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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. A member writes: "From reading the part about touring the Disney hotels, I was just wondering if anyone can tour the hotels or just people staying on Disney property? My Mother and I wanted to attend tea at the Grand Floridian, I was interested in taking my children to the nightly camp for the movie at Fort wilderness, etc. What is exactly available to people staying (if anything) off Disney property in terms of the Disney resorts? We are trying to find some things to do that do not cost so much on the days we are not going to the parks." Anyone can visit the resorts. You can access them on any Disney bus. Or you can visit by car. The guard will ask for your license and record your tag. Off-property visitors can't take advantage of early entry or guaranteed admission to the parks when they're full. The camp fire program at Fort Wilderness is also restricted to resort guests only.
Debbie writes: "Every 2 years we go to WDW and stay at Port Orleans Riverside (previously named Dixie Landings). Every time except this year (we go in May) we never experienced any problems with the bus transportation. This year it seems that they did away with separate buses for each hotel, because every time we went to board a bus, there would be room for only about 12 people thus leaving everyone else to wait 15 minutes for another one which was also full. Very bad idea to eliminate the bus for Riverside. Another experience we encountered was at Magic Kingdom, my granddaughter had something in her eye. We took her to the first aid station and received immediate attention, Mickey Mouse came to see if she was okay, and although after 45 minutes they still could not get the particle out they called the medical clinic in Lake Buena Vista. They picked us up and delivered us back to the first aid station. She needed to return to the clinic the next day for follow-up and they picked us up and delivered us back to the hotel free of charge. This is a great company!! The drivers were very courteous and showed us the back side of Magic Kingdom, such as the fire station, where they load the fireworks, where they keep the monorails for cleaning and repairs, where they get the floats ready for the parades, and the facility where the laundry is done - it is huge!! Thanks for your e-book, very helpful and inciteful." PO French Quarter and PO Riverside use the same buses. We usually catch the bus at PO Riverside at South Depot where the store is. The buses are empty there. Other depots can have crowded buses depending on how many have gotten on at other PO depots. Glad your granddaughter is OK. Sounds like that was quite a tour. Glad you like the book! |
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Disney charges $10-$15 more for a room near the food court, main pool, laundry, playground, and buses at its Value Resorts: Fantasia at All Star Movies, Calypso at All Star Music, Surf's Up at All Star Sports, and 1960's buildings at Pop Century. Another reason you need to know the "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation!"
Danny writes: "Dear John, we will be planning a trip in March. Is the [current] E-book OK to review or Should I wait for [next] edition??" You can't wait for the next version. The sooner you book, the better! We constantly update our book anyway so you can be sure of always having the latest information.
Louise writes: My husband and I are thinking about taking our kids and grandchildren to Disney World in a couple of years, staying in the Grand Floridian, Wilderness, or Contemporary, and getting a suite that will hold us all. How far ahead will they book rooms and will they guarantee prices at today's rates if paid now? Are there rooms in those hotels with kitchen facilities available? Right now, this is in the "thinking" stage. We have no idea whether or not we will be able to afford such a venture!!!" We recommend booking as soon as possible. If a better deal comes along in the meantime, you can book the new deal and cancel the original reservation. Disney will charge you whatever the rate is at that time. They will not lock in rates. The deluxe resorts have kitchen facilities, but they are expensive. See our book for discounts at those deluxe resorts.
Kelvin writes: "I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed e-book. I have read it from cover to cover several times. I would appreciate your suggestions!! My family is planning a trip to Walt Disney World in May of 2003. I am considering making a reservation in the WDW Swan or Dolphin ... but I wonder if this would be the best idea since I will have two kids with us (ages 2 and 4). My concern is not really value but location. I figure due to the kids age their main activities will be the magic kingdom and mgm ... What do you think about the location and access to the parks from this hotel." You can walk or take a boat to Epcot, take a ferry to MGM, or bus to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney and the water parks. The problem is Epcot - it's a pretty long walk from the Swan or Dolphin, especially for kids and those not used to it. Take the boat to Epcot. The parks involve a lot of walking, too! I hope you have a stroller for the 2-year old. And, yes, we've also seen 4-year olds in strollers. Thanks for your kind comments. You make the work worthwhile.
