Lodging

A view of the Animal Kingdom Resort Lobby

As a Walt Disney World Mom, I’ve been to quite a few of the properties on site at Walt Disney World, but I have to admit that my family’s favorite is the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the newer Walt Disney World hotels, and as you may guess, it’s located closest to the Animal Kingdom. As a result of that, it’s a little further from the other resorts, which was one of our concerns before we got there – and a concern I often hear from other families.

When my family went, we flew through Orlando International Airport and took the Disney Magical Express. Because of that we were able to bypass baggage claim and headed right to the Magical Express counter. The airport was actually much more crowded than I expected, and it took a while to navigate through the airport. There were quite a few lines at the elevators which extended the journey. I generally find that if you travel during peak hours, it can take a while to get from the airport to the resort.

The view from our savannah-view room

Animal Kingdom Lodge is built on a 33-acre wildlife preserve with three savannahs, and over 30 species of wildlife. We had booked a savannah view room, which meant that we’d be able to see animals outside our porch door. This definitely did not disappoint! I think our kids actually preferred watching the animals to going to the parks! The room itself was clean and nice, but a bit on the small side. Because we didn’t spend much time in the room, it wasn’t a problem at all.

While we were there, we ate at the buffet restaurant, Boma, and swam in the pool. Boma was lots of fun – it’s got a great atmosphere and the food is excellent. Despite the fact that the food is African, there are plenty of choices for children also. We ate breakfast and dinner there. The pools are also great. My kids did prefer the heated baby pool, but the larger pool is wonderful.

Bus service was easier than expected. With only one bus stop at the resort, the buses traveled quickly, and the time to the resort was very quick. The buses were never too full either.

Most evenings, we wandered around the resort, checking out the various animals. Each savanna has different animals to see, so even if you have a savannah view room, it’s worth walking around. We saw an amazing assortment of animals – every single day!

Animal Kingdom Lodge is an amazing resort, and it’s likely that your whole family will love the experience!

Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-7429

Standard rooms range from $240 (value season) to $515 (peak season) per night.

Photo credits: Jodi Grundig

With over twenty resorts and villas on property, just booking your stay at Walt Disney World can be daunting. Here are some basic tips to help you enjoy your vacation stay at an on-property resort:

Take Advantage of Extra Magic Hours –

As a bonus for guests of Walt Disney World resorts, each of the four major parks alternates opening early or staying open later just for those booked into WDW lodging. Granted, that’s still quite a few people who will be in the parks. However, it’s a lot easier getting on the popular rides when you’re only dealing with a few thousand people, rather than 20,000 or more when anyone with a ticket can get in.

Walt Disney World Refillable Mug

Buy a Refillable Drink Mug -

At almost $13 it may seem expensive, but it’s well worth the money to have one on a multi-day stay. First, you get unlimited fountain drinks (soda, etc), plus coffee, hot chocolate and more at the resort. If you stay a week and buy just two 20oz bottles a day, you’ve just spent $35 on soda. That’s a difference of $22 a person. Beyond the savings, you can pack small breakables inside for the trip home and you have a usable souvenir once you do get home.

Utilize Disney Transportation –

As a resort guest, you have access to the entire WDW transportation system, from the buses to boats to the monorail. Yes, so does everyone else, but it means you can park the rental car for free at the resort and not have to pay the daily $12 fee to use the park’s parking lot. In fact, you may not even need a rental car at all, which can offer additional savings.

Take a Mid-Day Break –

I see a lot of families who start at park open and go all the way to park close. Yes, you get a chance to see and do everything this way, but you also risk complete exhaustion. By staying at an on-property resort, you are just a short trip away from your air-conditioned room or pool. Use it to unwind and relax, even if for an hour or so – especially if you have kids. It’ll make staying up for those evening fireworks a lot more pleasant for the whole family.

