Conference koolit::disney

    On my  last  2 trips I stayed in one of the Treehouse Villas and at the
    Disney INN.
    
    The Treehouse Villas  are  located  next  to  the Lake Buena Vista Golf
    Course in a wooded area with a couple of fairways on 2 sides and canals
    on the other.  They sleep up  to  6 people and most of the other Villas
    sleep up to 6 with some of them even more. I would highly  recomend any
    of the Villa for  groups  traveling  together.   One of the nice things
    about the Treehouse Villa's is  that  each unit is free standing versus
    the  other  villa which resenble condiminiums, come with 2 baths, small
    kitchen and a non-coin laundry in the basement.  The  area  is peaceful
    and if your fortunate enough you can fish off you patio  deck otherwise
    you might have to walk a few hundred feet to get to  the canal.  Lot of
    peacock  roam  the  area  as  well  as  make some strange noises in the
    morning ;^).  The cost now is about $250/night a lot more than the $150
    a night I paid in '84.
    
    The Disney Inn is also a rather peaceful and slow going atmosphere like
    the Villas but  is  more centrally located (just off to the left of the
    Polynesian Resort).  Each  room  can  hold up to 5 people, 2 queen beds
    and a sleep sofa, and  a  six  person  under  3.   It has a rather nice
    restaurant overlooking the pool and the  golf  course.  The is not much
    to do at night just a lounge,  but  the  Polynesian  and  tram are only
    minutes away by bus/car/walk.  I your planning  to stay on property and
    couldn't  get  into  the Grand Floridian/Contemporary/Polynesian or the
    couldn't quite  come  up  with  the  $$'s then look into staying at teh
    Disney Inn.
    
    As far as the  other's  even  though I never stayed at, I have eaten in
    some of their restuarants, seen  the  shows,  swam in the pools (except
    the Grand Floridian) and from what  I've  seen they are also well worth
    it, and would recommend them as well.   The atmospher at the Polynesean
    is laid back while the Contemporary seems a little more fast pace.
    
    Claude

    We stayed at the Disney Inn in 1987.  I would second the
    recommendation.  While it doesn't have a theme like the other resorts,
    it is a very peaceful place.  It reminds me of a very nice Holiday
    Inn.  It has only about 200 rooms.
    
    It is a little off the beaten path, however.  In some ways this
    is part of it's charm.  You don't have a lot of other guests wandering
    around looking for restaurants or dinner shows.  You do have to
    take the bus (or walk) to get to most other activities in the World.
    It runs every 10-15 minutes to the Poly and TTC.
    
    Of course if you play golf, the Disney Inn is the center of the
    World, as it is located between the Palm and Magnolia courses, and
    the pro shop is on the first floor.

    My S.O. and I stayed at the Grand Floridian last December (two days
    before Christmas, which was the only way we got a room, since they
    were booked up for Christmas and the following week).  We had a
    "Garden View" room on the first floor in one of the annex buildings
    (the G.F. comprises about five or six buildings--I forget how many;
    900-odd rooms total).  All we could see was the bath house next to
    the pool, though if we went out on our balcony we could see a little
    of the lake.  However, the room itself was quite nice - 2 queen-size
    beds, armoire with TV (naturally you get the Disney Channel), a well-
    stocked little refrigerator, a bathroom with two sinks.  You get fun
    little personal care things like shampoo (ladies' and men's), moisturizer,
    and soap.

    Unfortunately, we didn't have time to take advantage of all the amenities
    like the pool and jacuzzi (the pool is open 24 hours a day, by the way),
    renting a boat, etc.  We also didn't eat there.  I would love to go back
    on the Grand Plan someday, though (a week at the G.F. with just about
    everything included; mentioned in another note).

    We were amazed that the place was *completely booked* for Christmas.
    (And the place had only been open since the summer!)  I never knew so
    many people spent Christmas at WDW.  I guess it's not so surprising.
    On the monorail, we talked with another couple (also from NH) who
    have spent several Christmas holidays at WDW and who had already made
    reservations for their next holiday there - in two years!

							-- Nina

In April, 85, we took a family trip, my family, my brother and his son, and  my
mother, to Disneyworld and stayed in a 2 bedroom vacation villa.  The vacation
villas are located within walking distance of WDW Shopping Village. There were
even nice paved paths to walk there on.  The paths were paved so that people who
rented the golf carts could use them.

If I recall correctly, the 2 bedroom vacation villa allows 6 people to stay, and
a 7th if one in the party is under age 11.  The villa itself was very spacious. 
There were 2 floors to the villa.  On the first floor was a completely furnished
kitchen: stove, full size refrigerator, dishwasher, pots, pans, coffee pot,
silverware, etc. The kitchen was separated from the dining area by a half-wall
with a breakfast counter and stools.  There was a large (at least we thought it
was) dining/living area.  There was a dining table in the dining area.  The TV
was on a stand that could be moved so you could view it from anywhere in the
room.  The non-dining end of the room contained a queen size sleep sofa.  Off of
the dining/living area were sliding glass doors which opened to a small  patio
area.  From our patio, we could see the Empress Lilly, which is a pretty site
when it is lit up at night.  Ops - there was also a half bath, toilet & sink, on
the first floor as well as some closet space.

The second floor contained 2 bedrooms.  Each bedroom contained a king size  bed
and each had an adjoining full bath.  I seem to recall that one could look down
into the dining area from the second floor, but don't know if it was from one of
the bedrooms or a hallway?

We were never crowded and it was easy to send the kids to bed and allow the
adults a little period to unwind at night.

