Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
90
900 Cayman Way (off Buena Vista Dr.; P.O. Box 10000), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000.
&
407/934-
7639
or 407/934-3400. Fax 407/934-3288. www.disneyworld.com. 2,112 units. $149-$274 double. Extra
person $15. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free.
Amenities:
Restaurant; food court; lounge; babysitting; bike rentals; Jacuzzi; large outdoor heated pool;
6 smaller pools in the villages; kids' pool; room service; watercraft/equipment rentals; WDW Transporta-
tion System; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge (free, upon request), hair
dryer, Internet (fee).
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
An American Southwestern theme carries
through four- and five-story grand hacienda-style buildings in shades of pink and desert-
sand stucco, with terra-cotta tile roofs and shaded courtyards. The pool area, inspired by
the Mayan ruins of Mexico, sports a tremendous Mayan temple with cascading water and
a twisting water slide. (Watch out for the spitting jaguar—he will likely surprise you as
you pass by!) The rooms are identical in layout to those in the Caribbean Beach Resort,
including the small bathrooms. Those located nearest the central public area, pool, and
lobby tend to be a bit noisier—but if you stay in the outer buildings you might be facing
an excruciatingly long walk to the pool or lobby area. Because it's a convention resort,
you'll find extras (such as a barber and beauty shop, a variety of suites, and Wi-Fi access
[for a fee], among other perks) not found at Disney's other “moderate” resorts. The near-
est park is Animal Kingdom, but the Coronado is at the southwest corner of WDW and
a good distance from most other areas in the park; rent a car. See the review of the Rix
Lounge, Disney's newest and trendiest entry in its lineup of nightclubs on p. 340.
1000 Buena Vista Dr. (near All-Star resorts and Blizzard Beach), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
&
407/934-
7639
or 407/939-1000. Fax 407/939-1003. www.disneyworld.com. 1,921 units. $149-$249 double;
$350-$1,290 suite. Extra person $15. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Self-parking free.
Amenities:
Restaurant; grill/food court; 2 lounges; bike rentals; concierge; health
club & limited spa; Jacuzzi; 4 outdoor heated pools; kids' pool; sauna; room service; watercraft rentals;
WDW Transportation System; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee; limited Wi-Fi (fee).
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (fee).
Disney's Port Orleans Resort
Value
Port Orleans has the best location,
landscaping, and perhaps the coziest atmosphere of the resorts in this class (and was
renovated from top to bottom in recent years, so it's in great condition, too). This
Southern-style property is really a combination of two distinct resorts: the French Quar-
ter and Riverside. The French Quarter offers magnolia trees, wrought iron railings,
cobblestone streets, and an idealistic vision of New Orleans's famous French Quarter.
Riverside transports you back to Louisiana's Mississippi River towns, its rooms housed in
buildings resembling grand plantation homes and the “rustic” wooden shacks of the
bayou. Overall, this resort offers some romantic spots and is relatively quiet, making it
popular with couples. The pools, Tom Sawyer-style playgrounds, and array of activities
(including a pirate-themed cruise that departs right from the resort) make it a favorite
4
Tips
Value in the Eyes of the Beholder
Disney's All-Star resorts charge a “preferred room” rate, but don't expect much for
the top rate of $160. Guests who book it are paying for location: Preferred rooms
are closer to the pools, food court, and/or transportation. If you've got a rental
car or don't mind walking, don't bother paying extra; some of the quietest rooms
at the All-Stars are the standard ones (those farthest from the action).
