Phone: 407-828-2828
Special Features: The hotel has a much improved decor, but it still lags behind the Palace and the Hilton for luxury. Features include free breakfast for kids 10 and under, as well as free transportation to the Disney parks.
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel
Website: www.bestwestern.com
Address: 2000 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 407-828-2424
Special Features: This is a pretty standard hotel, but it offers complimentary theme park shuttles.
Doubletree Guest Suites in the WDW Resort
Website: www.hilton.com
Address: 2305 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 407-934-1000
Special Features: This is a Hilton hotel chain, so if you have a frequent guest program there, you might be able to use points to stay or earn points while there. Complimentary transportation is provided to all parks and Downtown Disney, and the rooms are all suites.
Other Resorts on and near Walt Disney World Property
There are a few other resorts located on Walt Disney World property or immediately adjacent. Some offer the very highest of luxury, others bring unparalleled locations, and there is even one that honors the service of the American military.
Walt Disney World Dolphin
Website: www.waltdisneyworld.com or www.swandolphin.com
Address: 1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 407-934-4000
Location: Epcot-resort area, just a quick walk from the BoardWalk.
Transportation: Boat to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the BoardWalk; buses to all other theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney.
Special Features: You get to enjoy Extra Magic Hours, which is a big perk. You can earn Starwood hotel loyalty reward points when you stay here, something you can’t do at a Disney resort. Being walking distance away from the BoardWalk and a boat ride from Epcot and Hollywood is also a big perk. Note that this is a fairly large convention hotel, so you might find yourself in the midst of that kind of crowd.
Room Types: Large rooms sleep 5 with two double beds.
Best Room Locations: Rooms facing the Swan hotel can give you nighttime views of fireworks from Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
Note, the higher the floor, the better.
Dining: The Dolphin has a better high-end restaurant selection than the Swan, with Shula’s Steak House and the über-trendy nightclub /restaurant, Todd English’s bluezoo.
Atmosphere: Both the Dolphin and the Swan were designed by Michael Graves, but they’re distinct from each other in their moods, if not their color palettes.
Inside, the circus-tent interior decor of the lobby sets the mood for the more child-friendly and fun atmosphere. Beach decor accents throughout the halls and even rooms keep the mood light.
DISNEY DON’T
The Dolphin and the Swan are operated by the Starwood group—namely, by Sheraton and Westin. Because of that, some of the perks to staying on property are not available to guests here. These change frequently, but for the time being the benefits that you do notget here now include the following:
• Disney Magical Express
• Charge-to-your-room privileges
Walt Disney World Swan
Website: www.waltdisneyworld.com or www.swandolphin.com
Address: 1200 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 407-934-4000
Location: Epcot-resort area, just a quick walk from the BoardWalk.
Transportation: Boat to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the BoardWalk. Buses to all other theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney.
Special Features: You get to enjoy Extra Magic Hours, which is a big perk. The Westin Heavenly Beds are just that: a piece of heaven. You can also earn Starwood hotel loyalty reward points when you stay here, something you can’t do at a Disney resort. Being walking distance away from the BoardWalk and a boat ride from Epcot and Hollywood is also a big perk.
Room Types: Large rooms sleep 5 with two queen-sized beds.
Best Room Locations: Rooms facing the Dolphin benefit from a more serene view, but the ones facing the other direction often can get a nice nighttime view of the fireworks from one of the parks.
Dining: The dining here is not as diverse as at the Dolphin, but it doesn’t have to be with so many choices nearby.
Atmosphere: Where the Dolphin provides upscale kid-friendliness, the Swan is decidedly more adult-friendly.
If forced to pick between the two resorts, I would say that the edge goes to the Swan for the amazingly comfy beds, the fact they have queen beds and not doubles and the more serene ambiance. The Dolphin wins out on dining options and kid-friendly atmosphere.
Let this be your guide when selecting between the two.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Website: www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com
Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 407-597-5500
Location: Bonnet Creek, on the Southern edge of Walt Disney World.
Transportation: Bus shuttles to all theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney.
Special Features: This is unquestionably the height of luxury in the Walt Disney World area. The only other Waldorf Astoria outside of the famed one in New York City, it brings a contemporary flair to the fine surroundings. If money is no object, this is where you will want to stay. The resort also has a spa and Rees Jones–designed golf course. This resort is linked to the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek resort, and they share a great deal, including a moderately sized convention facility between them.
Room Types: Large rooms sleep 4 with two queen-sized beds.
Best Room Locations: Select rooms in higher floors can provide views of literally all of Walt Disney World, including fireworks at night. Simply breathtaking.
