Disney World Hotels

One of the special parts of a vacation to the happiest place on earth is the accommodations.  The Walt Disney World complex hosts a variety of hotels but I've always been partial to the original three.  Settled on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon are the Contemporary Hotel, The Polynesian, and added many years later, the Grand Floridian. 

Ranging from $299 - around $1400 a night, the prices are a little steep for many, but there are benefits.  Many families come to town wishing to eliminate driving around an unfamiliar place, Vacations are supposed to be fun and once on Disney property everything you need for your vacation is available along with world-class service. There is transportation, scenery, and the ambiance of staying in the "Mouse House" for the entire vacation.  After a day at any of the parks or water parks, weary travelers can't imagine having to drive off property to secure some sleep.  All the hotels have comforts such as movies, swimming areas, jet skis, sailing, luaus, (at the Polynesian), etc.  The monorail actually runs right through the center of the Contemporary Hotel.  There are numerous activities for the kids like you might find on cruise ships, character dining, and much more.

 Vacation packages can be booked on-line.  I recommend these since the prices are considerably higher than off site, but  shop around.  Also consider military and AAA Club discounts.

Check with your employers as many corporations have deals with the theme parks for family discounts.

The only down side of staying on property is the premium price tag that goes with the convenience.  Rooms are luxurious but basic.  Last time I stayed in the Polynesian there wasn't even a coffee maker in the room. The whole design, while plush, is set to make you go out of your room and not sleep in.  (Unless you're the fortunate one who can afford the luxury suites).

Sound like I'm trying to discourage you?  Not at all.  The Disney folks run shuttles from Orlando International Airport so you can save hundreds on rental cars and fuel.  Mom and Dad can be chauffeured everywhere and not touch a gas pedal.  Not to mention you can bee at any of the parks within minutes of waking up!  So, I would see what offers you can get from Disney.go.com, Travelocity, or the other sites.

Caribe Royale

One of the Disney area hotels that can be overlooked is the Caribe Royale.  A sprawling 50+ acre arrangements of towers and villas, this resort is well worth your stay.  Set a few blocks off the mainstream hotel locations of Lake Buena Vista, Caribe Royale is a great place for families and business types to stay for surprisingly reasonable rates.

Enter the spacious lobby with tropical appeal and be greeted by a professional front desk staff who aim to please. Check in is quick and painless.  Once you get your room walk down the majestic staircase and out to the pool area surrounded by three towers hosting over 1, 200 one room suites ranging from $109 - $129/night during this season.

Caribe Royale has casual dining and a 24 hour deli where you can walk down in your pajamas and get whatever you want.  Wander past the towers and view the Convention Center located adjacent the 2 bedroom villas raging from $134 - $149/night.

Spend some time at the pool and have a drink at the poolside bar.  You can enjoy the 2 Jacuzzis and there is a kiddie pool/playground for the kids.  They also have a fitness center (see picture to the left).

Say "Hi" to some of our Florida wildlife.  I met these red-crested cranes ambling through the parking lot.



We've stayed here many times over the years and always enjoy the stay.   It's close to the parks and shuttle service is available. Visit their website at www.CaribeRoyale.com and take the virtual tour. You won't be disappointed. Thank you for reading.

Splash Mountain - Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World

Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is a great thrill ride that's good for all ages.  It's fashioned after the 1960's film "Song of the South" featuring the adventures of Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear.  The ride is a water experience so plan on getting wet.

 You'll climb to the top of the mountain and get into log boats where you ride through the mountain and into the world of the briar patch where you recognize all the characters from the iconic movie.  I believe there's a height requirement for this one and may not be best for kids under 5 but they can guide you when you arrive.  The ride lasts about 5 minutes and culminates at the top of the mountain where you plunge down the mountain at break neck speed.

I did my best to get good pictures but the boats move through limited lighting and it's hard to focus on any one thing so I did my best.  (I'm a writer - not a photographer).  We enjoy this ride because the animation and details are as exquisite on this attraction as on all the Disney rides and you'll love it.  Although most of the ride is a boat ride you are excited because you know what's coming at the end so it makes the whole thing interesting.

