disney hotels – EverythingMouse

Disney Magic Kingdom Hotels

November 4, 2011 By Alison 3 Comments

The Disney Magic Kingdom hotels offer luxury and an unrivaled location for those wanting to stay near The Most Magical Place on Earth. The Magic Kingdom hotels are all in the category of Walt Disney World deluxe resorts.

Here are the Disney World hotels closest to Magic Kingdom. Most are on the monorail system with the exception of Wilderness Lodge which is accessed by boat or bus transportation to the park.

Photo by Expressmonorail

Disney’s Grand Florida Resort Hotel and Spa

The most luxurious of them all. This is Disney’s flagship deluxe resort. If you are looking for the best location, largest rooms, fabulous swimming pools, recreation, dining and even a spa then this could be the resort for you. The huge lobby is the very picture of elegance and relaxation but you will feel at home here dressed in a dinner jacket or shorts and a Mickey Mouse hat.

The Magic Kingdom is easily accessed from the Grand Floridian by the monorail or the resort boat. You can be in the Magic Kingdom in minutes. Very convenient for visiting the park in the morning, coming back to the hotel for a short rest and then heading back out in the evening.

Here is a guide to Disney World Grand Floridian

If is also very easy to access Epcot from any of the Disney Magic Kingdom hotels. Travel to the Transport and Ticket Center on the monorail and then catch another monorail to Epcot. All other parks are accessed on the Disney bus transportation system from the Magic Kingdom resorts.

Disney Contemporary Hotel and Resort

A very unique Magic Kingdom hotel. The Contemporary Resort actually has the monorail run right through the lobby area. You can’t get much more convenient than this as the monorail will transport you in minutes to the Magic Kingdom.

The Contemporary Resort has 2 distinct sections. The Tower building with the monorial running through it, the main lobby and the restaurants. The separate building is the Garden Wing. Different view options are offered including of course the most coveted (and expensive) Magic Kingdom view.

The Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club and offers studio, one, two and three bedroom villas. These can be booked by anyone – you do not have to be a Disney Vacation Club owner. Rates start at around $450 per night for a studio right up to around $2000 a night for a 3 bed villa.

For more details here is a Disney Contemporary Resort guide.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Hotel

If you are looking for a tropical resort paradise just minutes from Magic Kingdom then the Disney Polynesian Hotel is a great choice. The rooms are amongst the largest of any Disney resort including the Grand Floridian. There are lots of view choices including some Magic Kingdom views.

There are some good dining choices and the Polynesian is home to the very popular dinner show Spirit of Aloha Polynesian Luau.

The Magic Kingdom is easily reached from the Polynesian by either monorail or boat.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Walt Disney’s WIlderness Lodge Resort is not part of the monorail system but has easy access to the Magic Kingdom by boat. The resort is one of the most stunning architecturally of all the Disney hotels. Step into the lobby and you step into a different world – far removed from the crowds of the theme parks. This deluxe Walt Disney World resort takes it’s inspiration from the Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.

Guests can choose between the hotel rooms of the resort or the larger Disney Wilderness Resort Villas. At a standard 340 square feet the rooms at Wilderness Lodge are a little on the small side so if this is a consideration you should look to one of the other Magic Kingdom hotels.

The Wilderness Lodge has some great dining choices including the highly regarded Artist Point.

If you are looking for a very relaxing atmosphere and beautiful surroundings then you should consider Disney Wilderness Lodge.

All of the Disney Magic Kingdom hotels offer easy access to the park. Unlike non Magic Kingdom resort guests you do not have to go though the Transport and Ticket Center so you save a great deal of time in your journey to and from the park. This collection of deluxe hotels is amongst the finest in Walt Disney World – so the most difficult thing is choosing which one is best for you.

Disney World Character Dining

June 4, 2011 By Alison 6 Comments

Are you trying to decide if Disney World Character Dining is for you? A great tradition of a Disney World vacation is to dine with the characters. There are plenty of different Disney restaurants to choose from. This guide will show you which restaurants offer character dining, give you an overview of the menus and help you decide is Disney World Character Dining is the best option for you and your family.

Photo by armadillo444

Disney World Character Dining Tips

Disney character dining is very popular. As soon as you have decided that this is what you want to do then you should make Advance Dining Reservations either online at Disney Dining Reservations or call 407 WDW DINE. Reservations can be made up to 180 days ahead. Walt Disney World Resort guests do have an advantage because they can start to book 180 days ahead for the whole of their vacation time (for up to 10 days).

Some restaurants will need a credit card guarantee. Make sure that you note this when you make your Advance Dining Reservations and if you wish to cancel that you do so in the time stated. Or your card will be charged whether you dine or not.

Photo by armadillo444

What happens at a character meal? Most, although not all, of the meals are buffets. The characters will visit each table in turn and there will be a chance to take photos and get their autograph.

The Disney characters are excellent at interacting with the guests. They are very well aware that some children may be rather overwhelmed by seeing even their favorite character in life size form! So they will get the message if your child really does not want to come out from underneath the table, but they will also do their very best to coax them out!

For each Disney restaurant there will be a list of characters who are expected to appear. This is just a guide and not a guarantee. Remember even Cinderella needs a rest sometimes.

Where are the Disney World Character Dining locations?

Cinderella’s Royal Table

This is by far the most popular restaurant in the whole of Walt Disney World. The reason? It is located inside Cinderella’s Castle. To get a reservation here you really do have to plan ahead and book absolutely as soon as you possibly can.

Breakfast is served at Cinderella’s Royal Table from 8.00am to 11.15am every day. The price is $44.80 for adults and $29.86 for children aged 3 to 9. The food is all you care to eat which is brought plated to your table. The selection includes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, French toast, yoghurt, granola and fresh fruit. Beverage choices include coffee, tea, juice, soda and milk.

As part of the all inclusive price you will receive a photo package which includes photos of your party with the characters.

As will all character dining you are never sure which characters will appear but usually you will see Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Aurora, Snow White and Belle.

