Walt Disney World Resorts
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We have divided Resorts into 10 sections. YOU CAN AFFORD DISNEY WORLD! If you THINK a Disney vacation costs too much ... WE AGREE! That's why we created the ULTIMATE Disney savings site. Save up to 40% on your total trip. Learn about discounts on tickets, food, Disney merchandise, hotels ON Disney property, travel, parking, and MUCH more. Too much to list here. See it all at here. "We just got back from a great trip ... and thanks to you and your great advice, [we] saved money and time! ... In total we saved about $3,000.00 for our group of 6. We are going back within a year to use our passes again, and think our per person cost will be in the $150-200 range, flights and all." Michael Barrett, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Dina writes about traveling with a family of five: "Just wanted to respond to the woman who wanted to hear about a family of 5. I, too, have 3 adults, 2 children and we go to Disney at least 1 time a year, sometimes twice. (My oldest son is almost 17) Here are some tips from your book as well as some I've learned on my own. We usually go in mid January, that way we wait in virtually no lines, and the weather is perfect. (We're from New Hampshire). We stay at the Days SUITES maingate east of WDW. 1.9 miles to the gate. We pay $34.95 per night plus tax for a full suite. It's an average hotel with plenty of amenities for the price. Also a "Disney Good Neighbor" hotel. It has a full fridge, a 2 burner stove, a microwave, and a dish washer, 2 heated pools, laundry facilities, 2 double beds, and a murphy bed. There is a PUBLIX (For those who don't know, like Shaw's or Market Basket), Dunkin Donuts, and a WALGREEN"S right across the street so that everything you'd need is very close by. We go shopping the day we arrive and I buy 2 24pks of water (I think it costs $7), many quick snacks, and some food that is easily made. We purchase plastic wear, and plastic bowls for cereals, and paperplates. We always bring 2 napsacks and fill them with snacks, and plenty of water. 3 waters a day x 5 =$30 ($3.00 per H2O OOOCH!!) We also head down the road to Walmart, and buy a small fry pan so we can make grilled cheese for our kids, and scrabbled eggs, grilled muffins, easy mac and cheese, and many other quick things. I don't mind cooking something quick. It sure saves a truckload of $$$$. I always check many websites in terms of renting a van. Last year, I found the best with Orbitz. (Sorry one Travel, I did you the previous time), and I found $125 with unlimited miles for the week + taxes. We usually stay 12 days, 11 nights. For that entire time, I paid $318.72. How incredible is that? That was with taxes as well. It pays to shop around. Every year we learn something new and apply it to our next trip. The moral to the story is for 12 days, 11 nights, with a family of 5, I usually spend right around $4000, sometimes a little less. I also need to add that we always do 1 day at SeaWorld, a four day Hopper at Disneyworld, a 3 day Hopper for Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios, a character Breakfast, and the Pirate Dinner Adventure.(Which I think is the best dinner show, especially if you have children, they include the kids in the show). I also have to admit that I may shop a lot!!!! This is all included in my trip. Hope this helps for all looking for stories with a family of 5. Thanks John for all your tips!!!"
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RESERVATION TIP! It's never too late
to make your Disney reservation. We made reservations at Disney during the
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vacations were within the budget guidelines in our
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To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation! Disney is accommodating
if you're flexible.
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For those who have a laptop computer, Disney is in the process of making all resort rooms computer accessible. If you wish to use Disney's computers, the following Disney resorts have business centers with computers, fax, photocopying machines and clerical staff: Coronado Springs, Swan, Dolphin, Contemporary, Yacht Club and Beach Club, Grand Floridian and BoardWalk. All Disney resort guests can use these services, no matter what resort they stay in. Go to guest services and ask for the computer room.
We took a tour of Disney’s newest resort, the
Coronado Springs. Looked great! The Mayan temple next to the pool
was something to see. They have a nice gift shop, too. The fact that this
resort is in the moderate price category with Port Orleans - Riverside, Port
Orleans - French Quarter and Caribbean Beach is enough to make us want to
stay there. If you like Tex/Mex, you will love this place!
Group Camping facilities are available at Creekside Meadow at Disney's Fort Wilderness. Features include: fire pits, grills, restrooms, private showers, ice machines, laundromat, and public phones. Group must include at least 20 people. You can buy firewood and rent cots and tents. To make reservations, call 407/939-780.
