts with a contract for the accommodations. Your group gets a preferred rate which can extend several days pre-and post-meeting so that they (and their families, if you want) can enjoy all Disney has to offer without working around your meeting schedule. You’ll need to put a deposit down on the space, but that’s refundable up to a certain date. By that time, you need to provide a full rooming list as well as final payment. Along the way, you can work with meeting planners (or your travel agent!) to set up meeting space, catering, special events, and more. Meeting attendees also have access to discounted park tickets. The special events are limited only by your imagination and your budget. Take the convention I just attended… The dinner on opening night was held on the 'stage' part of the Lights, Motors, Action stunt show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A live band played while guests made their way around numerous food and beverage stations and dined at beautifully decorated tables. We were then led over to see the Osborne Family lights. The park was closed, so it was just us! Then we were led to Pixar Place (previously called Mickey Avenue), the tree lined 'street' in front of Toy Story Mania. The street had a variety of dessert and beverage stations mixed with candlelit tables, all leading to a DJ at the end of the row. We got to ride Toy Story Mania as much as we wanted (no waiting!) and Buzz and Woody were on hand for photos. OK, so this is sort of a big budget example, but the point is that you can really do whatever you want and it can be very reasonably priced if you’re just after private fireworks viewing or a dessert party or something like that. I should also point out that you don’t have to be a company to do this sort of thing… If you’re a scrap booker, for instance, and have lots of 'scrappy' friends, you can hold a two or three day event filled with seminars and how-to sessions and even an exhibitor area where companies can sell and/or advertise their wares to your attendees. Of course, they pay for their space, so that offsets some of your event cost. And true Disney fans are generally willing to pay in order to do fun stuff that they wouldn’t be able to do on their own (special backstage tours, private access to parties, etc.). I also should mention that if you’re not a detail-oriented person yourself, or just don’t have the time, these things can be planned by others with minimal effort on your part. In fact, when I do them, I generally handle ALL the details and my fee is covered by the commission from the room sales. All my clients have to do is find the attendees! If you have any questions at all on how you can set up your own meeting, convention, or gathering please don’t hesitate to ask!"
Beth, our travel agent, writes about the Yacht and Beach Clubs: "I’ve just returned from five glorious days at Disney World for a travel agent conference, so over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing some of my observations, thoughts, and comments with you. Don’t hesitate to drop me a note if you have any questions. Yacht Club vs. Beach Club How I ended up with two nights at each is something I won’t go into, but I wanted to mention how very easy it was to change mid-stay. We simply packed up the last morning at the Yacht Club, called the baggage guys to come and get ‘em, and THEY took them over to the Beach Club for us. Our schedule prohibited us from checking into the Beach Club until late (around 9:30 that evening), but it wasn’t a problem. We just called for the luggage when we got to the room and it was there in about ten minutes. So to those who have contemplated splitting your stay between two resorts for one reason or another, I say go for it. Now, I’ve stayed at the Yacht Club before, but I’d only seen the rooms at the Beach Club in the past. In my head, I’d really always thought of them as pretty much the same. Our Yacht Club room, though, was one with a king bed and NO day bed. It had a lovely view of the lake, though, and was in great shape. My ONLY negative comments related to the bedding: the pillows were seriously firm (and housekeeping couldn’t offer anything softer), and the sheets were very rough and stiff. Otherwise, though, the room, the staff, the dining, the location - all wonderful. Our Beach Club room also had a view of the lake, albeit a sideways one, but accessing the room nearly required a GPS. What a maze of hallways! Once there, we found we again had a king bed room, but this time with the sleeper sofa so the room was larger. It also had a wet bar in addition to the little frig. The two small closets instead of one large one forced us to store our luggage at the side of the room instead of hidden away, and the room clearly was in need of refurbishment (cracked sink, some peeling wallpaper, etc.). Happily, though, the pillows were softer and the sheets felt great. Bottom line: These are both great resorts and the location is fantastic. Walking to the parks is really faster than taking the boats, but it’s nice to have an option. The themed pool that the two share is, hands down, the best pool of them all. Both resorts will kill you with kindness; the service is really over the top. I’d take the Yacht Club over the Beach Club in the future, but if the Yacht Club isn’t available, I wouldn’t’ hesitate to go with the Beach Club. They’re both solid choices, and since you can walk to two parks AND there are rooms that sleep five, they work well for families."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about a Universal deal, 2010 Disney tickets, Disney dining, booking Disney World and Disneyland vacations, Caribbean Beach vs Beach Club, and Magical Express times: "In case you received a Loews 'free night deal' the deal does not apply to the Universal Orlando resorts. Royal Pacific and Portofino. (Note from John: However, we do have a nice deal for those hotels, so members should log in and see UNIVERSAL SPECIALS in Addendum 2 for details.) No, the new ticket pricing doesn’t apply to you if you’re traveling on a package in 2009. The rates apply only to 2010 packages and/or tickets that are purchased separately from the room. Based on the questions I’ve had this week, it’s apparently time once again to remind everyone that Disney World park tickets include admission to the four theme parks ONLY. That’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Hollywood Studios. If you want to visit a water park, Disney Quest, or Wide World of Sports (or golf on the Oak Trail course) you can pay separately at the door/gate, or you can add the Water Park Fun and More option to your ticket. This is a good value if you will use at least two admissions to the places previously listed. Given that the option costs will over $50 per person and that very few families I book have the time and/or desire to visit these locations, I do not automatically include the Water Park option in my quotes. My crystal ball is broken and my ESP hasn’t been very accurate lately so make sure you TELL ME if you’re interested in adding it. Don’t panic if your favorite restaurants don’t yet appear on the 2010 dining plan list. There are always a few that wait to renew their contracts until the last possible minute (most notably, a few of the Epcot locations). There’s no reason at this point to think that the 2009 participants won’t all be back next year. And speaking of dining… The 2010 Quick Service plan cost is up $1 for kids (ages 3-9) and $3 for adults to $9.99 and $31.99 respectively. The Basic plan has a more complicated pricing. In value and regular seasons the cost increases $1 for children, $3 for adults, to $11.99 and $41.99 respectively. During peak, summer and holiday seasons the rates are $5 more for adults and $1 more for kids. The cost of the Deluxe plan remains the same as this year: $20.99 for children and $71.99 for adults. Inclusions for the plans are the same as this year EXCEPT that children will now get an appetizer with lunch or dinner at full-service locations. Gratuities are still not included. I was reminded again today of just how different Disneyland and Disney World are run. To the casual observer they may seem very similar, but I find they really have far more differences than similarities – and Disneyland is not NEARLY as guest-friendly as Disney World. I won’t give you a laundry list, but I will say this: if you consider yourself a Disney World pro and you decide to trek on over to Anaheim just to check the place out, do not take ANYTHING for granted. Read every word of the terms and conditions of your reservation/package because you may be shocked at how they deal with changes, cancellations, lost or missing tickets, service fees and so on. Pixie dust is in slim supply with their Guest Communications department and they will not take pity on you for being ignorant of the rules. Consider yourself forewarned! And finally, please remember that regardless of how you book your vacation, you need to get everything in writing BEFORE you pay anything, and go over every detail. Triple check your dates. Be certain names are spelled correctly (especially if place tickets are involved). Check your mailing address. If you have the park hopping or water park options added to your tickets the confirmation will say so; if it doesn’t say it then you don’t have it, so fix it before you pay. Be sure the room type listed is the type you want. If you’ll be using Magical Express (airport transportation) then the confirmation should say it’s been added. There’s no charge for it and they’ll probably let you on the bus even without it being listed, but better to play it safe. If you’re quoted a price on a Disney vacation that includes a stay in a Disney-owned hotel and it comes in hundreds of dollars lower than any other quote you’ve gotten then there’s potentially a problem. While AAA agencies can sometimes get their members discounts on packages that can’t be had through any other source, that’s pretty much the only exception to the rule. A big price difference is usually due to: miscommunication (you thought something was included in the price, but it’s not); the wrong hotel or room type was quoted; or park hopping and/or water parks wasn’t added. So I say again, GET IT IN WRITING and review every detail. Caribbean Beach Resort and the Beach Club Resort are ***NOT*** the same hotel! They’re apples and oranges when it comes to hotels, so know the difference. (Caribbean Beach Resort is the moderately priced hotel with some new pirate-themed rooms. Beach Club is a deluxe resort with the coolest pool on property and it’s within walking distance of Epcot and the Studios.) Don’t panic if your Magical Express times aren’t listed on your paperwork, or show up as 12:00."