To get to any attraction within the World, your could catch a bus from the villa
complex.  We took the buses and never drove within the World.  The buses ran
approximately every 1/2 hour.

peter

    
    I'm sooo excited!!!  I called last night and made reservations for
    the Contemporary at WDW...  We will only be staying for 2 nights
    - June 15th & 16th.  We will be in Florida for 10 days and we figured
    what the hell, we might as well stay right in Disney for the days
    we'll be there.  We got a room with a garden view...I don't know
    exactly how good this view will be since it will be our first time.
    The cost is 165.00/night - add 15.00 for each additional adult then
    add the 9% tax.  It comes to 196.20 per night - but, you only live
    once!!  
    
    I don't know much about this hotel, so if anybody knows of any good
    shows or anything that they have, please let me know.....
    
    Laura
    
    I hope the next 98 days go by fast!!!
    
    
    

    	I'm not sure if this is the place to put this note, but...
    
    	Some friends just came back from WDW, and said that a VERY,
    VERY large hotel is going up right across from the Disney/MGM Studio
    area. It supposed to be called the Walt Disney World Hotel, or some-
    thing like that. It is suppose to be the largest hotel on Disney
    property with a total number of rooms around 2500!!! My friend stated
    that the hotel was still about a year off from being completed.
    
    	Has anyone else heard any news about this facility? I believe
    this hotel is in addition to two other new hotels, the Dolphin and
    the Swan which make up the new EPCOT Center Resort Area (I think).
    Any further input or information would be appreciated.
    
    	JJF

    I  beleive  they are talking about the Dolphin.  The actually name  (at
    least  for now, and what is stated in the unoffical guide) is the  Walt
    Disney World Swan  Resort, Dolphin Hotel and Convention Center.  is the
    largest convention/resort complex in the  southeastern U.S.  (I haven't
    heard of any new hotels being announced)
    
    The Swan will have 760 rooms, and the Dolphin will have 1,510 rooms for
    a combine total of 2,270, which is more than  what  is  planed  for the
    Caibbean  Beach Resorts 2,112 rooms.  
    
    Even the Dolphin alone will  surpass any hotel/resort on WDW property
    with exception of the Carribbean Beach resort.
    
    The  other WDW owned Hotels/resorts have the following number of rooms,
        Contemporary 1,050
        Polynesean  863
        Grand Floridian Beach Resort 900,
        The Disney Inn 288
        The Disney Village Resort (resort villas) 578 units. 
    
    The Hotels at Village Hotel Plaza in Lake Buena Vista are
        The Grosvenor Resort 614
        Buena Vista Palace 840
        Hotel Royal Plaza 396
        Howard Johnsons 383
        The Hilton 814
        Viscount Hotel 325
        Pickett Suite Resort 229
    
    Claude
    

    I will be staying at the Disney Village Resort Suites for a coupe
    of days.  Could someone let me know what they are like, access to
    WDW, pools, etc.
    
    Thanks

rep to < Note 13.9 by NECVAX::ARLINGTON "Charlie" >

>                          -< Disney Village Resort? >-
>
>    I will be staying at the Disney Village Resort Suites for a coupe
>    of days.  Could someone let me know what they are like, access to
>    WDW, pools, etc.

    Assuming your  talking  about  the Walt Disney World Village which is a
    group of condominum  style  villa's, all of them are your typical Condo
    style set up, with one minor exeception, they are basicaly secluded and
    well landscaped as compared to  condo's here in New ENgland.  Access to
    WDW is either by car or  by  using  the  busses which operate on 20 min
    intervals.  Each  group  with  exception to the  Treehouse  (Which  I'll
    probably stay  in  '92  with my famillay and my brother's family) has a
    pool.  If you are familiar at all with the WDW layout access is similar
    to the hotels in  Village  Hotel  Plaza  in  Lake  Buena Vista (Why has
    Disney decided to change the  names  lately?)  The atmosphere is rather
    relaxed and quiet as compared to  some  of  the  hotel areas outside of
    WDW.
    
    Claude

    re .-2
    
   If you are a WDW guest you can use any of the facilities (pools,
    etc) for any of the hotels.  Also if you use your own car rather
    then disney transportation you can show your resort id and not
    have to pay to park.
    
    dan

    
    
    Is transportation to/from the resort hotels included in your
    world passport or your resort ID?

    

	You just keed to show your resort id to get on any of the busses
	around WDW. That's how you get to/from the resorts and the T&TC,
	shopping village and assorted other places (River Country).

			Alfred

    re: .12
    
�   Is transportation to/from the resort hotels included in your
�   world passport or your resort ID?

    Yes. Both.  
    
    As .13 points out your resort ID (that you receive at check in) gets
    you on all buses, watercraft, and monorails.  A multi-day passport is
    also valid for all transportation.  Single day tickets for the Magic
    Kingdom are valid for transportation from the TTC to/from the MK.
    Single day Epcot tickets include no transportation.
    
    River Country and Discover Island ticket holders can use transportation
    to/from these areas.
                        
    I believe guests of the Lake Buena Vista Hotel Plaza can use buses
    from the Hotel Plaza to/from the MK and Epcot.
                        
    You can buy a WDW transportation ticket that allows use of all
    transportation for one day for about $3.

    All the routes and rules are being re-done to include the Disney-MGM
    Studio Tour, Pleasure Island, and Typhoon Lagoon.  Perhaps someone
    who has been to the World recently can post any new information
    they have.

>    I believe guests of the Lake Buena Vista Hotel Plaza can use buses
>    from the Hotel Plaza to/from the MK and Epcot.

    This is true.  When I was there over Labor day.  The buses run on
    a schedule starting at 9am until 10pm and the transportation free.
    I never missed a car for the 4 days we were there.
    
    gog
    

    HAS ANYONE STAYED AT THE HOTELS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD VILLAGE?  I
    AM STAYING AT THE GROSNEVOR HOTEL IN MAY. (25 DAYS TO GO!)