Rick writes: "We just got back from a WDW vacation. We want to go back already! We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside which was great for us. Just to add to the question of checking other resorts; we had no problem going to the security booth and asking if we could check out the resort. All we were asked was a last name and they copied down our license plate number. We were offered a map (or you may request one). We saw about 10 separate resorts from the All Star to Grand Floridian. Even Fort Wilderness campgrounds. The resorts and grounds are very well kept." Touring the resorts is one of our favorite activities at WDW. See our book for "A Touring Plan of the Walt Disney World Resorts." To order our book, click here.
"I thought I knew all the tips for saving money at WDW, even being a member of the Magic Kingdom Club for over 15 years, but just learning about [your ticket agent] saved our family over $300.00! Thanks." Janet Handy, Bel Air, MD "Plenty of roadside outfits in Orlando promise discounted tickets, but most of them really want to rope you into a time-share sales pitch in exchange for vouchers - accept at your own risk. [Affordable Disney's ticket agent], though, is legit." The New York Post, November 16, 2004.
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Resort Facts Every Disney resort offers certain features that are not readily known to the general public. We now reveal those little tidbits of information that can make your stay on Disney property that much more enjoyable. You don't have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy many of these benefits. We have stayed at All Star Resorts and enjoyed the pianist at the Grand Floridian! BoardWalk Inn Catch Epcot's Illuminations from the water front rooms. View MGM's fireworks from the Villas. Contemporary The California Grill is considered to be one of the finest restaurants at Walt Disney World. Best views are from the Tower rooms and guests here are closest to the convention center. The north wing is closest to the tennis courts; south wing guests are close to the pools and marina. Grand Floridian
A room overlooking the lagoon is quiet and offers
a beautiful view. Choose a room on the upper floor to get away from the crowds.
Fireworks over the Magic Kingdom Castle are easily seen from the beach or
lawn. Gayle writes: "I look forward to waking up to your Disney update. Thanks for doing the nice job you do. Question....We are traveling to Disney's Vero Beach and then the Grand Floridian the end of January. We have a Concierge room at the GF. In your opinion, what is the best location in the hotel. Are nightly fireworks visible from a room? Thought you might know. Keep up the great work & thanks." The best views of the Castle and the fireworks are from the rooms with a lagoon view: Sago Cay and Conch Key lodge houses. Sugar Loaf Key is closest to the main lobby and Big Pine Key is near the beach. Thanks for your kind comments. Polynesian
Choose Tahiti and Fiji if you're traveling without
children. Adults only stay here. For a view of the Magic Kingdom, choose
Moorea and a room overlooking the lagoon. Upper floor rooms are the most
private. Let the reservationist know that you are on your honeymoon or
celebrating your anniversary--they'll give you a free bottle of champagne! Shades of Green Rooms at the rear of the resort are close to the pool and the Evergreen Sports Bar and Grill. Rooms at the front are near the bus stop and the Garden Gallery restaurant. Rooms (301-313) on the third floor overlook the beautiful golf course. Shades of Green has two bus schedules: Buses run 7:30 AM - 2:30 AM to the Ticket and Transportation Center where you can catch a bus to the theme parks, water parks, Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney West Side, and Downtown Disney Marketplace. Another shuttle runs 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM from the resort to Blizzard Beach, then on to the Animal Kingdom, and then back to the resort. Swan & Dolphin A corner room at the Dolphin has 2 balconies. King size beds are available in these rooms as well. Since Swan and Dolphin host convention centers, you may want to book before or after a convention. For $5 more, guests at the Swan and Dolphin get the morning paper and access to Dolphin's health club for their whole stay. The Dolphin has 4 lighted tennis courts. The picture window on the 9th floor of the Swan offers a view of Epcot's Illuminations. Wilderness Lodge
Tours are available. Rooms with a view of the woods
are the most quiet. Romantics should choose rooms overlooking the courtyard
and lake. Room 7084 offers a whirlpool and a great view of the Magic Kingdom
fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant on the 7 Seas Lagoon. Rooms are