Beth, our travel agent, warns about dealing with hotels in serious financial difficulty: "Hotels with such low occupancy rates will offer great deals in order to get people into their rooms. Making something is better than nothing at all! Buyers need to be aware, though, that hotels in serious financial difficulty may accept the reservation today and close their doors tomorrow - taking deposits with them and ruining vacation plans. I'd hesitate to book a struggling hotel this month or next for a stay over November or December. The good news is that there are plenty of deals to be had for individuals, and hotels are willing to negotiate big-time for group business. The concessions I've been getting for meetings and conferences is amazing. Notice that Disney resorts are left out of the numbers in the article. Disney will not release their numbers. If you're familiar with their pricing and discounting practices, though, you don't need the numbers to see what's going on. They've sent out hoards of PIN codes offering free dining for stays in Oct-Nov-Dec. They've never done that before. The big indicator will be what they offer as the promotion to the general public for that time period. We should know that in the next couple weeks. If we're lucky they will do free dining for everyone. And that, folks, is worth pulling the kids out of school for a few days. (Have them spend extra time at Epcot to make up for it.) In fact, this is a great year for doing any kind of travel. I know everyone’s worried about their job, their health insurance, the cost of gas, and so on, but for those that are really doing OK at this point, doing a family reunion cruise, celebrating Grandma’s 90th birthday at Disney World, taking a second honeymoon in the islands, or teaching Junior about Athens and Rome first-hand is more of a bargain this year than you’re likely to see for a very long time (if ever again). So don’t just assume that you can’t afford that vacation of your dreams. It doesn’t hurt to check it out, and I’m more than happy to give quotes to people that are 'just curious' about what a trip might cost."
Girl Injured At Disney Resort
No hotel iron? No problem - apparently those travel steamers really
work!
View from the Top of the World at Disney's Bay Lake Tower
If caller says to trash your hotel room, think twice
The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Resort Announces New Application
For iPhone and iTouch Users
Tourists: Disney Hotel Had Bed Bugs
Duck Races at Wilderness Lodge
Views from Disney's Bay Lake Tower, Treehouse Villas, Kidani
Village
Three new Disney resorts open
Disney Vacation Club Bay Lake Tower offers the most magical view in the
kingdom of Walt Disney World
Disney Buys Land for Future Resort Hotel at National Harbor in Prince
George's County MD
Guests arrive at Kidani Village - vacation club addition now open
at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Should you stay at a Disney resort hotel?
New construction permits show that Disney is renovating the Newport
presidential suite [and vice-presidential suite] at Disney's Beach Club
Resort.
Sweet Fun Now Offered Nightly at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - There’s a lot "s'more" new fun in store at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each evening when guests staying at the resort can roast marshmallows around a Mickey-shaped campfire, sing favorite camp tunes on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon and see the "stars" - both on the silver screen and in the sky - as they watch a family-friendly Disney film on the moonlit beach. S’mores kits and marshmallows are available for purchase during the campfire and movie. For more information about recreational activities at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321. (Source: Press Release, 04/15/09)
Walt Disney World Resort Debuts New Online Check-In Service Service available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club resorts open as of February 2009 Walt Disney World Resort launched a new Online Check-In Service today, designed to simplify and streamline guest arrivals. The new service is complimentary and available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts open as of February 2009. Within 10 days of their arrival dates, guests are able to provide check-in information, advise the resort of their arrival times and request room preferences (although those cannot be guaranteed). Guests can also register the names of all the people in their party and provide a credit card to cover charges at the resort hotel. Upon arrival at their resorts, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration material are waiting. Disney cast members are also available to provide additional information and answer questions. Meeting professionals can also arrange private group check-in at a Disney resort convention center or other locations. “Our new Online Check-In Service offers added convenience and time savings for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests,” said Kevin Myers, vice president of Resort Operations for Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s the latest benefit created as part of our continuous effort to provide a seamless and hassle-free arrival experience for our guests as they begin their Disney vacation.” Online Check-In Service is the newest Disney service designed to simplify the travel and arrival process. Guests staying at select Walt Disney World hotels get an extra dose of pixie dust with great perks and services including: Complimentary on-property transportation; Disney’s Magical Express, which offers complimentary airport shuttle and luggage delivery; and Extra Magic Hours, where each day one of the Walt Disney World theme parks opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours later, providing extra time in the parks to experience select attractions. (Source: Press Release, 02/24/09)
A Disturbing New Disney policy: Beth writes: "Disney reservationists have long harped on the concept that if you don't 'hold' what you quote then it might not be there when you call back. Therefore, it's always been a good idea to jump on a new promotion and hold dates which you know will encompass your actual travel dates. Once the resort is confirmed for, say, a 10-day period you can then check airfares, the kids' school schedule, your own work schedule, etc. After you've got all those details worked out, it's never been a problem to put a call into Disney at that point and drop the dates you don't need... shortening your reservation to maybe five or seven nights. This procedure rewards those that plan ahead as well as those that jump on promotional offers quickly, and it gives them a chance to secure the space they want while making all the related plans. It also ensures that nights you find unnecessary will be quickly released back into inventory since no one likes to sit on a reservation with a bigger price tag than necessary. It would seem a good system for all concerned. This week, however, Disney held meetings with the reservations staff and instructed them that, effective immediately, they are not to shorten reservations without first checking to see if the resort, room type and promotion is available for NEW bookings. If not, then you are not permitted to shorten your stay. In other words, if you have a free dining offer confirmed for 10 nights and want to shorten it to nine nights to get better airfare you can only do it if your resort and room type and free dining offer are available at the moment you're trying to make the change. It doesn't matter that it may have been available for those nine nights when you first made the reservation. If it's not there now, you're out of luck. You will need to change your resort or room type (or both) to get the deal - if it's still available at all for your new dates - or come for the full 10 nights you originally booked. I contend that this is a VERY bad policy change for a number of reasons. I believe that it will, first and foremost, encourage people to make two and three and four bookings (or more) to cover all possibilities so that