Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
97
nautical flair, and its public areas reflect a New England theme, sporting shingles,
weathered-wood exteriors, and seafaring touches. The recently renovated rooms have an
upscale and contemporary Shaker-style decor, as well as upgraded amenities, and they
offer plenty of space in which you can relax and unwind. Junior suites are the best choice
for families. Rooms on the north and west sides of floors 6 though 10 offer a view of
Downtown Disney (just a short walk away) and, in the distance, the Magic Kingdom
fireworks. The resort offers a variety of recreational options, including a large pool area
(with two pools and plenty of space to soak up the sun), and a game room for kids. Din-
ing options are plentiful, too.
1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
&
407/827-4000.
Fax 407/827-6369. www.hilton.
com. 814 units. $99-$279 double; $359-$1,500 suite. Extra person $20. Children 17 and younger stay free
in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $15; self-parking $8. From I-4, take exit 68, turn right
onto Hwy. 535/Apopka-Vineland Rd., and then left onto Hotel Plaza Blvd. Follow the boulevard, and the
resort is near the end on the left.
Amenities:
4 restaurants; 2 cafes; 3 lounges; character breakfast (Sun);
babysitting; concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club; 2 outdoor heated pools; room service; com-
plimentary bus service to WDW parks; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV,
fridge (fee), hair dryer, Internet (fee), microwave (fee), minibar, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi (fee).
Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney Resort
After suffering extensive damage during
the summer hurricanes of 2004, an unfortunate happenstance given that the hotel had
just undergone a $6-million face-lift prior to the storms, this resort closed down for
almost 5 years. At press time, the $25-million reconstruction was wrapping up, the web-
site was back online, and a reopening date had been set for fall 2009.
1805 Hotel Plaza Blvd. (btw. Lake Buena Vista Dr. and Apopka-Vineland Rd./Hwy. 535), Lake Buena Vista,
FL 32830.
&
800/223-9930
or 407/828-8888. Fax 407/827-4623. www.downtowndisneyhotels.com or
www.hiorlando.com. 323 units. $99-$279 double; $359-$1,500 suite. 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 exit 68, turn right
onto Hwy. 535/Apopka-Vineland Rd., and then left onto Hotel Plaza Blvd. Follow the boulevard, and the
resort is near the middle on the left.
Amenities:
Restaurant; cafe; lounge; Kids Eat Free program; babysit-
ting; concierge; health club; outdoor heated pool; room service; complimentary bus service to WDW
parks; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
4
Regal Sun Resort
This lakeside resort (the Grosvenor in a previous life) is within
walking distance of Downtown Disney Marketplace's shops and restaurants. Thanks to a
relatively recent overhaul, guest rooms sport updated furnishings, cozy bedding,
upgraded amenities (such as flatscreen TVs), and a stylish decor. Other notable features
include a new zero-entry pool and aquatic playground, a children's lounge (with sched-
uled activities), and a completely redesigned lobby. Its frequent package deals make it
popular with budget travelers. Ask for a Tower Room on the west side (floors 9-19) for
a limited view of Lake Buena Vista. A Saturday night CSI Mystery Murder Dinner Show
($50 adults, $15 kids 3-9) is held in the LakeView restaurant for an entertaining evening
away from Disney. A character breakfast is also offered 3 mornings a week.
1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd. (just east of Buena Vista Dr.), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
&
800/624-4109
or
407/828-4444. Fax 407/828-8192. www.regalsunresort.com. 626 units. $99-$179 double. $10 daily resort
fee. Extra person $20. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet park-
ing $10; self-parking free.
Amenities:
Restaurant; 3 lounges; character breakfast (Tues, Thurs, Sat); dinner
show (Fri); babysitting; children's activity program; concierge; health club; Jacuzzi; 2 outdoor heated
pools; 2 lighted tennis courts; complimentary bus service to WDW parks; transportation to non-Disney
parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi (fee).
Royal Plaza
The Plaza is one of the boulevard's originals, but renovations during
its 25 years (including a multimillion-dollar makeover a couple of years ago) have kept it