Lunch is priced at $48.54 for adults and $31.11 for children A photo package is included and of course you can buy extra photos if you wish to add to these.

Guests choose from a selection of Entrees including Pork Tenderloin, Major Domo’s Favorite Pie and Pasta Al Pomodoro. There is a children’s selection which of Chicken Strips, Pretzel Dogs and Bakes Pasta Marinara.

The desserts are a choice of No Sugar Sorbet, Chocolate Cream Cheese Buckle and Castle Made Rice Pudding.

Dinner with Cinderella is $54.76 for adults and $33.60 for children aged 3 to 9. Again a photo package is included in the price.

You choose an appetizer, entree and dessert. The appetizer selection is not very inspiring with a choice of Mixed Green Salad, Rock Shrimp Cocktail, Cheese Board or Soup. Entrees include Pork Chop, Duck Confit, Fried Chicken, Beef Tenderloin or Vegetarian Cassoulet.

Opinions are very divided on whether Cinderella’s Royal Table is it worth it or not. If you want the location then this really can’t be beaten. But the food is not the best in Walt Disney World – you are paying a premium for the location and experience.

The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom

Crystal Palace is located at the end of Main Street close to Cinderella’s Castle. And in my opinion serves much better food, certainly for a much better price. The characters are Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore.

Breakfast is served between 8.30am and 10.30am. This is an all you can eat buffet with lots of selections. The menu items do change regularly but you will always find the usual favorites of scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, fruit and pastries. The cost of this character breakfast is $22.99 for adults and $12.99 for children aged 3 to 9. Tax and gratuity are extra.

Lunch is $24.99 for adults and $13.99 for children not including tax and gratuity. This is an all you can eat buffet with lots of choice. A particular favorite of mine is the Fruit and Vegetable Tofu Curry. To finish off there is plenty of choice of desserts. Why not try the Bread and Butter Pudding with Bailey’s Irish Cream Sauce?

Dinner also has a very good buffet selection including Peel and Eat Shrimp, Tropical Slaw, Prime Rib, Roasted Turkey, Chicken Fingers, Roasted Pork and Cheese Pizza. Favorite desserts include Key Lime Pie, Tiramisu and Double Chocolate Brownies.

This is one of my favorite choices when dining in Magic Kingdom.

Princess Storybook Dining

Once upon a time the Akershus restaurant in the Norway Pavilion in Epcot was one of my favorite Disney dining experiences. However that has all changed! Some years ago the restaurant was taken over by the Disney Princesses. Whilst it is a great chance to meet the Princesses in my opinion it is probably the worst buffet food in the whole of Walt Disney World.

Photo by wdwbarber

Having said that it is a great place to go if you have Disney Princess fans in your party. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. As part of the price you pay for the meal you receive a photo package.

This is a good place to see the Princesses but if you want to have a better chance of seeing Cinderella then Cinderella’s Royal Table or dinner at 1900 Park Fare are better bets. A selection of Disney Princesses appear at each Storybook meal and include Ariel, Belle, Snow White, Mulan and sometimes Mary Poppins (not sure that she counts as a Disney Princess)!

Breakfast is $39.40 for adults and $23.42 for children aged 3 to 9. Breakfast is served family style and includes fruit, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, potato casserole, biscuits and cinnamon rolls.

Lunch pricing is $41.53 for adults and $24.49 for children aged 3 to 9. There is a small buffet table with a selection of salads, seafood, meat and cheese. Your can choose an entree from the menu. This includes such items as Salmon Burger, Venison Sausage Sandwich, and Mushroom Stuffed Pasta. There is a children’s selection too which includes pizza and hot dogs. There is a dessert plate which is brought to the table with a selection of desserts.

Dinner is the same menu as lunch and is priced at $46.85 for adults and $25.55 for children aged 3 to 9.

More at Disney Princess Storybook Dining

Garden Grill

This innovative restaurant is located in the Land Pavilion in Epcot Future World. This is a slowly revolving restaurant with views into the LIving With The Land boat ride. You dine with Mickey Mouse, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale.

Dinner is served from 4pm daily and costs $34.99 for adults and $16.99 for children aged 3 to 9. All food is served family style and is brought plated to your table. It includes, breads, salad, Beef Strip Loin, Roasted Turkey, Fish, Vegetables, Potatoes and a dessert of Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. Children have their own platter of Chicken Drumsticks, Mac and Cheese, Broccoli and Sweet Potato Sticks. For dessert there is Mickey Mousse Cookies and Cream.

Playhouse Disney’s Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine

This is a great option if you have younger children. The Playhouse Disney gang of June, Leo, Hanny Manny and Special Agent Oso from Little Einsteins entertain children for breakfast and lunch at Hollywood and Vine in DIsney’s Hollywood Studios. Dinner is not with the characters.

Breakfast is a buffet with all the usual favorites costing $26.99 for adults and $14.99 for children aged 3 to 9.

There is also a character buffet for lunch priced at $28.99 for adults and $14.99 for children. The menu items vary but will include salads, seafood, meat and vegetarian entree selections. Of course there are some nice dessert options too.

More details at

Disney Hollywood and Vine

Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House

This is the only character dining choice in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. It is an all you can eat breakfast buffet with characters. The cost is $24.49 for adults and $10.99 for children aged 3 to 9.

There is a large selection of breakfast items including Ham and Cheese Frittata, Yam Casserole, Cheese Blintzes, Corned Beef Hash and Scrambled Eggs.

Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast Buffet

This is located in the Disney Beach Club at Cape May Cafe each morning. The price is $26.99 for adults and $12.99 for children for a good selection breakfast all you can eat buffet. You will usually see Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald in their beach wear!

Chef Mickey

Photo by PrincessAshley

Chef Mickey is located in the Disney Contemporary Resort and is one of the best and most popular of the character buffets.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Chip and Dale are usually to be found here at breakfast.

