The hotels at Walt Disney World are an experience in themselves. After coming back from the park, you can experience more magic and forget about all your troubles. Each of the different resorts has its own different theme and each time you look, you'll stare in awe at the attention to detail that the Disney Imagineers had when designing your resort. As well as a theme, each resort also has its own price category and amenities to match.
Value resorts:
These are the cheapest resorts but that doesn't mean that you have to feel left out. Disney makes sure that everyone feels just as welcome however much you're paying. Amenities available at value resort include swimming pools, bus transportation, a luggage service, pizza delivery and food courts to eat at. Value priced resorts are made up of:
· Pop Century - This is the newest of all the value resorts and is closest to the Disney MGM Studios Park. The hotel opened back in December 2003. If you have an Annual Passport, you may be eligible for special rates. Prices per night per room vary between $82 and $145 for one adult. Each additional adult is $10 per night if staying in the same room. There is no charge for children under 17 staying in the same room as adults. These rates do not include Resort Tax or the Florida state Tax or the county resort tax. Expect to pay an extra $20 or so per night in tax. Check-in time is at 3PM and check-out is by 11AM. Rooms are of 260 square feet comprised of two double beds, a 27" TV, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, telephone, a table with two chairs and a bathroom separate from the sink. No smoking is permitted in the resort except in designated areas. Broadband internet access is available for a daily charge of $9.95. There are five different restaurants including a cafe, pizza place, pasta meals and grilled meals. There is a 5000-foot shop in the resort selling merchandise and more. There are three pools, a children's pool, a playground, an arcade and a "pop jet playground" where jets of water shoot out of the ground.
· All-Star Movies - This is a 1920-room resort with five distinct movie-themed buildings including one themed round 101 Dalmatians and one around Toy Story. The rooms are of 260 square feet as are all rooms in all value resorts at WALT DISNEY WORLD. It is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area with Blizzard Beach being one of the closest attractions. This hotel includes a complimentary bus service around the whole of Walt Disney World. Price vary from $82 to $145 (+ taxes) a night with the most expensive times being at Christmas. A fridge can be rented for your room for the price of $10.60 a day. There are two pools at this resort. The rooms themselves are movie-themed and consist of one King-sized bed or two double beds. Connecting rooms are available upon request. There are stairs as well as two elevators per building. Check-in opens at 4PM and check-out is by 11AM. There are bus stops outside Cinema Hall. Buses do not usually stop at more than one resort but this may be the case at very busy or very quiet times. There are 96 disabled-accessible rooms at this resort.
· All-Star Sports - This was the first value resort to be built at WALT DISNEY WORLD, made up of almost 2000 rooms split between 10 buildings. It's closest to the Animal Kingdom than any other park. The rooms have 1 king-sized bed or 2 double-beds and rooms are the usual 260 square feet. There is a sink and mirror separated from the main bath tub and toilet. Showers include soap and shampoo dispensers. Rooms are equipped with a radio alarm clock, a small table with two chairs, a small cafe, a TV and a 6-drawer dresser. Internet access is available for $9.95 a day. Hair dryers are available at request. The resort is non-smoking except in designated smoking areas. Rooms vary from $82 to $140 per night and $10 per night for each additional adult, plus taxes. There are two elevators per building as well as stairs. Check-in is at 3PM, check-out is at 11AM. Late check-out is available at request. Room service can bring you pizza, drinks and salads from 5PM to midnight. This is available from the hotel phone. The food court is available from 6am to midnight which sells food and drink including juices, cereals, milk and even barbecues. Bus transport is available every 20 minutes or more regularly and run up to 2 hours after the parks close and 1 hour before they open. Taxis are $12 to most of the resort and the average wait for one is about 15 minutes. There are two 24-hour pools and a kid's pool. Bring your own room towels as none are provided. There is also an arcade with video games and an ATM at Stadium Hall. McDonalds is a 5 minute walk away from the entrance and is designed to the All-Stars theme. Refillable mugs are available.