available with a queen bed and bunk or 2 queen beds. Yacht Club & Beach Club Guests looking for privacy should book upper floor rooms. Best views are from rooms overlooking the lake. Rooms on the second and fourth floor at the Beach Club come with balconies. Fourth floor rooms are bigger. Many consider the hamburger at the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop the best at Walt Disney World! Melisa writes: "My husband, son (3) and I just returned from a 10 day trip to Disney. The trip itself had some ups and down. We were booked at the Beach & Yacht Club (beach side) I requested a certain room and due to the view had to pay the upgrade of water view to have my request filled. However, when I got to the room and saw the view I don't know what water view I paid for. The room was huge which was wonderful. we had 2 balconies. The larger one - about 20-feet long - looked over the main court yard. The other, which was a one person standing balcony. barely overlooked the pool. If you don't like to walk a distance to your room from the lobby this might not be the best choice of hotels. ONE set of elevators middle of the resort and you walk from there to whatever end your room is in. For us, that turned into about a 3-4 min walk. All in all a nice quiet resort." Old Key West A quiet room with a view of the waterfront can be found in the Turtle Shack Villas. Rooms 43 and 44 overlook the water and are close to the bus stop. All rooms have a whirlpool bath except the studios. Fort Wilderness
Bikes and motorized carts are the easiest ways to
weave your way through this resort. Guests with tents will avoid the RV traffic
if they camp on loop 1500 or or loop 2000. This resort is a great place for
all WDW visitors to see the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and the Electrical
Water Pageant. Loops 1600-1900 are the most private and quiet. "Although you don't know me, I feel like we are friends because I have bookmarked your website on my computer and have subscribed for your newsletters. Also, my family and I are HUGE Disney fans. My husband (now deceased) and I took our only child to Disney for the first time in 1974 (before EPCOT), and were instantly hooked. We have returned as often as possible since then. My husband died in 1992, but our son, his wife, and kids (now 3 of them) go at least once a year. This summer trip will be my 26th (we had to miss a few years because of sickness, new babies, etc.) and my son's 25th. Anyway, a lot of the tips you have on your site are great ones which we have found out by trial and error. We just bought a 32 foot motor home this year and will stay at Fort Wilderness (3 years in the cabins, 1 year in a travel trailer of mine, and now in the new motor home). This will be inexpensive because full hookup is only $57 per night and you get all the conveniences of resort guests. We really love the Fort Wilderness scene. The kids love the electric carts which we rent for the whole week--a great way to get around and a lot of fun, as well. Anyway, thanks for maintaining such a wonderful site. It is nice to know there are other people who get all "quivery" as they drive in through those gates and see the Mickey ears on the water tower!!"
Thank you for your kind comments, Tinita. Over the
years we have made many friends like you who share with us their love for
the magic and wonder of Disney! "Love your newsletter. On a recent trip to Disney World in November we stayed at the Fort Wilderness Campground in our camper. The campsite we received, though listed as a premium site (cause it had cable), was the smallest we’ve ever had in 5 trips. The bathhouse for the loop had recently been remodeled and just been reopened. 5 of the 7 days we were there we had no hot water in the showers. We had to rent a golf cart for the week cause we had 5 children with us and had to go to other loops for showers. The first 3 days the drains in the showers in the women’s showers backed up all over the floors so even if you could tolerate the cold water you were standing ankle deep in dirty water. We received a survey from the campground after returning home and let our displeasure be known there, but have never heard any apology or anything. My question is there somewhere else we should be complaining or just let it ride. Any input would be appreciated. The best thing you could have done is complain in person while you were there. They could have placed you at another resort or compensated you in some way. You should still file a complaint and see what happens. Send a letter to: COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications You can also send a letter to the General Manager at Ft. Wilderness:
General Manager at Fort Wilderness Caribbean Beach
Second floor rooms are the most private. Choose Aruba
for privacy and to be close to Old Port Royale, where the eateries are located.
Honeymooners will find seclusion at the Trinidad South building and beach.
Martinique is lively if you're looking for activity. The walk around Barefoot
Bay (larger than the lagoon at Epcot's World Showcase) is ideal for strolling,
biking, etc. Coronado Springs
Over 50% of the rooms at the Cabanas have water views.