You can eat breakfast and dinner at Chef Mickey’s. Breakfast is priced at $26.62 for adults and $13.99 for children aged 3 to 9. There is a large selection of cereals, fruit, pastries and cooked items including Mickey Waffles and Minnie’s Breakfast Pizza.

Chef Mickey’s is also open for dinner from 5pm to 9.30pm with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck. The price is $34.07 for adults and $17.03 for children aged 3 to 9. The menu varies but has a large selection of items including a specialty carved item.

1900 Park Fare

In my opinion 1900 Park Fare has the best food of all the Disney character dining choices. This restaurant is located in the Disney World Grand Florida Resort.

The Supercalifragilistic Breakfast is attended by Mary Poppins, Alice and The Mad Hatter. Even though the Mad Hatter has to be the most annoying person to see at breakfast this character meal is a real treat. There is a large and varied selection on the buffet including strawberry and apple turnovers, pecan sticky bun, Challah bread, omelets, bacon, apple cobbler and French toast.

Breakfast is priced at $22.36 for adults and $12.77 for adults plus tax and gratuity.

Dinner is served from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and costs $35.99 for adults and $17.99 for children plus tax and gratuity. This is the best place to see Cinderella (apart from Cinderella’s Royal Table). There is a lot of choice for the dinner buffet which includes, prime rib, turkey, salmon with butter sauce, pork loin and mussels.

My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea

This character dining experience is also located in the Grand Floridian Resort. This is very much a whole experience rather than being just about the food as this is a wonderful, but expensive, chance to go to a very special tea party with Princess Aurora. The $250 price tag includes a collectable doll, a tiara, bracelet, a scrapbook , a rose and a certificate. The $250 includes admission for one child and one adult. Addtional adult guests are $100 and a child is $150. Tax is not included.

Guests also have tea including sandwiches, cheese briquettes, lavosh crackers and fruit. For the children there is juice, fruit, and sandwiches.

Lilo and Stitch Best Friends Character Breakfast

Photo by PrincessAshley

Another chance to have a character dining experience without park admission. This Character Breakfast is at the Polynesian Resort Disney World Florida..

Breakfast is priced at $20.99 for adults and $11.99 for children aged 3 to 9. Mikey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch are in attendance for breakfast. There is a limited choice of breakfast items and it is served family style.

Garden Grove Cafe

This is one of the lesser known character breakfasts and there are character appearances only on Saturday and Sundays in the Walt Disney World Swan hotel. The price is $20.99 for adults and $12.99 for children. There is a good selection of breakfast items. Unusually for a Disney character breakfast there is no advance reservation system.

Don’t overlook this breakfast venue, even when the characters aren’t there. It is usually quieter and has a very high quality selection of items The only downside is the slightly out of the way location in the outer reaches of the Epcot resort area.

Should You Go For A Disney Character Meal?

Really it is one of those things which you absolutely have to do at least once. Take some time to pick the experience which you think you will enjoy. They really are quite different from each other both in terms of food and experience, but there is something to please everyone.

What is your favorite Disney World Character Dining restaurant? Leave me a comment below.

Walt Disney World Hotels

April 14, 2011 By Alison 6 Comments

Are you wondering which of the Walt Disney World Hotels you should choose? There are many reasons to stay in a Disney World resort but actually finding which one is the best for your family vacation can be a difficult process. So here is a guide and quick overview to help you choose between the resorts and hotels which Walt Disney World offers.

Walt Disney World Deluxe Hotels

If you are looking for the best locations and the largest, most luxurious rooms then the place to start is the Disney World Deluxe hotels. There are 8 different resorts to choose from, and each has their own very distinctive theme and character.

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge

This has to be one of the most unique hotels in North America. How many hotels give you the chance to see a giraffe from your balcony? This deluxe Disney hotel is set in a 40 acre savannah where over 200 species of animals and birds roam freely. There are 1,293 guest rooms most of which are 344 square feet in size.

The savannah view rooms are of course the ones which are the most sought after.

The one downside of this amazing hotel is it’s location. It is located right next to Disney’s Animal Kingdom so is on the edge of Disney property and therefore the least convenient for the other parks and attractions. However it is an amazing hotel with excellent facilities and of course those very unique views.

Click here for a comprehensive guide to Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

This is an excellent choice if you want to be within walking distance of Disney’s Epcot theme park and The Boardwalk restaurants and entertainment. It is also well placed for boat and bus access to the other Disney parks.

This friendly upscale resort is designed to be reminiscent of a turn of the century New England style resort. The standard rooms are a generous 380 square feet and sleep up to 5 guests. Disney’s Beach Club Resort also has one of the very best swimming pools on Disney property, Stormalong Bay.

Here is a guide to the Disney Beach Club hotel.

Disney Boardwalk Inn

The Disney Boardwalk Inn is very conveniently located within walking distance of Epcot and just a boat ride away from Disney Hollywood Studios. The setting for the Boardwalk Inn is alongside the beautiful Crescent Lake. The theme for this 378 room hotel is the elegant 1940s Atlantic City era.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The theme of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a modern future and the exterior design is certainly very different – a monorail runs through this futuristic A Frame design.

The Contemporary Resort is one of the Disney Monorail Hotels so very conveniently placed for access to Magic Kingdom. You can even walk to Magic Kingdom from the hotel.

The Contemporary has recently been renovated so all of the 394 square feet rooms are newly decorated in a modern style. Each room will sleep up to 5 guests and also accommodate a child under 3 in a crib. Some guests feel that the resort is not quite ‘Disney’ enough as the furnishings are contemporary with few hints of the Mouse. But if you are looking for a great location with good facilities then this is an excellent choice.

For more information you can check out this Disney Contemporary Resort guide.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

This is Disney’s flagship premier resort hotel so if you are looking for the most luxurious (and yes the most expensive) Disney resort then the Grand Floridian is the one for you.

Themed for a Victorian grand sea side resort hotel the Grand Floridian is located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Many of the rooms have views of the Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle.