Kelly writes: "If I have not told you, your book is great! I am reading it, writing notes and am planning to follow your instructions on directions in the park. I have a fast question. I reserved and sent a deposit for the All Star Movies Resort ... We are staying in the "Toy Story" building. I am seeing that the Disney All-Star "Music" Resort is going for [less]. I have a 2 1/2 year old girl and 10 year old boy. Everyone says "this is the best of the resorts" for the kids, Do you think so? Should I rebook because of the price, or should I stay at the Movies resort because of my kids! Thanks for your input." All Star Movies is the most popular. Of course, you can stay at Music and visit Movies if you wish. We drive to other resorts all the time to check them out. If the money you'll save by changing resorts is not that important and you don't feel like taking the time to visit another resort, then stay where you are. Glad you are enjoying the book. Your comments are very much appreciated.
Bettyann writes: "I am going to Disney World from 12/6 to 12/11.....regarding the refillable mugs....I asked you once before about bringing them with me and you said I should...has that changed since I emailed you about 5 or 6 weeks ago....should I plan on buying new ones or will the policy be changed at the end of the year....I'm so confused.....If I can't use the ones I have, I don't need to fill up my suitcase with useless things...I need all the room I can get in my suitcase for new things that I buy....Thanks for your help....." The last we heard is that Disney is going to give current mug owners a grace period while they test the bar codes at the resorts and they haven't said when that period will end. Disney's official policy is that mugs purchased during your stay are only refillable during that stay and are to be used only at the resort where you purchased them. That said... Karen returned November 13 and writes: "I just returned from Disney - stayed at Port Orleans - French Quarter, my husband and I both brought our refillable mugs with us. We had no problem with using them, even though they are about 6 years old and the design has changed on the new mugs. We used a lot of the tips from your book and saved quite a bit. Thanks."
Karen writes: "John, I am going to Disney World with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in April of 2003. I was wondering what I would have to do to make sure I get connecting rooms. When I went in 1999 I didn't get what I was promised. Also is the All-Star Sports a recommendation you would give to people with a 4 year old and a set of 10 month old twins? Love your book, keep up the good work." Disney will not guarantee connecting rooms. They make a special effort to find connecting rooms for young children, so be sure to mention that on the phone and when you arrive. Call four days before you arrive because reservations can't access exactly what's available before then. All Star Sports is fine for young children. Disney can get you a crib for the twins if you like. Glad you are enjoying the book!
Stephanie writes: "Just got back from a great trip to Disney with our 3 and 4 year olds. Thanks for all the tips! 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. Thanks again, we look forward to our next "Affordable Disney" trip!" We love Port Orleans Riverside! We'll be here when you're ready for another dose of Disney magic!
Cheryl writes: "My family and I have just returned from an 8 day stay at Disney. I just wanted to tell anyone who is considering staying off-property to check out the Days Suites on Hwy 192. This location was perfect for my family. It is next door to Old Town, which offers shopping, rides, and an antique car show on Friday and Saturday. There is also almost any kind of cuisine within 1-2 blocks. We had a 3-rooom suite which featured a living area with loveseat, chairs, tv, dresser, and murphy bed. Next was a kitchen with full size fridge and table, 2 burner stove, microwave and dishwasher (you furnish your own utensils or rent from hotel). A full size bathroom with large vanity was located off the kitchen. Then you had another bedroom which was the size of a typical hotel room with 2 double beds, large closet, armoire, tv, large vanity and sink. We have stayed at the Days Suites before and highly recommend it for any family. We had all of the above for $45.00/night. You can't beat that for the amount of room we had. So if anyone is looking for a good deal, give Days Suites a try." Thanks, Cheryl, for the tip!
Carmon writes about the importance of being persistent: "John, I have been reading and using your tips for a couple of years now. There are even suggestions of mine in the main "book." I wanted to impress upon you your tip of calling back to get what you want. I called WDW on 3/8/02 to try to get in for Easter break. We know how crowded it gets, but we love that time of year there. We have gone to WDW for Easter 3 years in a row now. Well, they said that they had rooms in the All Stars, which is what we wanted. I thought that the price was too high compared to my planned trip in May, 2002. Well we decided to bite the bullet and pay the higher rate. Well, by then no rooms at the inn. I called and called. Probably 20 calls total. We told the kids forget it because nothing available on property. I was driving down the road and my 6 yr old was sad about no All Star Sports. I gave it one last ditch effort from the cell phone. Lo and behold, there was a room available at the Sports for the days that we wanted." Cancellations come in all the time and Disney has rooms reserved that they don't free up until the last minute. You can even ask at the Check-in desk!
Disney is improving bus transportation
from Fort Wilderness.
