Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4. SPLITTING UP
Ifyourpartywilllikelysplituptotour(asfrequentlyhappensinfam-
ilies with children of widely varying ages), staying in Walt Disney World offers more
transportation options, and thus more independence.
5. SLOPPIN' THE HOGS
If you have a large crew that chows down like pigs at the
trough, you may do better staying outside the World, where food is far less expensive.
6. VISITING OTHER ORLANDO-AREA ATTRACTIONS
If you plan to visit SeaWorld,
Kennedy Space Center, the Universal theme parks, or other area attractions, it may be
more convenient to stay outside Walt Disney World. Remember the number-one rule,
though: Stay close enough to the World to return to your hotel for rest in the middle
of the day.
WALT DISNEY WORLD LODGING
BENEFITS OF STAYING IN WALT DISNEY WORLD
IN ADDITION TO PROXIMITY
—especially easy access to the Magic Kingdom—Walt
Disney World resort hotel and campground guests are accorded other privileges and
amenities unavailable to those staying outside the World. Though some of these perks
are only advertising gimmicks, others are potentially quite valuable. Here are the be-
nefits and what they mean:
1. EXTRA MAGIC HOURS AT THE THEME PARKS
Disney World lodging guests (exclud-
ing guests at the independent hotels of the Downtown Disney Resort Area, except the
Hilton) are invited to enter a designated park 1 hour earlier than the general public
each day or to enjoy a designated theme park for up to 2 hours after it closes to the
general public in the evening. Early entry can be quite valuable if you know how to
use it. It can also land you in gridlock.
2. THEME
All of the Disney hotels are themed, in pointed contrast to non-Disney ho-
tels, which are, well, mostly just hotels. Each Disney hotel is designed to make you
feel that you're in a special place or period of history. See the chart on the next page
that lists the various hotels and summarizes their respective themes.
Themed rooms are a huge attraction for children, firing their imaginations and
really making the hotel an adventure and a memorable place. Some resorts carry
