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
Ann writes: "Our family of 6 is having trouble getting information about suites at wdw. Our last 2 trips, there were only 5 and the cast bent over backwards to accommodate us. I don't understand their reluctance to share suite information ($$$) with me. Maybe you can shed some light on this." Disney does not volunteer information. They will, however, answer a direct question. Of course, that means you have to ask about the cost of a suite that will accommodate your family at every resort that offers suites! Most people just give up. That's why we include the cost and the number of people Disney's suites accommodate in our book. We even show you how to get a discount on them! You can also reserve two connecting rooms at the other resorts, but Disney will only guarantee the connecting rooms if you have small children. If you do, insist on it. Of course, there are nice suites off property that are much more affordable than Disney's. Click here.
Carole writes about staying off property: "First, I want to again thank you for so quickly returning my e-mail with my password for this year's free update. I was literally printing the addendum while the car service driver was loading our bags into the car! We had a great time in Orlando (your book is terrific). Here's something I rarely, if ever, see discussed in any trip planning guides: We are the "other type" of vacationers, I guess. My kids, now ages 14, 11 and 9, couldn't care less if it's Mickey, Pluto or Ratzo on the theme park, they just like the rides and attractions themselves. So we have never stayed on a Disney or Universal property. We have always (4 times in 6 years) rented a house. With 5 people, we know we would either have to get 2 cheaper Disney rooms (which I hear are tiny) or one expensive one. This year, we paid $1350 for a house 7 minutes from the Disney gate in Kissimmee for 9 days, 8 nights. We could have gotten it cheaper, but since we arrived Friday night, it couldn't be rented to anyone else the week before we got there. Anyway, this beautiful new 3000 sq ft house had 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room, its own 30 x 15 heated built-in screened-in heated pool, hot tub, jacuzzi, disposal, intercom, 18 ft. ceilings, 3 cable tvs and VCRs, etc etc etc. Granted, it was the very off-season, but I think its top rate is $1500 a week. We parents had total privacy, and we could watch the kids as we vegged out in the living room while they swam to their hearts' delight after days at the parks. The hot tub was a Godsend to us as well. Yes, we did rent a car (at $350 with all those Fla. taxes and extra charges -- but it was our choice to get an SUV that's almost the most expensive) but obviously paid nothing in taxis or car services to visit other parks, grocery shop, etc. Breakfast was always at the house, so were most dinners and snacks and our big meal was lunch at the parks. We were also able to pack lightly, as we did laundry at the house. The only other "housekeeping" this maid did was to make my husband's and my own bed. The kids' bedrooms were upstairs, so they made or didn't make their own beds as they pleased (hey, that's what vacation is for, right?). Off season, we also had NO traffic, and since the parks all close at 6 or 7, the option to leave at lunchtime, come back to the room and go for a nap or swim pretty much blows your day (though I could see this working in the busy season). I also discovered that logging into the Orlando Sentinel's web site (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/) gives great reviews of restaurants, movies, and other events throughout the Orlando area for when you're "parked out." The Friday section of this paper gives a great overall view of this, as well. Good luck and thanks again, I love to read your newsletter -- it's like a mini-vacation!" Thank you, Carole, for your kind comments. Yes, we realize that many visitors would prefer to stay off Disney property in a house or condo where they can have more room for less money. We have, consequently, expanded our hotel database to include condos and vacation rentals in the Walt Disney World area and elsewhere. Many are up to 70% off and are guaranteed to have the lowest rates available. Here's the link to check it out.
Enjoy Special Rates at Select Hotels near Disney!
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Resources
 Affordable Attraction Tickets
Orlando's Weather
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Allison writes: "I really love reading your [newsletter]. [On our first rip] we stayed at the All-Star Music Resort and found that sufficient for the amount of time we spent in the room. My mom will be staying with us [on this trip] - any suggestions re: staying at one of the All-Star Resorts again and getting two rooms as opposed to staying in a suite somewhere? Of course, we're trying to go cheap ... I don't want to spend a lot of money. Any ideas on special events coming up? Thanks again for all the fun info..." Glad you like the newsletter. Two rooms at All Star will work. Other suggestions are in our online book. For events, click here.
DISNEY'S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT AND SPA The posh Grand Floridian now features a new pool on the beach. The new construction includes a water slide, walking bridge, children's play area, changing rooms with showers, snack bar, and a deck facing the Seven Seas Lagoon. The cabanas are wired for Internet access.
The following children's programs are available at the Floridian:
Brad writes: "Regarding Disney World: Are all the hotels in the park nice? Don't want to spend a fortune, but would like a comfortable room. Looking for a good value. Could you give me any recommendations? Also do only Disney properties offer the early entrance?" All the WDW resorts are nice. We recommend the moderates like Port Orleans (Riverside is our favorite), Coronado Springs, and Caribbean Beach. They're roomier than the All Stars and very affordable in the value season, particularly with a discount. WDW Resort guests, including those staying at the Swan and Dolphin hotel and the Hilton at Downtown Disney can spend an hour in the morning or hours in the evening at the theme parks during Extra Magic Hours. Guests will need to show their Key to the World card.