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has 867 rooms including 25 suites. The average standard room size is 440 square feet so a very generous size.

It is another Disney monorail hotel so access to Magic Kingdom is quick and easy. You can also travel by monorail to Epcot, or take a bus to Disney Hollywood Studios and Disney Animal Kingdom.

Even though it is a luxury resort it is very much a family hotel and everyone will feel welcome.

Here is a guide to Disney World Grand Floridian

Disney Polynesian Resort

The Polynesian Resort is also located on the monorail loop at the side of Seven Seas Lagoon so it offers very easy access to Magic Kingdom.

This luxury Disney hotel not only has a great location but also offers some of the largest hotel rooms in Disney World. The theme is a relaxed South Seas location with a welcoming tropical atmosphere. The Polynesian offers excellent restaurants and also hosts the very popular Polynesian Luau Dinner Show.

If you want to know more then see our guide to the Polynesian Resort Disney World Florida

Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge Resort

If you want to feel as though you have escaped completely to a luxurious National Park Lodge then the Wilderness Resort is the place for you. It has an excellent location just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom but once you step through it’s doors you feel as though you have entered a land a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Disney parks.

The Wilderness Lodge has 728 rooms which at 340 square feet in size are some of the smallest of the Walt Disney World hotels deluxe resorts. But they are beautifully furnished. Disney Wilderness Lodge has a wonderfully themed swimming pool and a good choice of restaurants including the very popular Artist’s Point.

For more details on this excellent deluxe resort here is a guide to Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge Resort.

Disney Yacht Club Resort

The Disney Yacht Club is the sister hotel to the Disney Beach Club Hotel and they share the very popular Stormalong Bay resort pool. The Yacht Club is very conveniently located within walking distance of Epcot. You can also take the boat to Disney Hollywood Studios or the bus to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.

The theme is of course a nautical one with a relaxed East Coast sea side theme running through the resort. The Yacht Club has 630 rooms and the standard rooms are around 380 square feet, so a good size. Each room sleeps up to 5 guests.

The attraction of the Disney Yacht Club Resort is of course the location, the luxurious rooms, and Stormalong Bay swimming pool. You are within very easy reach of lots of restaurants including of course the Epcot World Showcase offerings.

Walt Disney World Moderate Hotels

If you are on a more moderate budget then the Walt Disney World Moderate hotels can be an excellent choice. Rooms are smaller than the deluxe resorts, and their locations, whilst still convenient, are not as amazingly ideal as the luxury hotels. It can be a great choice for a family to experience all the advantages of a good Disney World hotel.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Colorful and fun are two words which best describe Disney’s Caribbean Beach Hotel. It is a large resort with 2112 rooms on a 200 acre site. The rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach are 314 square feet. Most rooms have 2 full size beds although some have a King. The resort is very large so be aware that you may have to walk a long way from your room to the central Old Port Royale where the restaurants and lobby is located.

All rooms are motel style with outdoor corridors. The swimming pools are a lot of fun and there are plenty to choose from as each of the buildings has it’s own pool. The Caribbean Beach Hotel does have it’s own full service restaurant and a food court.

For more details check out our Disney Caribbean Beach guide.

Disney Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the newest of the moderate resorts and it’s basic design was based on the Caribbean Beach. The Coronado Springs has 1,921 rooms located in three themed beautifully landscaped areas set around a 15 acre lake Lago Dorado. The theme is Spanish Colonial Mexico. Lots of bright colors, and even a Mayan ruin themed pool.

Just like Caribbean Beach the resort is very large and you may be located a long way from El Centro with the restaurants and shops. There are 1917 rooms at the Disney Coronado Springs. All were renovated in 2009 and most are 314 square feet and have 2 Queen beds.

The location is good but perhaps not quite as good as Caribbean Beach as it is more towards the edge of Disney property closer to Disney Animal Kingdom. Really though there is not much difference and you should pick the theme which you prefer.

Here is a comprehensive guide to Disney Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter

This moderate Disney resort takes it’s inspiration and theme from New Orleans French Quarter. The location of Port Orleans is close to Downtown Disney, so convenient for all the parks and attractions. The resort has just over 1000 rooms which are 314 square feet. The resort has motel style rooms with outdoor corridors.

Port Orleans is very nicely landscaped and has a great choice of swimming pools. The one downside is that there are no full service restaurants, only a food court.

Disney Port Orleans Riverside Hotel

Photo by Express Monorail

This is the sister hotel to Port Orleans French Quarter. It is a larger resort with just over 2000 rooms. The theme is the Mississippi Old South. Again the rooms are motel style and most have 2 double beds.

The Disney Port Orleans Riverside does have a full service restaurant so for some this gives it the edge of convenience over the French Quarter.

Walt Disney World Value Hotels

If you are looking for a very reasonably priced way to stay on Disney property then the value resorts are a great way to go. Expect a good standard motel type room with over the top Disney theming and you won’t be disappointed!

At the moment there are 4 Disney Value Resorts with a 5th planned for 2012 (Disney’s Art of Animation Resort).

The basic idea of all the value resorts is the same, but of course the theme of each is very different.

Disney Pop Century Resort

The theme is pop culture from the 50s to the 90s so here you will find giant Lady and the Tramp characters, a giant Rubik Cube and a huge Mickey Mouse telephone. At 260 square feet the rooms are comfortable but can be a tight fit for a larger family.

There is a food court area for a quick snack, but you will need to travel for full service dining. The swimming pools are a lot of fun but can of course get very crowded and as this a resort which attracts families with young children, rather loud!

Disney’s All Star Movies Resort

Larger than life and a whole lot of fun is the best way to describe Disney All Star Movie Resort. With a 35 foot tall Buzz Lightyear and a 40 foot tall Dalmation, this hotel is definitely designed to be fun!