· All-Star Music - Here there are the standard 1920 rooms of 260 square feet each.There are family suites of 520 square feet available for 6 people. There are two bedrooms in the suites each with a 27" TV and Internet Access, a pull-out sofa, a microwave, a fridge, a coffee maker and two bathrooms. A standard four-person room goes for $82 to $145 and a family suite is about $184 to $327 per night. Two adults are included in this price. A third adult will cost $10 per night. And $10 per night for each additional adult. A fridge is available for $10.60 per day. There is a bakery, a market, a grill, a specialty shop and a pizza and pasta place. Refillable mugs are available. There are buses every 10 to 20 minutes. Journey times to Blizzard Beach, MGM-studios, and the Animal Kingdom are 15 minutes away and Epcot and the Magic Kingdom are 18 minutes away. Check in time is at 4PM and check-out is at 1PM. Late check out at 1PM is available for free is you request this the night before. Laundry facilities cost $2 per load, with 30 minutes loads in the dryer available at $2 a load. Detergent costs $1/load. Same day cleaning/drying is available every day. Each standard room has two double beds or a king-sized bed; internet access; temperature control; small safe. Local calls are 75 cents and there is no charge for calling anywhere within the Disney premises. There are two pools and towels should be brought down from rooms.
Moderate resorts:
These resorts include all from the value resorts plus sit-down restaurants, food courts, full room service, luggage services, swimming pools with slides and hot tubs, on-site recreation and bus or even boat transport. These resorts are:
· Caribbean Beach - Located Epcot, Disney's MGM-studios and Downtown Disney. There are 2112 rooms in 33 buildings which are grouped into 6 villages. There are 64 rooms per buildings and no elevators available. There is a 45-acre lake in the middle with paths leading to each building. There is Centertown with food courts, restaurants, shops, arcades, pools and a water slide. There are bike and boat rentals too. This resort is quite big and it can be a long 15 minute walk from Centertown just to your room. Check in is at 3PM and check out is at 11am. Your room key is automatically deactivated at 11am. Rooms have two full-sized beds and up to 4 adults plus 1 crib will fit. The rooms are of 340 square feet and have 2 sinks outside the bathroom, cable TV, radio, an armoire, Internet, table and chairs, phone, safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, coffee and coffee-making facilities. Fridges are provided free of charge. Connecting rooms are available with wheelchair rooms available. Standard room rates are $149 to $219 per night. There are nine pools and towels should be brought from rooms, only the main pool has a lifeguard. You are not permitted to swim in the lake but you can dip into it and use the clear white sandy beaches available at each village.
· Coronado Springs - The 1967 rooms are located in three villages around the "Lago Dourado" or the Golden Lake. It also contains a 95,000 foot convention centre. The entrance is stunning with a domed ceiling, a fountain and doves in a gazebo. There are beautiful streams and the buildings are stunning too. Towering above the pool with water slide is a Mayan pyramid and there is an archaeology site for the kids too. This resort is absolutely huge and there are loads of hidden Mickeys to be found. Guest rooms are about 314 square feet, there are 60 rooms with king-sized beds and the others have two queen beds. Disappointingly, the rooms have only one sink outside the bathroom. The amenities include coffee makers with free coffee, room service for your meals, a flat screen TV and new furniture. A table with two chairs, an armoire, a ceiling fan and a wall safe are also included. A small fridge is included as standard as well as a hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Newspapers are available to be delivered for $1.50 and internet access is available for $9.95 per day. There is an internet shuttle system inside the resort due to its sheer size which takes you between villages. Standard room prices vary between $149 and $219 plus taxes. Each additional adult is $15 per night. There is only bus transport to each resort. The closest parks are the Studios and Epcot at a 10 minute bus ride and Blizzard Beach is just 5 minutes away. The furthest are the Animal and Magic Kingdoms at 20 minutes away. There is a 400-seat open air market food court and features both standard food and Mexican food too. There are 3 other restaurants and room service is always available. Refillable mugs are available too! There are arcades, bars, playgrounds, pools and a fitness centre including weights. Soft drinks (sodas) can be found at $2 in vending machines around the park. There are stamps, a mailbox and an ATM machine too near the front desk.
