As the author of a family guide to Disney World, I've been to the park more than 25 times with my kids, and have checked out my fair share of Disney World hotels. Read on for what I consider to be the best bets.
ON-SITE HOTELS
The advantages of booking a Disney hotel are numerous--early entry to the parks, free transportation, reduced ticket prices and the chance to enjoy the ultimate family-friendly atmosphere. To explore your options, call for a free videotape (407-W-DISNEY). My kids like the following properties, listed from least to most expensive. Rates are based on a family of four staying for a night during high season (summer and major holidays).VALUE RESORTS: Ranging from $77 to $131, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music and All-Star Movies are Disney's least expensive resorts. Although the amenities are pretty basic and the rooms are small, you get the same perks--such as free transportation and early entry mornings--as guests who stay at the deluxe resorts.
MODERATE RESORT: Port Orleans is
the smallest of the midpriced resorts and offers sweet Southern charm for about $134-209. The bar serves up great Creole munchies, ceramic gators play jazz all day and the Mardi Gras-themed pool invites kids to slide into the water down a dragon's long pink tongue.
DELUXE RESORTS: The Polynesian's laid-back island ambience will make you feel as if you're far from the mouse race, yet the convenient location on the monorail line means you can get to the Magic Kingdom in minutes. The Seven Seas Lagoon provides all sorts of water activities, and there are even luaus on the beach. Rooms start at $304 and go all the way to $580.
Yacht and Beach Clubs are great for when you really feel like splurging. These elegant twin resorts (from $269-550 nightly), located at Epcot's back door, share a water area featuring whirlpools, slides, hot springs and sand-bottomed sections for toddlers.
Click on the following links for ideas on planning your trip and a four-day itinerary for Disney World.
Kim Wright Wiley, author of WALT DISNEY WORLD WITH KIDS (Prima), is a contributing editor at DISNEY magazine and is FamilyFun's new Theme Park Expert.
All prices shown without tax. Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
