Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
101
beautifully decorated rooms sleep four, and the higher poolside floors offer views of
Disney. For a large-scale resort, it is surprisingly easy to get around, as it is not so much
spread out as up. The largest of its five pools has water slides and waterfalls surrounded
by plenty of space to relax among the palm trees and tropical plants. There's plenty of
on-site dining, ranging from counter service casual to gourmet cuisine; the
Mikado
Japanese Steakhouse
(p. 159) headlines the hotel's four restaurants. The location, only
2 miles from the Disney parks, is a fabulous plus. Special offers (in the past, these have
included getting a second room or an early booking bonus at a substantial savings) and
vacation packages (often associated with area theme parks, most notably SeaWorld) are
offered throughout the year (including plenty of extra perks), making the resort more
affordable than you might otherwise think.
8701 World Center Dr. (on Hwy. 536 btw. I-4 and Hwy. 535/Apopka-Vineland Rd.), Orlando, FL 32821.
&
800/621-0638
or 407/239-4200. Fax 407/238-8777. www.marriott.com. 2,111 units. $349-$411 for
up to 5; $750-$1,600 suite. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet
parking $22; self-parking $13.
Amenities:
4 restaurants; food court; 2 lounges; babysitting; concierge;
concierge-level rooms; golf course (nearby); health club; 3 heated outdoor pools; heated indoor pool;
kids' pool; room service; sauna; spa; 8 lighted tennis courts; transportation to all theme parks for a fee;
limited Wi-Fi (fee).
In room:
A/C, TV, game system (fee), hair dryer, Internet (fee), minibar, MP3 docking
station.
MODERATE
Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista
Set near the end of Palm Parkway, just off
Apopka-Vineland Road, this fun and welcoming all-suite resort is close to all the action
of Downtown Disney and the surrounding area, yet still remains a quiet retreat. Each
suite sleeps five and includes a separate living area (with a pull-out sofa) and sleeping
quarters. The roomy accommodations and on-site activities (including “dive-in” movies
4 nights a week) make it a great choice for families. Some of the other perks here include
a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, a nightly manager's reception, free transpor-
tation to Disney, and an indoor/outdoor pool.
8100 Lake St., Orlando, FL 32836.
&
800/362-2779
or 407/239-1144. Fax 407/239-1718. www.embassy
suiteslbv.com or www.embassysuites1.hilton.com. 334 units. $99-$310 suite. Extra person $15. Rates
include full breakfast, manager's reception. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $10; self-parking free.
Amenities:
Restaurant; cafe; lounge; babysitting; concierge; health club; indoor and outdoor heated
pools; kids' pool; room service; sauna; tennis court; free shuttle to Disney parks.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge,
hair dryer, kitchenette, microwave, Wi-Fi (fee).
Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista
These moderately priced family suites are
less than 2 miles from Disney, close to Downtown Disney. This hotel is a good choice if
you want a little home-style comfort and the chance to perform do-it-yourself stuff in
the fully equipped kitchen. The two-bedroom suites sleep up to eight and offer plenty of
room to rest and relax. A complimentary buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and evening recep-
tions are just some of the perks you'll enjoy when staying here. Special offers and pack-
ages can often save you a few more dollars, rewarding you for longer stays; some include
tickets to Disney.
8303 Palm Pkwy. (off S. Apopka-Vineland Rd./Hwy. 535), Orlando, FL 32836.
&
866/756-3778
or
407/597-5000. Fax 407/597-6000. www.hawthornlakebuenavista.com. 120 units. $89-$169 double. Extra
person $15. Rates include continental breakfast. Children 18 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free.
Amenities:
Health club; Jacuzzi, outdoor heated pool; free shuttle to
Disney parks; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer, fully equipped/
stocked kitchen, microwave, Wi-Fi (free).
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