| In the past I have emphasized the importance of | | | | beginning and end of your trip. |
| thoroughly researching and planning your entire | | | | Other resort options include Disney Vacation Club |
| Disney vacation package from the earliest | | | | condos (allowing a more self catering approach - |
| possible stage. Involving the whole family in the | | | | good for larger families) and for those who prefer |
| fun of planning your Disney vacation is a means | | | | to "rough it" a little, there are excellent RV and |
| of really building the excitement and anticipation | | | | camping facilities available including Fort Wilderness |
| from day one and helps ensure that you and | | | | which offers everything from luxury cabins right |
| your family enjoy a truly memorable Disney | | | | down to campsites for tents (there are miles of |
| Vacation. | | | | hiking, riding and nature trails too). |
| In this article I will outline some brief | | | | Off-site Accommodation - Basically, almost |
| accommodation considerations, tips and options | | | | everything that can be found on-site can be |
| (of which there are many!!) to help you make the | | | | found in abundance off-site too. There are |
| right choice of accommodation to suit your | | | | hundreds of hotel options open to you in close |
| circumstances and type of vacation. The idea | | | | proximity to the parks and this allows you plenty |
| today is to simply give you some food for | | | | of choice when looking for really competitive hotel |
| thought. | | | | deals. |
| Choose Your Disney Accommodation Wisely | | | | Obviously the big drawback here is transport to |
| "Choose your Disney accommodation wisely" | | | | and from the airport, the parks and your hotel as |
| might seem to be a bit of an obvious statement | | | | well as adherence to meal times - although the |
| but it is an area that needs careful consideration | | | | transport links are generally pretty good and |
| and the right choice is dependent on a lot of | | | | dining options can be found absolutely |
| factors. Accommodation options include: | | | | everywhere. |
| Disney Resort Facilities - Although this is the most | | | | Villa and condo rentals are a very popular choice |
| obvious first choice for maximum convenience | | | | for many people. There are some unbelievable |
| and fun, there are a few "fors" and "againsts" to | | | | deals to be had if you have a decent Private |
| consider. On-site resorts basically come in 3 | | | | Travel Club Membership where incredible discounts |
| categories - Value, Moderate and Deluxe - and | | | | are available and last minute bargains abound |
| the quality of facilities available at each (and hence | | | | Some excellent deals can also be found by |
| the cost) is obviously dependent on which type | | | | checking your local newspapers, local noticeboards, |
| you are in. | | | | smaller websites, etc looking for local owners |
| TOP DISNEY TIP - The biggest plus for staying in | | | | willing to let their holiday homes out privately - |
| an on-site Disney resort is that the parks open | | | | particularly in Florida with its fairly large buy to let |
| earlier and close later for resort guests - meaning | | | | and foreign owner community. |
| that you have an opportunity to avoid most of | | | | Villas and condos are a great idea if you intend to |
| the crowds and more easily get on your favourite | | | | visit other tourist spots away from the parks. |
| rides for a period of time. | | | | They allow you a lot more flexibility too when it |
| On-site resorts can also prove to be very | | | | comes to meal times and for just taking some |
| convenient if you have young children. The hotels | | | | time out from all the non-stop excitement to |
| are fun for the kids and have themed pools and | | | | simple chill out for a day. Take it from me......after |
| food courts and although rooms are fairly | | | | a couple of days doing the Disney parks you'll |
| standard they are nonetheless quite comfortable - | | | | welcome a home away from home with all its |
| considering you will only be sleeping in them at the | | | | comforts to just relax by the pool and recover. |
| end of your busy days. | | | | In summary, your choice of Disney |
| You will notice a lot of tired and screaming kids in | | | | accommodation should reflect a balance between |
| the parks each day in the early afternoon......which | | | | your family or group dynamic, any additional |
| leads me on to another TOP DISNEY TIP: When | | | | travel intentions whilst on your Disney vacation |
| staying in an on-site Disney resort you can use | | | | and of course your budget. |
| the excellent transport system to easily go back | | | | There are plenty of accommodation options |
| to your accommodation and give the kids an | | | | available close to all Disney resorts and with |
| afternoon refresher sleep, before returning to the | | | | thoughtful research and planning you will easily find |
| parks again later in the day - less stress and less | | | | one to suit your needs. Concentrate your planning |
| earache for all concerned!! | | | | on what you intend to do whilst at Disneyland and |
| Obviously, when staying in Disney resort | | | | think about the practicalities involved in achieving it. |
| accommodation you are well placed to view the | | | | Enjoy your planning and I hope the excitement is |
| amazing Magic Kingdom fireworks display every | | | | gradually building towards your Disney Vacation. |
| night - one of the highlights. Also of great | | | | Please feel free to contact me with any of your |
| importance, you get free use of transport | | | | comments, tips or suggestions that could be |
| between all the Disney parks and in addition you | | | | shared with other eager Disney travellers. |
| will be shuttled to and from the airport at the | | | | Safe and Happy Travelling! |
