where to stay at disney world

Disney’s Epcot Resorts: The Benefits of Location, Location, Location

Nancy Disney Vacation Planning, Saving Money on Accommodations, What to Do at Disney World , , , , , , , , 0 Comment

Having discussed Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge last week, I thought that this week, in light of the current Summer Room Discount promotion, that I would share my thoughts about some other Deluxe/Villa resorts: the Epcot resorts of the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club, and Disney’s Swan and Dolphin.

It may seem odd to talk about all 5 of these resorts in one post, but I do so for one reason…and the one that makes any/all of these resorts appealing to my family: location! 🙂

While each of them have their own unique theme, décor, and charm, they all share one really awesome benefit: situated along Crescent Lake near both Hollywood Studios and Epcot, they are within an easy walk or boatride to both of these parks, and as such, offer the very attractive ability to visit these Epcot or Hollywood Studios in a less-stressful, less-crowded…and in some cases much-quicker way.

photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/pahudson/2217581994/

Let’s take a look at how easy it is to visit these two theme parks from any of the Epcot resorts.

Get to the Parks by Foot…

One of the things that I love about this area is the ability to get up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee and/or muffin (LOVE Boardwalk Bakery!) and stroll….yes STROLL….over to Epcot. Guests from this area can enter Epcot through World Showcase’s International Gateway, and let me tell you that this is such a great way to start your day! Virtually no lines, bag check is quick and you’re in and on your way! And the walk is delightful: it’s peaceful and lovely, and as you get closer to Epcot, you hear the wonderful Disney background music from World Showcase that just gets you in the mood to have a wonderful day!

Paris From International Gateway Epcot Walt Disney World December 2008photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathika/3155518920/

It is also possible to walk to Hollywood Studios from the Boardwalk, and it’s a bit longer of a walk, perhaps 10 minutes or so, but it’s still great to again stroll along the waterway to head over to DHS. Or run: this entire loop in fact is quite popular with folks who like to take their morning jog before heading out to the parks each day.

Get to the Parks by Boat…

Connecting Epcot, Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club, the Swan and Dolphin, and Hollywood Studios, the Friendship boats provide a continuous loop of transporting park guests to each of these areas. Convenient, relaxing, and again rarely as crowded as you would experience on the buses or monorails, the Friendship boats are a great way to get around.

The most important thing to make note of when using the boats is to read the signs CAREFULLY before you get on, to make sure you are headed in the direction you want to go…and when in doubt, ask the Captain before you get on. 🙂

Also consider how much time you have…because while traveling by Friendship boat is many things, it is not fast. Of course, it’s not meant to be: it’s supposed to be relaxing…and at the end of a long day, believe me it’s a lot nicer to just hop on the boat and glide down to your resort, than sit (or stand) on the bus. Just be sure to allow yourself enough time, especially if you are using one of the boats to get to an Advanced Dining Reservation.

What Else There is to Love

Each of these resorts is unique and has their own special touches that make folks just love staying there. A few of our favorites:

Stormalong Bayhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesprescott/5259896554/
  • Stormalong Bay at Yacht and Beach Club: Probably every kid’s idea of what the perfect pool and water play area should be, this mini-water park is extremely popular. With a sandy bottom, several hot tubs and an awesome “shipwreck” slide, this pool area is over 3 acres large. It’s awesome fun! 🙂
  • The Boardwalk at the Boardwalk: Think Cape May, think Coney Island, think Jersey Shore (when that was actually a compliment)…in fact think every beach resort town you have ever been to. Yes there is a boardwalk! And Yes, it has food and games, and entertainment. Try renting bikes or one of the surreys and travel around the lake for some great affordable, old-fashioned fun.
  • The Heavenly Beds at the Swan and Dolphin: I don’t know if I have ever found anything that is more appropriately named than these Heavenly Beds. After a long, exhausting day at the parks, sinking into this cushioned bliss is…..heavenly.
  • ESPN Zone: OK, we truly appreciated this during last year’s football playoffs, when we were able to stop in for a few hours to watch our game. We had a blast: we got a seat, ordered some food, made new friends, and had a truly fantastic afternoon. (Yes, our team won, so that helped….but still….)

And you will also find some of the best food on Disney property

Boardwalk, Boardwalk Bakery Sign 1

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kungaloosh/4438280817/
  • Kouzzina
  • Flying Fish
  • Cape May
  • Captain’s Grill
  • Beaches and Cream
  • Todd English’s bluezoo
  • Boardwalk Bakery
  • And lots more!