· Port Orleans Riverside Resort – The centrepiece of this resort is the Sassagoula River which traverses the whole resort and glides towards the Downtown Disney area. There are 2048 rooms in the resort and there are two types – Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. Rooms contain two double beds though one king-size bed is also available. Some rooms also contain a trundle bed which is the type of bed that hides a bed under another concealed as a drawer. The rooms contains two sinks, a shower/bath tub, a retractable clothes line, two chairs and table, a TV, a luggage rack and a dresser, as well as a fridge. A safe is provided in every room where you should keep valuables when out. Internet access is available for $9.95 per day. The rates for a standard room are between $149 and $219 for 2 adults in a room. Children under 17 do not pay and each additional adult is charged $15 per night. If you wish to have a pool-view room, expect to pay an additional $30 per night. There are numerous places to eat, as well as an ATM, a snack area, laundry machines and a mailbox. Be sure to make use of the maps that are given to you by reception at check in. There are five pools in the resort, as well as a spa and a kid’s pool. There is also an evening horse in carriage ride through the Port Orleans resorts. Bus transport is available to all of the parks for free. For $16 for 30 minutes, you can rent a paddleboat and go around the river. There is the Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise for the kids which costs around $30 per child where they travel along the river. Check-out is by 11AM.
· Port Orleans French Quarter – This Park is made up of 1000 guest rooms accommodating only half of what most other resorts accommodate. There are 12 disable-accessed rooms; a room is usually 314 square feet and most have two double beds though a few king beds are available. The rates for a standard room vary from $149 to $219 per night for two people. 2 adults are included in this price, each child under 17 is free and each adult of at least 17 years costs an additional $15 per night. At the entrance of this hotel, you will need to pass through security and tell the officer that you will be checking in. Once checked in, your resort ID will allow you through without needing a chat with the officer through a card-activated entrance. A parking pass is also included which allows you free parking at all of the Disney theme parks – you should get this at check in. There’s a massive dragon themed water slide, as well as a games room and a small playground by the pool. The pool is heated and there is also a Jacuzzi. The pool is no longer supervised from 10pm and the slide closes down at the same time. There is a small safe and a fridge in every room and internet access is available for $9.95 per day. There is only 1 place to eat in the Resort though you can order Pizza and Soda to your room using room service. There are buses to all areas of Walt Disney World including the Parks, Water Parks and Downtown Disney. The buses serving this resort make several stops so they can become quite cramped quickly. There are bike rentals from 9am to 5pm at just under $21 a day per bike and pedal boats are available for under $21 for 60 minutes. There is a fishing excursion available for about $250 for 5 people and lasts two hours. Cable TV is available in each room and refillable mugs are available. There is an ATM, though be aware that a $2 may be charged.
· Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground - This resort is made up of almost 800 campsites and over 400 cabins all surrounded by beautiful, lush trees. This is the only pet-friendly resort in WDW. A basic camp site costs between $43 and $84 for up to 2 adults + kids. Each additional adult can stay for $2 per night with a maximum occupancy of 10 people. If you don't have a tent it is an additional $30 a night. A cabin costs between $265 and $410 per night for 2 adults + kids. Each additional adult may stay for $5/ per night with a maximum occupancy of 6 people. Check in no different to other Disney resorts - you will receive your maps, information leaflets, resort IDs but also the FW Gazette. This is a round up of all the resort-specific information - maps, internal phone numbers and more. You will be told how to find your site if you are going by car or you will be escorted by electric cart is you don't have a car with you. The Wilderness Cabins are the biggest "rooms" in this category of hotel measuring a whopping 504 square feet. There is a wooden deck outside with a charcoal grill and a table. The bedroom has a double bed and a bunk bed, a chest of drawers, a nightstand, a mirror and sink with hair-dryer, closet space, a fully equipped bathroom, a closet, living area with TV and VCR, a dining table for 6, a sofa, another smaller table for two, a Murphy bed, window seats, a safe and a telephone. In the kitchen there is everything you would ever need including: a full size fridge with icemaker, electric stove, microwave dishwasher, coffeemaker x 2, toaster, kettle, flatware for 6, dinnerware for 6, glasses, a lot of measuring equipment, towels, sponges and anything else that a kitchen usually has. The only thing not including is salt, sugar, coffee or filters. There is a mop, dustpan, broom, a vacuum cleaner, an iron with ironing board, extra blanket and two extra pillows. Laundry is available for $2 per load and dryers are also $2 per load per 30 minutes. Smoking is prohibited including inside the cabins, except in designated public smoking areas. Many areas become locked at night and the entrance is locked during the day as well - presenting a valid FW resort ID will unlock these areas for you. You will need to get an internal bus to the Outpost Depot (entrance) and then you can catch a bus there for all destinations except the Magic Kingdom (different buses go to different locations). For the Magic Kingdom first take a bus to Settlement Depot, then