As you come down the mountain at the end you will get very wet so brace yourself!  It's an awesome feeling in the hot Florida summer and a cold shock in the winter months.  Your boat will be photographed on the way down which is fun because you get to see every body's unrehearsed reactions to the big fall.  It's usually hilarious and makes a great keep sake photo to take home with you. Have fun!

Disney Hollywood Studios - Orlando

Disney Hollywood Studios is a slightly smaller park than Magic Kingdom but it's packed with a lot of thing to do.  One of my favorites is the Rockin' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith.  This high speed thrill will catapult you into darkness to the sound of Aerosmith and hurl you through the Hollywood Freeway amidst twists and turns that last for about as long as you do.  the whole ride is like a Space Mountain rock concert because you can't tell where you're going next.

If that isn't enough and you like being scared go to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.  This is an old spooky Hollywood hotel where you go up and come down at breakneck speed  The artistry is unbelievable and it's great if you go at night or on a stormy day.  Adds a lot of scare to it.

For the slightly younger crowd wander over to Pixar Studios and enjoy attractions such as Toy Story Mania and the Beauty and the Beast live Show.  If you like shows there's also Disney Junior Live on Stage. The kids can see all their favorite characters perform.  Nobody does it like Disney when it comes to live shows.

Newer on the set is Star Tours, a 3-D experience where you can ride with all your favorite good guys and bad guys through the galaxy.  It's awesome and all ages will like this one.

There are many other attractions but I'll talk about them in future articles.  Dining is plentiful from formal character dinners to fast food options.  Explore the Disney Dining Plan and make reservations either by checking in with Guest Services as you enter the park or get the mobile app for your Verizon Wireless phone.

I hope you have fun on your visit and enjoy our great weather.  Just remember to drink a lot of water and use sunscreen.  Those from up north and Europe keep in mind this is the hottest time of the year and our heat is tropical heat so it can creep up on you.  Stay safe and have a good time.

Star Wars Weekend - Disney Hollywood Studios

Star Wars Weekend just ended at Disney Hollywood Studios, Orlando, but it was totally cool.  We went last Saturday night and enjoyed it immensely.  In addition to the regular park activities there were all the well known characters roaming the streets and several times during the day there was a stage show that was great.

They billed it as a dance off between the forces of the rebellion and the empire that started with a hip hop version of the emperor and his bad guys.  Then Chewbacca (the best dancer there) came out with the Ewoks and two versions of Princess Leah.  They danced a great show for about 45 minutes and at the end the crowd got to cheer for the winner.  It was like any outdoor show.  You could see from where I was standing there was a tremendous crowd. I had to raise my camera to get anything and we got there 30 minutes before showtime.

The weather hampered the street contacts with the characters a lot that day but other than that it was a great show.  Check out the entire show on YouTube.  A lot of folks have filmed it over the past month so you will enjoy it.  At the end of the judging Darth Maul comes out and does a routine with his double light saber.  He is totally bad and the kids love seeing this guy.  I was very impressed with the dance routines and music.

Star Wars Weekend was very entertaining and we loved the whole thing.  Can't wait to see what they do next year!

Disneyland California Specials - 2012

Disneyland, California has similar deals such as the 3-day package with an additional day.  They also have a 3-day pass for $199.  Southern California residents can "Go Wild" with a 2-day Pass for $99.  There is also a limited time offer of 25% discount at Disneyland's Paradise Pier Hotel March 30th - April 14th  if you book before March 11th.


Military rates apply now through Sep 30th which was extended for active duty and retired. Check soon since it's based on availability.

Passholders be sure to take advantage of discounts at many of the restaurants and gift shops and be sure to get a Photo Pass when you hit the street.  You can have a family photo take  almost anywhere and go home to view it on you computer, laptop, or cell phone.  Order the photo at your leisure rather than have to decide the day of your visit.  (A good example is the photo above.  Mickey has no eyes at that angle!) We love this option since we don't always take a great shot.  It gives you the chance to have a do over!