"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. NEVER overpay again! Join our Disney family today and keep that extra money in YOUR pocket!
Adam writes: "I am trying to plan at trip for 3 days staying ... preferably at the Polynesian. Do you have any tricks of the trade if rooms are booked?" Try to book as many nights as you can - even one night. Disney operators try to book your entire stay and may overlook the availability of one or two nights. Keep calling twice a day for a cancellation. Call in the morning and at night. Computers update at 10 AM - so especially call then. other tips are in our online book, Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation. A friend of ours recently decided to try and book a room at WDW during Chrstmas week! She followed our advice and was able to book two resorts.
Janet writes: "my family and i will be visiting WDW... we are staying at the contemporary on the grand plan, concierge floor. we have been working with a wonderful grand plan/concierge planner named kathy. my questions are would it be okay when we arrive to give her a small gift, or should we tip her, and if yes how much? thanks." A small gift would be more personal.
POP CENTURY RESORT This themed resort offers more than 5,000 rooms in the economy range similar to the All Star Resorts. Pop Century depicts the development of American culture throughout the 20th century. The resort features 20 buildings divided into 10 pairs of themed buildings. Two buildings, for example, feature a huge jukebox depicting the 1950's.
Laura writes: Next trip we'll have a family of 7 (1 will still be considered a baby). Is Disney planning any additional suite-style facilities? I realize having 5 children is rare these days, and taking them to WDW is even more rare, but with all the blended families and extended families, I wondered if they were planning anything more affordable for larger groups... Thanks bunches for your book!!!" The larger the group, the more you pay. Disney Suites are expensive, but they also have kitchens where you can save money on food by preparing your own meals. Larger rental properties off Disney property are, of course, less expensive. We have expanded our hotel database to include condos and vacation rentals in the Walt Disney World area and elsewhere. Many are up to 70% off and are guaranteed to have the lowest rates available. Here's the link.
A member writes: "I have recently purchased your book and was glad that I did. I am planning on going to Walt Disney World for a big trip including the cruise. I would like to stay at the Fort Wilderness Resort, so I have to review the book, I wonder how far in advance can I make reservations?" The early bird catches the worm when it comes to securing accommodations at WDW. People made reservations for the Millennium New Year's celebrations years in advance. Disney will raise prices, so you will pay more than this year's quoted price, but you can always change your reservations in the future should a better deal come along. Glad you like the book!
Diane writes: "We are going to disney 11/17-24 and are staying in the caribbean beach resort. What island do you recommend staying that is most convenient? I heard I should request Aruba. Also, how is the weather and [what are] the parks like that time of year?" Weather is nice -- in upper 70's. Crowds are manageable. Nice time to go. 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.
Jolene writes: "I have been looking into villas that you have suggested for our whole family (12 people). I am running into a problem when I contact them because they are "vacation club" villas and they don't know the dates that are open for next April/May yet. Do you have any tips on how to get around this? do I need to join the vacation club/time share to get into these villas? or how can I get hold of someone who has a timeshare at these villas and ask them to buy their week or two at that villa? thanks for the info. we have to have a kitchen/kitchenette and I think that the villas are the only ones that have this, correct?" No, you don't have to join the vacation club. You are in a unique position - you are reserving your rooms a year in advance. That's the way to do it. This is what I want you to do - start calling every week until the operator knows the dates that are open. I don't even take the word of the first operator I speak to. Hang up and call back. A different operator may give you a different response! Happens all the time. I can't tell you how many times I hang up and call back and get what I want. Don't become obsessed about it, but call regularly.
Margaret writes: "Thank you! Hubby and I just came back from 5 wonderful days... stayed at the Allstar Music Resort....and didn't go near the parks!!! We had such a great time with all the activities at the resorts like dinner at the Contemporary, miniature golf, the HoopDeeDoo and the campfire singalong and the hayride, as well as the luau and the pool, not to mention Downtown Disney, the Marketplace and Pleasure Island, that we're planning to do it again for our 25th wedding anniversary in June! Got the reservations all set for the Port Orleans and can't wait!!!! Getting ready to make plans for a boat rental now! Thanks again!"
Rose-Anne writes: "I purchased your book, and I've read it from e-cover to e-cover. I'm a huge bargain hunter, so it's right up my alley. My husband and I are bringing the kids (4 yrs old & 2yrs old) to Disney for the first time in May. My husband and I have been there a few times, but it has been YEARS since our last visit, so we're pretty excited. Anyway... I booked the Animal Kingdom Lodge using the special you recommended. It's a GREAT deal...over 4 days, it saves us $464.00 over the regular price!
Here's A Disney Secret
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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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We have divided Resorts into 10 sections.
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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