Contemporary Deluxe Room, Sleeps 5

There are many factors to consider when choosing which Walt Disney World Resort Hotel is best for your Orlando vacation, but one of the most important to my family is space. There’s nothing we like less than tripping over each other in the room and even though all Disney rooms have great design, sometimes you just need more square feet.

• Standard Value Room
  260 square feet, sleeps 4
• Value Family Suite
  520 sq ft, sleeps 6
• Standard Moderate Room
  314 sq ft, sleeps 4-5
• Standard Deluxe Room
  344 – 470 sq ft most sleep 5 but not all

There advantages to more square footage at a Disney resort as well, because a larger room area also means you’ll have a greater amount of bathroom, closet and storage space. Many people don’t think about it when planning, but when four people are trying to get ready in the morning, the double sinks of moderate and most deluxe hotels can be a huge help.

With more square footage, the deluxe rooms and most of the moderates also feature queen size beds rather than doubles. This can be an important consideration when unrelated adults and older children need to share beds during travel.

The largest standard deluxe rooms can be found at the Polynesian resort, with their newer buildings having the most of all. The smallest deluxe rooms are found at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge Resorts.

For a reasonably priced room with the feeling of more space, try a moderate resort such as Port Orleans. More space in the bedroom area gives Disney moderates the larger feel of the smaller deluxe resorts, however you may be cramped getting ready in the morning.

Though space is important, you need to know that you’ll pay nearly 3 times more per square foot for a deluxe room than a value room. The reason for this comes not only in the upscale décor and linens, but with the amenities offered in the overall resort. Deluxe rooms cost more because their resorts offer more to do right at your hotel.

No matter where you stay on Disney property you’ll have a great time.  I hope this helps you choose a place to spend your Walt Disney World Vacation and gives you a better idea of what you’re getting in your Disney guest room.

WIlderness Lodge Seen from Bay Lake

Continuing on with our look around the web at great Walt Disney World Fan sites, today we highlight WildernessLodgeSite.com. This unofficial Disney hotel blog give it’s readers a look at all of the fantastic options offered at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort for their magical Orlando Vacation!

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area and is home to both a Deluxe Resort Hotel and Deluxe Vacation Villas. The fantastic WildernessLodgeSite.com gives an overview of the lodge for guests of all sorts.

Views from this resort showcase the wonders of the American West, towering pine trees and faithful geysers bubbling up from the earth. The interior is a magnificent tribute to the Grand Lodges of yesteryear and holds a collection of stunning Native American Artwork. Many Disney fans especially love the Wilderness Lodge for their winter getaways as the log cabin style and rustic color scheme seems to make the holidays that much more magical. The dedicated owners of the fan site do their best to keep visitors updated on all that’s happening and is a great resource available to help you decided if this is the right resort for you and your family.

Lots of Photographs, information, in depth articles, and blog post are what you’ll get as the fans of this hotel gather information for both casual travelers and Disney Vacation Club Owners alike. Be sure to stop by before you book your Disney Vacation Package and get a look at what this fan favorite resort has in store to make your vacation the best ever.

WildernessLodgeSite.com is the place to go for information about connecting you and your family with a truly unique and exciting Disney hotel. We keep finding great resort fan sites popping up across the web, the more we find, the more we’ll be sure to share with you!

Fort Wilderness Campsites come fully-equipped with water, cable television, and electrical hook ups, as well as a grill and picnic table. In addition the majority of sites have sewer hook up and offer high speed internet access for an additional fee. Air-conditioned comfort stations are located nearby on each loop where you will find private showers, toilets, laundry facilities, a telephone and ice machine. Or, if you don’t want to rough it quite that much, guests can call housekeeping for the arrangement of laundry services. Camp Site costs range from $40-$80 in value season depending on the location and amenities you need. A limited number of pet friendly Preferred Hook-Up and Premium campsites are available for your best friend’s enjoyment too.

Recreation is in abundance at Fort Wilderness, with biking, boating, fishing, swimming, camp fires, sing-a-longs, movies under the stars, an arcade, horseback riding, carriage rides and an adventure trail! It’s an outdoor escape all it’s own that will help you create lasting memories for your family, even if you only have a few park days.