The rooms are the smallest of the Disney World hotel value resorts at just 260 square feet so don’t expect a whole lot of space. The almost 2000 rooms are in one of 5 areas: 101 Dalmations, Fantasia, Toy Story, Herbie:The Love Bug and The Mighty Ducks.

As with all the Disney Value Resorts there is no full service dining, just a food court.

Here is a complete guide to Disney All Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All Star Music Resort

Not surprisingly the theme for this Disney hotel is music. The design is basically the same as All Star Movies but the buildings are themed on Calypso, Jazz Inn, Rock Inn, Country Fair, and the Broadway Hotel.

A great feature of Disney’s All Star Music Resort is that it has some family suites available. These are a great option for larger budget conscious families as they offer 520 square feet of space including a kitchenette which will sleep up to 6 guests.

Disney’s All Star Sports Resort

The theme is of course sports so you will find giant tennis racquets, footballs and surf board and the like at this motel style Disney resort. There are almost 2000 rooms each sleeping up to 4 in a 260 square foot room.

Again you will not find full service dining, just a food court. As with all of the value resorts if you expect a good motel style room, located very conveniently for all the parks with the advantages of the special Disney Magic then you will not be disappointed. Luxury it is not, but they are most definitely good value.

Disney Cabins and Campgrounds

This is sometimes an option which is overlooked but you can stay on a camp site in a tent or recreational vehicle, or even rent your own log cabin on the Walt Disney World resort.

Offering 748 camp sites, RV hook ups and 409 log cabins Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is spread over 740 acres of mainly pine forest, within easy reach of all the magic of Disney World.

Here is a complete guide to Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins

As you will see there is a lot of choice of Walt Disney World Hotels. There are also a number of Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts if you are looking for larger accommodation. Each Disney World Hotel has it’s own character, and of course price level. Have fun choosing!

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney Tips, Disney World Hotels, Hotels Tagged With: disney hotels, Disney World Hotels, walt disney world hotels

Disney Wilderness Lodge Villas

October 7, 2010 By Alison 1 Comment

If you are looking for a luxurious place to stay which is very convenient to Magic Kingdom then consider booking one of the Disney Wilderness Lodge Villas. These studio, one and two bedroom villas are a great option for families who want all the convenience of one of the best locations in Walt Disney World. The 137 villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club but guests do not have to be a member to stay there. The villas are adjacent to and part of Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge Resort and share the same location and resort facilities.

Photo by Darren Whittko

Disney Wilderness Lodge Villa Rooms

Guests have the choice of either a studio or a one or two bedroom villa. The studio rooms are a compact 356 square feet and have a Queen bed, a full size sleeper sofa and a bathroom. The studios have a kitchenette with a small dining table, a microwave, coffee maker and small refrigerator. A big plus for families is that the studios have a washer and dryer. Each studio sleeps up to 4 guests and an infant under 3 in a crib. The studios have a private porch or balcony.

If you are looking for a lot more space then the one bedroom villa is a great option. At 727 square feet there is a lot of room for the family to spread out. The bedroom has a King size bed, television and a whirlpool tub with a separate vanity area. The living area has a Queen size sofa bed and a full bathroom. The one bed villas also have a full kitchen with a stove, microwave and refrigerator. One welcome addition is that there is a washer and dryer in the villa. Each villa also has a private porch or balcony. They sleep up to 4 guests and an infant aged under 3 using a crib.

Wilderness Lodge also offers 2 bed villas which will sleep up to 8 adults plus an infant aged under 3. So these are a great option if you have a larger party. The 2 bed villas are eithe a studio and one bedroom villa combined or a ‘true’ 2 bed villa and offer 1080 square feet of space. The master bedroom is a King bed, and the second bedroom has 2 Queen beds. There is also a Queen sized sleeper in the living area. The villa has the advantage of 2 full bathrooms as well as the jacuzzi tub in the master. There is a full size kitchen with oven, microwave and refrigerator.

All of the villas offer internet access which is free for Disney Vacation Club members but for which there is a charge for non DVC guests.

Rooms Rates for Disney Wilderness Lodge Villas

Photo by Darren Whittko

The studio rooms range from $330 to $505 rack rate for 2010. The one bedroom villas start at $450 to $685, and the 2 bedroom $660 to $1115. All rates are subject to tax. Discounts may be available for annual passholders and Florida residents.

Recreation at Disney Wilderness Lodge Villas

The main swimming pool at the resort is the Silver Creek Springs pool which has a water slide and a hot tub. The pool has an unusual feature as it actually begins in the Wilderness Resort lobby as a geyser which runs outside and forms the pool. This is the kind of innovative design and attention to detail which makes Disney so special. The Silver Creek Springs pool can get pretty busy but there is an alternative quiet pool, HIdden Springs. Both of the pools have a bar which is open seasonally.

The Wilderness Lodge Villas and Resort are themed around the great National Parks of the US, so as you would expect the landscaping is just beautiful. You should take some time to explore by walking around the resort. No visit is complete without seeing Fire Rock Geyser. This is located between the Silver Creek Springs pool and Bay Lake. It is designed to be reminiscent of Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Geyser. Ever hour on the hour Fire Rock Geyser shoots water 120 feet into the air. A spectacle not to be missed, but which most Disney guest do not even know about!

The Wilderness Lodge Villas are of course located at the side of Bay Lake so as you would expect there are plenty of chances to indulge in water activities. Water craft rentals and fishing area available. Call 407 WDW PLAY for more details.

The Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room is another little known gem in the Wilderness Lodge Villas. Walt Disney was passionate about railroads and this room which is located just off the Villas lonny is dedicated to his passion for trains. There are 2 train cars from Walt’s own backyard railroad on display in the room, where you can also spend some quiet time playing board games or just enjoying some peace and quiet.

There is a playground open 24 hours a day and if parents want a break then they can sign up their kids aged 4 to 12 for the supervised activities at Cub’s Den.