Making the Epcot Resorts Affordable

So as I mentioned last week when talking about the Animal Kingdom Lodge, while these resorts are not cheap, they *can* be affordable for you, if you want to experience them. Consider:

  • Promotions like the current Summer Savings can provide you a significant discount: you may find that booking a Deluxe with a good discount code ends up being comparable to a Moderate. If you book your trip with a travel agent, the agent will notify you if new discounts come out, even after you book, and can then re-book your trip: if you get a good discount, consider trading up! 🙂
  • Think about splitting your stay so that you can stay just one or two nights. Disney makes it so easy to change resorts, and many folks find this to be a way to experience Deluxe at a more affordable price: start in a Value or Moderate and end in a Deluxe for a special ending to your trip.
  • Think carefully about the time of year: Deluxe resorts have Value seasons that may make the cost work for your budget in a way that the more expensive times of year wouldn’t.
  • Affordable Disney vacations require you to balance wants and needs. Many vacationers plan shorter trips periodically so that they can have a Deluxe experience every so often.
  • The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin often offer some excellent promotions for teachers, government employees and just regular seasonal discounts. Although not owned by Disney, they are on Disney property and affiliated with Disney: so these “deluxe” hotels offer a number of Disney benefits, but at a more affordable cost.
  • Spend an evening here. It’s lovely, the food is delicious, and there’s great entertainment. And you can see Illuminations from the bridge…..no crowds necessary. 🙂

In real estate, they say location is everything. If you love Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios…you will love the location of the Epcot resorts!

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Say “Aloha” to Disney Deluxe Savings

Guest Affordable Disney Vacations, Disney Vacation Planning, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Accommodations , , , , , 3 Comments
photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/disneyworldsecets/2789030079/

Aloha!!! Just in case you missed my post last month, I talked about staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts on a Budget. I also expressed all of the things that needed to change for my family in order to be able to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

My Disney Travel Philosophy

First and foremost I believe that every family in the world has the right to take their family on a Disney vacation. Each person deserves to have a little bit of pixie dust spread their way at least once in their life. Disney has made it very attainable for all families to travel to Disney World because they have created resort categories. I know that with time and the proper planning, every family can plan Disney on their budget.  For those of us that make Disney World our regular vacation destination staying at a Disney Deluxe resort may not be as attainable as for someone that travels once in a lifetime.  Whether you are a frequent Disney traveler, or someone that goes once in a lifetime, I believe that staying at a Disney Deluxe resort at least once should be something that you try.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

This resort is truly two vacations in one. Not only do you get the magic of being at Walt Disney World and on the monorail but you are also fully immersed in the ambiance of Hawaii. What could be better than that? As soon as you walk into the lobby of the Polynesian you are greeted with a friendly Aloha and have a splendid view of a 2-story lobby and waterfall.  The lobby area in the Polynesian is very lively with sounds and smells of Hawaii.  The hospitality is amazing at this resort location. Immediately after checking in you are able to go and receive your lei with a more formal Aloha!! From there your Island Guide and cart is waiting to take you and your luggage on a tour of the grounds.  Do not fret though, this ride is a two in one, your Island Guide is actually taking you to your longhouse.

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Disney’s All Star Sports: Hang Ten Disney Dudes!

Debbie Affordable Disney Vacations, Disney Vacation Planning, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Accommodations , , , , , , 0 Comment
Disney ResortsPhoto via: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frikitiki/2852686004/

Before I get stated, I would like to apologize to those who love All-Star Sports.  Don’t get me wrong: I like many parts of this resort but while I do enjoy sports, this resort just isn’t my favorite among all the choices available.  As the name implies, this resort is themed with the sport enthusiast and athlete in mind. There are open areas for practicing routines and really getting into a sports-mindset!  In fact I remember one morning starting quite early with cheerleaders practicing outside our door.  This resort attracts many sport groups from around the country such as cheerleaders, dance teams, soccer and baseball players, etc.

Several years back (ok a lot of years – she’s 31 this year), we took our 18 year old daughter and a girlfriend of hers for their first adult trip.  We booked an All-Star Sports room for them while we stayed in the French Quarter.  They were on their own so they had to get themselves up the morning, figure out food for the day (we supplied $20 each every day for them to eat on), keep up with their room keys and park passes.  I had purposely booked Sports thinking the girls would enjoy being around people closer to their age. But it turns out that neither of the girls were sport enthusiasts and there were more families with a little younger age group.  In looking back I can see the reason why, with the football field, the more open areas bright colors, the younger generations really enjoy it!

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Changing Resorts at Walt Disney World: How Disney Makes it Easy for You

Nancy Disney Vacation Planning , , , , 8 Comments

I wrote last week about how to handle “change of plans” on your Disney World vacation, specifically what to do when you decide to change your Advanced Dining Reservations literally at the last minute. Disney, of course, made it very easy for us to do, and certainly left me feeling that if we ever want to change our dining plans at the 11th hour in the future, I would not hesitate to try!

This week, I want to talk about change again, but this time related to your hotel/accommodations: what happens when you are staying at more than one resort while on your Disney vacation?

