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Staying with the Mouse
You’ll need to weigh the advantages and the disadvantages (there are a few) of staying at the Mouse’s House along with the advantages and disadvantages of staying elsewhere before you can make a truly informed decision regarding where you should stay.
Consider this:
-How much of your vacation is going to be spent at Walt Disney World (including Disney’s theme parks, Downtown Disney, and Disney’s water parks)? If your answer is more than 50% than staying with the Mouse well worth considering – if your answer is more than 75% than staying with the Mouse is likely an excellent idea, and if you answer is 100%, staying with the Mouse is likely a must.
Next…
Consider how much of your itinerary is allotted to Orlando’s other fabulous theme parks, attractions, and activities. If most of your plans take place outside the world of Disney, then staying on-property is likely not be for you. The advantages of staying off-property - and there are a few - are noted in the pages that include reviews of Orlando’s other resorts.
The Advantages of Staying With the Mouse
If the majority of your time will be spent at the Walt Disney World Resort, staying right on-property offers an array of advantages so be prepared to experience a level of service and hospitality that only Disney can provide.
 Disney’s Extra Magic Hour
This is a biggie! Each day, one of the 4 major theme parks, and just recently the water parks, opens its gates to guests of the officially owned and operated Walt Disney World Resort hotels, as well as the Dolphin, the Swan, and the Hilton at the Walt Disney World Resort on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, 1 hour prior to the scheduled opening or up to 3 hours past the park’s scheduled closing--and it’s open only to the guests of the specified WDW resorts. More details regarding the Extra Magic Hour can be found in chapter 13, “The Walt Disney World Resort.” Check with the concierge or the guest services representative at your resort for the most up-to-date schedule. While there is usually a printed schedule available to take with you right at the desk, it never hurts to check for any changes in the schedule.
Disney’s Magical Express
Another biggie! Walt Disney World Resort guests can experience the magic of Disney from the minute they land at the airport in Orlando. Upon arrival at the Orlando International Airport, resort guests--instead of waiting in the crowds to find their luggage, only then to have to lug it to their rental car or shuttle - can head directly to the Disney Airport Welcome Center, and then it’s off to Disney they go. “Magically” their luggage will be waiting for them right in their room upon check-in. The service is not only complimentary, but it’s even round-trip, making heading home far less of a hassle then ever before.
Now, this doesn’t all happen automatically. Arrangements must be made at least 10 days prior to your arrival through www.disneyworld.com, the Disney Reservations Center (407-W-DISNEYor 407-934-7639), or your travel agent. Special tags for your luggage will be sent to your home and must be attached to all checked pieces prior to your departure. Once you have arrived at the Orlando airport, simply go to the Disney Airport Welcome Center, where a special fleet of Disney motor coaches will take you right to your WDW resort. Disney takes care of transporting your luggage from the airport to your hotel room. For the trip home (for U.S. destinations only), all you need do is to check in at the Resort Airport Check-in Desk (located right at your resort), and once again your bags will be taken care of by Disney. As an added bonus, you also receive your boarding passes, allowing you to skip the check-in lines at the airport as well (though you will still have to wait through the security check). This frees up a great deal of time, especially if you are departing later in the day. Currently the airlines participating in the program include American, Continental, Delta, Song, and United (including Ted).
Be sure to check www.disneyworld.com or call 407-W-Disney for the most up-to-date list of participating carriers. The service is scheduled to continue through the year 2011 however be sure to check if are any additional changes occur as time goes by.
The savings this offers can be substantial – on averages a family of 4 would pay roughly between $80 and $100 for roundtrip shuttle service to and from their hotel. Thanks to Mickey’s magic, the cost for roundtrip transportation to and from your Disney resort (including baggage assistance and airline check-in mentioned above) costs absolutely nothing!
Advance Dining Reservations
Advance dining arrangements (formerly called “priority seating”) at the many Walt Disney World restaurants can be made up to 180 days prior to dining. Just call 407- WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463. This comes in particularly handy if you are interested in any of the character dining or dinner shows which book up quickly. Resort guests can now even make arrangements for their entire vacation all at once so that even if you call to make arrangements 180 days in advance, you can schedule up to 10 days’ worth of dining right then and there. Since advance dining is available to anyone - whether they are a guest at one of the WDW resorts or not - be sure to mark your calendars if you have your heart set on eating at a particular restaurant.