they're pretty certain they've got their bases covered before starting their airfare research and such. (Remember that deposits aren't due for seven days and reservations can be cancelled without penalty for at least awhile in most cases, if not for months.) I also believe that, because Disney currently requires a phone call to cancel a reservation, and that phone call could take a half hour or more if the hold time is long, people will simply not cancel the reservations they don't want. Nothing bad will happen; they will expire in a week for nonpayment of deposit. In the meantime, though, the space will not be available for anyone else to book. One family could conceivably have five rooms or more at the same resort tied up for a full week when they've already deposited on the one they want to keep! If Disney thinks they have a problem now with people holding space they don't plan to use, wait until they see what happens when this change gets out! Why are they doing this? Well, I suspect that it has something to do with the fact that their computer system favors longer stays as space becomes harder to get. For instance, if you want to stay at the Polynesian for three nights you might be told it's not available, but if you ask about a seven night stay (which encompasses those original three nights) then it's suddenly available. That technique has long been one of the strongest tricks in my arsenal. I just book the seven nights and then call in to shorten the reservation. It's never been a problem to do that. Apparently, though, this type of thing tends to fill the resorts over the weekends and leave them less than full during the weekdays. I'm sure the thinking is that, by stopping this technique of getting shorter stays, the space will be preserved for those who want to stay longer and haven't gotten around to booking yet. Unfortunately, the policy change also penalizes people who want to shorten their stay for other (very legitimate) reasons. And this, in turn, will increase the number of people canceling their reservations completely (and doing so with a very bitter taste in their mouths). For instance, I currently have a family that booked the winter 'buy 4 nights, get up to 3 free' deal. They didn't plan the trip; it's just an 'extra' vacation because the deal is so good. But it turns out their teenage son needs to take SATs on the morning they'd planned to come down. I was told yesterday that I cannot shorten their stay unless I upgrade them from their value resort to the Beach Club, all that's left to book with this promotion for the six nights. Shortening the stay by a night will cost them nearly $1,500. If I can't find someone to override this policy change for them they will simply not come. You might want to drop the Disney folks a note to let them know what a bad idea this change is. Use the feedback form here."
Ikon to handle some services for Disney resorts
Nickelodeon hotel hoists its own flag
Will Pop Century be rebranded as Disney's Animation Inn and
Suites?
Disney reveals details about Hawaiian resort
Fort Wilderness Campgrounds: "Disney is quietly undertaking its broadest
campground-improvements program in two decades, adding extra-extra-large
camper pads for recreational vehicles, cable-TV and Internet service throughout,
Segway scooter tours, a mini-water park, a dog park, and an improved
electric-cart rental operation." The larger campsites will come with a premium
price tag: $66 to $116 per night.
"The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort said Monday it will randomly
pick a guest for a gas rebate of $1 for every mile driven roundtrip."
The promotion is only available to Florida residents and is good through
Labor Day. Those with hybrid cars will receive complimentary valet parking.
"Walt Disney World has unveiled a rendering and a few details of some retheming
and renovations in the works for Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort --
theming it after the hugely-popular Pirates of the Caribbean ride/movies/games
franchise." The new look affects rooms in the Trinidad South Village section
and will debut in 2009.
"Your hotel room is your home away from home, with a few exceptions -- hundreds
of strangers from every corner of the world have slept there, and the hotel
staff may not have the same standards of cleanliness that you do at
home." For tips to help you sleep better at night, see:
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "The NON-timeshare clearing house end of an organization that arranges timeshare swaps for owners is offering an interesting deal. For those unaware of how timeshares work, timeshare owners can deposit their weeks (or points, as the case may be) that they don't want to use into their 'bank' with this company and then use their credit to go elsewhere. They have a window of up to three years to use that credit. The company frequently gets stuck, though, with deposited time slots that no one ever requests so they sell the space to the public. These are timeshare units ranging from hotel rooms to multi-bedroom condos and some are VERY nice. They are located all over the world, although the majority are in the US. (The ones elsewhere are popular and VERY hard to get.) This company is currently offering a deal whereby anyone can purchase a voucher for a 7-night stay for just $299 ($200 off) if you buy before the end of the year. You can use the voucher yourself or give it as a gift. When you're ready to arrange your vacation you just go online and do a search for your time period and/or destination and see what's available. If you want a larger or better unit or one that gets a higher rating than what you're seeing, you can pay (anywhere from $50-$1000) for a better selection. The good part is, obviously, you can get a 7-night condo stay for just $299 and that's a phenomenal deal by any standard. There are some downsides, too, though. First, not all timeshares are great places; some really need serious refurbishment so you have to do your homework. Second, there might not be anything available for the place and time you want it. And finally, if you're looking for a 3-bedroom, 4-star condo two miles from Disney you're probably going to be very disappointed... You have to manage your expectations. Nevertheless, if you're on a tight budget, have some flexibility with where and when you travel, and can see this as an adventure then it just might be your answer to getting an affordable vacation (to Disney or elsewhere) for your family in 2009. (Please contact me if you want more information.)" Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact information.
Alain writes:
The preferred card now is Disney's Visa Rewards card. Members get discounts on rooms and packages throughout the year. We discuss the card in the first chapter of the book. Years ago American Express offered crayons and coloring book and some type of plastic pouch at check-in. They used to offer discounts as well. Beth mentions that you may still receive something at check-in when using your AEx card.
You can stay in the park after you have checked out.
Not if you visit the All Stars (especially Movies!) and Pop Century. We still love those whimsical resorts!
The only restrictions I know of are pools: Pool-hopping is permitted at the Yacht and Beach Club, Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter, All Star Resorts, and the Swan and Dolphin.
It is only for guests staying at a Downtown Disney hotel and you must ask for it at check in.
Yes and they are free.
Nothing compares to being close to the action. And the music will be greatly missed.
They will send it to your resort for free. Buying merchandise on your last day may not get to your room before you leave. So take those items back to your room with you.
Movie starts 8 PM in summer and 7 PM in winter. The activity ends when the movie ends.
Click
here for current schedule. Disney only publishes the current schedule. You can call the resort at (407) 824-2742 and see if they know yet. Once you're there you'll find the movie schedule posted at the comfort stations.
There is no admission charge to anyone at Downtown Disney.
Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking hotels off Disney property: "There was a time when I booked a LOT of Disney World vacations for people using non-Disney hotels. That was before Disney offered free airport transfers, Extra Magic Hours, dining options, and packages that made sense. Those perks cannot be overlooked. At least one of them (probably several) can go a very long way towards providing you with a vacation more comfortable and convenient than any non-Disney hotel could. And if you plan ahead then you've got an excellent shot at a promotional discount for most times of the year. There are, however, times when you can't plan ahead. There are other times that there isn't a promotional offer for your dates, or nothing affordable is available under the promotional offer. For those times, it makes plenty of sense to look at hotels that aren't owned and operated by Disney - particularly true if you don't need airport transfers and aren't interested in a dining plan. What you need to keep in mind, though, is that a wide-angle camera lens and a creative hotel staff can make a real dump look like pure luxury online.I read an article recently posted in MSNBC.com's family travel section. They were suggesting six hotels in the Kissimmee area as non-Disney alternatives. Two of them I've never seen and two of them I often send people to myself. The other two, though, I was shocked to see listed. In fact, I list one of them among the worst hotels I've ever checked out! It's true that online it looks nice enough. The location is pretty good, it has a separate check-in desk for kids, and it has a name that makes it sound like Mickey himself probably vacations there. I was shown two rooms there, though, that I wouldn't have sent clients on he tightest budgets to. The carpets were so dirty they were sticky. The small refrigerators had mildew in them, and I'm pretty sure the microwaves has never been cleaned. I'd have been afraid to take a shower without flip-flops on my feet. Ick! I actually stayed at a different hotel once (not on the MSNBC list) that looked fabulous online... bedroom, living room, "full" kitchen, manager's reception with beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres - nice! The pictures online were lovely. The actual units didn't look anything like the photos online. Well, they sort of did in that the layout was the same. The furniture we had, though, was stained and worn and falling apart. The bedding was dirty as were the towels. The little electric burner in our kitchen didn't work, and it was colder in the room than in the frig. There was no beer at the manager's reception; only a big jug of cheap red wine... which went well with the basket full of popcorn, the only food offered. The pool wasn't heated, but it was so dirty my daughter didn't want to go in anyway. BIG disappointment. Great location and a nice price, but I won't be going back. My point is that you need to do some homework if you're going to stay offsite - or at least talk with someone that's stayed in the place you're considering. Forget the online photos. Check out TripAdvisor.com or WeJustGotBack.com to see if there are recent reviews. Keep in mind that people tend to complain more than say nice things so you can't assume no nice comments means everything is bad. Do, however, consider the types of things being said. Are they things that you'd never notice, or things that would drive you nuts? If you need to stay offsite I can get you into rooms from about $32 a night including tax - but I wouldn't recommend those places. You really don't start getting into the moderately acceptable ones below $50-60 a night. Most times of the year $75 + tax will get you into something not too bad at all, and $100-120 will get you something pretty decent. There are exceptions, of course, but that's sort of a good scale to follow. Beware of places that are selling super-cheap. There's probably a reason for it, and you need to figure out what that reason is before you book."
32 rooms have been refurbished at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort with
a "Finding Nemo" theme. Rumor is that the rest of the rooms will have their
walls torn down "between various units so that Disney can then book these
now-supersized-rooms (Which will be themed to Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean'
franchise) as family suites."
"Through a fluke of existing travel plans, my husband's extensive work travel
schedule and a little bit of luck, I managed to visit all five resorts
- 11 different theme parks - in less than a year."
Family-Friendly Luxury Hotels: "Elite hotels are now providing a broader
range of amenities for kids, including 'toys specific to the destination,
DVD libraries and DVD players in the rooms, children’s menus and programs
such as cooking classes and special outings.'" "Guests who stay at -- or even attend a time-share presentation at -- one of [Westgate's] seven area resorts will be offered a free trial membership to a new social networking and photo sharing Web site called Westgatefamilies.com." Westgate's photographers will be taking photos of guests throughout the property, staff will upload your photos for you, and cameras are to be installed at different locations where guests can insert their room keys and the camera will take their picture which will be automatically posted to the family's website. The bad news: when the trial ends, it will cost you $5 - $12 a month.
Disney is thinking about installing cameras near the lines of their
attractions which will take your photo and make it part of your own story
starring you and the Disney characters featured at the attraction.
"Looks like Disney may have changed the name of the new time-share tower
the company is building next to its Contemporary Resort. 'Bay Lake Tower'
has replaced 'Kingdom Tower.'"
"It had been a wonderful vacation at Walt Disney World -- until Paul Campanale
accidentally threw away his wife's three platinum and diamond rings...
but Disney Wilderness Lodge workers dug them out of the trash."
"[Wamsutta bedding and bath products], part of the Disney Resort
Collection, will be offered direct-to-consumer at
www.disneyresortcollection.com online and via in-room services."
"The Walt Disney Co. has won approval to begin selling time shares in a 15-story
tower the company is erecting next to its famed Contemporary Resort, a $110
million addition that Disney has named 'The Kingdom Tower.'"
The first phase of timeshare construction at Animal Kingdom Lodge
is complete. The second phase of the project includes the creation of "Kidani
Village." The 340-unit building "will include a 120-seat sit-down restaurant,
a 4,700-square-foot swimming pool with a water slide and two spas, plus tennis,
shuffleboard and half-court basketball, among other amenities."
Disney is going to rebuild the Treehouse Villas.
The final renovation project - pool and aquatic playground - at the Regal
Sun Resort - formerly the Grosvenor - at Downtown Disney is now complete.
"The folks at the Walt Disney Dolphin resort recently changed the
company that provides guests with little packets of coffee in each room.
So they're donating the unused packages to the military members stationed
overseas." -------------------------------- Alain writes:
Those checking in first get first dibs on rooms. Disney accommmodates special requests on a first come first served basis. In other words, they give out the rooms closest to the food court or the connecting rooms or the rooms on the first floor while supplies last. If you don't have any of these concerns, then don't worry about it. You can store your luggage at Guest Services for free and visit the parks if your room is not ready. Don't leave valuables or medications. Get there early and start having fun as soon as possible! --------------------------------
"An ongoing facelift has erased [the Contemporary's] garish '60s room
decor and is adding 21st-century atmosphere and attractions."
"Walt Disney World is in the midst of building a $110 million, 15-story tower
next to its iconic Contemporary Resort that likely will feature time
shares -- bringing the units closer to the Magic Kingdom than ever before."
The new building is expected to open in 2009.
To see a 30-second video of the building of the gingerbread house at Disney's
Grand Floridian, see:
"Attempted rape reported at Disney's Pop Century resort."
To learn about the Top 10 Most Annoying Hidden Hotel Fees, see:
"The Holiday Inn Express-Lake Buena Vista has received Intercontinental
Hotels Group’s 2007 renovation award." For the recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake from the kitchens of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort see http://www.swandolphin.com/recipeclub/1007print.html.
It is being reported: the rooms at the still unopened "Legendary Years"
section of Pop Century resort will be converted into suites similar
to Disney's conversions at All Star Music. Rooms should be available for
booking in 2009.
"Tucked away in yesterday's business news was Disney's (NYSE: DIS) announcement
of plans to open a standalone resort on the Hawaiian island of Oahu,
as part of a broader strategy of building 'niche' resorts. The idea is to
have a sort of megahotel property without an accompanying theme park nearby."
"The resort [in Hawaii] is scheduled to open in 2011 with more than 800 units, including hotel rooms and villas for Disney's timeshare business, Disney Vacation Club... Groundbreaking is expected in the second half of 2008." (http://uk.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUKWNAS551320071003)
"Disney, which has been testing Segway trips along its Fort Wilderness
trails for about a year, announced the formal start of its 'Wilderness Back
Trail Adventures.' For $85 per person, a visitor can take a two-hour tour
of the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground in tours offered twice a day
on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays." Call 407-939-8687 for reservations or
more information.