Groceries, and limited camping supplies (including propane tanks) as well as sundries can be purchased at the Meadow and Settlement Trading Posts. However many guests prefer to take a trip off property to a nearby local grocery store.

Some of my fondest memories as a child are of camping at the Fort Wilderness Campground where your Disney vacation meets the great outdoors. You can truly get away from it all in a premium camping environment with the added bonus of the Magic Kingdom just a boat ride away.

ADRs Ensure Your Meal Can Have Character

Recently some of our readers have posed the question to me “Do we Really Need ADRs?” The answer to that can be somewhat complicated, as there are many different dining option, special events, and seasonal considerations. However I believe that if you want to eat at a “sit down” or “table service” restaurant then yes, you really do need to take advantage of the Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs).

Advanced Dining Reservations can be made for all Walt Disney World restaurants where you are seated at a table and served. ADRs can be made starting 180 Days out from your selected date.   If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort You can make your ADRs at 180+10 from your arrival date at the resort.   It can be hard to know where you want to eat in six months, but having a reservation for something (especially during high crowd levels) is better than being left with nothing.

To view at menus for Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World before you reserve a seat, you can visit both The Disney Food Blog, and AllEars.net, for up to date information to help you decide which restaurants you would enjoy most.

To make your Advance Reservations you can talk to your travel agent, use Disney’s online reservation system, or call Disney Dining at 1 (407) WDW-DINE.

Once You Have ADRs Keep These Things In Mind:

• Some restaurant experiences (Such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, Siprit of Aloha Luau, and Hoop-dee-doo Revue) require payment in advance to secure an ADR.
• ADRs at select restaurants are subject to a “no show” fee, so make sure you cancel 24 hours in advance if you want to change your plans. WDW For Grownups has a great article on the new cancellation policy.
• ADRs do not have to be set in stone. You are at liberty to change them as many times as you would like.

For smooth dining during your Orlando Vacation be sure to book your advanced dining reservations as soon as possible.  During less crowded times of the year I have been able to walk in at restaurants, and make or change my ADRs at the last minute.  Sesaonal changes impact heavily on if you will be able to walk up and get a table without reservations, when it comes to ensuring that your family can enjoy a relaxing meal, ADRs are the way to go.

runDisney Events – Disney has truly earned a name for it’s self within the running community as several times a year athletes and hobbists alike register and converge on the Resort for everything from 5K’s to Marathons.  With Olympian Jeff Galloway as their honorary coach Walt Disney World has become one of the premier running destinations.  It all kicks of every January with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon Finish Line

Epcot International Flower and Garden Show – Sponsored by HGTV this Springtime Festival is included in your park ticket and showcases the talents of the highly skilled Walt Disney World Landscapers, Gardeners and Florists.  A special festival center is set up where you can sign up to participate in classes by world famous horticulturists or you can simply enjoy the added scenery around the park.  March, April & May.

Topiary at the Flower and Garden Festival

Disney Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends – Included with your Hollywood Studios admission, on Friday, Saturday and Sundays in Late Spring you can celebrate everything Star Wars with thousands of fans from across the country and around the world.  Join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations.  Mid-May through Mid-June.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – The Magic Kingdom closes early on nights that this limited, after hours, hard ticket event is held during September and October.  Guests are invited to dress up and trick –or-treat through the park during this fun Halloween adventure.  Dance parties and one of Disney’s best parades are highlights of this event. Special dates in September & October.

Trick or Treat through the Magic Kingdom

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – This annual festival creates a playground for Foodies and Wine Lovers from all over with kiosks “featuring tasty tapas and refreshing beverages”, demonstrations, exclusive dinners, and an amazing music line up.  This festival offers options both included in your park ticket and specially ticketed events.  October through Mid-November.

Food & Wine Festival Center

Downtown Disney Festival of the Masters – Held every November this show is an artist and art lovers dream.  Dazzling displays of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and so much more are just a few of the highlights. One week in early November.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – The Magic Kingdom closes early on nights that this limited, after hours, hard ticket event is held during November and December.  Guests experience special character meet and greets, parades, fireworks, hot chocolate, cookies and even snow on Main Street USA!  Mid-November through December.