    I remember staying at the Grovesnor Resort when it was called the
    Dutch Inn (that was in 1978).  It was real nice, as I recall.  It
    is about a block from Walt Disney World Village.
    
    Let me know what you thought about it.  Have a good trip.

    Re:  13.17.  Thanks for the information.  I know you will be down
    there that same week, we should get together and have a few Dole
    Pineapple Bars together.  (25 Days To Go!)
    

    We stayed at the Grosvenor last December on a MKC package.  Very
    nice!  Recently refurbished, decent food in the restaurant and coffee
    shop.  Video cassette player in rooms.  Two large pools, spa, tennis 
    courts, tennis practice area.  The staff treated us very well.
    Nearest hotel to the WDW shopping village.  An excellent value.  
    Can you guess by now that I liked it?  What more can I say.  

    Thank You For The Information On The Grosvenor.  I'm Glad To Hear
    It Is A Good Hotel In A Well Situated Area.  I Am Leaving Next Saturday
    (May 6th), I Can't Wait!  MGM Studios Here We Come!

   We are planning on going to WDW in December.  Since there will be five
adults and one child we are thinking of either a villa or the Pickett Suite 
Resort.  Has anyone stayed at the Pickett Suite Resort (or heard anything
about it)?  Any help would be appreciated.  

Thanks,
Gail
    

	My Wife stayed at a Picket Suites Resort on a business trip
    once, it was the one in Tampa, and she loved it.  She took more
    pictures of the suite than of Tampa while she was there!!  If the
    pictures do the place justice, the rooms were very modern and spacious,
    with two bedrooms and a television in the bathroom!!
    
    Tom 

    Gail my husband I stayed there for New Years Eve and LOVED it. 
    I'd go back in a minute.  Large living room with a kitchette
    (really just a refrigerator, cabinet and sink, refrigerator is stocked
    with juices, soda and beer but its expensive so I'd be careful how
    much you drink)  Had a couch and love seat, coffee table, tv.  Bedroom
    had queen size bed, dresser and tv.  Bathroom was very large and
    also had a tv.  We really liked it.  I don't know if you sleep five
    people though, I'd call and ask.  It was as expensive as staying
    in the hotels in Disney WOrld though.  Why not price the Disney
    Villas or townhouses they would probably be more comfortable for
    5 people.
    

    Thanks for replies, it sounds like I should check the place out.  I
    read somewhere (either the offical or unoffical guide to WDW) that it
    would sleep five.  The prices varied from $145 to $225 so maybe its one
    of the expensive rooms that actually sleeps five.  I also am planning
    on looking into the villas, I'll post any info that I find out in case
    anyone else is thinking about staying in either the villas or the
    Pickett Suite Resort.

    A friend of mine (a superviser for a large construction firm) should
    be relocated to Orlando in the next few months to begin a new resort
    hotel on the WDW property.  I know very little about the project 
    but I think it's going to take a couple of years to build.  
    
    One of the most exclusive things I heard about it is that it's atrium
    (I think it's atrium) will be a gigantic sun-dial.  I assume that
    a guest should be able to tell the date/season at any given time.
    My guess is that getting down to hours would be just too complex.
    
-Andy

>< Note 13.25 by QBUS::MITCHAM "Andy in Alpharetta (near Atlanta)" >
>                    -< Rumour, with some basis for fact... >-
>
>    A friend of mine (a superviser for a large construction firm) should
>    be relocated to Orlando in the next few months to begin a new resort
>    hotel on the WDW property.  I know very little about the project 
>    but I think it's going to take a couple of years to build.  
>    
>    One of the most exclusive things I heard about it is that it's atrium
>    (I think it's atrium) will be a gigantic sun-dial.  I assume that
>    a guest should be able to tell the date/season at any given time.
>    My guess is that getting down to hours would be just too complex.
>    
>-Andy

Returned from WDW last week (trip report coming soon) and your 
friend may be working on the new (as in NOT announced) luxury hotel.

Details
-------

My nephew got sick toward the end of the visit.  The front desk personnel
drove to a couple of places in order to get medical attention.

I was discussing the Swan & Dolphin with him.  (I'm not sure the hotels
will look that great from EPCOT.)   He told me that the new Beach and
Yacht resorts will be closer to the studio.  Also they are talking
about building a new luxury hotel close to the studio.
It will make the prices at the Grand Floridian look cheap.
I can't remember the name of it but "Hollywood" is in the title.

I was also warned that it was NOT announced and that plans are changed
alot prior to being announced. 

    Changes at the Polynesian from a while back made me a little sad.  I'm
    unsure how long these two changes have been in place, but anyway I went
    looking and found that Captain Cook's Hideaway, a quaint little Polynesian
    Bar hidden behind some shop that offered a guitarist and a quiet little
    atmosphere.. has vanished to be replaced by Captain Cook's neon-filled
    Burger/Pizza Place.  Maybe it services a larger crowd but it took
    something away for me.  They already had a running Burger/Pizza place
    in Mona Mickey's Fun Hut.
    
    Another change was the game room.  [Note: what they made is nice and
    I think it serves a good purpose but I did like the game room]  The
    game room in the past was mammoth in size.  But the key was that it
    didn't overfill itself.  You had elbow-room nomatter how many people
    were within.  Machines were spaced out and it was clean and nice.
    
    Now, 2/3rds of the game room have gone away.  They crowded the machines
    into a smaller room and now elbow-room is no-more and it looks like
    and arcade it any small-mid sized city.  What they made was Neverland
    Babysitting, a babysitting area themed on Neverland (your childred 
    actually enter by going into Wendy's bedroom and out the window..)
    which serves a purpose, is themed (what WDW does best), and seems very
    nice.  But they could have built an extension, a new building, or evenly
    shrunk other sections of the Fun Hut instead of laying waste to the
    game room.
    