The Casitas are the choice for conventioneers who frequent this resort in
January, May, September and October. Take a stroll late at night on the Ranchos
illuminated trail. Coronado Springs has the nicest resort gift store I've
seen at WDW! "It doesn't happen often but we had a very bad stay at the Coronado Springs Resort on our vacation (6-29-01 to 7-5-01). We could not talk to the housekeeping staff because they could not understand English at all. We tried showing them with our hands and pointing. nothing worked. When we called the front desk to ask for towels they said they would send them up. they said the same thing two hours later. to make a long story short my husband had two hand towels for his shower. The one girl on the phone from housekeeping said Disney only changes the beds in the rooms once every three days! I was amazed. I thought they changed them every day. You were right about the tip added on to your bill in the food court and for what? We had to get our own soda and everything talk about a rip-off! I guess they don't have to try to give you good service because they are going to get their tip anyway. On a positive note the food is not that bad for food court food but they should not include the tip! We had requested fitted sheets for the beds because the flat sheets ... just [kept] falling on the floor. well anyway housekeeping said they don't use fitted sheets anymore! I have never heard of such a thing. I told my husband that i think the quality of Disney is really starting to slip and people are noticing it! i'll write again if anything news worthy happens around here as we go down to Disney about every other month. Thanks for the tips. keep up the good work!!!" Pop Century Pop Century offers more than 5,000 rooms in the economy range similar to the All Star Resorts. Depicting the development of American culture throughout the 20th century, the resort features 20 buildings divided into 10 pairs of themed buildings. The buildings bear larger than life icons that represent various decades: a jukebox and bowling pin depict the 1950's; Play-Doh and YoYo, the 60's; Mickey Mouse telephone and Big Wheel, the 70's; Sony Walkman and Rubik's Cube, the 80's; laptop computer and cell phone, the 90's. Port Orleans
Dixie Landings and Port Orleans have merged. The Dixie
Landings side is now known as Port Orleans - Riverside; the Port Orleans
side is known as Port Orleans - French Quarter. NOTE: Port Orleans has changed its Fax number to 407/934-5777. All Star Resorts
If you're looking for peace and quiet, book rooms
at Broadway and Country Fair at All Star Music; Center Court and Hoops at
All Star Sports; Love Bug and Fantasia at All Star Movies. Some buildings
are rather far from the bus stop, so book a room near the lobby if you plan
to use Disney transportation: Jazz and Calypso at All Star Music; Touchdown
and Surfs Up at All Star Sports; Toy Story at All Star Movies.
David writes: " I am staying in November at the Wyndham Palace Resort in the Disney World Resort - is this actually considered a Disney Resort, for the purposes of the unlimited passes and such? Is it best to buy Universal studios tickets in conjunction with disney passes, or is it best to get them from a separate source. Thanks a lot for your book!"
The Wyndham is an official Disney hotel that is
independently owned and sells WDW passes. Guests do not have early-entry
privileges and they must use the hotel buses unless they purchase a multi-day
pass which gives them the right to use all of WDW transportation. You can
buy Universal tickets at the same time. See our book for places to buy the
Universal tickets at a discount. All seven independently owned Downtown Disney Resort Hotels also participate in E-ride nights. You must have a muti-day pass to qualify. Purchase E-tickets at your onsite gift shop. E-tickets are limited. They only allow 5,000 in the Magic Kingdom. We've uncovered a source that guarantees the lowest rates at the Downtown Disney Resort Hotels! Click here to check out the prices.
Kimberly writes: "My fiancee and I are coming to Disney for our honeymoon,we would like to do something special while we are there. What kinds of things does The All Star Music Resort offer?" The buildings are adorned with giant musical icons like clarinets, maracas, etc. The music motif is everywhere. If you like music, you'll love this resort. The music supervisor for our local school system took his wife there recently and they loved it. See our book for free or inexpensive things to do at the All Star Resorts.
Gail writes: We will be in Orlando in November and would like to attend Catholic Mass at the Polynesian Village on Sunday..." Disney no longer provides religious services on property. The Catholic Church, Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine, is nearby at 8300 Vineland Ave. Call 407/239-6600.
Gary writes: "You have said your favorite place to stay is Port Orleans - Riverside. Is it that much better than something like All Star - Movie Resort?" Port Orleans - Riverside is more upscale. The rooms are larger and the food at the food court is better. However, the All Stars are a lot of fun and economical. Young children especially like the larger than life icons on the All Star Resort buildings. PO Riverside also has a ceiling fan that helps circulate the air conditioning on those hot and muggy Florida days. In a pinch, we would not turn down either resort.
