Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
95
outside world. Also note that the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World
Swan (listed earlier) should be considered the eighth and ninth of the “official” hotels
because they're not Disney-owned. The difference is they're located directly on the
WDW property.
Another perk of the “official” hotels is that they generally offer a less intense Mickey
ambience, although some do offer character breakfasts a few days each week (ask the
person answering the reservation line for details and schedules). Decide for yourself if
that's a plus or a minus.
You can make reservations for all of the properties below through the
CRO
(
&
407/
934-7639
) or through the direct hotel numbers included in the listings. To ensure you
get the best rates, however, call the hotel or its parent chain directly to see if there are
special rates or packages available.
You'll find all of these hotels located on the map “Walt Disney World & Lake Buena
Vista Accommodations,” earlier in this chapter.
EXPENSIVE
Buena Vista Palace Resort
The most upscale of the Hotel Plaza Boulevard-
area properties, popular with business and leisure travelers alike (though businesspeople
make up 75% of its guests) sports a chic and trendy look. Dramatic white walls, open
spaces, stories-high curtains, and hints of silver and aqua welcome guests as they enter
the lobby. Guest rooms sport an eclectic mix of stylishly hip furnishings combined with
a trendy color scheme of white, aqua, and brown (unfortunately, comfort, most notably
in the living area, has been sacrificed for appearance's sake—the bedding, however, is
quite cozy). Many of the upscale business-standard rooms, in addition to upgraded ame-
nities, have balconies or patios; ask for one above the fifth floor with a “water view.”
That's the side facing the pools on Recreation Island, Downtown Disney, and, in the
distance, Disney's Hollywood Studios' Tower of Terror. The “Disney view” offers distant
views of Epcot's IllumiNations fireworks and a glimpse of Downtown Disney but little
else. Families will appreciate the Island Suites, with over 800 square feet of space, one and
a half baths, a microwave, fridge, and proximity to the pools and playgrounds. The resort
is known for its spacious fitness center and full-service European-style spa, which are
open to the public (for a fee). The recreational facilities are extensive, and one of the
resort's pools is situated partially indoors, providing cover from sun and rain. You'll find
the best rates are offered in July and August, contrary to the mainstream tourist resorts—
a bonus due to its popularity with the business set.
1900 Buena Vista Dr. (just north of Hotel Plaza Blvd.; P.O. Box 22206), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
&
866/397-6516
or 407/827-3228. Fax 407/827-6034. www.buenavistapalace.com or www.downtown
disneyhotels.com. 1,012 units. $99-$278 double; $219-$450 suite. $12 daily resort fee. Extra person $20.
Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $16; self-parking
free. From I-4, take the Hwy. 535/Apopka-Vineland Rd. exit north to Hotel Plaza Blvd. and go left. At 1st
stoplight, turn right onto Buena Vista Dr. It's the 1st hotel on the right.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; grill; 2
lounges; character breakfast on Sun; babysitting; concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club; Jacuzzi;
3 heated outdoor pools; kids' pool; room service; sauna; spa; lighted tennis court; complimentary bus
service to WDW parks; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee; limited Wi-Fi (fee).
In room:
A/C, TV,
fridge, hair dryer, Internet (fee), minibar, microwave (suite), Wi-Fi (fee).
MODERATE
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Hotel
Value
This 12-acre lakefront hotel is
reasonably modern, with nicer rooms and public areas than you might find in others
within the chain (they were last renovated, to good effect, in 2003). Rooms are located
4