Use the Package Delivery Service –

Why schlep around a bunch of bags? If you are staying at an on-property Walt Disney Resort, you can have your on property purchases sent directly to your room from the store. It may take up to 24 hours for delivery, so don’t do this if you’re checking out the next day. But if you’re staying on property, this service is so much better than having to worry about all those bags when you’re going on the rides.

Disney's Pop Century Resort

Know Your Tolerance for Disney Themes –

Every resort on property is going to have some sort of Disney theme embedded into the overall design of the hotel. But there’s a big difference between having a three-story tall diorama of Toy Story outside your room (like the Disney Value Resorts have) and subtle Alice In Wonderland designs on the bedspread (as Disney’s Grand Floridian has). Generally, the more expensive the resort, the more subtle the Disney theme is in the overall design. The Disney Vacation Club resorts (such as the Boardwalk Villas or Saratoga Springs) tend to be uniform in design with almost no Disney theming.

Got a Large Group? Consider a DVC Villa –

Most WDW rooms only hold a maximum of four people. If you have more people than that, instead of booking several rooms, consider booking one of the Disney Vacation Club villas. In addition to having everyone in one suite-type room (with 1 to 3 bedrooms), they come with a kitchen area, enabling large groups and families to save on dining costs.

Do you have some favorite tips for staying at a WDW resort? Let us know in comments.

[photos by Michelle Snow]

Thinking about taking the family to Walt Disney World for a last legs of summer getaway? Then you’ll definitely want to take advantage of this great deal.

For the week of September 1 through September 9, 2009, The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts are offering rooms for only $99 a night. That is a phenomenal deal for these luxury properties where rooms usually start at twice that rate.

Walt Disney World Dolphin

The two resorts are located next to each other, on the waterway that connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. This provides easy access to both parks via the water ferry that also services Disney’s luxury properties the Yacht and Beach Club, and the Boardwalk Inn and Villas.

Between the two properties, there are five pools, a white sand beach, two health clubs and seventeen restaurants and lounges, ranging from quick counter service to more upscale options like Shula’s Steakhouse and the absolutely gorgeous Todd English’s BlueZoo.

As an added bonus, since the Swan and Dolphin are on Disney property, guests staying at the resort can take advantage of special Disney benefits like Extra Magic hours (where the parks open early or stay open later just for Disney resort guests). And since both properties are owned by the Starwood Group, you can also earn points via the Starwood loyalty program.

To reserve the “$99 in 09″ Labor Day deal, call 800-227-1500. A three-night minimum stay is required and rooms may be on a limited availability.

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Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Phone: 800-227-1500

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[photo: Michelle Snow]

This is one of my favorite Walt Disney World resorts to stay at. Sure, there are more expensive and more beautiful resorts on property, but this one really takes me back to my childhood. Why? Because Disney’s Pop Century resort blends homages to the Disney movies with a look back at American pop culture. And I am a retro pop culture junkie.

Rubiks Cube Stairway at Disney's Pop Century Resort

Like the other value resorts at Walt Disney World, this resort is separated into themed sections. At Pop Century, it’s all about the decades, starting with the 1950s and going to the 1990s. Each section is themed with references of what was hip and happening during that decade, along with a popular Disney movie that was released during that decade.

The whole experience starts with the main building. Step into the check-in lobby with its wall of memorbilia displays. Is that really a Commodore 64 hanging in that case? Why yes, it is.

Stepping outside to go to my room, I walk past the 3-story tall Big Wheel in the 70s section, dancing to the disco music playing, and make a left at the life-size Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head – stop for a quick photo – to the 80s section with its big Rubik’s Cube stairways.

Mr and Mrs Potato Head at Disney's Pop Century Resort

Rooms feature either a king or two doubles (which is what we had), a TV, separate vanity/dressing area with an open wardrobe area, a small size dresser/entertainment center combo and a table with two chairs. There’s high-speed internet, but it’s not Wi-Fi and you do have to pay for it (c’mon Disney…in 2009 not to have Wi-Fi??). All rooms are also smoke free and they do have some modified for guests with disabilities (all king bed).

