Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
96
Tips
Excess Charges
Several of the properties in this chapter add daily resort fees to their room rates.
Though it's essentially a legal version of price gouging, charging for services that
used to be included in the rates, such as use of the pool, admission to the health
club, or in-room coffee or phones has become a growing trend. Be sure to ask
when you make your reservations to see if your hotel charges such a fee and, if
so, exactly what's included (some may even be optional) so you're not blindsided
at checkout.
in an 18-story tower, and all have balconies. The views improve from the eighth floor up,
and those on the west side have a better chance of seeing something Disney. Accommo-
dations in this category are usually a step above the “moderates” inside WDW, and this
one is not an exception. You can reserve an oversize room (about 20% larger) or a WDW
fireworks-view room for a few dollars more a night.
Note:
It definitely pays to surf the
corporate website at
www.bestwestern.com
if you plan to stay here. It sometimes offers
great deals and special rates for this hotel.
2000 Hotel Plaza Blvd. (btw. Buena Vista Dr. and Apopka-Vineland Rd./Hwy. 535), Lake Buena Vista, FL
32830.
&
800/348-3765
or 407/828-2424. Fax 407/828-8933. www.lakebuenavistaresorthotel.com. 325
units. $99-$259 standard for 4; $299-$399 suite. $8 daily resort fee. 5th person $15. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $10; self-parking free.
Amenities:
Restaurant; cafe; lounge; babysitting; concierge; fitness
center; outdoor heated pool; kids' pool; room service; tennis courts; Wi-Fi (free); complimentary bus ser-
vice to WDW parks; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge (fee, available
upon request), game system (fee), hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
DoubleTree Guest Suites
Children have their own check-in desk and theater,
and they get a gift upon arrival at this hotel, the best of the “official” hotels for families
traveling with little ones (how can you not love a hotel that gives you freshly baked
chocolate chip cookies at check-in?). Adults may find some of the public areas lacking in
personality, though the hand-painted mural that spans the lobby and large aviary is a nice
touch. All of the accommodations in this seven-story hotel are two-room suites that offer
643 square feet—large by most standards—with space for up to six; none have balconies,
but some have patios. This is the easternmost of the “official” resorts, which means it's
farthest from the Disney action, but closest to (even within walking distance of ) the
shops, restaurants, and activities located in the Crossroads Shopping Center, or along
Apopka-Vineland Road.
2305 Hotel Plaza Blvd. (just west of Hwy. 535/Apopka-Vineland Rd.), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
&
800/222-8733
or 407/934-1000. Fax 407/934-1011. www.downtowndisneyhotels.com or www.
doubletreeguestsuites.com. 229 units. $110-$310 double. Extra person $20. Children 17 and younger
stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free. From I-4, take the Hwy. 535/Apopka-
Vineland Rd. exit north to Hotel Plaza Blvd. and go left. It's the 1st hotel on the left.
Amenities:
Restau-
rant; 2 lounges; babysitting; concierge; health club; heated outdoor pool; kids' pool; limited room service;
2 lighted tennis courts; complimentary bus service to WDW parks; transportation to non-Disney parks for
a fee.
In room:
A/C, 2 TVs, fridge, game system (fee), hair dryer, Internet, microwave.
4
Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort
This upscale resort welcomes
many a Disney vacationer, even though business travelers constitute the bulk of its clien-
tele. Its major claim to fame: It's the only official resort on Hotel Plaza Boulevard to offer
guests Disney's Extra Magic Hour option (see p. 211 for details). The lobby boasts a
