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
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. Resort guests and muti-day ticket holders can access them on any Disney bus. Those staying off property 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. See our chapter, "100 things to do at WDW that cost little or no money," for some inexpensive ways to enjoy WDW.
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!
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Renea writes: "We booked the concierge at the Polynesian. Our room was not ready until after 3:30 p.m. When we finally got into the room, the smell of mold and mildew nearly knocked us all down! We found a large wet spot on the rug under the table. We have allergies and could not stay in that room. We called housekeeping and she tried calling the concierge desk. This took about 20 minutes more of our time and she finally had 2 managers come to the room. They tried to move us into a room 2 doors down which still smelled bad. We went to another room which wasn't much better. When we opened the fridge, it smelled like sour milk and there were shower shoes left on the floor near the bed! This place smelled awful! The only good thing was the food in the concierge lounge. A few days later, 2 families had to check out of the Poly because they were getting nose bleeds. We took the monorail over to the Floridian and explained our trouble. They were able to get us into a concierge room for only $221.00 more for the remainder of our stay. WE arrived on Sunday and departed on Friday. The concierge manager came to the main lobby and personally walked us to see the room. This hotel is beautiful and the service outstanding! They showed us the room and we agreed it was much cleaner and the people at the desk were very nice. We had to stay at the Poly for 1 night but quickly moved to the Floridian the next morning. WE asked for a second floor and we got one. The dryer was broken in the other building (there isn't one in the concierge) so the manager sent someone to take our 2 loads of wash to their dryer. They delivered it to us folded and dried for no cost! The service is fantastic and I would recommend this to anyone with 3 children in their party. They offer cont'l breakfast, snacks during the day and coffee, tea, lemonade, iced tea and juice. It saved us a bundle. We only had to order room service twice and ate at Chef Mickey's one night! Who would I write to about our problems at the Poly? I think we should get a refund for the one night we stayed there."
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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 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: "regarding the refillable mugs... should I plan on buying new [mugs]? 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." 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.
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Karen writes: "John, I am going to Disney World with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. 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!
NOW YOU CAN TELL THE KIDS "YES"! Do your kids want to go to Disney but your budget says NO! Now you can say YES thanks to our Disney savings super site. Save on everything Disney! Hotels, food, parking, merchandise, travel, and HUNDREDS more savings too! Links to other savings sites mean you SAVE TIME when shopping. Get it all and our FREE ezine too. Makes a great gift! Join our Disney Family today and save BIG on your Disney Dream Vacation!
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! Note: The nightly rate will vary according to the time of year you plan to visit. Click here for info on the DAYS INN MAINGATE SUITES.
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. Low and behold, there was a room available at the Sports for the days that we wanted." Cancellations come in all the time. 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.
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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