TJ writes about spending 8 days at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge:
"As of June 1, 2007, all Disney owned and operated resort hotels at the Walt Disney World® Resort and Disney Vacation Club resorts will become smoke-free environments." No smoking will be allowed in rooms, balconies, patios, lobbies, restaurants, convention areas and common areas. Disney has established outdoor smoking areas for resort guests. Since 2000, smoking has been prohibited in the theme parks and water parks where Disney has set up designated areas for smokers. (Source: Disney Promotional Email, 05/01/07)
Beth, our travel agent, explains some confusing terms for travelers: "I was just reading a Disney-themed newsletter and came across a comment from another reader about the difference between connecting and adjoining rooms. Assuming that most of you don't read as many Disney-themed newsletters as I do, I thought it was worth repeating here. 'Connecting' rooms are side-by-side rooms with a door that opens in between. 'Adjoining' rooms are simply two rooms that share a common wall. They do NOT have a connecting door. This terminology also applies to cruise ships, not just hotels."
"Instead [of visiting the theme parks], I was heading to some of Disney World's lavish hotels in search of good shopping, even better dining and, most importantly, a little Christmas spirit... Each has that theme park 'theme,' without the crowds or expensive tickets." Traveling the monorail... You can visit the Grand Floridian for its beautiful Christmas tree and live music, afternoon tea, and fine dining. Then it's on to the Contemporary for good food at the California Grill which also provides a wonderful view of the Magic Kingdom's fireworks. Next stop, the Polynesian for a taste of the Pacific Islands. Boardwalk... Visit Disney's Beach Club to see the chocolate carousel, the Yacht Club to see the candy mountain village, then on to the Boardwalk hotel to visit Santa's Workshop - also made of candy! (Source: news-journalonline.com, 12/07/06) Non-Disney resort visitors may tour the hotels and shops. We love visiting the hotels. We even created our own tours of the WDW resort hotels so you can join in the fun as well!
Disney has created a site where parents and children can learn about park safety. Parents with safety concerns will want to read the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Report on Safety which is "the first edition of a publication developed specifically to provide our Guests, community and business partners, and shareholders with a better understanding of the steps we take to make our properties safe for the millions of people who visit each year."
A Disney Beach Vacation? Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I can't count the number of times I hear the comment, 'We want to stay at Caribbean Beach Resort so we can spend some time in the sand.' OK, maybe not those exact words, but it's obvious that many people think they can get something like a beach vacation if they choose that hotel. No doubt this misconception comes from the photos that Disney uses for publicity on that resort. Here are the facts... * You can't swim in the lakes. There are signs saying as much, but they don't go into detail about WHY you can't swim in the lakes. They don't want to scare you, but the fact is, there are alligators in Disney lakes just like nearly every other fresh water lake in the Florida peninsula. Trust me when I tell you that you often can't see one until it's too late. Are they definitely in there? No, but they could be. (I see them all the time in the waters in front of the Yacht Club.) * This is a HUGE resort. It even has its own internal bus system. This is the only moderate resort where the front desk isn't in the same building as the food and gift shop. In fact, they are on opposite sides of the resort. Only one of the eight pools has a themed water slide, so you may be quite a hike from some key areas of the resort. * There are no elevators in the building at this resort, so request the first floor if you don't want to be carrying your tired kids up the stairs at night. * Although this resort is one of the few that nearly always has cots available at $15 per night, you cannot pre-reserve them and you still cannot exceed the 4-person maximum occupancy (plus a child under age 3). If you have five people age 3+ then you need to stay in the Alligator Bayou section of Port Orleans Riverside (which, coincidentally, doesn't have elevators, either - although they DO have them in The Magnolia Bend section.) You'll get a trundle bed for the 5th person at no extra charge. * All four moderate resorts and most of the deluxe resorts have access to water and offer watercraft rental. Caribbean Beach Resort is one of TWO moderates with lakeside sandy areas and beach chairs, the other being Coronado Springs. Several deluxe resorts have 'beaches.' In other words, the Caribbean Beach Resort isn't the only Disney resort to offer a sand and water experience."
Cherry writes: "John, I consider myself a fairly savvy Disney guest now. But I still do not have the knack of getting the best views or rooms in the resort I stay in. I have requested, complained, complained to management, kindly asked for input, and think I have the answer but still it more often than not doesn't work out. It seems at best to be hit or miss. Your book recommends specific floors, wings, etc. for many of the hotels, but how do you know you will get this?" >> It's totally up to Disney. They say they will accommodate where possible. Don't count on it. "For example, my husband and I were married October a year ago and spent our honeymoon at Wilderness Lodge Villas. We planned the honeymoon 9 months in advance, put on the reservation that it was our honeymoon, requested a romantic view, and ended up in a room designed to accommodate a wheelchair, a shower but no tub, and a view of the closest bus stop. We checked in at 4:00 pm that day. For our first anniversary trip this past October, we stayed at Saratoga Springs and had requested a view of Downtown Disney. At check-in, I was told this view was gone by 2:00 pm that afternoon and was given a garden view which really looked directly into other balconies. When I said I thought check-in was at 4:00 pm, I was told people can check in as early as 6:00 am - they just may not get into their room that early." >> You can leave your luggage and return later in the day when your room is ready. During my recent December visit, we spent one night at Animal Kingdom Lodge in a Deluxe Savannah View room so our teenaged guests could experience this wonderful hotel and the animals. We were assigned a room at the end of the corridor with a distant view of the animals which was nothing like my experience a few years back. I really had to work at moving beyond my disappointment to avoid ruining the kids’ excitement. The kids did have a great time along with a midnight swim in the heated pool and didn't realize what they were missing... but I had assumed I would get a great view with a 'Deluxe Savannah View' room and I asked the front desk staff how this could have happened that I didn't. The answer was that people are so internet savvy these days - they all know to request the best views and it’s who gets there first... So, in your experience, is that the answer? I need to arrive very early in the day for the best shot at a good view even if I can't get into the room they assign me for hours? Thanks." >> This is one of my pet peeves. First come, first served upon arrival seems to be the norm, but Disney should give us the room we want if it's available when we call. If it's not available for our visit, they should say so and we can make the choice to stay at that particular hotel or somewhere else.
Beth, our travel agent, writes: " Word is that Disney is going to fast-track the installation of value-priced family suites. Plans call for 192 two-room suites (520 sq. ft.) that will sleep two in one room (queen bed) and up to four in the other room (double sleeper sofa and two convertible twins). They will offer a 'mini kitchen' with microwave, small frig, and sink. The price on these suites will start at $169 a night + tax in value season. They will be available - for now - ONLY at All Star Music. No word as to whether or not they will be included in promotions. (Suites are usually NOT included.) These suites are NOT currently available for booking, and no mention was made as to an opening date for the suites."