walk to the Marina and catch a launch with a green flag (this is a free ferry boat service). Bus waits can be of up to 20 minutes each, so you may want to rent an electric cart for 4 people for $47/day. To eat there are two restaurants, two dinner shows and snack bars. At Crockett's tavern pick up a 16" pizza for $11.95 and it's an extra $1 per topping. Trail's End Restauarant offers refillable mugs and for $12.99 and an all you can eat buffet buffet. There is a campfire program open for free to all WDW residents - there is a 40-minute singalong round the fire near the Meadow Trading Post where you can cook marshmallows (available to buy at the Chuckwagon for $2 for the sticks are marshmallows), then either one or two animated Disney films are then played. Chip and Dale usually make a visit too and they sign autograph books. This event starts between 7PM and 8PM and is a must! If it rains, the event is still held under the Meadow Trading Post porch. There are two outdoor heated pools available. There are horse-back rides for 45 minutes available at $42 per person. There are many activities on site, ranging from free tennis and basketball to paid archery and arcades, as well as a sandy beach. Water skiing and wake boarding are available at $150 an hour for up to 5 people. Wilderness Back Trail Adventures offer tours of the stunning surroundings of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort on a Segway X2 Personal Transporter to view the scenery of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, its beaches, Wilderness Lodge, and Bay Lake. No experience is necessary - training is provided before the tour. It lasts 2 hours and costs $85 per person (includes tax). Guests must be at least 16 years old and weigh 250 pounds or less. This segway tour is very highly recommended.Internet access is available for $9.95 for 1 day. If you're lucky you may even spot the old animal or two during your stay.
Deluxe Resorts: These resorts are the most fully-featured in all of Walt Disney Worldwith amenities such as full-service restaurants for a true sit-down Disney experience, room service that will be happy to answer your requests, luggage service that will happily do all the hard work for you, valet parking to get you into the parks quicker, swimming pools to relax on, beach access, on-site recreation, on-site childcare and (the very fun) monorail, (the cool) boat or the (frankly regularly cramped) bus transportation all around Disney. These resorts are:
· Animal Kingdom Lodge - As the name makes clear this is animal-themed resort but with over 200 real animals in the resort including over 100 birds who actually live in the resort as it is their habitat. Towering at 6 floors tall, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is not to be messed with. This massive resort is however very far away from the parks compared to other hotel resorts and a trip to Downtown Disney can take a whopping 45 minites. The seeds for the plants were brought over from Africa giving it a true African feel - there are almost 40,000 individual plants! There are three different savanas, each of which have animals that are unique to that particular savana as well as a unique look and feel. If you're looking out for giraffes then you're in luck as all three savanas have them - you're always welcome to explore all of the savanas during your stay. Once you get to your room you will notice a guide detailing the resort and where individual species can be found - use it! These savanas act as real savanas meaning that the animals that are nocturnal can only be viewed at night. For the comfort and safety of the animals each savana is closed for 2 hours every day to feed the animals, though at least two are open at all times. In addition you are not permitted to touch or attempt to feed the animals - a notice makes this very clear in your room and you may even be expelled from the resort if you do. Standard rooms measure 344 square feet and deluxe rooms are 381 square feet. All the rooms have balconies so you can look out and experience the world you are in. The beds in the rooms are very varied and can range from 2 queen beds to 1 queen and a bunk bed to a king bed and a day bed. In the room there is a small safe, a hairdryer, coffee making facilities with ingredients, a small table with two chairs, internet access for $9.95 per day, iron and ironing board and a small fridge. Check in is at 3PM and check out is at 11AM. Concierge guest rooms are available on the top 2 floors. For concierge guests for $55 per adult and $27.50 per child there is a Sunrise Safari at 6.30am - this is a 45 minute safari plus breakfast and a fastpass for the regular ride once the park opens. A credit card is required to guarantee you a place on the safari. There is a 1h 30m long Sunset Safari for $150 per adult (10+) and $75 per child, this includes a full dining experience with a multi-course meal. A standard room with two queen beds costs between $240 and $405 per night for 2 adults. Each additional child is free and each adult is an additional $25 per night. Transport around WDW is only provided by bus from the Animal Kingdom Lodge. There are numerous restaurants: Jiko - light, fresh food; Boma - A taste of Africa and Mara - self-service restaurant. Vegetarian options are available at all times. There is a Zawadi marketplace where African masks and merchandise can be purchased. Laundry facilities are available. Soap is $1, washing is $2 per load, drying is $2 per load per 30 minutes. There are numerous pools and a fitness centre for use by all guests of the resort at no extra charge. Uzima pool has an entry ramp so can be accessed by everyone including those in wheelchairs who wish to dip their feet in. The smells do not usually reach the rooms and they are soundproof enough to keep out the animal noise. Bring a tripod for your camera and binoculars and close your drapes for privacy as there are cameras outside for the protection of the animals.