This list is by no means exhaustive of all the special activities that Walt Disney World hosts throughout the year, but it does give you an idea of the kinds of activities you may be able to enjoy on your Walt Disney World Vacation.  And you don’t have to choose just one!  Some dates will combine with others, for instance you could attend the Festival of The Masters one day and get tickets for the Merry Very Christmas Party the next!  Whether or not you choose to participate, knowing these dates can help you decide what time of year is right for you to take a spectacular Orlando vacation.

Did any of these catch your eye?  Food & Wine is one of my favorite times to visit.  Which event sounds most exciting to you?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Sunset Savanna from Kidani Village

The “AKL Resort” fan site is another fantastic unofficial Disney place in the blog-o-sphere dedicated to a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.  Located at AKLResort.com this is the place to go for information about connecting you and your family with a truly unique and exciting Disney hotel.  We keep finding great resort fan sites popping up across the web, the more we find, the more we’ll be sure to share with you.  Even the website has an African feeling and easy to use navigation that will have you shouting “Jambo!” Right from your living room.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Walt Disney World’s newer deluxe hotels, and is located in a remote section of Disney Property near Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Consisting of both the main Lodge at Jambo House and DVC’s Kidani Village the room configurations here will fit the needs of just about any family and sleep from 2 -12 people.   Views from this resort are nothing short of amazing as the property’s private savannas allow you to watch African wildlife grazing and playing in the sun right from your balcony.  Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to several unique and renowned dining options for it’s guests including the award winning Sanaa and Jiko.  This complete resort is an escape in it’s self and many guests book their packages here even if they don’t plan on hitting the parks.

AKL Resort is a fantastic resource available to help you decided if this is the right resort for you and your family.  The web masters have gathered hundreds of photographs and in depth articles so that you can delve into this African retreat.  Whether you’re a casual guest, experienced traveler, or die hard DVC member this site has information you can use on the extensive amenities available to this resort’s guests.  It’s a great tool for comparing the Animal Kingdom Lodge to other Disney Deluxe Resorts before you book your Disney Vacation Package.

Stop by this great fan site to get a feeling for this most unique of hotels on Disney Property.   The Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my favorite hotels and you can find out why by visiting AKLResort.com.

Disney's Beach Club Resort

Epcot Area Resorts Include:

• Disney’s Boardwalk Resort & Boardwalk Villas
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

These resorts here are located around the beautiful Crescent Lake and make for an exciting tourist area.  Easy water transportation and covenant walking paths connect all of the Epcot area hotels offering easy access to both Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios.

Epcot resort hotels do not offer direct access to the front gate of Epcot.  Instead, because of their close proximity, guests are directed to the “back entrance” of Epcot at the International Gateway located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions.   The International Gateway entrance provides the full services of the front park entrance including, park exit, ticket windows, locker rentals, wheelchair (no ECVs), stroller rentals, and a gift shop.  Complimentary bus service is provided between the Epcot Area resorts and other Disney theme parks such as the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

All Epcot area resorts provide deluxe accommodations and full services for their guests.  Dining options on Crescent Lake are plentiful and it’s just a short walk or boat ride to explore the options available at all of the resorts or to World Showcase.  Amongst the Epcot area resorts you’ll find Character Meals, Sports Bars, Signature Dining, Dancing, Romantic Settings, Full Service Spas and fun Boat Rentals.  Some of their large guest rooms can accommodate five people with relative ease, however you will have to note that you need a room with a daybed at the time you make your reservation.

This great hub of activity is a wonderful place to check-in for people who want to make the most of every moment.  Next time you make a reservation for a wonderful Orlando Vacation, be sure to consider the deluxe resorts of the Epcot Area to indulge you in your travel needs.

Do you have a favorite Epoct Area Resort?  Leave us a comment and let us know what your favorite thing about this great area!

At each Walt Disney World theme park you have the ability to rent either a standard wheelchair that can be pushed, or an electric convenience vehicle (ECV) that the user can drive. Located near the entrance of each park, the Disney rentals are available in limited quantities and are subject to availability. The earlier you arrive in the day, the more likely your chance to obtain a rental.