The Wonders of the Lodge Tour gives an insight into the design, architecture, landscaping and art work in the hotel. The tour starts at 9am on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Photo by Josh McConnell

If you want a workout the Wilderness Lodge has The Sturdy Branches Health Club as well as a 2.5 mile jogging trail which extends around the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Campground.

Wilderness Lodge Villas Transportation

The Wilderness Lodge Villas share the same transportation as the Wilderness Resort Hotel. The location is excellent for Magic Kingdom in particular as this is only a short boat ride away. There are also 3 bus stops at the Wilderness Resort which will take you to Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. The bus to Animal Kingdom also stops at Blizzard Beach. Buses to Downtown Disney start running at 4pm. The Wilderness Lodge buses also stop at the Polynesian and the Floridian resort hotels so sometimes the journey can seem a little time consuming.

Wilderness Lodge Villas Dining

Although there are no restaurants in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Villas building, guests are a small step away from the excellent dining choices in the Wilderness Resort Hotel building.

One of the finest restaurants in Disney World is Artist Point. The menu features American Northwest influenced dining and includes Pacific King Salmon, Venison Spring Rolls and New York Strip Steak. The design of the restaurant is just spectacular and with 131 selections on the wine list you can be sure that you will have something to discuss with the waiter. And don’t forget to sample the Artist Point Cobbler. Entrees range from $36 to $60.

Whispering Canyon Cafe is located just off the Wilderness Lodge Lobby and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each table has a lazy susan in the middle where your food is placed. You can order a la carte but the family style skillet meals are popular and a good value. Breakfast serves typical favorites like waffles,omelet and the good value Canyon Skillet. Lunch offerings include sandwiches and burgers. Dinner favorites are meatloaf, barbeque beef, roast chicken and grilled rib eye.

If you just want a quick counter service restaurant then the Roaring Fork is open all day. The usual favorites include pizza, sandwiches and burgers. The Territory Lounge offers a full service bar and lounge snacks.

Disney Wilderness Lodge Villas offer a great choice of accommodation for guests looking for something in a very convenient but relaxing setting. The studios are pretty small and really do not offer that much in the way of being able to cater for yourself, but the one and two bedroom villas are a good choice if you have a larger party and actually do think that you will be making some meals yourself. With the popularity of Disney dining it sometimes seems like the self catered choice is not that important but it can be a good option for some.

The theming of the Wilderness Lodge is amazing. The attention to detail is spectacular. You find yourself wondering how this can possibly be so close to all the activity of Magic Kingdom and the other Disney parks. The Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge Resort is truly a destination to be savored and explored.

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney World Hotels Tagged With: disney hotels, disney vacation club villas, disney wilderness lodge villas

Disney Coronado Springs Resort

September 14, 2010 By Alison 5 Comments

Are you considering staying at Disney Coronado Springs Resort but want to know more about it before you make a choice? The Coronado Springs is one of Walt Disney World’s moderate resorts. You will have all the advantages of staying at a Disney World resort and with room rates starting at around $154 a night it can be a great option. But is it the right place to stay for you and your family?

The first thing that you will notice about Disney’s Coronado Springs is how large and spread out the resort it. Coronado Springs has 1,921 rooms located in three themed beautifully landscaped areas set around a 15 acre lake Lago Dorado.

As with all Disney hotels the theme is wonderfully carried throughout the resort. You will find all of those Disney touches that you expect. But this hotel was built with convention business in mind so the Disney theme is perhaps not as prominent as some vacation guests would like.

There is a large main building El Centro which houses the lobby,restaurants,shops and convention center. The hotel does have a lot of convention center business so theme park guests will rub shoulders with business convention guests. This seems to work well so neither feels out of place.

The hotel rooms are housed in one of three distinct area which surround the huge Lago Dorado Lagoon. These areas are the Casitas, the Ranchos and the Cabanas. The Casitas and Cabanas are located closest to the main building with the Ranchos being a large walk from lobby, but closer to the main pool.

I know I keep saying this but The Coronado Springs resort is large. Very large! This can involve a lot of walking around the resort to get from your room to the parking lot and El Centro. But in many ways this is a big advantage. The resort just never seems to feel crowded which of course is a huge plus.

Photos courtesy of mrkathika

Disney Coronado Springs Resort Rooms

There are 1917 rooms at the Disney Coronado Springs. All were renovated in 2009. Most of the rooms are 314 square feet and have 2 Queen beds, and work area with table and chairs. All of the rooms have a flat screen television. Internet access is available but there is a fee.

The single vanity sink is located outside the bathroom – making the space much more usable for families. Most of the rooms have 2 Queen beds. There are 224 rooms with a King bed, so as you can see not a high number. Make sure if you want a King room to request this at the time of your reservation. There are also 99 accessible rooms.

Each standard room sleeps up to 4 people plus one child in a crib.

There are suites available at the Coronado Springs which will sleep up to 6 guests and a child in a crib.
The resort also has Concierge Club guest rooms. These are a very new addition but are located in Cabana 9B which is one of the closest blocks to the El Centro building. They offer extra in room amenities such as DVD player,robes and coffee maker. They also have a dedicated Front Desk service, continental breakfast and snacks.

Where are the best rooms in Disney’s Coronado Springs? You have to take into account the location of the room because of the size of the resort. The Rancheros buildings are the furthest away from the El Centro lobby building with it’s restaurants and shops but is is closest to the main pool area. Disney has recently started to tackle this by providing internal transportation around the Coronado in golf carts! If you like a quieter spot then you may want to choose the Rancheros – but you are going to be limited on views. There are limited water views available from rooms 6103,6203,6303,6225,6226,6326,6245,6246 and 6600 to 6604.

The Cabanas do offer some nice lake views. The advantage of Cabanas 9A and 9B are they are closer to El Centro and some also offer good views. The disadvantage may be that they are noisy.

The Casitas are located to the left of the El Centro lobby. The closest is Building 1 and the furthest is Building 5. Some of these rooms offer great views of Lake Dorado – try 4230 to 4266.