· BoardWalk Inn - This resort is a relatively small one with only 378 rooms and has a light-hearted atmosphere. It's very close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios at just a walking distance. The rooms are the standard 390 square feet and were all refurbished in 2008 with a marble bathroom and new furnishings. The rooms usually contain two queen beds and a day bed which can be used as a sofa. There is a small table with two chairs, a closet, safe, iron and ironing board, hangers, alarm clock, internet for $9.95 per day, a TV, a chest of drawers, and a private balcony or patio if on the ground floor. There are two sinks outside the bathroom and there is a full-length mirror on the back of the door. A small fridge is provided in all deluxe rooms for free. If you have your own car, you get a parking permit which allows free parking at the Disney parks. A concierge service is available. Standard room prices vary from $335 to $530 for 2 adults per night. Additional adults can stay for $25 per night and children do not pay extra. It is a 5 minute walk to Epcot, though you can catch a Friendship boat. For Hollywood studios you can walk (15 minutes) or catch a friendship boat. Bus transport is available to the rest of Walt Disney World. There is Boardwalk bakery to eat at which serves baked good; Spoodles which sells Mediterranean cuisine and takeaway Pizza; Seashore sweets which offers ice cream and other sweets; the Flying Fish Cafe which serves both steaks and seafood - it features an open kitchen. There is also Big River Grille and Brewing Works and Leaping Horse Libations at Luna Park as well as carts throughout the resort selling snacks. Dundy's Sundries offers basic toiletries and necessities. There is a swimming area with swimming tubes and towels and two other pools, there is a health club and a private spa and you can rent bikes for about $7 an hour. Valet parking is available for $10 plus a tip. There are refillable mugs too if they float your boat.
· Contemporary Resort:
Location: Arguably the best placed hotel resort in the whole of Walt Disney world.
Theme:
Transport: This is one of the original Disney hotels and is served by the magnificent monorail which can take you directly to the Magic Kingdom and you can get to Epcot by changing monorail mid-journey when the voiceover announces that you can (at the TTC). Being on the monorail loop means that there is quick and easy access to the Polynesian and Grand Florida resorts and Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness are just a boat ride away. The monorail is located on the fourth floor. Bus services to Downtown Disney, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, as well as the water parks.
Number of rooms: Approximately 500 in The Tower and approximately 250 in the Garden Wing.
Room size: Among the largest at Walt Disney World. Standard room – 2 queen beds and a day bed or a king bed and a day bed. Suites are also available.
Room amenities: A small fridge, a small safe, flat screen TV, internet access for $9.95/day
Room prices: Standard room - $280 to $455 for 2 adults, $25 per night per extra adult. No charge for under 17s.
Dining: The California Grill is located on the 15th floor of the tower. The best restaurant in the resort and only serves dinner. The Wave is on the first floor and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chef Mickey's is where character meals are at in this resort, there is a buffet breakfast every morning with Mickey and the gang. An evening buffet is also available with the characters. The Contempo Cafe serves snacks as well as all the main meals – a refillable mug is available. The Sand Bar serves burgers, sandwiches and ice cream as well as drinks.
Activities: There's a fitness centre on the third floor, a video arcade, basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis. There are no excursions in this resort.
Extras: Laundry - $2 per load to wash, $2 per 30 minute load to dry. Dry cleaning is available. There are three shops are in this resort selling merchandise. Fireworks are great from the 15th floor restaurant.