"For the first time ever, a Disney World property is going 100 percent smoke-free. Guests can't smoke in the Swan Hotel anymore, either in rooms or public areas." (Source: Wesh.com, 02/17/06)
Jane writes about Shades of Green: "Hi John, We have 2 families travelling to Disney arriving April 11. We are staying at Shades of Green, my husband is retired Army. We were wondering if we are entiltled to the Magical Express transportation? If so how do we make reservations? Also, we would like to rent a car to travel to the Clearwater area after our stay at Disney. What companies are at the Car care Center, and is this the only place to rent from in Disney? Is there a number for the rental center, or do you have to contact each company directly? Thanks so much for all the great tips." Magical Express is not available to guests at Shades of Green. (I understand it only costs Disney 50 cents per passenger to ride the Magical Express bus, so I'm disappointed they don't provide this service to the military.) National/Alamo is located at the Car Care Center near the Magic Kingdom and at the Dolphin hotel. There are also rental companies at the Downtown Disney hotels. Rates vary from $20 to $60 per day. National Car Rental (Alamo and National are owned by the same company and they share locations at WDW) will provide transportation from their location (Disney's Car Care Center) to your hotel. They also rent child safety seats. Call 800/227-7368 or 407/855-4170. For more information, call Guest Relations at your resort. In general, should you need to get from a Disney hotel to the Car Care Center, your hotel's front desk can arrange for a shuttle to take you. (Give them one day's notice.) However, you'll need to contact Shades of Green to see if they provide the same service.
Here's an article on Spa treatments at Disney World. Here are links to video on Disney World resorts. Disney has posted links to several videos describing the fun available at WDW. Disney is now equipping the Deluxe and Moderate resorts with coffee makers and providing free coffee and condiments!
Krista writes: "Hi John, My family just got back on Saturday from 2 ½ weeks in Disney! We had the greatest time ever! It was my son's first time in Disney and he was so excited. We drove down from Massachusetts and stayed at the Fort Wilderness Campground. The campground was beautiful. It was so relaxing! We were there for the grand opening of Stitch's ride! I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful newsletter that I receive every week. it really helped me plan my vacation! Thanks Again, John." Thank you, Krista, for the great feedback! 2 1/2 weeks! Now I'm jealous! :)
Beth, our travel agent, writes about the Hotel Royal Plaza: "I've had a few questions about this resort - not sure if any are your readers or not - but here's the scoop... It's true that they are not accepting any reservations for stays starting prior to February 3, 2005. Many of the buildings in the area sustained heavy damage from Hurricanes Charley and Frances, and this building was particularly hard hit, so they will be closed for the next several months and those with existing reservations there need to make alternative plans. There has long been rumor that the resort was going to become a Crown Plaza and it was obvious to anyone that's been there lately that they'd need to do a huge refurbishment in order for that to happen, so maybe they will emerge from this with a new name - or at least worthy of one. In any case, I expect some great deals to be out for the place, so anyone planning a trip in February might want to consider it as an option to a value resort or maybe even a moderate."
Beth writes: "I have verified that starting this week ALL moderate and deluxe hotel rooms on Disney property have dorm-sized refrigerators at no extra charge in them. (About time!) While they could pull the plug on this program at any time, it is in full effect for now. If you are holding airport transportation reservations for an upcoming trip and have added a fridge or cooler to them, you may want to contact that company to have them remove the cooler from your reservation. (If you're not going for a few months, wait to be sure that they will be continuing this program.)"
Larry and Kim write about our travel agent, Beth: "Elizabeth, I just wanted to forward to you and your employers our appreciation and gratitude for all your help and patience booking our trip to WDW. We have just returned and we had a wonderful time and your recommendation to stay at the Wilderness Lodge was absolutely perfect. We couldn't have been happier with our room location. I also want to thank you again for your patience with us and our last minute (literally) booking, especially with the hurricane menacing you and the threat of your home being flooded away. Despite our frantic and numerous bothersome emails, due to our own panic, you were nothing but entirely professional, prompt, and most important for a Disney trip, cheerful. Again, thank you for our successful trip and we will contact you in the future when we plan on returning to WDW."
Deb writes: "Dear John, Thank you for getting in touch with Beth [your travel agent] for me. She has contacted me several times now with detailed, helpful advice. She possesses great patience with overwhelmed, confused, undecided customers. Her advice has been wise and helped us consider things that we'd deemed unimportant. For example, we'd assumed that we would save more by staying off-Disney and figured that the extra hours that resort guests receive were not that big a priority for us. Beth advised us to reconsider the benefit that early morning and evening hours would bring in terms of dealing with the heat. I'm so grateful that she brought that to our attention as it will make a tremendous difference in our enjoyment of the park. I look forward to working with her more as we nail down our vacation plans. Thank you for finding such a great travel agent to assist your customers. Beth is the BEST!"
Kim writes: "One of my other children will be turning 2. (Their birthdays are a day apart.) What is Disney's policy about the value resorts if we arrive before his birthday? Online, if I enter his age after his birthday, I am unable to make accommodations at the value resorts, but if I enter his age before his birthday, it will allow the accommodations. (I have three kids.) I'm just curious, because that may make a difference on the dates we select. I don't want to purchase tickets in advance only to find out that we didn't get enough and have to pay gate prices or have to unexpectedly change to a moderate hotel. Thank you so much for your advice." If you arrive when he is one and he can sleep in a crib, that will be OK. Disney allows four + a crib in the Value resorts. Beth, our travel agent, can sort this all out for you if she books your room.
Raymond writes: "Hi John, I would like your advice. I have an opportunity to get a 7 night stay at Old Key West at a one-bedroom villa for a really good price. My problem is, I have a party of six (3 adults, 3 children). The person I would be buying points from says he has had six there before, but has not told Disney. I don't want to be deceptive. I had him ask Disney if they would allow 6. Disney told him 5 was the limit because of a shortage of bed linens and towels. Do you think Disney would allow my party to stay there if I provided my own towels and bedding? Would they give me six keys? Do all six of us need keys for extra magic hours? I love your book and newsletter." Disney will not allow 6, even if you bring extra linen. If you did stay there and bring your own sheets and towels, they would only give you 5 keys. You need your key to gain access to Extra MH. So someone will be left out. I am delighted to hear that you are enjoying the book and newsletter!
Stephanie writes: "I work for a non-profit group home for abused and neglected girls in Concord, New Hampshire and I was informed that there are packages available for non-profit organizations (discount airfare, hotel, etc.) such as this one. Would you know anything about this or be able to point me in the right direction? Thank you for your time!" Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I do non-profit groups all the time... schools and churches mostly. Sometimes it goes through Leisure Group Sales or Disney Youth groups; other times it's just a Grand Gathering. It depends on the situation: size of the group, what their plans are, the ages of the participants, etc. It is MUCH easier to plan a group trip with a travel planner that really knows Disney for that reason. If you try to do it alone, it can get really confusing!" Our agent can handle all the details for you at no extra charge.
