Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
77
still check their bags via the resort airline service, those with more than the allotted
number of “free” bags (or those traveling via an airline that now charges for each piece
of luggage) will have to call ahead (to the airline check-in service (
&
407/824-1231
)
to pay the additional fee (by credit card only) or check in at the airport.
• Resort rates are around 20% to 30% higher than comparable hotels and motels away
from the parks.
• Without a car or another means to get off the property, you'll either be resigned to
paying Disney's higher prices or paying for shuttles to get to Orlando's other offer-
ings.
• If you don't spend a little time away from the Disney parks, the all-Mickey, all-the-
time atmosphere can get a little overwhelming, and you'll miss out on the real Florida
and all the other great parks, restaurants, shops, and activities Orlando has to offer.
WALT DISNEY WORLD CENTRAL RESERVATIONS
OFFICE
CRO
& WALT DISNEY TRAVEL COMPANY
To book a room or package at Disney's resorts, campgrounds, and “official” hotels
through the
Walt Disney World Travel Company,
contact the
Central Reservations
Office (CRO),
P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000 (
&
407/934-7639;
www.disneyworld.com).
CRO can recommend accommodations suited to your price range and specific needs,
such as being near a particular park, facilities that offer supervised child-care centers, or
a pool large enough to swim laps. But the staffers who answer the phones usually don't
volunteer information about a better deal or the latest special offer
unless you ask.
Be sure to inquire about Disney's numerous package plans, which can include meals,
tickets, recreation, and other features. The right package can save you money and time if
you use all of its features (there's no sense in paying for something you won't use); having
a comprehensive game plan in place is helpful in computing the cost of your vacation in
advance.
CRO can also give you information about various theme-park ticket options, the
airlines, and car rentals. It can also make dinner-show reservations for you at the resort
of your choice.
4
OTHER SOURCES FOR ORLANDO HOTEL PACKAGES
In addition to the Disney sources above, several other travel companies offer packages
utilizing Disney resorts. In addition to
AAA
(
&
800/732-1991;
www.aaa.com) and
American Express Vacations
(
&
800/346-3607;
http://travel.americanexpress.com/
travel/personal), almost all of the major airlines offer vacation packages to Orlando. See
“Vacation & Cruise Packages” in chapter 2 for more options. Give each source a call, ask
for brochures, and compare offerings to find the best package for you.
Tips
Special Treatment
AAA
(
&
800/732-1991;
www.aaa.com) members can take advantage of special
lodging programs at select WDW resorts and preferred parking at the theme
parks if they purchase a AAA Disney vacation package or prepurchase their park
tickets at participating AAA locations (these cannot be purchased at the parks!).