· Grand Floridian Resort and Spa:
Location: One stop away from the Magic Kingdom
Theme:
Transport: A monorail is available on the 2nd floor and it transports you to the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, the TTC, EPCOT and Polynesian. For EPCOT change monorail at the TTC.
Number of rooms: 900 rooms
Room size: Standard rooms sleep 5 people and Dormer rooms sleep 4 people.
Room amenities: Each room has a safe, a small fridge, access to the internet for $9.95,
Room prices: The cheapest rooms vary from $399 to $649 per night for 2 adults. Additional adults are charged at the rate of $25 per adult per night. Under 17s stay free.
Dining: Victoria & Albert's is arguably the best restaurant in the whole of WDW, Citricos is a very expensive restaurant, 1900 Park Fare offers character breakfasts with American food, at Breakfast it's eggs, bread, pancakes, etc. with Mary Poppins; at dinner there is meat and much more with Cinderella. Narcoossee's has seafood, steak and chicken by the waterside. The GF Cafe is the most casual of all restaurants selling hot food, salads and sandwiches. Gasparilla Grill and Games is open 24/7 and offers take away food – sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, chicken and more. There is a pool bar next to the beach themed pool.
Activities: Arts and crafts, story time, afternoon tea, character dinners, two pools – one with a rockfall and water slide, electrical water pageant, tennis, boats available for rental, jogging, volleyball, croquet and swimming.
Extras: A turn down service happens daily where housekeeping will fold the top corners of your beds and leave some chocolates and a special Good night note. Two robes are provided to be used during your stay. Valet parking is available for $10 plus a tip. There are 6 main shops in the main building. Laundry available at $2 per load and dry cleaning is also available at a charge.
· Polynesian resort:
Location: On the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon.
Transport: A monorail is available and it transports you to the Magic Kingdom (2 stops away), Contemporary Resort, the TTC, EPCOT and Polynesian. For EPCOT change monorail at the TTC. Buses serve all parks that aren't served by the monorail. A boat launch is available to the Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian resort. You can also walk to the TTC.
Number of rooms: 847 rooms
Room size: 409 square feet.
Room amenities: Coffee making facilities with coffee and tea, a small fridge,
Room prices: The prices at cheapest rooms are between $355 and $580 for 2 adults. Additional adults can stay for $25 per night. Children stay free.
Dining: There are three restaurants: 'Ohana - a Polynesian feast; Kona Cafe - Fresh dishes and the unique Kona coffee; Captain Cook's Snack Company - A snack bar with refillable mugs. There are also two bars.
Activities: Swimming area, beach, water recreation activities, Moana Mickey's arcade, two pools (one is zero entry), waterfall and waterslide, underwater jets, in-pool seating, hot water area, jogging path. Boat rental is available for a fee. Grand Floridian's health club can be used for free, the Electrical Water Pageant can be viewed from the hotel. A torch lighting ceremony starts at 6pm each evening. A replica rain forest can be seen in the lobby.
Extras: Concierge service is available. Valet parking is available. Turn down service for concierge. Stamps can be purchased. Checks can be cashed. Room service is available for $3 delivery charge + 18% service charge. Several shops on-site. ATM is available. Laundry and dry cleaning are available at a fee.
· Wilderness lodge:
Location: Making Kingdom Resort area
Transport: There are buses to all WDW parks, there is a red flag boat to the Magic Kingdom available at the dock and a blue flag boat to Fort Wilderness.
Number of rooms: 728 rooms
Room size: 340 square feet.
Room amenities: Internet access for a daily charge, two queen beds (or one queen and a bunk bed), there is a vanity area with 2 sinks, the shower and toilet are in a separate area, small safe.
Room prices: The cheapest rooms vary in price - from $240 to $405. Additional adults stay for $25 per night
Dining: There are two fully-fledged restaurants, a lounge and 2 snack bars. Artist point serves Northwest-American food; Whispering Canyon Cafe is a Western-themed style restaurant; Territory Lounge has light snacks and hot drinks available; Roaring Fort Snacks is a self-service snack shop; Trout Pass offers refreshments by the pool; Room Service is available including Pizza delivery.
Activities: Pools, water slide, two hot tubs, jogging paths, arcade, boat and bike rentals, flag family, wonders of the lodge tours, cruises, watch the geyser, hidden mickey hunt.