    I don't know.  I guess its nit picking but I miss these things.
    
    'Nuff said,
    George
    

    BTW, does anyone know if AAA (or anyone for that matter) has rated
    the Grand Floridian, yet?  If so, how did it do?  Did it make the
    5* category?
    
    George
    

    Our family of 5 ( three children under the age of 9 ) are contemplating
    a vacation at WDW next year. After reading all the notes on the
    different places to stay and talking with people who have gone I'm
    still torn between staying outside of WDW at a motel on RT 192 (
    least cost ) and inside for the atmosphere . It seems that the least
    expensive places inside WDW are Fort Wilderness , Village Resort
    and the Disney Inn which all can accomodate 5 people in one room.
    Does WDW publish a room rate for these or do I need to call ?? Also
    , those who have stayed at these resorts , the pros and cons foe
    ease to the different theme parks, etc.
    
    
    Kevin
    

    Both the  Carribean  Beach  Resort  and  Grand Floridian are unrated in
    AAA's '89 Florida  Tourbooks, you'll need to wait until the '90 edition
    com out in November? or you could try and call AAA.
    
    Claude

    re: .29

    This is always a tough decision.  My personal opinion is if you can
    afford it, stay at WDW.  It will almost always, however, be more
    expensive.

    Room rates are usually set in the late fall for the following year.  If
    you make a reservation now they will guarantee the room but not the
    rate.  Once the rates are set, they will send you a notice advising you
    of the rate.  You can of course cancel with no penalty up to five days
    in advance of your arrival.

    Don't forget that during much of the year Magic Kingdom Club members
    get 20% off on WDW accommodations (except at the Caribbean Beach Resort),
    and 10% off at the Hotel Plaza year round.

    MKC is also currently running a Bed and Breakfast special that includes
    room and a continental breakfast delivered daily.

    Outside the park rooms can be had for as little as $30/night.  My
    feeling is that you get what you pay for.  I say go for it!

    
    re .29
    
    We've tried the various routes - Rt. 192, Grand Floridian, Fort
    Wilderness (I've even been to the Contemporary and Poly with my
    folks), and I agree with Len.  Stay inside if you can at all afford
    it.
    
    If I needed to save $$$, I'd try to snag the Carribean, and if I
    needed to save even more than that, I'd go to FW.  I wouldn't stay
    on 192 again unless it was for the night or 2 before my "real" stay
    started.  The hassles of getting in and out of the World are too
    much and it shortens the day by hours (not to mention frazzling
    your brain to boot).
    
SEAN/BEER=LABATTS   

    Re.32
    Sean, how do you get FW cheaper than the Caribbean. I'm looking for
    leverage to persuade my wife that we should stay in an FW Trailer
    again next time we go. The Caribbean always wins financially, although
    not in terms of environment, facilities and convenience.
    
    Mike B.

rep < Note 13.33 by WOTVAX::BATTY "So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish!" >

>    Sean, how do you get FW cheaper than the Caribbean. 
    
    I'd assume  that  Sean  was  refering  to  FW  being a Campground, that
    someone who own  an  RV/Tent  would choose to bring their own equipment
    thereby saving more $'s  over the Caribbean Beach Resort.  (FW has over
    800 campsite for those who bring their own equipment)
    
    Claude

    
�   Sean, how do you get FW cheaper than the Caribbean. 

    Yes, Claude is right.  When we go to FW, we use a tent.
    
    The cost to pitch a tent was, like, $30/night or so when I went (don't
    know what it is now).  We spent so much time doing other things
    that all we needed was a place to sleep and shower, so FW was fine.
    But the real reason was just that we were low on cash.  It's not
    cheap, and it's not luxury, but it's the cheapest way to stay on the 
    property.
    
    Don't know what the cost to rent an RV is.  

    I'd probably opt for the Carribean now that it's there.
    
SEAN/BEER=LABATTS    

When last we went down, a trailer in FW was $110  per  night  and a room at the
Poly was $125.  (It was, unfortunately, a few years ago.) Comparable  off  site
sleeping  arrangements  (a  CLEAN  AND  QUIET suite with kitchen and at least 1
Queen  size  bed and 2 "other size" for the teenagers) came to about $75.    We
felt the incremental costs were worth the convenience.

Actually, if we were going down with just 2 or 3 in  the  party, I would gladly
pay the small increment over FW and stay at the Poly Vil.  on the Monorail line
just  for the convenience.  Then again, now that the GF is in, I  would  rather
pay the extra few hundred $ for the vacation and stay there. 

Besides, if you stay on site you help my Disney stock continue its climb.

Y'all come back, here?

Dave

>    Both the  Carribean  Beach  Resort  and  Grand Floridian are unrated in
>    AAA's '89 Florida  Tourbooks, you'll need to wait until the '90 edition
>    com out in November? or you could try and call AAA.
>    
>    Claude

        When I was staying at the Grand Floridian, I was told that they
        had received their ratings and were rated at 5 diamonds and 5 
        stars.

        mis

    Re: .36
    
    The incremental cost from International Drive to the Polynesian is a
    little more significant than in previous years.  When trying to book
    next April, the rates for this year (they go Dec 18) were
    $195-$230/night.  This is pretty significant against $20-$60/night.
    Only once out of five trips have I stayed out on the Drive (spur of
    the moment, week-long vacation..we decided on Thursday and left Friday).
    I agree, if you can afford it..go for it.. But room-for-room its more
    than a few bucks for the convience.
    