Dining: The famed Bull & Bear is a high-end steakhouse with more variety than you might anticipate. Oscar’s takes care of your other breakfast and lunch needs in a brighter setting. Lounges and poolside bar/grills offer more options throughout the day.
Atmosphere: While the famed Waldorf Astoria name may invoke a metropolitan and possibly stuffy image of what passes for luxury, banish that thought from your mind. The resort blends elegance with a relaxed, sun-tinged comfort that does not betray the NYC original.
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Website: www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com
Address: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 407-597-3600
Location: Bonnet Creek, on the Southern edge of Walt Disney World.
Transportation: Bus shuttles to all theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney.
Special Features: Not to be confused with the Hilton on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, this resort shares property and many amenities with the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Orlando. This may be the single best-kept secret in the Walt Disney World area. It blends the obvious luxury of its sister resort with a warmer, more family-friendly ambiance. It shares the convention facility, golf course, restaurants, and spa. But it has a much better pool complex, and more restaurant selection. I am not shy in saying that this is my favorite hotel in the Walt Disney World area.
Room Types: Large rooms sleep 4 with two queen-sized beds.
Best Room Locations: Facing west is best, with the view of some parks in the distance, and the golf and pool complexes.
Dining: While you can wander over to the Waldorf Astoria for steak at the Bull & Bear, your selections here with poolside, counter service, and other dining are more convenient. Two highlights are La Luce and Harvest Bistro, which are both simply fabulous.
Atmosphere: This resort oozes contemporary luxury that would make a family with small children, a business meeting, and a couple on a romantic getaway all feel perfectly at home at the same time.
Shades of Green
Are you in the Army, Navy, Air F
orce, or Marines? Well, Disney has a hotel just for you! Shades of Green is an AFRC hotel exclusively reserved for military personnel and their families. Make sure you consider this option if you’re coming to Walt Disney World. Shades of Green is available to eligible members of the U.S. Armed Forces community, Department of Defense civilians, and their families. Managed by Disney, it offers all the same benefits as a traditional Disney resort. Room rates are dependent upon military grade and type of room but traditionally range from $76 to $116. The rooms are comparable to those at a Disney Moderate resort. Check out their website for more information, or call their reservation desk from Monday through Friday from 0830 to 1700 hours (see, I know a little military-speak!), at 1-888-593-2242.
Location: Magic Kingdom area
Website: www.shadesofgreen.org
Address: 1950 W. Magnolia Palm Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 1-888-593-2242
Special Features: AAFES General Store and great room rates.
Room Types: Large rooms have two queen-sized beds.
Orlando-Area Hotels
In a recent online search for rooms in the Orlando area, more than 350 hotels came up. Needless to say, I can’t review them all, and probably shouldn’t even try. A few things I share here can help you with planning if you’re looking to stay off Disney property but still want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Let’s look at some of the areas you might look in for accommodations.
Celebration/Kissimmee Area
This is the best location for getting to the parks as quickly as possible, especially Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
• Celebration Hotel (www.celebrationhotel.com; 407-566-1844)
• Gaylord Palms (www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms; 407-586-0000)
Lake Buena Vista Area
This area is great for getting to Downtown Disney. Please note that while I recommend these resorts, the Nickelodeon Suites has received many guest complaints that it is noisy and not particularly clean. But the appeal of the characters demands it be listed here.
• Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn (www.nickhotel.com. ; 1-800-344-3959)
• Sheraton Vistana Resort (www.starwood.com; 407-239-3100)
HIDDEN MAGIC!
So what are your best options off property?
• Traveling with kids: The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
• Adult party: Waldorf Astoria Orlando
• Best overall: The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
International Drive
Hotels in this area are ideal if you’re attending a convention at the Orange County Convention Center or will visit Universal Studios and other theme parks. The traffic is very heavy and will cause longer commute times to Disney.
• The Peabody Orlando (www.peabodyorlando.com; 407-352-4000)
• Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando International Drive South (www.embassysuitesorlando.com; 407-352-1400)
Summary
With literally hundreds of hotels to choose from in the Orlando area, as well as all the other choices, no doubt this is just a drop in the proverbial bucket. But with choices that are good for kids and adults, as well as options in areas where you may have some other plans, you’ve got an idea of some good choices, as well as places to look for other options.
Part 3
Feast Like Royalty: Dining at Walt Disney World
Dining at theme parks has moved beyond burgers and pizza, and you will definitely enjoy the changes. But with some prices that can shock even the wealthy, you need to plan ahead. In Part 3, I show you what culinary options have sprung up throughout Walt Disney World and how you can get the most from your dining dollar. You learn about the craze known as character meals, and you consider money-saving options, including dining plans and top-notch meals that come at bargain-basement prices. Bon appétit!
