Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
71
WDW's 2009 value seasons or lowest rates are generally available from January 1 to
February 12, August 9 to October 1, and November 29 to December 17. Regular season
rates are available from April 19 to May 21 and October 2 to November 28. Easter rates
run from April 5 to April 18. Summer rates (only at Disney's “value” and “moderate”
resorts) run from May 22 to August 8. Peak rates apply from February 13 to April 4, and
holiday rates from December 18 through December 31. Be aware, however, that Disney's
new pricing schedule breaks down seasonal rates even further to include specific week-
ends and holidays such as Presidents' Day, Independence Day, and MLK Day, among
others (none of which are listed above). Although the actual dates will shift a little (and
will also change depending on the level of hotel you choose), the same general periods
should apply in 2010.
If you're not renting a car or staying at a Walt Disney World or Universal resort, be
sure to ask when booking your room if the hotel or motel offers
transportation to the
theme parks
and, if so, whether there's a charge and exactly what it is. Some hotels and
motels offer free service with their own shuttles (listed in the reviews in this chapter).
Others use Mears Transportation (see “Getting Around” in chapter 3), and rates can be
as high as $18 per person round-trip (some hotels make these arrangements for you;
others require you to do it). On the other hand, if you have a vehicle, expect to pay $12
a day to park it at Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld.
If you stay at a WDW resort or one of Disney's “official” hotels, transportation is
complimentary within WDW. For more information on this and the other advantages of
staying at Disney properties, see “The Perks of Staying with Mickey,” below.
In or out of Walt Disney World, if you book your hotel as part of a
package
(see
“Vacation & Cruise Packages” in chapter 2 for more details), you'll likely enjoy some type
of savings. The
Walt Disney Travel Company
(
&
407/934-7806
) offers a number of
Disney resort packages.
Outside Disney, you'll probably be quoted a rate better than the rack rates contained
in the following listings, but you should try to bargain even further to ensure you get the
best rates possible. Ask about discounts for students; government employees; seniors;
military; firefighters; police; AFL-CIO; corporate clients; and, again, AARP or AAA,
holders of the Orlando Magicard, even frequent-traveler programs (whether you have
hotel or airline membership). Special Internet-only discounts and packages may also be
featured on hotel websites, especially those of the larger chains. No matter where you end
up staying, always ask again when you arrive if there are any additional discounts or
promotions available. But never come to Orlando without a reservation: Taking chances
on your negotiating skills is one thing; taking chances on room availability is quite
another. Orlando is a year-round destination, with a heavy convention and business
trade, and international vacationers flock here during periods when domestic travelers
don't. If you come without a reservation, you may find yourself extremely disappointed—
or completely out of luck.
In the “Amenities” section of the accommodations descriptions that follow, I mention
concierge levels
where available. In these hotels within a hotel, guests pay more to enjoy
a luxurious private lounge (sometimes with great views), free continental or full breakfast,
hot and cold hors d'oeuvres served at cocktail hour, and/or late-night cordials and pas-
tries. Rooms are usually on higher floors, and guests are pampered with additional special
services (including private registration and checkout, a personal concierge, and nightly
bed turndown) and amenities (such as upgraded toiletries, bathroom scales, terry robes,
hair dryers, and more). Ask for the specifics when you reserve a room.
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