Lisa writes: "Hi There John, There are 10 of us going (my husbands family) to WDW. Our son who is 22 months is going as well. He is highly allergic to milk. I wanted to ship his soy milk cartons and some other snacks down for him. What is the best way to do this? We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort, and are expecting our Magical Express Tags any day now.. so we'll keep you updated. Thanx so much." FEDEX is Disney's official shipper. I would send the package by FEDEX to:
Caribbean Beach Resort Put your name and reservation number on the package so Disney knows it's for your party.
WILDERNESS LODGE - The Hidden Gem of Deluxe Resorts Beth, our travel agent writes: "When deciding which of Disney's 22 resorts is the best for your vacation, you will no doubt be impressed with the deluxe resort descriptions... everyone is; but you may find that the deluxe hotels are a bit out of your price range. Before you completely discount the option, consider Wilderness Lodge - the deluxe resort that I think is one of the best, and probably the most overlooked. This resort is located on a gorgeous lake near the Magic Kingdom, which is just a short boat ride away. It is done in the style of a grand national park lodge, with exposed log walls and trusses and soaring ceilings. Giant totem poles, a gorgeous fireplace, and Native American artifacts are highlights of the lobby, and the view of the lake from the lobby is simply beautiful. A babbling brook trickles through one corner of the lobby, passing under a footbridge and then through an exterior wall to the outside where it becomes a waterfall, splashing over the rocks to the freeform swimming pool below. We've blocked rooms for Affordable Disney readers at this resort from November 27-December 20, and the pricing is even better than an annual pass rate. These rooms are the "courtyard" view - the best - and feature balconies that overlook the lake and/or pool area. Many rooms give a great view of the electric water parade held each evening, and of the geyser that spouts high into the air every half hour. You can choose a king bed, two queens, or a queen and bunks. Rooms sleep a maximum of four plus a child under 3, and all rooms have complimentary refrigerators. High-speed internet access has recently been installed as well. Here's a hint: If staying there for your whole trip is more than your budget can take, just spend a night or two at the end of your trip. The hotels will move your luggage for you and it's a great way to end your vacation AND experience the deluxe resort difference."
Andrew writes: "John, Thoroughly enjoying and making the most of your website as we near our trip to Disney World. Can you tell me up to what time can we check in at All Star Movies? I can see the start time of 4:00 p.m. but no close time. We land at Orlando International late on the afternoon of Sunday April 3rd. Is there a limit to what time we can check in?" Official check-in at All Star is 4 pm. For arrivals during the day... If your room is ready earlier, they'll let you check in then. If you arrive before your room is ready, you can preregister and leave your luggage at Guest Services (no charge) so you can start having fun right away. GS will give you a claim check that you use to reclaim your luggage when you return later. For arrivals during the night... We've arrived at all hours of the night. Disney is always ready to welcome guests, no matter how late they arrive. Glad you are enjoying the site!
Karen writes: "I've been a member for sometime and have gotten some very good information from your site, but today was the best! I talked with Beth [your travel agent] and what a deal. My husband and I go to WDW every November and always stay at Port Orleans French Quarter. When we saw the price Beth quoted as $99.00 a night including tax (for Affordable Disney Members) I thought I was seeing things, but its true and now I only have 125 days until we'll be in the heart of all the magic again. Thank you for your wonderful site." Thanks, Karen, for the pat on the back!
Stephanie writes: "I am planning my trip for 9/30-10/7. I am going to book one of the Moderate Resorts. I am going with my two small children, that will be 5 and 7 when we go. Do you have any advise or a recommendation regarding which Moderate resort we should select? Any information is very appreciated." My favorite resort is Port Orleans Riverside. To save walking, book your room at Oak Manor in Magnolia Bend, or lodge 18 or lodge 27 in Alligator Bayou. A cruise on the Sassagoola River is one of the most pleasant free things to do at Walt Disney World. Guests are allowed to use the pools at the French Quarter. A member writes: "I thought I'd let your readers know that our room at Port Orleans Riverside was the perfect location. We stayed in building 87. Rooms 8739 and 8740. We had a great river view and were just a short walk over the bridge to the main pool. The East depot bus stop was just another short walk from the front of the building and we always got a seat. There was only one additional stop (the very crowded main depot at the lobby) before the Magic Kingdom."
Karen writes: "John, One of the best FREE things that we did when we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside is not on your list and you might want to add it. We went to the piano bar one night and sat and enjoyed the antics of Bob Jackson. I think he's only there evenings Thurs through Sunday if I remember right. He is a great entertainer and the cost is free unless you decide to purchase a drink or soft drink from the bar. He's hilarious and keeps the whole family laughing and children are welcome. He even calls the kids up to help him with some songs and then hands out autographed photos during his break. Great time for free." Thanks, Karen. I've seen him playing and getting lots of laughs on my way to and from the food court. I'll add him to the list.
Monette writes: "I am a new subscriber and am planning to book a room at the Wilderness Lodge. I was wondering what the chances are of upgrading there during our stay from April 7-11? Is that considered a value season? I haven't found a listing of the value vs. peak seasons anywhere. Are they included on your web site? Also, I need to make sure there are no animals mounted on the walls at the lodge, as my 7-year-old will freak if there are. Do you happen to know? Finally, I am planning to book one of the deluxe resorts mainly because I want super easy and fun transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom for my 1 and a half year old. It will make the trip much more fun (for all of us!) if he has a boat or train to make the back and forth more exciting for him. I did want to make sure there is not typically a long wait for the boat from the hotel to the Magic Kingdom, as that would defeat the purpose. Also, how long is the ride? Thanks for answering my many questions. It is an adventure just getting all this planned, and your tips are making it easier!" WL does have totem poles with carvings on them. I believe they are of Disney characters. Can't remember if there are any animal heads. Deluxe resorts: Peak Season: February 17 - April 16. Chances of an upgrade are slim or none. Yes, that info is in our book. The boat to the MK is slow going, especially during the busy season. The bus can take a while, too. For speed and comfort, try one of the hotels on the monorail line.
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Up through the end of December 2004, if you booked a room at Port Orleans Riverside with five people you were charged an extra $15 a night + tax for the use of the trundle bed in those rooms. They stopped charging that fee as of January 2, 2005. If you booked in 2005 and were charged the trundle fee, they can fix that."
A subscriber writes: "Has Disney World ever done anything about their smoking policy? You use to be able to smoke anywhere." Smoking is prohibited at the theme parks (except at designated areas) and at all restaurants (except those that provide outside seating). You can smoke at the Pleasure Island Clubs (except the Comedy Warehouse and Adventurers Club) and in certain areas of the resort lounges. There are designated smoking areas at the water parks, miniature golf courses and Wide World of Sports. The Disney guide map will list the areas and you can always ask a cast member.
Tax Increase! The resort tax in Osceola County rose to 6%, bringing the hotel tax at the All Star Resorts to 13%.
Michelle writes: "I got the rooms I wanted at the Port Orleans-riverside waterview rooms for $103.00 a night... Thanks. I saved over $600.00!"