    Re: .33
    
    Actually, looking over the property layout, the Caribbean Beach is now
    more and more convient.  It is a stones throw from both EPCOT and MGM.
    It's fairly close to Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island, and the WDW Village.
    The only thing in distance is Magic Kingdom (a clocked 20 minute bus
    ride).
    
    As for rooms/facilities, I found the rooms (having looked around inside)
    to be as nice as the Polynesian (at a considerable fraction the cost).
    The relaxed Caribbean atmosphere is nice (although not as nice as the
    Poly's), and I believe the facilities to be nicer in some ways (ie.
    one main pool, but five other pools available near your "island").  
    At the cost I don't think you can beat the Caribbean.
    
    Sidenote on convience, from FW there runs a bus to the TTC and boats 
    to the MK and Contemporary/Discovery Island.  Although the buses run
    fairly smoothly, because of the change-over at the TTC is was very
    inconvient to go elsewhere than the MK (by boat) or EPCOT (by monorail).
    The Caribbean Beach sports three bus lines running expreses service
    back and forth from resort to respective theme park.  The other resorts
    seem to have this, Fort Wilderness does not.
    
    This is recent information from my June stay at FW.  They *did* have a
    bus going to MGM Studios, but the wait time wass such that, the two times
    I waited, I found two to three buses to the TTC (Blue flag) would go by
    before it came. [they might have this cleared up by now, but the three
    expreses to each park weren't listed].
    
    One inconvience of the Caribbean I will note is its lack of a full-service
    restaurant.  It instead has a "Food Court" system like contempary malls.
    A number of individual walk-up reaturants of varying themes and a common
    table area.
    
    Re: .37
    
    I called AAA and they didn't know because it wasn't in the book yet.  I
    figured it would get the 5x*'s.
    
    George
    

    How about some ratings on these hotels/resorts for those of us still in
    the planning stage?
    
           Name of Hotel/Resort:
     
           Pricing/Estimate: (Low,Moderate,High,Donald_Trump_Price)
    
           Distance from WDW: (In miles or in minutes)
    
           Room Quality: (Good for the price...low for the price)
    
           Pool/jacuzzi?: (Yes or No: it may matter to some people)
    
           If you stayed there would you return?: (Yes or No)
    
           Any negative comments? If so, please explain:
    
          
    Entries do not have to be only for the Disney hotels/resorts. This
    should be for ALL Orlando hotels/resorts.
    
    Mike
    

�   Entries do not have to be only for the Disney hotels/resorts. This
�   should be for ALL Orlando hotels/resorts.

    This is a fine idea to rate hotels in and about WDW.  However please
    post information on hotels INSIDE WDW in this note, and information on
    hotels OUTSIDE WDW in note 37.

    I will take the liberty to move those in the wrong category to the
    appropriate topic.
       
    Thank You,
    Your humble moderator.

    The latest  AAA  ratings  for  WDW resorts and the non-Disney hotels on
    property are in listed in .5.
    
    Claude

    Claude,
    
    I want to hear from our fellow noters so they can verify/refute what
    AAA has to say.
    
    Mike_who_likes_to_hear_from_those_who_know

    I'll put in my 2 cents worth- even though I have only been once,
    SO FAR!
    
    Name of Hotel -  Polynesian
    
    Pricing Estimate -  Moderately High 
    
    Distance from WDW - we are THERE! plus, it was only a couple minutes
    walk to the TTC and the monorail also stops at the Polynesian, plus
    the bus that goes to MGM stops out front of the hotel.
    
    Room Quality - I thought it was good for the price - There were
    four of us, two adults and two teens and we had PLENTY of room and
    plenty of nice thick towels, also, it was a nice touch to have the
    morning paper delivered everyday!
    
    Pool/jacuzzi - Two pools _ I don't know about a jacuzzi.
    
    Would I return - YOU BET!! :-)  My brother and his wife, who
    travelled with us, would like to try the Grand Floridian (which
    is beautiful) but for me, the Polynesian was VERY relaxing!!
    
    NOTE_ Our next visit, I would like to try one of the "conceirge
    rooms" at the Polynesian.... has anyone done this and if so,
    what is so different about this type of service??
    
    Regards,
    
    Carla
    
    

    
    My sister and family went to the Polynesian for 5 nights last year
    and got the Conceirge service. Special checkin, they make reservatins
    for you, special room with coffee and such and guys to run around
    and do things for you, etc. 
    
    That's all she remembers.
    
    Jim
    
    

I just got a letter from WDW about a special for annual passport holders (it may
be for others as well, but the letter makes it sound like it's just for us).

From now until the end of September, annual passport holders can stay at
selected Disney resorts for $99/room/night.  The selected resorts are:

	Contemporary Resort
	Polynesian Resort
	Disney Inn
	Disney's Village Resort  (villas?)
	Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Sounds like a good deal to me.  I just wish I could get down there during this
period.  If anyone is planning on going down during this time, you ought to see
if you can get an annual passport through the mail and then qualify for this
deal. 

--Jay

    I got this  tidbit of info from the Oct 30th issue of Business Week, on
    page 102 (Frequent Traveler special advertising section).  
    
    WDW is slated to  open the Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts during the
    Spring/Summer of '90 located to  the  west  of  EPCOT.  The resort will
    have a New England theme, it's  own 25 acres lake, comprised of a total
    of 1,214 rooms with 51,000 sq feet of meeting space.  

    There was no mention of $'s, I  wonder if these are the resorts I heard
    about that WDW would build due to the success of the Grand Floridian?

    Did any of you recent traveler's here more about these 2 resorts?    
    
