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We're Going to Disney World! So, Where Should We Stay?

After much deliberation, my husband and I made the leap (gulp!) and are planning our first trip to Walt Disney World in April with our 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter. Shhhh, don't tell our kids. We are keeping it a secret and unveiling the surprise in about a month. Otherwise, every day I will have to remind my kids that "today is not the day we are going to Disney" and ask them to "please unpack their rolling suitcases."

The last time I was at Disney World was over 20 years ago. There are now 32 resorts hotels located on the Walt Disney World property. Twenty-two of these resorts hotels are owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. In addition to saving on car rental and parking fees, we decided to stay at a Disney resort hotel because this is our children's first trip to Disney and the Disney resort hotel guests have the unique opportunity to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Extended Theme Park Hours: Also known as Extra Magic Hours, Disney guests may enjoy additional time in the Disney Theme Park, beyond the standard operating schedule, at no additional charge.
  • Complimentary Airport Transportation: Disney's Magical Express Transportation offers free round trip airport transportation and baggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport.
  • Complimentary Resort Transportation: transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort is available via bus, boat or monorail.
  • Disney Dining Plan: Guests can save up to 30% per adult on dining by purchasing a Disney Dining Plan.
  • Key to the World Card: An all-in-one card that operates as a hotel room key, credit card, and Disney Theme Park ticket.
  • Package Delivery: Guests can have packages or souvenirs purchased throughout Walt Disney World Resort delivered directly to their hotel.
  • Disney Service: Disney cast members are available 24 hours a day.

Certain benefits are also available to guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and select Downtown Disney Area hotels.

Now that we decided to stay at a Disney resort hotel, Disney offers accommodations, generally based on price and room size, in five categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa, Moderate, Value, and Campground. Once we found the category that fit our budget, we had to think about location, amenities, dining, transportation and recreation. I read reviews and articles posted at Frommers.com, Fodors.com, and Tripadvisor.com and WeJustGotBack.com. We pored over this decision for two days. Painful, I know.





1 comment so far...

  • My Fiance and I are planning our honeymoon and have decided to stay at http://www.swandolphin.com This is by far the most amazing Disney World resort yet. There 17 restaurants on the resort along with access to transportation to all of the parks every 15 minutes. I think this is going to be the best place for our honeymoon because it looks so romantic and elegant.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by lillyadams790 on 18th October 2010

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