Joe writes: "I just returned from a weekend trip to disney since i live in south florida and would like to share this information with you. I stayed at the contemporary, this was my first time and i LOVED IT! we got a room with a view of the magic kingdom and we were able to view fantasy in the sky from our balcony, it was amazing! we went to the magic kingdom on saturday and got there about 15 mintues before the park opened and of course all our bags had to be searched thru. the attendance seemed perfectly healthy when we were there! the lines for the 3 mountains [Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad] were well in the 45 min + and i had to get fastpasses for many rides. We left sunday the 10th. I cant wait till our next trip in late april hopefully, we will be staying at the polynesian! p.s. i love the newsletter, it helps us a lot!"
Helen writes: "We booked our trip for May to Disney, and made arrangements to stay at the Wilderness Lodge. You gave us the tip about rooms at $130 per night, and it saved us over $800.00. Thanks so much." Great savings at WL!
Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds is offering 30-minute carriage rides 6-10 PM every night. Cost: $30 per carriage. Two carriages - one seats 4 adults and two children; the other seats two adults and two children - pick up guests at Wilderness Lodge or Crockett's Tavern in Fort Wilderness. Reservations are recommended. Call 407/824-2832.
Kevin and Amy write: "Thanks to your help getting the best deals and giving the best suggestions, we had a fabulous 5 days at Disney for the Disney Marathon (our fifth straight trip). Since we left the kids at home this time, we took your suggestion of Resort Hopping. We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside for 2 nights, Animal Kingdom Lodge for 2 nights, then Wilderness Lodge for 1 night. During our last check in, they asked if we'd be interested in a $40.00 "up- sell" to stay on the Concierge level of the Lodge. We are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary later this year and decided to say yes. The discounted rate during this slow season is $350 per night! Even after paying the $40.00, we still only paid 1/2 of the already Value Season pricing ($175). Being "regular folks" who never spend this much on a room, we had NO idea what a concierge does for you. We are certain that we are not the only ones out there on your email list that are as clueless as us, so some time could you explain to all of us exactly what is included with the Concierge service. We took part in the complimentary wine and cheese, evening dessert and cordial selection and morning continental breakfast, but apparently they do a ton more for their "extra special" guests. (We saw them wrapping presents for guests prior to their departure.) Animal Kingdom Lodge was worth every penny that we spent there. The breakfast buffet although some may think it is pricey ($14.99/person), kept us full until late into the evening. (So we looked at it as $30.00 for breakfast AND lunch! Not bad!) Thanks for the tip about free cups of ice for the asking. I always pack my own bottle of water, but it was nice to be able to have it cold this year! If people hate crowds, [January] is definitely the time to go. We literally walked right on (with NO wait) to Rock and Roller Coaster, Space Mountain, Test Track and many other rides. Sure it was chilly, but when you are from the north, 50 degrees is a heat wave! (Some days as high as 70, the coolest night was 42; most days it was in the low 60's) All in all, a spectacular trip! Thanks for EVERYTHING!" Wow! It looks like you had a great trip! And no stifling heat or crowds. And what a great rate for concierge accommodations at Wilderness Lodge! Concierge service varies from hotel to hotel. The Concierge staff will help you organize your stay, take care of special requests, and make reservations. Concierge service is available at the Deluxe Resorts: Yacht and Beach Club, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and BoardWalk. The concierge rooms are located in an area of the hotel that is private and exclusively for concierge guests. The concierge lounge serves a continental breakfast and snacks and drinks throughout the day. We have heard of college kids who just eat these snacks all day to avoid the expensive eateries!
A customer writes: "From reading the part about touring the Disney hotels, I was just wondering if anyone can tour the hotels or just people staying on Disney property? My Mother and I wanted to attend tea at the Grand Floridian, I was interested in taking my children to the nightly camp for the movie at Fort wilderness, etc. What is exactly available to people staying (if anything) off Disney property in terms of the Disney resorts? We are trying to find some things to do that do not cost so much on the days we are not going to the parks." Anyone can visit the resorts. You can access them on any Disney bus. Or you can visit by car. The guard will ask for your license and record your tag. Off-property visitors can't take advantage of early entry or guaranteed admission to the parks when they're full. The camp fire program at Fort Wilderness is also restricted to resort guests only, probably because it's free. See our chapter, "100 things to do at WDW that cost little or no money," for some inexpensive ways to enjoy WDW.
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We have divided Resorts into 10 sections.
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