    Claude

    HI! We stayed this Oct at the Grand FLoridian.  It was expensive but my
    family really looks forward to a good hotel with all the amenities. For
    instance, large pool with plenty of big fluffy towels, drinks served at
    the pool, jacuzzi. Good restaurants; 5 of them. The TOP was rated as
    the TOP restaurant in the whole park; a gourmet restaurant with
    harp-player for 75$ per person. Each woman gets a rose and each man
    gets an engraved menu to take home. Drinks/dessert not included. We
    didnt go there! There is also an Italian restaurant which we went to
    and enjoyed where the waiters sang italian songs; still expensive tho.
    A character buffet with Chip/Dale, a sit-down medium priced restaurant,
    and then a take-out fast-food type place (good for breakfast coffee).
    Then there is one out on by the dock called Nickoleanos or something
    like that; we had a lunch there..very good! All these we got into
    without reservations.
    
    The hotel lobby is -grand- with a grand piano and this guy plays there
    every night; you can sit and have drinks and really relax. The
    waterfront has nice chairs, bar there also. The room was excellent,
    large bathroom with dressing area and a phone! Towels changed twice a
    day, turndown service. We had a balcony looking at the lagoon where we
    saw the light show every night at 9pm on the water. Room bar packed
    with drinks/chips/candy etc. Fresh flowers in room - and - just about
    everywhere.. I loved that.
    
    All in all I think this hotel added so much enjoyment to our trip. -N

    > I  wonder if these are the resorts I heard about that WDW would build
    > due to the success of the Grand Floridian?

    Claude,

    These properties have been in the works for some time.  Last year's
    annual report had pictures of the models.  And somewhere I've seen
    photos of the construction.  It is my impression that the rumor that
    you are referring to is of more current vintage, and implies ANOTHER
    new hotel.

    From what I've seen, the BC & YC will be weathered New England gray,
    (shades of Cape Cod), feature boardwalks, a large marina, water sports,
    and be part of the canal system connecting to Epcot.

    Once the current construction is completed, Disney will have over
    16,500 rooms on the property!  That's more than, say, Seattle.  No
    wonder (some) other resort operators in the area are upset.  Once you
    get to the World, there is no reason to leave.

    
     Artists interpretations of these two resorts are posted on the
     construction wall in Epcot Center that is now currently in place
     between the France and Canada Pavillions. The impression I got
     was that these hotels would be in the same cluster as the Swan
    and Dolphin, this would be quite the contrast in both size and style.
    
                                                 -Rob
     

    re: last 2
    
    Len,
    
    I don't  own stock and I don't have the Disney Channel even though it's
    avaiable on my  cable  system  (OH  NO  Blaspheme from one of the Mod's
    ;^)), couldn't take the  WDW/Disneyland updates they have every day, so
    the info on the Beach & Yacht Club resorts was news to me.
    
    Rob,
    
    As far as the Boardwalk, my understanding was that the Swan and Dolphin
    hotels was to be connected to  the  new  Disney Boardwalk shopping area
    (see 100.1) ala Atlantic City.  Are all 4 hotel on the same canal/lake?
    
    Claude 

    Wait a minute Claude...you DON'T GET THE DISNEY CHANNEL even though
    it's available?
    
    Sounds like grounds for impeachment gang!
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    That's right, if I  did  get  it, chances are note 25 would be 10 times
    larger  and my bank account nonexistent (no self control  when  WDW  is
    concerned).    

    Since August or so I've purposely put  myself  mainly  into  a readonly
    type  of  mode  primarily  doing  moderating  type  of things and  only
    replying when asked to or felt I had something diferent to  contribute,
    so that I don't get that contageous bug again now that I've shakened it
    off for the moment.
    
    Claude_913_days_and_have_not_made_resevation_yet_or_planed

    
    Now where did we put those tar and feathers.....
    
    
    Say it ain't so Claude.....
    
    

    He's got a point....the bug stays with you when you see those mouse
    ears every night on the tube.
    
    259_days_and_counting_Mike

    RE: 13.50
    
     It was my understanding that all four resorts would be in the same
    general area. I was not able to confirm this with any Disney Employees.
    I just thought they would post pictures of what was going to be
    built behind the construction wall, on the wall itself. The pictures
    of the beach and yacth clubs were sandwiched between the Swan and
    Dolphin.
    
                                         Sorry, I don't know more.
    
                                                   -Rob
     

rep to <<< Note 13.53 by CTOAVX::JLAWRENCE "Jim/Hartford A.C.T.,DTN 383-4523" >>>

>                        -< Take back his Mickey watch >-

    Um, I  would  if  I  owned one.  Actually there is a gold one I've been
    eyeing for a few years now, but haven't plunked down the $'s for, since
    the Seiko my Wife  bought  me  some  years  back  is  still  a ticking,
    probably will though in the coming months.
    
    Claude

I too confirm only that it *looks* life the Swan/Dolphin and Beach-yacht
resorts share a common lake.  Two things confuse me.  One, how they will
work a waterway into World Showcase Lagoon without messing up the current
(people) traffic flows. 

Second, you can see the Swan and Dolphin fairly easily from Epcot.  They are
nice looking hotels but I am unsure that they fit as visible.  

Anyone else like/dislike thier visibility to Epcot?

George

rep to <<< Note 13.57 by NITMOI::WITHERS "So shines a good deed in a weary world.." >>>

>One, how they will
>work a waterway into World Showcase Lagoon without messing up the current
>(people) traffic flows. 

    George,
    
    There is  currently  a  canal/bridge to the right of France, I'd assume
    they would extend the canal  to  the  hotels  (the  one to the right of
    China is used for storage of the watercraft today).  The bridge may not
    accomodate the ferry boats of World Showcase  lagoon, but should handle
    the smaller ferries used between the Contemporary and Fort Wilderness.
    