The resort has three pools: a bowling alley one in the 50s section; a flower-power themed one in the 60s section and a computer themed one shared by the 80s and 90s section. The 70s section is the only one without a pool, but it does have a huge game of outdoor twister that could easily fit 10-15 people.

The food court is just as fun – especially the dessert case. Two that caught my eye were a tie-dye cheesecake that featured so much food coloring you know it couldn’t be good for you and a container of tiramasu made with – get this – Twinkies. It was such a sugar overload but tasted so good! I definitely recommend getting the all-you-can-drink-for-your-stay mug, too. When it’s hot outside, you’ll appreciate not having to buy a bottle of soda several times a day. Skip the in-room pizza delivery – it’s overpriced and the pizza is not stellar.

Rates start at $82 a night during value season and can go as high as $160 during peak seasons, like holidays.

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Disney’s Pop Century Resort
1050 Century Drive
Lake Buena Vista,,FL,32830
Phone: 1-407-938-4000

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Five years ago, Holiday Inn bought the property formerly known as the Courtyard by Marriott that was located right next to Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.  Then the hurricanes of 2004 rolled right through the area and caused some damage to the 323-room hotel, delaying work on converting the property over to the new owners.

A Two-Queen Bedroom at Holiday Inn Walt Disney World

This week, Holiday Inn announced they are now accepting reservations for stays starting November 15, 2009 and later at the new Holiday Inn at WDW.  Just in time for the annual holiday rush of visitors to Walt Disney World.

While structurally the hotel still looks pretty much the same from the outside, Holiday Inn has invested $35 million into completely renovating the hotel. The hotel has turned a section of the beautiful atrium into a restaurant, and yes, per most Holiday Inn properties, kids will eat free here when accompanied by an adult (that could save quite a bit of money per stay). It also looks like the pool area has been redone with a new zero-entry pool. I love those – like being at the beach without the sand clinging everywhere.

Perhaps one of the best features of the changeover that I can see is that rooms that were formerly two double beds are now outfitted two queens.This will make it more comfortable for four people to share the room. I’m told king bed rooms will also now come with a sleeper sofa.

Other new features of the rooms include 32″ LCD HD televisions, pillows in your choice of “soft” or “firm,” and complimentary Wi-Fi.

In fact from the list of renovations, the only thing I’m not so thrilled about is that the hotel will be charging $8 for self-parking. I know they don’t have the largest parking lot, and several other neighboring hotels also charge for parking, but I always feel guests should get this as a complimentary feature of any hotel.

Staying here will also include several benefits of this being the only Holiday Inn on Walt Disney World property, like free shuttles to the WDW parks and the ability to ship purchases back to the hotel from the Disney stores (instead of having to carry the bags around all day).

It looks like opening rates will be around $135 a night but be careful when booking as it seems there are additional per person charges for some rate plans at this hotel that could add an extra $20-$30 a night to the rate.

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Holiday Inn at WDW
1805 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
1-407-828-8888

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[photo courtesy of Holiday Inn]

Of the trinity of value resorts that Walt Disney World dubs the All-Stars, this one was the last to be built, but is often the most popular.

All-Star Movies Toy Story Building

Unlike the All-Star Sports and All-Star Music, which blend Disney characters in with non-Disney themes, Disney’s All-Star Movies resort is, as the name suggests, themed completely in relation to some of the studio’s most popular films. The three-story room buildings are grouped into five areas: 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story, Fantasia (original and 2000), The Mighty Ducks and Herbie: The Love Bug.

Room buildings feature exterior corridors, central elevators and stairwells at the ends. Each building within a themed area will heavily feature decor related to that movie – for instance the Toy Story buildings feature a 35-ft tall Buzz Lightyear and a 25-ft tall Woody between the buildings, along with rooftop green soldiers. The interior features matching touches like character printed bedspreads and wallpaper strips.

