Vacation Planning Tips

Where to stay, where to stay?
One of the first decisions you'll need to make as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World is where to stay. Orlando boasts a lot of choices here (including a few from Disney itself), so let's see if we can help make the decision a little easier.

First Things First
Whether you're a Disney veteran or a first-timer, you probably have some idea of what this vacation is going to be like. Is this a weekend dash with a few friends, a romantic first/second/third honeymoon (Orlando is in the top three destinations for honeymooners!), or the family vacation to beat all family vacations? Take just a moment, and think about the answers to the following questions:

• What is my budget?
• How far in advance am I planning?
• How many people are in my party and what are their ages?
• Do we want to all stay together in one room or suite or villa?
• What hotel amenities are important to me?
• Will I have a car?
• Will I be spending most of my time visiting Disney attractions, or will I be visiting non-Disney attractions too?

On again, off again
Some reviewers make a big deal of the on-property/off-property distinction. Here's our take -
During the planning stages of Disney World, Disney began to experiment with building and running their own hotels. Today, 24 are owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. Grouped into three levels (Deluxe, Moderate, and Value), they range from sprawling resort (Grand Floridian) to campground (Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground).

"Well, gee," you ask, "wouldn't everyone want to stay ON site at a Disney hotel?"

We're glad you asked!

Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Choice
On-site Advantages:

* Getting to and from the parks is generally easier.
* Immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
* Disney resorts offer wonderful theming.
* Priority on tee times on Disney golf courses.
* Room-charge privileges throughout WDW.
* Merchandise delivery to your Disney hotel.
* Magical Express transportation to/from airport to WDW Resort at no charge
* Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan.

On-site Disadvantages:

* Rooms are more expensive.
* Availability of budget-priced rooms is limited, especially at the last minute.
* Dining is generally more expensive.
* Getting to and from area's non-Disney attractions may be more difficult.
* Going from resort to resort relying on Disney Transportation can be long and/or a hassle.

Off-site Advantages:

• Generally better/larger accommodations for the same or a lower price.
• Better access to restaurants, shopping and other non-Disney attractions.
• NOT immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
• In a villa, full kitchen/full laundry can mean $$$ savings.
• Many off-site hotels offer discounts to non-Disney attractions and restaurants.

Off-site Disadvantages:

• On peak holidays, parking lot(s) at WDW might be closed.
• Off-site guests must pay for parking at Disney theme parks if they drive unless they have an Annual Passport.