The address of the Coronado Springs Resort is 1000 West Buena Vista Drive; Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830. The direct phone number for the Coronado Resort is 407 939 1000.

Rates at Disney Coronado Springs

The Coronado Springs Resort is a moderate Disney hotel. It is quite a big step up in quality and amenities from a Disney Value Resort and can be a great option. Rack rates start at $154 per room per night plus tax in Value Season for a Standard View. Rates rise to $269 per night in Holiday Season.

Water View rooms at the Coronado Springs have higher rates. They start at $179 in Value Season rising to $269 for a King or Queen room in Holiday Season.

The maximum occupancy of a standard Queen room at the Coronado Springs is 4. If there are more than 2 adults in the room there is an additional charge of $15 per additional adult per night. For King rooms the maximum capacity is for 2 guests.

The Club Level rooms start at $210 for Value Season rising to $310 for Holiday Season.

There are some Junior Suites with a maximum occupancy of 6 guests which start priced at $350 and rise to $575 per room per night.

The One Bedroom Suites Value Season rate is $655 for Value Season rising to $885 for Holiday Season. The One Bedroom Suites accommodate up to 6 guests.

All of the rates are for 2010 and do not include taxes. To get the very best rates you can always contact EverythingMouse Travel and we will take care of all the details for you – our service is always free of charge.

Recreation at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

The Coronado hotel pool is located at The Dig Site. This wonderful Mayan pyramid themed pool also features a 123 foot long Jaguar Water Slide. The Coronado pool Dig Site also has a very large hot tub which will fit up to 22 people, an excellent playground,children’s pool a sand volleyball court and that essential ingredient – a great pool bar called Siesta’s.

There are also 3 more pools located around the resort. The main pool can get pretty crowded so sometimes it is a great option to go to one of the smaller, but generally quieter pools.

The La Vida Health Club is the only fitness facility at a moderate Walt Disney World hotel. This excellent 3,000 square foot facility is free for resort guests. If you are staying at a different Disney reosrt then you can purchase a day pass for $12 per day. The spa is a 200 square space which offers a sauna, pedicure, manicures, massage and personal training. Use of this facility is of course at additional charge.

The recreation at Coronado Springs is right outside your room – just walk around the beautiful resort trail, walk on one of the sandy areas around the lagoon or relax in a hammock. You can rent bikes, Surrey Bikes, kayaks and pedal boats too.

Disney’s Coronado Resort Transortation

The bus transportation system at Disney Coronado is an efficient way to get around. There are 4 bus stops around the resort and buses will take you to Disney Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Magic Kingdom and Blizzard Beach. Journey times are from 5 minutes to Blizzard Beach, to around 20 minutes to Magic Kingdom. Other resort and Downtown Disney are accessed via the Transport and Ticket Center.

Restaurants at Disney’s Coronado Resort

There are a number of dining choices in Disney’s Coronado resort.

The Maya Grill is Disney’s Coronado resort’s only full service dining restaurant. Breakfast favorites include omelets, pancakes and a Kobe Brunch Burger. The service is good. Ask for a table by the window so that you get a nice view of the resort.

The Maya Grill also serves dinner from 5pm onwards. The entrees average around the high $20 mark and include Chipotle Chicken Breast, Salmon al la Plancha and Steak and Portobello Skewer.

For counter service food the Pepper Market is the choice at the Coronado.for breakfast lunch and dinner. I am not a big fan of this venue – mainly because it can get very very crowded. When you enter the Pepper Market you are shown to a table and given a ticket. You then walk around the various stations and select what you want to eat. It is then brought to your table and you pay when you exit. The cuisine will suit most tastes with a selection of pizza, pasta,salads,sandwiches and Mexican food. Entree pricing ranges around the $10 to $15 mark.

Other dining choices at the Coronado Resort are room service available 11am to 11pm, the Siesta Pool Dining and Grill located next to the Dig Site. The Ritz Lounge is in the El Centro building and is open from 5pm to 2am with a full service bar and appetizer menu.

For me the restaurant and eating choices are rather limited as the Maya Grill is one of my least favorite Disney restaurants. But Coronado Springs is still my favorite moderate resort – you can always eat somewhere else!

Overall Disney Coronado Springs Resort is a great choice for families and couples on a Disney vacation. It has a good location, good pricing and is a beautiful relaxing resort. But for those looking for none stop Disney they may be a little disappointed with the theming – but perhaps you will get more than enough of that in the parks!

If you want help with planning your Disney vacation don’t forget that you can contact us here at EverythingMouse!

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney World Hotels Tagged With: disney coronado, disney coronado springs, disney coronado springs resort, disney hotels, Disney World Hotels, disney world moderate hotels

Disney All Star Movie Resort

September 9, 2010 By Alison 3 Comments

The Disney All Star Movie Resort can be a good choice if you are looking for value and a decent standard of hotel for your next Walt Disney World vacation. But is it the Disney resort for you? This value resort is aimed at families wanting to stay on Disney property whilst keeping to a lower budget. The Movie Resort is the latest of the All Star Resorts (the others are All Star Music and All Star Sports) having first opened in 1998.

Larger than life and a whole lot of fun is the best way to describe Disney All Star Movie Resort. With a 35 foot tall Buzz Lightyear and a 40 foot tall Dalmation, and a 5 times larger than life Herbie the Beetle this hotel is definitely designed to bring a smile to everyone who stays there.

Rooms at Disney’s All Star Movie Resort

Here you will find the smallest rooms in the whole of Walt Disney World. At just 260 square feet they are compact but with rates starting at $82 a night in low season they are excellent value. Expect a good quality motel type room and this is what you will get – but with all the benefits of those extra Disney special touches.

The 1920 rooms are housed within one of 5 differently themed buildings: 101 Dalmations, Fantasia, Toy Story, Herbie:The Love Bug and The Mighty Ducks. Perhaps if they were building the resort now then they would have more modern themes to appeal to the younger members of the family. Toy Story tends to be the most popular amongst the kids of course! The buildings are 2 stories high with both elevators and stairs. There are motel style outdoor corridors for each room.