Chapter 12
Dining at Walt Disney World
In This Chapter
• Find out about restaurants all around the world (Disney World, that is!)
• Figure out what choices are best for your taste buds
• Learn about how to meet Disney characters at mealtime
• Understand what the Advance Dining Reservations and Disney Dining Plan programs are all about
If your idea of theme park food variety is having cheese added to your hamburger, you’re in for a big surprise. Walt Disney World has grown over the years to include an amazing array of dining selections. There are counter-service fast-food joints, elegant fine-dining restaurants, and food stands with everything from soft drinks and ice cream to fresh fruit and roasted turkey legs. You can select cuisines from all around the world or some really great American classics. You may also be surprised by a growing effort to bring more healthful choices to the parks and to meet specialty diet requirements.
Making your dining arrangements ahead of time is important, and Disney restaurant reservations are not exactly like the ones you get back home. I show you how their system works so you know what you’re getting and can plan accordingly. Another important factor is cost. While there are dining options to fit all cost ranges, it can be easy to overspend if you don’t pay attention. Because the right meals can make a vacation, underestimating your true food costs could just as easily ruin it.
So why is planning important? Well, some restaurants are so popular that you have to make reservations months before you arrive if you want to get in. And managing your food budget is even more important so that you can enjoy as many of these special dining experiences without having to feel the pain on your credit card later. Let’s get started!
Making Advance Reservations
Let’s start by looking at the Advance Dining Reservations system at Walt Disney World.
Making a Reservation
Making reservations is easy. Almost all of the restaurants accept reservations via one central line. Of course, you can make reservations directly at the restaurant itself, but they’re all on the same computer system, so it’s no better or worse to do so. The system is easy. Simply call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). Tell them what restaurant you’d like to go to, the number of people in your party, the desired time, and so on. Ensure you write down your confirmation number. In the back of this book you’ll find a card designed just for this purpose, so you can keep all your reservation confirmation numbers in one place for easy reference.
You can now also make dining reservations via the Walt Disney World website. Just find the restaurant of your choice and you will be able to request your day and time for a party of up to 10. It will even make recommendations of alternatives, if your restaurant is fully booked, though to date the suggestions, because they are computer generated, are not always very appropriate. They may not be of the same kind of dining experience or cost level.
Advance Reservations Defined
Now exactly what you get with an advance reservation is a bit more complex. Basically, your advance reservation schedule means that when you arrive and check in, you are placed ahead of anyone who is waiting for a table but doesn’t have an advance reservation. Because they accept only a limited number of advance reservations per hour, it is in most respects exactly like a standard reservation. But don’t think that an 8 P.M. advance reservation means that there’s a gleaming table sitting there waiting for you; you may still have to wait a bit.
All of that being said, this system runs pretty much like a normal reservation. Rarely have I had to wait more than 10 to 15 minutes after my advance reservation time.
When to Make a Reservation
Nearly all of the restaurants, including character meals, accept reservations as far out as 180 days in advance. If you are staying at a Disney resort you can make your plans for up to 10 days of your stay in one call. So, in essence, if you are staying for 10 days, you can make some of your reservations for meals as far out as 190 days!
DISNEY DON’T
Don’t get caught out in the cold. The following are some of the more popular
meals reservations at Walt Disney World, so you’ll need to make a little extra effort to secure them.
• Dinner at Le Cellier
• Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table
• Lunch at the Crystal Palace
• Dinner at ‘Ohana
• Spirit of Aloha show
• Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review
• California Grill
• Restaurant Akershus (Princess meals)
• Dinners on certain holidays (New Year’s, Christmas, Thanksgiving)
• Dinners at restaurants with a view of fireworks
Here are some simple rules:
• Plan on calling 180 days out from your arrival day to make your reservations.
• For select popular meals, make sure you call on the morning that is exactly 180 days out, at 7 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, exactly when the lines open.
• Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get every meal that you want. Call back in a week or two, as well as a few weeks before your trip. Cancellations happen all the time, so you might get lucky.
• Write down your confirmation numbers! Take them with you to each meal, as it helps speed up the check-in process.
What Else You Should Know
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:
• When making a reservation, if you are staying at a Disney resort, have your resort reservation number handy.
• Arrive at the restaurant 10 to 15 minutes before your seating time. That way, they get you in the queue at the right time. Some dinner shows, like the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review, require that you arrive as much as 40 minutes ahead of time. This is because they have to seat the entire restaurant all at once, and they need people there early so the show can get started on time.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, 2012 Edition Page 12