If your travels take you to Disney during one of their peak seasons, be sure to mark your calendar to call, and place your call first thing in the morning. It has actually taken me upward of 5 days to book Advanced Dining Reservations for the Hoop De Doo Review.
Within only minutes (and I literally mean only 2 or 3) of the phone lines opening, the dinner show was booked, and I had to start the process all over again the next morning, and the next, and the next (you get the pictur e). Now, not every restaurant is this popular, and certainly there are times during the year when it’s substantially more difficult to make advance dining arrangements than others. However, be prepared to call as early as possible if you are interested in dining at any of Disney’s character meals (especially for dinners and breakfasts) or at any of their signature restaurants. Disney’s most popular restaurants have been noted in the “Dining at Disney” pages of this site – you’ll be able to tell which restaurants should be booked well in advance and which you can simply walk into without issue. My second piece of advice would be to hold off on announcing any big character dining plans you may have, especially if you have young children, until after the arrangements have actually been made – this will help you to avoid having to deal with any disappointment should you be unable to make Advanced Reservations.
Themed Resorts with World-Renowned Service
The resorts found at Walt Disney World consist of both Disney-owned properties and non-Disney-owned properties. The reason for mentioning this difference is that the non- Disney-owned properties tend to vary slightly from the Disney properties in their policies and the amenities that they offer their guests, even though all are considered to be Walt Disney World resorts. Certain restrictions may also apply to the non-Disney-owned resorts. You can check the individual resort listings in the following chapters for the details of these differences.
Central Billing
Walt Disney World ID cards, which are also your room keys, will be issued to you at check-in. The card allows you to use the Walt Disney World transportation system throughout your stay. It is also used for charging privileges throughout Walt Disney World, as long as you have left your credit or debit card imprint with your resort. You can use your card at most shops, restaurants, and for most recreational activities throughout Walt Disney World, and the charges will all be reflected on your resort bill.
Check with your resort for any restrictions.
Afternoon Rest and Revitalization
Staying on-property allows you to pop back to your room for a quick break or muchneeded nap. You can easily zip back to any of the parks later, refreshed and ready to go again. With the resorts so close at hand, and the Disney transportation system at your disposal, you may even want to consider splitting up if not everyone needs some down time. This is especially helpful when your kids range from tots to teens. The younger kids can head back to the room for an afternoon nap, while the older kids can enjoy the rides their siblings are to young to experience.
Disney Transportation’s at Your Disposal
As a resort guest, you’ll have unlimited use of the Walt Disney World transportationsystem throughout your stay, including the monorail, motor coaches, and the ferry.
Traveling via the Walt Disney World transportation system is free, but be aware that you may at times be required to show proof that you are a resort guest.
Disney Transportation in Detail
While it is true that Walt Disney World has a transportation system that rivals some cities, not all forms of transportation are created equally. Some are most certainly better than others, though none is particularly speedy.
Monorail
The monorail system runs in a circuit to include the Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian, and the Magic Kingdom. It also runs to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can pick up the connecting monorail to Epcot. This is probably the most family-friendly of all the Disney transports, and it is certainly the fastest. Most single strollers can roll right on without having to fold them up and unpack your gear or your children. I have managed to get a double stroller on in the past; though it requires a bit of maneuvering (as well as some cooperative fellow passengers, all of which may be more difficult during peak times), it is not impossible. The monorail runs continuously throughout the day, as well as a few hours after park closing (usually about 2), allowing everyone plenty of time to exit in a leisurely fashion. The biggest and only real disappointment with the monorail is the limited service area that it covers.
 The Best Seat in the House
You can request to ride in the front with the conductor if space allows. Kids especially will get a huge kick out of this experience. Just don’t make any promises ahead of time, as this is extremely popular and only a few people are allowed at any one time.
Motor Coach (okay – it’s really just a bus)
Personally, I truly dislike the bus system at Disney, but in many instances, it is the only way to get around. I have to admit that most of my dislike stems from having to lug astroller, gear, and all 5 kids on and off before reaching our destination. If you’re traveling lighter, however, you’re likely to fare far better. While ideally the busses run every 20 minutes or so, the wait can be longer during peak times. Even the ride itself can be lengthy, reaching up to 90 minutes or more. Generally the ride from the resorts to the parks or from park to park is approximately 30-45 minutes. If you are traveling from resort to resort, it can take substantially longer. If you have a stroller in tow, be prepared to take out all of your gear, fold up the stroller, and carry everything onto the bus, all while you are helping your children (and be prepared to do it all over again in the reverse when you arrive at your destination). The motor coaches service all of the Disney theme parks, as well as Downtown Disney and the Disney water parks.