“Disney Park Wheelchair/ ECV Rental Fees (Prices are subject to change.)

• $12.00 USD per day for wheelchairs at Theme Parks
• $12.00 USD per day plus a $100.00 USD refundable security deposit for wheelchairs at the Downtown Disney Area
• $50.00 USD per day plus a $20.00 USD refundable security deposit for ECVs at Theme Parks
• $50.00 USD per day plus a $100.00 USD refundable security deposit for ECVs at the Downtown Disney Area

Disney Theme Parks offer a length of stay rental ticket where you make a one-time payment transaction for as many days of rental as you will need. Wheelchairs are available for $10.00 USD per day when rented for multiple days. Upon visiting a Disney Theme Park, show your receipt at the wheelchair rental location and you will be expedited through the queue with a reduced wait time. The length of stay rental option is not available or valid at Downtown Disney”

There are rentals available from outside companies that may have lower prices. However for someone who can walk some distance but occasionally needs a little extra help, I find the Disney option excellent. There’s a learning curve when it comes to navigating the bus system from a chair, that other guests don’t always understand. For myself, being in an EVC at the park, allows me the opportunity to be pain free and walk back to the hotel at the end of the night.

You don’t need to slow down on your Walt Disney World Vacation just because you or a loved one has a problem with mobility. All Disney theme parks are wheelchair friendly with convenient rentals to make your time as a guest filled with pixie dust.

Source: WDW Guest Services

For guests that want a premium experience with quick, convenient access to both the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and other Resorts; I suggest you stay ‘on the monorail’.
Staying on the monorail means that you’re hotel will be one of the three Deluxe Resorts located around the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon.  The main loop of this very special public transit system system was part of the original WDW design and opened with Walt Disney World Resort in 1971.  It encircles the lagoon and initially featured four stations: the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. When the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa opened, it added a fifth stop, and additional resort on this loop.

These Deluxe Resorts offer all of the amenities of a full service hotel, with the legendary Disney service. In addition the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian resort and Grand Floridian Resort and Spa all offer full service marinas, enchanting pools, and top notch dining. Most of these guest rooms can accommodate five people with relative ease, making them ideal for families that want to spread out a bit.   You’ll pay a little more for a room right in the heart of the action, but for some the experience is completely worth it. The best part, it’s all just a short monorail ride away; making the trip back to the hotel for naps, an afternoon swim, and changing for dinner more accessible than ever. Across the Seven Seas lagoon you’ll see Cinderella Castle’s towering spires rising to the sky in the Magic Kingdom, also just a short monorail ride away. There’s little more magical to me than walking back to your room at night and seeing the Castle lit up in all of it’s majesty.

For those who are looking for a special location to enjoy their Walt Disney World Vacation, I suggest that they try one of the magical resorts on the monorail line. Their service and style are spectacular, and you just can’t beat the location.

For my family a rest day doesn’t mean, “do nothing”, although just lying in a hammock on the beach is a definite possibility. For us a “rest day” means we’re not going to be rushing through a park. Instead, we may sleep in a bit, take a dip in the hotel pool and then take advantage of the many other fun and entertaining options available at Walt Disney World Resort.

Adding a rest day into your schedule has many benefits, including allowing older members of your party to recover from a busy park day, exploring all the nooks and fun Disney has to offer as well as helping to save money by reducing the number of park day tickets needed.

Here are a few of my favorite “Rest Day” activities in no particular order:

• Resort Hopping to figure out where I would like to stay next
• Shopping at Downtown Disney with a movie at the AMC Fork & Screen
• Relaxing with a swim and drinks by the pool
• Interactive Gaming at Disney Quest
• Horseback Riding or Renting a Boat
• Heading to the Spa for a Massage
• Playing a Round of Golf
• Catching a Dinner Show like the Hoop-de-doo

Most of all a rest day should let you relax a bit and really take some time for yourself. After all, you are on vacation at Disney, and there’s a whole world to explore. How would you like to spend your days that aren’t in the Parks? Leave me a comment and let me know!