They are also separate from the main lobby and food court building, but do have vending machines for sudden snack attacks. There is also in-room pizza delivery, but I found it way too overpriced.

All-Star Movies Room Decor

Bedding is either one king or two double beds, and rooms also feature a separate vanity/dressing area with an open wardrobe area, a small size dresser/armoir and a TV. High-speed internet is available for $9.95 a day, but better pack an ethernet cord because there is no wi-fi anywhere at the resort. All rooms are also smoke free, with a select few modeled for guests with disabilities.

The resort also has two pools. One is a hockey-rink-themed pool in The Mighty Ducks area, the other is Sorcerer Mickey as he directs a liquid symphony at the Fantasia pool, which features a kid’s area.

Guests staying at the All-Star Movies also can take advantage of Disney resort perks like free Disney buses, early/late magic hours at the parks and ship to your room privileges for items bought at on-property stores (no more schlepping shopping bags all day at the parks).

Rates start at $82 a night during value season and can go as high as $160 during peak seasons, like holidays.

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Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
1901 W Buena Vista Dr,
Lake Buena Vista, FL,32830
Phone: 1-407-827-1100

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Just as Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort caters to the budget travelers visiting Walt Disney World, so too does the second of the theme park’s value resorts, Disney’s All-Star Music.

Country Fair at All-Star Music

As the name suggests, the themes at this resort lean towards music, with the room buildings separated into five groupings: Calypso, Jazz Inn, Rock Inn, Country Fair, and the Broadway Hotel. Each of these three-story buildings features exterior corridors, central elevators and stairwells at the ends. They are also separate from the main lobby and food court building. The resort has two pools (one shaped like a guitar, the other like a piano) but no jacuzzis. Disney movies are shown in Melody Hall where there is also an arcade.

Room buildings feature exterior décor that fits each genre, like 3 story tall cowboy boots at Country Fair, and jukeboxes and electric guitars at the Rock Inn. There are also Disney-themed touches, like a Beauty and the Beast theatre marquee in the Broadway area.

All rooms are very basically furnished and have a TV, phone, one sink and mirror (the tub/shower and toilet are in a separate room), an open area for hanging clothes (with a rack on top) and a small size dresser. Irons/ironing boards and hair dryers are available upon request. Bedding in most rooms is either one king or two double beds.

This is the only one of Walt Disney World’s value resorts to feature family suites, which were added during a recent renovation. These 560-sq-ft rooms sleep six to a room via a queen bed, full-size pull-out sofa and a convertible ottoman and chair sleeper, plus one child under 3 in a crib. Each suite has two full bathrooms and a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, microwave and a coffeemaker.

As with the All-Star Sports resort, guests staying at the All-Star Music can also take advantage of Disney resort perks like free Disney buses, early/late magic hours at the parks and ship to your room privileges for items bought at on-property stores.

I would definitely say this resort would be best enjoyed by music fans, families and those on a budget who want to stay on Disney property for their stay.

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Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
1801 W Buena Vista Dr,
Lake Buena Vista,,FL,32830
Phone: 1-407-939-5000

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Many people who visit Walt Disney World in Orlando want to stay on property – and who can blame them? Not only is it convenient and quick to get back to your room after a long hot day at the parks, but you’re still surrounded by the Disney atmosphere.

Touchdown Section of Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

For those on a budget or traveling with sports fans, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort would probably be your best bet to book.

This resort was the first value lodging at Walt Disney World, and still remains a favorite. It consists of several buildings, each separated into a different sports theme: Touchdown! (football), Center Court (tennis), Homerun Hotel (baseball), Surfs Up! (surfing), and Hoops Hotel (basketball). And don’t expect subtlety here with the themes, either. For instance, the Touchdown buildings feature three-story tall football helmets anchoring the buildings, while the Hoops area has large basketballs that look like they’re bouncing off the exterior of the buildings.