Each room has 2 double beds or a King size bed. There are many more double rooms than King rooms so if you want a larger bed then make sure you request that at the time of booking as only 74 King rooms are available. Each room sleeps up to 4 guests. It is fine for 2 adults and 2 younger children but my advice is if you have older children or more adults then one room is just not going to be enough. Connecting rooms are available and this may be a much better option.

The decoration in the rooms can best be described as colorful! Once again the emphasis is on fun and you will find brightly colored themed bedspreads and Disney small touches everywhere. If you expect a decent room with a small basic bathroom then you will not be disappointed. Luxury this is not. Value it most certainly is – you get to stay on Disney property for a very reasonable rate.

The views from the rooms are either parking lot, courtyard or pool.

The All Star Music Resort is a lively place. Lots of young children and groups stay at this resort. This of course equals some noise! If you want a quieter room then the options are to be honest a little limited. You may try to get a second floor room as that should cut down some of the noise. There are some rooms at the back of the resort which look out over some woods. If you want peace and quiet this may not be the resort for you!

The rates for a room at All Star Movies start at $82 and go up to $159 per room per night. You can also book a preferred room at the resort. These rooms start at $97 and go to $160 – you will be allocated a room closer to the hub of the resort at Central Hall so will have a room in Toy Story , 101 Damlations or Fantasia.

If you have more than 2 adults in your room then there is a $10 per extra adult charge per night. As has been mentioned it would be a very tight fit in the rooms with more than 2 adults so you want to think about this carefully!

The center of the resort is at the Central Hall Building. . Here you will find the check in facilities and the quick service dining, The World Premiere Food Court. You will also find an arcade, play ground and a gift shop. The choices in the food court are a little limited. This is very much fast food dining and it can get crowded and very noisy at times. It is a convenient place for a snack however as you will have to travel out of the resort for full service dining options. Of course you will be spoiled for choice in Walt Disney World so the limited food court is fine for many guests. It has the usual favorites: pizza, chicken nuggets, nachos and ice cream.

There are 2 swimming pools at the All Star Movie Resort, The Mighty Ducks and The Fantasia Pool. Both have excellent theming and are very popular!

The resort has Disney transportation buses to take you to the theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney and the other resorts. The bus stop is located outside Cinema Hall. The Disney transport system is a great thing, but some guests do report that the waits and journey times can be long.

Is the Disney All Star Movie Resort a good option for your vacation. Really only you can decide. It does offer great value at prices which are much lower than other Disney resorts. But the trade off is is the smaller, more basic rooms and the potential noise and crowds. Many guests love the All Star Resorts and return year after year.

Photos by coconutwireless

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney World Hotels Tagged With: disney all star movies, disney hotels, disney value hotels, disney world all star movies

Disney Grand Floridian Resort

December 24, 2008 By Alison 2 Comments

$Disney\'s Grand Floridian Resort Hotel$

Are you thinking of booking a stay in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Hotel? This beautiful Disney World hotel is one of my favorite places to stay, but of course rooms are pretty pricey – so is it really worth a stay here?

Disney’s Grand Floridian was designed to evoke a different era. Think Victorian seaside elegance and you have the Floridian. It is also located in one of the best spots in the whole of Walt Disney World – on the monorail circuit on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. You can even walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian. So for location it really can’t be beaten.

Disney World hotels are known for their excellent service. And the Grand Floridian is the flagship hotel so here you will find great Cast Members who will go out of their way to help you.

How much does a standard room at the Grand Floridian cost? Room rates start at $399 and will rise according to season. Concierge level rooms start at $520 per night. Are concierge level rooms worth it? You will have access to the Sugar Loaf Club and Royal Palm Club which has continental breakfast, snacks and evening wine. Reviews of the concierge service are generally positive and the upgrade can be worth it if you plan to use the lounge often. But otherwise the rooms are exactly the same as the standard rooms in design. Concierge level guests are also have the opportunity to participate in the exclusive Wildlife Discovery Excursion. This is a very limited and extra cost private excursion of Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safari. Some guests that this alone is worth the splurge on a concierge level room.

The Grand Floridian has great recreational facilities including 2 swimming pools, a fitness facility,tennis, jogging track and of course the full service spa.

Whether you are staying at the Grand Floridian or are just a guest of Walt Disney World you must try out at least one of the restaurants in the hotel. Victoria and Albert’s is one of the finest restaurants in the region – not just Disney World. This adult only dining experience is truly very special. Perfection does come at a price though. The fixed price menu is currently $125 with wine pairings an additional $60. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Citricos is another Grand Floridian restaurant which is often overlooked by Disney guests. Another excellent dining experience this restaurant has a Mediterranean influence and serves entrees of steak and seafood specials.

Narcoossee’s restaurant is a real treat particularly if you like lobster. This restaurant is located in a separate building overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon so you get a great view of Magic Kingdom.

If you are looking for a Disney character meal then 1900 Park Fare is the place to be. At breakfast you will find Mary Poppins, The Mad Hatter and Alice. Cinderella and Prince Charming will be there for dinner. All meals are buffet style. 1900 Park Fare is one of my personal favorites. Sure it can get pretty noisy but you get a lot of interaction with the Disney characters and the food is pretty good too.

You can even have your wedding or vow renewal at the Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian resort. Who can imagine a more romantic location for the Disney fan that getting married overlooking Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. You can even hire a coach and horses so that you really can have that fairytale come true.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a fabulous place to stay for your Disney World vacation. But even if you don’t stay at the resort then make sure that you stop by and just soak in some of the atmosphere, try out the restaurants of just people watch in the lobby. You will be whisked away to a bygone era of elegance and style – right next to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

If you want more information including lots of pictures of the resort and where to find the best rooms then check out my Guide to Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney World Hotels Tagged With: disney grand floridian, disney hotels

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