The resorts serviced solely by bus are the All-Star resorts, Pop Century, the Caribbean, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Old Key West, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Port Orleans Riverside, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West also have boat service but only to Downtown Disney.
By Boat
You can take a sail across the Seven Seas Lagoon or one of Disney’s many other waterways to reach several of the Disney resorts and parks. Most of the boats are much smaller than the motor coaches and therefore will carry fewer guests, but they can be an enjoyable way to get around. Again, you must be prepared to add in a bit of time to get from one place to another, but generally nowhere near the amount of time you may spend on the bus. Some of the boats are stroller-friendly, but it depends largely on how crowded they are. You may find yourself having to fold it up, though luckily I’ve never found it necessary in the many times I’ve been there. The boat service runs a route from Fort Wilderness, to the Wilderness Lodge and Villas, the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian, and the Magic Kingdom. The other boat service runs from the BoardWalk Inn and Villas, the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, the Beach Club Villas, as well as the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, to both Epcot and MGM Studios.
Park Tickets without All the Waiting
Theme park tickets can be purchased at all Walt Disney World resorts, allowing you to avoid waiting in the sometimes long lines at the parks to purchase your tickets.
Guaranteed Park Admission
As a guest at one of the Walt Disney World resorts, you are guaranteed admission to the Walt Disney World theme parks, even on the busiest of days, when admissions may be restricted for those staying elsewhere.
Parking the Car
Free parking is available at most places within the Walt Disney World Resort. A permit will be issued upon check-in at your resort. This will also allow you free parking at the theme parks should choose to drive instead of taking Disney transportation. Select resorts offer valet parking as an option for a small nightly fee (currently around $10).
Magical Gatherings
In brief, Magical Gatherings are additional entertainment and dining options for families (or parties), with additional specialized options for those traveling in a group of 7 or more. In addition, a specialized Web site created especially for vacation planning, provides a “family” chat room for communicating with other members of your group, as well as a variety of other online planning tools. Just head to www.disneyworld.com to try it out.
No Extra Baggage to Carry around the Parks
Free delivery of your Walt Disney World purchases to your hotel room is yet another perk for resort guests. It’s particularly helpful when you don’t want to carry any extra bags or load up your stroller (or backpack) with all of your souvenirs. This is especially handy if you purchase something particularly large, difficult to carry, or extremely breakable.
Child Care à la Disney
In-room babysitting services along with various supervised child-care programs are offered throughout Walt Disney World. While there are fees for both, you have the peace of mind of knowing the kids are being cared for by trustworthy professionals and that they’re having plenty of fun to boot. Click of Child-Care for all the details.
Extensive Recreational Facilities
Guests may use the extensive recreational facilities located throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Click on “Walt Disney World Recreation” for a detailed list of exactly what activities and facilities are available for your family to enjoy - and believe me, there are plenty.
Golf Anyone?
Preferred tee times are available for the golfer in your family at any of the 6 Walt Disney World Resort golf courses. Additional details regarding the Walt Disney World golf courses can be found by clicking on “Walt Disney World Recreation”.
The Family Pet
Just as you need to plan your trip in advance, you will need to plan in advance for your pet as well. The family pet is welcome at 1 of 5 on-site kennels at WDW, as well as at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. (Pets are allowed at the full hook-up campsites only, not those for pop-up campers and tents.)
The kennels are located at each of the 4 Disney parks: just inside the entrance at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom parks; next to the ticket and transportation center at the Magic Kingdom; and near the entrance to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
The fee for Walt Disney World guests to board a pet at one of the kennels is $10 per day, or $13 per overnight for each animal boarded. (Non-Walt Disney World guests will pay $10 per day or $15 per overnight per animal.) If you are boarding a cat, you will be required to bring proof of vaccination for rabies and FPRC. If boarding a dog, you will be required to bring proof of vaccination for rabies, parvovirus, DHLD, and bordatella.