Each area’s theme also continues inside the rooms, which are a bit on the small side, but clean and well maintained. Look for sports-themed bedding, wallpaper accents and decor in each room. King-bedded rooms are are also designed for disabled travelers so they do not feature the normal tub/shower combo, only a wheelchair-accessible shower.

These three-story buildings feature exterior corridors, central elevators and stairwells at the ends. They are also separate from the main lobby and food court building, but do have vending machines for sudden snack attacks. The resort also has two pools – one shaped as a surfboard and the other like a baseball diamond.

Guests staying at the All-Star Sports also can take advantage of Disney resort perks like free Disney buses, early/late magic hours at the parks and ship to your room privileges for items bought at on-property stores (no more schlepping shopping bags all day at the parks).

I would definitely say this resort would be best enjoyed by sports fans, families and those on a budget who want to stay on Disney property for their stay.

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Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
1701 W Buena Vista Dr,
Lake Buena Vista,,FL,32830
Phone: 1-407-939-5000

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One of Walt Disney World’s original resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian resort is popular both for its proximity to the Magic Kingdom and for its location on the monorail transportation system.

Grand Floridian Lobby

An ode to the luxury seaside resorts of early 1900s America, the theme is present inside and out. Pulling up to valet, a gentleman dressed in an outfit reminiscent of a 1920’s paperboy took my keys and unloaded my luggage. Passing a white antique Rolls Royce parked along the entry walkway, another gentleman in a top hat welcomed me inside the front doors.

My first steps into the hotel landed me in the Grand Lobby which is a five-story tall atrium resembling a Victorian parlor room, complete with grand piano. Despite a lengthy check-in line, the actual process was quick and painless. Luck of the draw netted me a lagoon room in the Conch Key building with a view of the Magic Kingdom.

The room itself was a good size, with a bathroom that featured a vanity area separated from the bath area by a door. A closer look at the room decor and it became apparent there were several Disney touches: a lamp in the shape of Mickey; bedding with quotes and images from Alice in Wonderland. It was subtle and not overwhelming, unlike Disney’s value or moderate properties.

Grand Floridian Lagoon View Room

The room had a balcony facing Cinderella’s Castle, offering a great view of the park’s nightly fireworks later that evening. Unfortunately, the dividers separating the balcony into sections for each room on that side of the building didn’t extend all the way to the floor, allowing the child in the room next door to crawl under and visit me several times. I was also puzzled as to why there were huge spotlights aimed at that side of the building, making it necessary for me to close my curtains to sleep. So much for waking up with a view of the castle.

Other drawbacks to the location of the room became apparent with the early fall weather that fluctuated between hot and humid and stormy with strong winds. With my room in a separate building at the far end of the resort, it was very inconvenient to get to the on-property restaurants or the main lobby to catch the monorail during afternoon rain showers. And with only two pools for over 850 rooms, it was like a sea of people at either of them during the hottest parts of the day.

Another guest inconvenience is the self-park lot, which is located almost two city-block lengths from the lobby. Those with large families or lots of luggage will want to splurge on valet, as it’s quite a hike.

Disney’s Grand Floridian features several fine dining options, including Narcoossee’s (seafood), Citricos (Mediterranean) and the ultra-luxurious Victoria and Albert’s, which offers a four-seat “chef’s table” for the ultimate dining experience. Those with kids, however, may want to opt for the more family-friendly options of the Gasparilla Grill or 1900 Park Fare, which offers buffet-style dining, including a morning breakfast with Disney characters from Mary Poppins, as well as Pooh and Tigger.

Other guest amenities at the resort include a spa and health club, a complimentary shuttle boat to the Magic Kingdom, a small marina with jet ski and boat rentals, and a wedding pavilion.

Despite the few inconveniences mentioned above, Disney’s Grand Floridian is a beautiful resort and those that want to stay in luxury when visiting Walt Disney World should find the experience worth the price.

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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-3000

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