Simon plans to stay at Port Orleans - Riverside: "I will be in orlando 2 days before going into the Disney World. I would like to know whether I am allowed to visit Downtown Disney as well as visiting some of the Disney resort areas during that time?" You can visit Downtown Disney any time. The guards at the resorts will admit visitors staying off property. They will record your name and license plate number. "What is the earliest time that I can check into Port Orleans and to visit the first park ie Magic Kingdom or Epcot straightway without losing valuable time?"
Check-in is 3 PM. Leave your luggage in the car or
at the luggage depot outside Guest Services and come back later to check
in. Buses run every 15 to 20 minutes. We have had no problems with buses to or from The Riverside section. "Is there any cooking facility near or in Port Orleans where I can cook some simple food like Instant Noodles etc to cut food bills? Also, is there any bakery around to get fresh bread everyday?" There are no cooking facilities at Port Orleans. The food court has a microwave if that will do. The Riverside has our favorite bakery. In addition to cake, pie, cookies (I want one!), muffins, and ice cream, it sells fresh bagels and croissants.
Tina is taking a large group to WDW: " When is checkout time at the resorts? Will my group have to leave the park since they won't be able to lug around their luggage during the day?" Check out time is 11 AM at all resorts. If you would like to check out later, you can ask for permission to stay until 1 PM when you check in. Disney won't mind if they are not sold out. If you want to spend the day in the parks after you check out, leave your luggage at the luggage depot outside Guest Services. Then return and pick up your luggage when you're ready to leave.
Anita writes: "I would like to organize a family reunion in Orlando next summer and would appreciate your input. Our group would consist of about 25 adults (couples and singles) and 20 children (ranging in age between 1 and 15, most of which are younger than 8). My initial impression is the best course is for us to rent 2 or 3 houses on the same street, where we could share lodging and food expenses... Are the homes found at various locations, such as Rolling Hills and Lindfields, really within 15 minutes of the WDW main gate or is that a misnomer?" Certainly, renting townhouses and condos with cooking facilities is a way to cut costs. For affordable condos and vacation rentals, click here. As far as hotels advertising that they are 15 minutes from WDW? Well, technically, they might be 15 minutes from the WDW property entrance, but you still have another 15 minutes to travel before you get to get to the WDW resorts and parks! So, figure a half hour in traffic.
Caroline writes: "I just wanted to let you know that we returned from our Disney trip last week and had an incredible time! We purchased our park hopper passes in advance from [your travel agent] and I was so glad that we did. We saved lots of $$$ and didn't have to worry about purchasing them when we got to Orlando. I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone traveling to Disney World or the Orlando area to purchase their attraction tickets in advance from Omar. They will save lots of time AND money! Also, we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and it was incredible! We would never have been able to stay in a Deluxe resort and were actually looking at staying off property. Because of your [deals], we were able to stay on property at one of the Deluxe resorts for about the same price as staying off property. I would highly recommend staying on property. The Disney magic just never ends!!"
Everyday at 5:15 PM, prior to dinner, in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, representatives of their native country sing their way through the complex to the restaurants Jiko and Boma. Simba's Clubhouse is the activity center for children 4-12 years old at Disney's new Animal Kingdom Lodge. Kids can play, participate in arts and craft projects, have dinner, snacks, and watch a movie. Hours: 4:30 PM to midnight. Dining Reservations at Animal Kingdom Lodge: To reserve priority seating at Jiko and Boma, the two restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney will ask for your credit card to secure the reservation. If you fail to show up or to cancel 24 hours in advance, Disney will charge each person in your party a $10 cancellation fee.
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Send FREE (I)nternet Post (Cards) From Walt Disney World! You can send free Internet post cards ("i-Cards") from our site, complete with graphics, text and music. You can choose from 18 languages and can send i-Cards to 10 people at the same time! You can even add your own photos and music! We've uploaded pictures of a theme park/beach motif that makes the service ideal for sending greetings from the parks or the beach to your family and friends! Or you may just want to use our cards to say hi to someone special while you're at home or the office. To send a free i-Card now, click here.
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained on our site. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other companies mentioned on our site and in our newsletter are registered trademarks of their respective companies. The use of these trademarks is for editorial reasons only. No endorsement by the Walt Disney Company or any other company is implied. |
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