You will also be required to visit your pet at least once a day and to walk your dog at least twice a day for an adult dog, and at least 3 times a day for a puppy. The Epcot kennel is the only location to offer a dog-walking service. There is a charge of $2.50 per walk. Other family pets such as birds, small rodents (gerbils and similar animals), ferrets, and non-venomous snakes are also welcome at the WDW kennels. If boarding one of these animals, you must provide your own pet carrier, as the accommodations at the kennels are not appropriate for such animals.
Laundry Facilities
Centrally located, coin-operated, in-room, or valet laundry services are available in every Walt Disney World resort. The type of facilities available can be found within the individual resort listings (just click on Hotels and Resorts, then Walt Disney World Resorts…the information is listed in the guest services section of each of the Walt Disney
So You Know:
Florida Law prohibits the use of scooters, in-line skates and skateboards on roadways, which in this case includes the roadways and parking lots withing the Walt Disney World Resort. To find out just where you can use your wheels contact Disney directly at 407- W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) or 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529).
Guest Services
Every Walt Disney World resort provides a guest services desk, newly named the “lobby concierge,” where you can purchase park tickets, arranging for dining, or simply ask questions. Disney staffers are well versed regarding anything and everything Disney (as well as being relatively knowledgeable about the Orlando area) though if for some reason they are unable to help you, they will surely find another staffer who can.
Medical Services
If you or someone in your family gets sick, in-room medical service is available 24 hours a day through Doctors on Call Service. The phone number is 407-399-3627. Central Care also offers 4 walk-in care clinics in the Orlando vicinity. Complimentary transportation to one of these centers is available if necessary. There is also an after-hours pediatric care center located at the Crossroads, directly across from the entrance of Hotel Plaza Boulevard.
For more information medical emergency numbers and facilities click here.
Refillable Mugs
Select resorts offer a large refillable mug, currently selling for around $12. At certain locations within your resort, this mug can be refilled throughout your entire stay for either no additional charge or in certain cases at a significantly lesser charge. Please note that mugs are only refillable with fountain drinks or water (milk and juice are not allowable as refills). Also keep in mind that they may also only be refilled at the resort where they were purchased (even though they are offered at several different resorts and at the water parks). If you (or your kids) are big drinkers this is a great (and very likely money saving) option – and they make a pretty decent souvenir to boot.
Nearby Businesses and Services
When you stay at Walt Disney World, you are really never very far from anything you may need. Every resort and major theme park offers a selection of dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreational experiences for a variety of tastes and budgets, with Downtown Disney adding yet more options to the already long list.
If you need groceries or pharmacy items, each of the resorts offers a limited selection. Some resorts - the vacation club resorts in particular - tend to offer a larger selection than most others, though many are beginning to offer more items than ever before. Keep in mind, however, that prices are usually at a premium. You can, of course, venture out beyond the boundaries of the Mouse’s house to find plenty of supermarkets and pharmacies right nearby. The closest are just beyond the Downtown Disney area, directly across from Hotel Plaza Boulevard in Lake Buena Vista. This area, known as the Crossroads, is home to various restaurants, retailers, and, most important, Gooding’s Supermarket. Just up the road you’ll find a large Walgreen’s as well.
Policies and Procedures
Method of Payment
Disney resorts accept most major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa, Master Card, Discover, Diners Club, JBC, and the Disney Card. Travelers’ checks, bank checks, personal checks, money orders, and cash are also accepted. Personal checks must be imprinted with your name and address, and must drawn from a United States bank. Proper ID is also required.
Deposit Requirements
An equivalent of 1 night’s stay is required within no less than 14 days of making your reservation. If you exceed this deadline, your reservations will automatically be canceled, so mark your calendar. For a complete list of rules and regulations regarding deposit requirements please check the official Walt Disney World site (www.disneyworld.com) as policy changes can occur at any time.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your reservations, make sure that you do so at least 5 days prior to your arrival date to be sure you are given a full refund.
Checking In and Out
Check-in times vary from resort to resort but are generally from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each individual resort listing below will include the specific time for that particular resort. If you arrive earlier than the listed check-in time, don’t despair; you can store your luggage at your resort at no additional charge until your room is ready. So go ahead and start your Disney adventure - your luggage will wait.
Check-out, on the other hand, is 11:00 a.m. at every Walt Disney World resort. It never hurts to ask if a later check-out is available, but during the busier seasons that is unlikely.
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