Beth, our travel agent, writes about her last stay at Port Orleans Riverside: "I've walked through this resort many times, but this was the first time for staying there. I have to give it two thumbs up. The room we had was one of the refurbished ones. The beds are now rather high, but ultra-comfy. The room has a new piece of furniture to house a small refrigerator. I heard that including the refrigerators in the moderate and deluxe rooms was a test program, but I can't imagine that they are spending all this money for the equipment and the furniture to put it in if they aren't committed to it. And the frig is larger than the tiny dorm-type ones they rent for $10 a day, too. I didn't think that the addition of the privacy curtain between the dressing area and sleeping area would be that big of a deal, but it was REALLY nice to have it since we had some shy children in the party. Our room was clean and in very good shape. Other than what I mentioned, I didn't really notice major changes to the rooms compared to my last stay in a moderate resort. The two children (ages 5 and 6) were totally content with the regular pool right next to our end of the building, but once they tried out the themed pool they didn't want to do the other one anymore. Who could blame them? It's a very cool pool! And plenty of life guards, too. I was amazed to see that there were at least six of them to cover a pool that most places would have assigned no more than two or maybe three guards to. I have also come to the conclusion that there really isn't a "bad" building to stay in at PO-Riverside. The themed pool is very centralized, and it's easy to get over to the main building, too. No matter where you are you'll have to do some walking, but I can't say that it's significantly worse from one area than any other. HINT: Before leaving your room the first time, take a good look at the map and determine what bus stop is closest to you. The drivers can't tell you which one to get off at based on your building name or room number, so decide in advance which one you want. We also learned that walking through the buildings to get from one place to another is a maze. It is MUCH more direct (and faster) to go out to the parking lot or to the main path along the river and then go. You can walk in a straight line from there to where you want to go rather than weaving in and out. The peacefulness and tranquility of the Riverside grounds make this a wonderful contrast to the noise and bustle of the parks. I still think I like French Quarter better because of its smaller size, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at Riverside again."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Pop Century: "The rooms are nearly identical to the All Star resort rooms with respect to size and amenities, and the buildings themselves are very similar as well. There are differences in how the resort is laid out, though. Some of the buildings are nearer to the main one than others, but the furthest ones aren't quite as far a walk as the furthest All Star buildings. (With nearly 2,900 rooms the resort is huge, so you should anticipate at least some amount of walking.) As with the All Stars, you can pay an extra $12 per night to get closer to the main building. Another nice change is the food court area. Pop Century has many built-in booths in addition to the tables, and the entire area has a softer, somewhat classier feel than the All Star cafeteria ambiance. It's still a food court, but a definite improvement. What continues to amaze me is how many people still request an All Star Resort rather than Pop Century. All I can figure is that people just don't understand the amenities and improvements they're missing at Pop Century. The number one thing I hear is, "We want to stay at All Star Movies because of the giant characters." In truth, Pop Century has more of those giant characters than ANY of the Disney resorts, including All Star Movies! The 50s section has characters from Lady and the Tramp. Jungle Book characters are in the 60s section. In the 70s section you get Mickey himself in the form of a classic Mickey dial phone. And, of course, you get the pop culture icons the resort is known for: humongous Play-doh cans and cell phones and yo-yos and big wheels and more. Pop Century has the added benefit of being in the same county that most Disney resorts are rather than over the line where the All Star resorts are. That means you save an extra 1.5% on tax! So the next time you feel that a value resort is what you need, give Pop Century a try. If you liked the All Star resorts you'll LOVE Pop Century!"
Mike writes: "Our family is a relative new comer to Affordable Disney, having purchased A Life Time Membership in April 2004. However, we are not that new to Disney World as we are beginning to plan our eighth consecutive March vacation at Disney World. Each of our stays has been for seven nights and each vacation has always been a great new adventure. For background information I will give you our Disney World accommodations history. Our first family trip to Disney World as a family was in March 1998 and we stayed at the All Star Music Resort. This worked out fine, however we did learn that with a child (we had traveled the world - but just as a couple - before having our son - who was 2 years old at the time) you do more than just sleep in a hotel room and close at hand amenities start to count. For the next five years (March 1999-2003) we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort which was a huge hit with our son (and us) with the 'quiet pools', sand beach, boats to rent, the food court and other activities at OLD Port Royale filling lots of needs when not at the parks. This year (March 2004) we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge (we had a room overlooking the grand lobby) and thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful experience. Now to finish the story - I was preparing to make reservations for March 2005 and was reading through the updated AD Addendum and saw some room rates that I was not seeing on the Disney web site. I sent Beth an email asking some questions and the end result is we have booked through Beth a March 2-9 stay at the Wilderness Lodge. All of this was the result of Affordable Disney... Thanks again for your help and I do enjoy reading [your newsletter] and have passed much info on to others. All the best - Mike" Thank you, Mike, for your kind words. We hope you had a great time! Mike read his comments in our blog on March 22 and sent me this: "John – just read today’s blog . . . funny to read my own words – but cool. I am updating my comments and will be sending them out soon. We did have a great time and would like to add a recommendation for limo service. We use Dixielimo of Orlando (dixielimo.com) and our driver is Rocky. They are terrific – get you to and from the airport on time during evening rush hour traffic without going near that famous parking lot – the I-4. Sam (my son) loves Rocky and the sign waiting for him at the baggage area and the vehicles are outrageous. Gotta run now . . . but more later – busy planning for next year ya know!" Thanks again, Mike! Here's a Dixielimo coupon good for $5.00 off your first roundtrip from the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney or any other Central Florida location in the Disney area.
Margie writes: "Dear John, I just wanted to write you a short note about the travel agent that works with you. I have read several letters sent to you by "satisfied customers", and this is definitely another one. She is someone who goes above & beyond "the call of duty". Beth is a great communicator & works very hard to get everyone the best deals she can get. I know this from personal experience. She always takes the time to answer any questions (from the most common to the bizarre). Beth is very busy, but treats each client like they are her one & only. My family & I (total of 7) recently visited WDW. We were staying at a condo that I was able to get through a friend of mine & three nights at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Beth helped me with just about everything except the condo. Two days before we were to leave for Florida, I called the condo to get their exact address so I could print out a map from the airport. Well, to my surprise, the condo was hit by the hurricane & no one called me to tell me that my reservations were cancelled. Basically, I had seven people arriving in FL in less than two days & no where to go. I called Beth in a panic. She dropped everything to help me find the best deal she could. She was wonderful! Fortunately I was able to get another condo (which I was originally told I couldn't) & everything worked out. She spent a couple of hours working on this for me, booked me a place, & then I needed to cancel it. Needless to say I felt terrible doing that to her, but my condo was paid for. She even cancelled the reservations for me with a smile in her voice. I can't express enough what a wonderful person Beth is. She is very professional, but personable as well. Kudos to you Beth! I would recommend her to anyone. Thank you for recommending her to me through your newsletter. I hope this note helps someone else choose to do the same. Thanks Again!"
The Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Disney has finished its makeover and is now a Holiday Inn. They offer free shuttle transportation to the Disney Parks every 30 minutes. Plus! Kids 12 and under eat FREE with paying adult.
Dianna writes: "Which hotel would you prefer for young children: polynesian, contemporary, or the swan?" The Contemporary is easily accessible to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The kids will love to see the monorail come into the building. The resort also has one of the best character meals at WDW.
We have divided Resorts into 10 sections.
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