Extras: Concierge rooms are available. Shops are available.
· Yacht Club:
Location: Along the shores of Crescent Lake, opposite the Boardwalk resort.
Transport: For Epcot it is a 10-minute walk or you can catch the boat from the dock near the back of the hotel. For Hollywood Studios you can get the boat from the back of the hotel next to the Epcot line, it is a 20 minute ride or you can walk which also takes about 20 minutes. You can get to Magic Kingdom by bus or going to Epcot and catching the monorail and changing at the TTC. For the Animal Kingdom there are buses which generally take about 15 minutes. For the water parks, Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney you can catch a bus. Typhoon Lagoon is 20 minutes away and Downtown Disney is 30 minutes away.
Number of rooms: 630 rooms
Room size: 380 square feet.
Room amenities: Two queen beds, a safe, a TV, double sinks, a ceiling fan, iron and ironing board, a balcony, Internet for a daily charge, a table and chairs and a fridge. Some rooms have day beds.
Room prices: The cheapest rooms cost between $335 and $530 for 2 adults sharing. Additional adults must pay $25, kids under 17 do not pay.
Dining: There are two restaurants here: Captain's Grille - serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yachtsman Steakhouse only serves dinner and serves aged beef, poulty and seafood.
Activities: It may be the best pool of all WDW resorts with a 3.5 million litre pool. There are water jets and a water slide. There is a hot tub and a quiet pool too. The Recreational Activities Flyer gives you details on what will be happening while you're there - ask for it if you weren't given it. Fantasia Garden is close by and has mini-golf. There is volleyball, a free health club, jogging and an arcade
Extras: There is a clothes store in this resort only with branded clothes. Laundry facilities are available. A barber is av.ailable.
· Beach Club:
Location: Along the shores of Crescent Lake, opposite the Boardwalk resort.
Transport: For Epcot it is a 10-minute walk or you can catch the boat from the dock. For Hollywood Studios you can get the boat , it is a 20 minute ride or you can walk which also takes about 20 minutes. You can get to Magic Kingdom by bus or going to Epcot and catching the monorail and changing at the TTC. For the Animal Kingdom there are buses which generally take about 15 minutes. For the water parks, Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney you can catch a bus. Typhoon Lagoon is 20 minutes away and Downtown Disney is 30 minutes away.
Number of rooms: 583 rooms
Room size: 380 square feet.
Room amenities: Two queen beds, coffee maker with coffee packets, minibar, a safe, a TV, morning paper, iron and ironing board, Internet for a daily charge and a fridge.
Room prices: The cheapest rooms cost between $335 and $530 for 2 adults sharing. Additional adults must pay $25, kids under 17 do not pay.
Dining: Beaches and Cream serves fast food. The Beach Club Marketplace offers sandwiches, desserts and drinks. The Cape May Cafe offers character breakfast buffers and in the evening it offers the Clam Bake buffet. There are two lounges. Hurricane Hanna's is a poolside bar that serves food. Walking over to the Yacht club offers you the Yachtsman steakhouse.
Activities: It may be the best pool of all WDW resorts with a 3.5 million litre pool. There are water jets and a water slide. There are hot tubs and and a quicksand area. The Recreational Activities Flyer gives you details on what will be happening while you're there - ask for it if you weren't given it. Fantasia Garden is close by and has mini-golf. There is volleyball, a free health club, jogging and an arcade as well as tennis. You can watch Illuminations. There is a scavenger hunt which you can ask for at guest services.
Extras: Free late check out is available at 1PM. At the Atlantic Wear and Wardrobe Emporium you can buy swimwear as well as clothes, some food, souvenirs and film processing. Full birthday services are available. At Periwig's you can get a haircut and laundry facilities are available. There are penny and quarter press machines and an ATM machine. Payphones are available.
· Walt Disney World Swan:
Location: Part of the Epcot area. Close both to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's a joint resort with the WDW Dolphin resort.
Transport: There are buses to all the WDW parks and Downtown Disney, as well as the water parks. Epcot can be reached by the Friendship Launch boat or you can take a 10 minute stroll to the BoardWalk and onto Epcot's International Gateway and its World Showcase. For Disney's Hollywood Studios you can take a Friendship Launch Boat or you can take a 15 minute walk through the path behind Boardwalk's Atlantic Hall.