    Claude

RE: .58 (Claude)

I know about the french canal, my thought is how to work the logistics of
putting a ticket center in World Showcase.  Waterways from hotel to park
is nothing new, .. but this one will end not at the ticket entrace of the
park but in the middle of it.

So, they either have to set up a ticket/entrace booth in World Showcase
where the boat lands..or (probably prefered) setup a ticketing system
before people get on the boats (at the hotel(s)) and allowing simple unloading
at the World Showcase.

George

    The first 4 floors of the Swan hotel are scheduled to open TODAY, Nov
    20th.  The Grand opening is, I think they said, in 5 more weeks. One of
    the bus drivers said it is already booked for the next 6 months.  
    
    The Dolphin and convention center is still under construction.  The
    convention center supposedly is booked for about 2 and 1/2 years.  They
    are building the dolphins across the street from the hotels.
    
    The plan for the canals is that there will be a canal from the
    Swan/Dolphin/yacht/beach clubs to EPCOT and to Disney/MGM.
    
    peter

    The opening has been delayed until Wednesday so they can complete
    testing of safety features etc.

    I have stayed in the Contemporary Resort and the Polynesian
    Village Resorts.  The accomodations at both places are very nice;
    roomy, clean and the cast members are extremely helpful.  In
    the past I thought it was important to stay in one of the hotels
    on the monorail line but now I've determined that's not true.  It
    took us less time to drive from Kissimmee to Epcot (14 miles) than
    it did to take the monorail.  Although I liked both places, I don't
    think I'll be staying there again unless I get a really good deal on
    the price.
    
    Contemporary:  I have stayed in the garden wings twice and in the
        tower once.  The tower wasn't worth the money.  The view was
        nice but there is a much nicer view from the observation deck
        for free!  Although the layout of the garden wings can be a
        little confusing at first, it is quite easy to locate all of
        the important things - pools, soda machines, stores, monorail,
        etc.  The store with all the snacks and alcohol in it is much
        better than the one at the Polynesian.
    
    Polynesian:  I have stayed here only once.  The atmosphere is
        more relaxed than the Contemporary and the scenery is much
        prettier.  There are more buildings than there are at the
        contemporary and they are spread out a bit.  I found it was
        hard to get oriented at times.  This gets worse at night
        since the paths are lit by flaming torches.  I'm not usually
        paranoid about walking around at night by myself but the
        combination of low light levels and lots of vegetation made
        me a little nervous.  Oh, you had better watch out for those
        "killer" golf cart things too.  On a more positive note, the
        laundry area is excellent - clean, roomy and chairs to sit
        in while you wait.

    After reading all of this notes file I felt I was pretty well prepared
    for WDW.  But the words about the new Swan/Dolphin Complex just
    did not discribe what you really see.  The place is massive and
    just beautiful!!!!!!!!!  You've got to see it to beleive it!
    
    I also peaked over the construction walls near the French pavillion
    to see how the  the WDW Yacht club and marina, which is part of
    the Swan/Dophin complex, is coming.  It looks like another WDW winner!!
    
    What's next?????? Residential development fot those real Disney-holics

    I agree the new SWAN/DOLPHIN are massive,  but I thought that they were
    out of place.  Especially the DOLPHIN.  It seemed to dominate the
    view/skyline from EPCOT and even from the TTC.
    
    peter

    RE:-1
           I agree, the hotels seem to spoil the atmosphere. They are
    easily seen from Epcot and MGM.
    Oh Well!!!
    
              -Rob
    

    I can't agree about the beauty of the Swan hotel.  I think the only
    thing uglier is the Dolphin.  I know where I won't be staying, unless
    of course someone makes me an offer I can't refuse.

    We just returned from 8 nights at the Polynesian and really had a great
    time.  If we can afford to stay here again in the future, then it will
    definitely be our first choice.

    This time, we were able to get a great Lagoon View room for a special
    $99.00/night.  During the high season, this room is $245.00/night.

    Based on a recommendation, we stayed at the Moorea longhouse which is
    on the eastern edge of the resort.  Since it was quicker for us to walk
    to the TTC than the Polynesian's monorail station, it was extremely
    convenient to get around.  Everyplace in WDW is within a single hop
    of the TTC.  The only exception is Discovery Island which requires a
    transfer to a boat at either MK, Contemporary, or FW.  Most of our
    transportation was via monorail to MK or EPCOT.  The monorail runs
    every 6 minutes so we only had a 3 minute average wait.  We always got
    on the first monorail and sometimes we were the only passengers on the
    whole train!    From the TTC you can take the express monorail to the
    MK which is much faster than the local resort monorail. The few times
    we took the busses around WDW we found them to be inconvenient.  They
    were generally crowded and ran on long intervals.  Most bus routes are
    on 20 minute intervals.  Additionally, they have to stop at the toll
    booths, traffic lights etc.   Buses to/from FW didn't seem too bad
    because those were on an eight minute interval.   In my opinion, the
    monorail is infinitely better than the busses.

    The lagoon view was nice.  We looked across the lagoon onto
    Cinderella's castle and we could watch the electric water pageant from
    our room.  If it wasn't for the special rate, we would have stayed in a
    cheaper room, probably a garden view room.  I would recommend the
    Pago Pago, Moorea or Oahu longhouses (in that order) since they are
    immediately next to the TTC and the Tangaroa Terrace (see below).

    We had the Royal Polynesian Concierge service (included in the special)
    which in my opinion was near useless.  I would not recommend paying
    extra for this.  Each night, the evening maid would turn down the beds,
    turn on the TV, and leave a note and some mints.  We are quite capable
    of turning down our own beds.  Additionally, the concierge would make
    our dinner reservations.  I didn't find it any more convenient to call
    the concierge than to call the reservation number myself, especially
    after the concierge forgot to make our lunch reservations one day. 
    They also left us a stuffed Minnie in our room when we checked in which
    I think was part of the concierge service.   You also get free valet
    parking but we didn't have a car. In summary, we would have been
    disappointed in the concierge service if we were paying for it.  Since
    it was free, it was a nice extra.