While I this may not apply to a lot of you, you may be surprised to know that there are many reasons while vacationers may decide to stay at more than one hotel while at Disney World. To start, I know that many folks do “split stays” at Disney, especially when visiting during busier times of the year. And some people end up staying at more then one hotel if they decide to add on days to the beginning or end of their trip later in the planning process. Then there are the people that, while they may be staying at a moderate or deluxe hotel for the majority of their stay, will have a late arrival at Walt Disney World, and just want a place to sleep for that first night at a minimal cost. And lastly, some vacationers just love so many of the resorts that they can’t narrow it down to one! 🙂

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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Quiet Time For Me!

DeAnna Affordable Disney Vacations, Saving Money on Accommodations , , , , 3 Comments

Ahhh, the lazy days of summer – I WISH THEY WOULD GET HERE ALREADY!!  It’s been unusually cold here in southern Mississippi…….I wonder how warm and nice the weather is in the Caribbean this time of year?

Speaking of the Caribbean, when you place that word in the same sentence as “Disney”, you have just gained my full attention.  There’s just something about those 2 words spoken together that gets me all giddy.  First, there’s a chance you’re referring to my FAVE ride of all time, Pirates of the Caribbean.  Love the ride, can’t wait for the 4th movie to come out with the talented Mr. Depp.

Yo Ho, Yo Ho….well, you know the rest.

Then there’s the possibility you are referring to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (CB) – my favorite place in all the “World” to stay.  It is a vacation inside of a vacation.  The rooms are nice – the property….even nicer.  At 200 sprawling acres, with a 45 acre lake, it is the largest resort in all of Walt Disney World.  It is so spread out, you will, at times, feel you are there all alone, and who doesn’t want that?!!?!?!?

The shops are fantastic, the food court is wonderful, the rooms are great, and some have recently been upgraded to feature a “pirates theme”, including pirate ship beds.  Behind the shops/food court is a large patio, complete with umbrella tables and chairs, overlooking the lake.  There are also various spots around the lake complete with sand and hammock for some quiet relaxation time, or water craft rentals for some time out on the water.

Now what makes Caribbean Beach (CB) better than a value resort (VR)?  Well, I’ve stayed in both, so I will give you the MOST VALUABLE differences, in my humble opinion…..

1)  BUS STOPS:

VR – stand in a central herding stall rope line out in the Florida heat, waiting on your bus to arrive.  At the parks, you will walk allllll the way to the very end of the bus stations to catch your particular bus, doesn’t sound like a big deal, but on Day 2, when your calves are screaming for mercy at the end of the day – BIG DEAL, trust me.

CB – covered pavilion with benches to sit on, ceiling fans & drink machines while you wait.  Each section of the resort has it’s own bus stop, so no walking forever to one centralized locale.  At the parks, you’re closer to the front of the bus stations, which equals less walking, which equals less of a chance that you will snap and someone will be seriously injured after they’ve complained they didn’t get to ride Space Mountain that 5th time that you promised them.

2) ROOMS:

VR – The basics.  Two beds, a bathroom, a small table & chairs, smaller room, and Mickey soap.  And it can be a long walk to the front of the resort to get to the pools, food courts, and to catch the bus.

CB – Stretch out roomy.  Two beds, a bathroom with TWO sinks (what guy traveling with chicks isn’t happy about that?) a decent sized table with chairs, a refrigerator, a TV armoire with additional storage underneath, lush tropical landscapes, and again, closely located bus stops just a stone’s throw from your front door.  You can stop trying to pronouce “armoire” now.

3)  POOLS:

VR – Usually two of them, often full to capacity (thanks to all those “special rates”) & often loud.

CB – Big & roomy with water slides.  Beautifully built and much quieter than VR.  At your request, you can be far enough away that you can’t hear the noise from the pool.

This is, by far, the quietest resort in which we’ve ever stayed.   Even the lobby is better in CB.  Everything’s better there.  We decided to “venture out” and stay at Coronado Springs last time.  We realized quickly we were spoiled to CB, spent most of the time comparing and feeling that, for us, CS could not stand up to CB…..

If you can spring for the upgrade from value (usually around $30 per night extra), this resort is worth it’s weight in gold – or should I say, golden silence.  There’s not too much relaxing to be had inside the parks.  Isn’t it worth it to have that quiet tropical feel in the evening?  Yo Ho, Yo Ho……a quiet time for me!

DeAnna, along with her husband and teen-age son, lives in Wiggins, Mississippi, and has a passion for all things Disney. She is always eager to share the knowledge she has gained from her many trips to Walt Disney World, and has helped numerous people in their vacation planning to realize it’s not an unattainable dream.  Her must-dos on every trip are Pirates of the Caribbean, Rockin’ Roller Coaster & a stolen moment of quiet with her “Boyz” (as she affectionately calls them) having a pastry from Boulangerie in Epcot World Showcase’s France. Disney is so much a part of her life, that she & her husband were married in front of Cinderella’s Castle, and she says it doesn’t get any more magical than that………

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