Number of rooms: 756 rooms
Room amenities: The beds are spectacular and the best looking and most comfortable of all of the beds at Walt Disney Worldso you're sure to get a good night's sleep. There is a 27" TV with HBO and the Disney channel and a magnificent bathroom. For $10 a day - there is a services package with broadband internet, 2 bottles of water per day, 60 minutes of local phone calls a day and 20 minutes of long distance phone calls. The minibar can be used for your own personal use for $20 and a small fridge can be rented for $12 per day. Coffee makers and coffee are available in your room as well.
Room prices: Prices vary widely but remember this is a deluxe resort. A $10 per day resort charge is mandatory and is often not stated at the time of booking.
Dining: There plenty of places to dine at the Swan and the Dolphin resorts: There's the Bluezoo restaurant for dinner, The Fountain which sells fast food, Picabu Cafeteria, Fresh Mediterranean Market, The Cabana and Grill which mainly sells burgers and salads, Garden Grove Cafe offers the morning character buffet and usually serves meat and seafood for all meals, Shula's steakhouse, Kimonos offers sushi and Asian delicacies, Splash Grill which sells fast food and Il Mulino New York Trattoria sells posh Italian food.
Activities: Tennis, health clubs, two pools with hot tubs in each, The Grotto (a water playground), basketball, jogging and walk paths, a playarea, boat rentals, games rooms and a spa. There is also a Kid's Passport which means that when your child collects 5 stamps from various hotel areas, including shops (of course) they are entitled to a free ice cream, and they get free sprinkles on top if they collect all the stamps
Extras: Not an actually official Disney resort but perfectly located. You cannot charge on your keys to the world outside the resort. Laundry facilities are available at $1.50 per load to wash and $1.50 per 45 minute load to dry. Parking is $9 per day plus tax. There is a nightly turndown service available at request, valet parking for $12 per day, a lobby level concierge desk and room service is always available. Disney cabanas sell holiday essentials and merchandise. Car rental is available and an ATM machine too.
Walt Disney World Dolphin:
Location: Part of the Epcot area. Close both to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's a joint resort with the WDW Swan resort.
Transport: There are buses to all the WDW parks and Downtown Disney, as well as the water parks. Epcot can be reached by the Friendship Launch boat or you can take a 10 minute stroll to the BoardWalk and onto Epcot's International Gateway and its World Showcase. For Disney's Hollywood Studios you can take a Friendship Launch Boat or you can take a 15 minute walk through the path behind Boardwalk's Atlantic Hall.
Number of rooms: 1509 rooms
Room amenities: There are two double Heavenly Beds®, a bathroom with a separate vanity area, a sitting area with a table and two chairs, and a TV. For $10 a day - there is a services package with broadband internet, 2phones, voicemail, hair-dryers, iron and ironing board, 2 bottles of water per day, 60 minutes of local phone calls a day and 20 minutes of long distance phone calls. The minibar can be used for your own personal use for $20 and a small fridge can be rented for $12 per day.
Room prices: Prices vary widely but remember this is a deluxe resort. A $10 per day resort charge is mandatory and is often not stated at the time of booking.
Dining: There plenty of places to dine at the Swan and the Dolphin resorts: There's the Bluezoo restaurant for dinner, The Fountain which sells fast food, Picabu Cafeteria, Fresh Mediterranean Market, The Cabana and Grill which mainly sells burgers and salads, Garden Grove Cafe offers the morning character buffet and usually serves meat and seafood for all meals, Shula's steakhouse, Kimonos offers sushi and Asian delicacies, Splash Grill which sells fast food and Il Mulino New York Trattoria sells posh Italian food.
Activities: Tennis, health clubs, two pools with hot tubs in each, The Grotto (a water playground), basketball, jogging and walk paths, a playarea, boat rentals, games rooms and a spa.
Extras: Not an actually official Disney resort but perfectly located. You cannot charge on your keys to the world outside the resort. Laundry facilities are available at $1.50 per load to wash and $1.50 per 45 minute load to dry. Parking is $9 per day plus tax. There is a nightly turndown service available at request, valet parking for $12 per day, a lobby level concierge desk and room service is always available. Disney cabanas sell holiday essentials and merchandise. Car rental is available and an ATM machine too.
