hotels at disney world

Should we stay in a Disney World Hotel? Millions of people ask this question every year. When Walt Disney World opened it had 2 hotels, and it was a long way to the nearest hotel. Through the years a lodging boom has hit Orlando. Now there are over 140,000 hotel rooms which, along with houses for rent, give you a veritable plethora of lodging choices.
While you are visiting Walt Disney World, you should stay in a Disney World Resort. Here's why -
Convenience - These resorts are more convenient than any other lodging choices you could make. If you are staying in one of their resorts, Disney will get you from your room right to the front door of your park of choice. Disney Transportation has a dizzying array of options to get you to the parks.

• Luxury Motor coach (Bus) - Disney has one of the largest bus fleets anywhere. They are clean and comfortable. They run continuously from 2 hours before the parks open to 2 hours after the parks close. The bus service takes you almost to the front gate of each park.
• Boat - Disney has the largest private navy in the world. Most of the Deluxe Resorts offer some form of boat service to one or more of the parks. It's really cool to ride across Seven Seas Lagoon on one of the grand yachts that service the Magic Kingdom resorts.
• Walking - Yes, walking. There ares several Disney World Hotel close enough to a theme park where you can comfortable walk right up to the front, or back, gate.

Cost - Believe it or not, staying at a Disney World Hotel can be very affordable. Yes, the Deluxe Resorts are pricey, but the Moderate and Value Resorts offer a good value.

• Room only deals - During certain times of the year, you can find rooms at the Value Resorts for as little as $79.00 per night. Discounts on all rooms can reach as much as 20%.
• Free dining - Disney also has specials they offer that combine rooms with park tickets and one of the Disney Dining Plans. These specials make a Disney World vacation quite affordable.
• Deep discounts on packages - For the last few years, there have been deep discounts available for packages from January to June.

Extras - Disney treats guests right. If you are staying in one of the Disney Resorts you get some perks not available to other guests. Here are a list of the "perks"

• Free Parking - Guests in Disney World Hotel get free parking at all the parks and resort areas. Parking at the theme parks costs $16.00 per day (2010 prices).
• Extra Magic Hours - Staying in one of the Disney Resorts gets you into the Extra Magic Hour park one hour prior to opening time or up to 3 hours after the park closes to guests not staying in the resorts. Check the park schedules for more information.
• Disney Dining Plan - When you book your vacation in one of Disney's resorts you will be eligible to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. According to Disney you can save up to 40% on your dining during your stay.
• Disney's Magical Express - This a a great deal. Disney will pick you up at the airport, take you (and your bags) to your hotel and return you to the airport when your trip is done. All included in your price. Disney Transportation will cart you and your family around the resort for the whole time of your vacation. All for free.

Magic - Staying in a Disney World Hotel keeps you emerged in magic 24 hours a day. There are so many small magical things in the hotel rooms the is no way to mention them all. Here are a few that help to create a magical environment 24 hours a day -

• Decorations - Every room has Disney bedspreads, wallpaper, borders, carpets or a combination of decorations that are sometimes subtle and sometimes outrageous.
• Soap, shampoo and such - Each room has the standard hotel room soap, shampoo, and lotions with a Disney Twist. They are packaged in cute boxes.
• Wake up calls - Mickey, Minnie or Donald will call your room and wake you up in the mornings. It's just another small way that the magic surrounds you.

These are just a couple of reasons to say in one of Disney's great resorts. You won't regret it.

Dad loves Disney World Hotels. Come on over and find out what makes them special.
At Dad's Guide to WDW, we believe that going on a Disney World vacation is an adventure that should last longer than just a few days. Come see how we lengthen your vacation and help you make memories that will last a lifetime.