    We definitely like the Polynesian better than the Contemporary.  The
    later seemed too urban and outdated for our tastes.   I'm sure it was
    more impressive in the 60's or whenever it was built.  It kind of
    reminds me of Tomorrowland.

    The Grand Floridian seemed very nice and elegant.  My wife and I
    thought that we would enjoy staying there if we were by ourselves but
    thought the Polynesian was nicer with small children.  Somehow the GF
    seems too formal for kids.  Maybe I would feel differently if we stayed
    there.  One big disadvantage of the GF is that you have to make
    transfers to get to many places.  For example, to get to EPCOT you 
    take the local hotel monorail (a dog) to the TTC and then transfer to
    the EPCOT monorail.   To get to/from MGM, you have to take the bus
    which stops at several hotels as well as MGM.  From the Poly, we could
    take the bus which goes direct between MGM and TTC.  This was much
    faster.

    We didn't get to visit the CBR or the EPCOT hotel complex so I cannot
    comment on them.  I think they are planning a monorail to the EPCOT
    hotels which would make them more convenient.  If we were staying in
    either of those resorts, we would be tempted to rent a car.  We really
    did not like the busses.

    All in all, we felt as if if the Polynesian was the ideal hotel for us
    to stay in.  The room was reasonably large and could sleep the five of
    us comfortably.  The landscaping is very nice and the atmosphere is
    very relaxing.   They brought the USA today and local Orlando paper to
    our room every morning which was nice. The breakfast was great!  We ate
    the banana stuffed French toast most mornings.  I would recommend
    making at least one trip to the Tangaroa terrace just for this.

    Writing this makes me want to go back.....

    /Jim Pappas

    
�   This time, we were able to get a great Lagoon View room for a special
�   $99.00/night.  During the high season, this room is $245.00/night.

    What kind of special is this?  We are going in the offseason, too,
    but I haven't seen any Disney-offered specials of this kind.  For
    instance, I just called W-DISNEY and was quoted $225/night for
    lagoon/concierge off-season in 1990.  Would love $99!
    
SEAN/BEER=LABATTS

RE: 13.69   AYNRND::REILLY "Chowmp!"

WDW runs several types of specials and as far as I can tell, there is no
consitent way to find out about them.  They do not volunteer the information
when you call.  I think the best way to keep on top is to read this notes
conference.

When I first made my reservations, I booked the Polynesian Pool view room for
$148/night.  This was with the standard MKC 20% discount.   Later, from this
conference, I found out about the Disney Stockholders 40% discount.  A call to
the Special Programs Office (407)827-7200 got me a Polynesian Garden view room 
for $102.  Later, through the note on non-MKC discounts, I found out about the
$99 annual passport holders discount.  I called the special programs office
and got a Polynesian Lagoon/Concierge room for $99.00.   Someone wrote in that
the $99 deal was also offered to MKC members earlier in the fall.

For 1990, the MKC offers up to a 35% discount during the off season for some 
rooms, and a 20% discount for others.  At the Polynesian, the Lagoon view rooms
are only offered at 20%.  If you are interested in a pool view or garden view,
they are offering a 35% discount.  I made reservations for next year for a 
pool view room at the Poly for $127/night.  After visiting WDW, I changed my
reservation to a garden view room for $117/night.   If they offer a shareholders
or annual passport holders special next year I might switch.

Another good source of specials is American Express.  They occasionally have
special tours which are much less expensive than MKC.

/Jim Pappas

    
    Has anyone stayed at the Howard Johnson hotel?  What did you think?
    (I tried for the CBR, but now I'm considering seeing if the Poly has
    any rooms.)
    
    Most importantly how easy/difficult were the buses to MK, MGM Studios?
    Did you find yourself waiting a long time just to get on crowded buses,
    or was the trip to the parks not so bad?
    
    Any input will be most welcome.    --Sharon

    We stayed at the Hilton (right next door to Ho Jo's) and actually
    ate there most of the time that we weren't at the parks.
    
    The busses were very easy to use.  They came by the hotel every 15-20
    minutes.  The buses were never very crowded.  I think only one day
    to MK there were 2 people standing.  Bus drivers were always very
    pleasant and gave little speeches (tour guide stuff) on the way to
    the parks and on the way back from the parks.
    
    The buses also came every 10-15 minutes when the parks closed so there
    was never a wait.  Each bus is marked where it is going and at the
    parks there are signs that say which hotel they are going to.
    
    

Does anyone know if any of the hotels have shops were snacks, milk,etc
can be bought and taken back to the room?

thanks

    I know that the Contemporary resort does.  We bought a container of OJ
    almost every night and put it on ice in the morning.  It worked out
    quite well.  We also got some cracker type snacks to munch on.
    
    I'd assume that there is a store like this at the other resort hotels? 
    This one is attached to the gift shop.
    
    Steve O
    

    We have been to Walt Disney World three times but never 
    stayed on-site. Our 12 year-old wants to go back and stay
    at the Contemporary. With all the new hotels, etc., (it's
    been about four years since we were there), I'm not sure
    that the Contemporary is the best choice.
    
    	We would want to take advantage of the different
    activities in the park and especially visit the MGM Studios,
    etc. stuff...
    
    	Any suggestions?
    
    Ann

    My first suggestion is to save, save, save.
    
    I've heard nothing but praise about CBR (Caribbean Beach Resort) from
    everyone that's been there. Enough so that I am staying there this
    Summer.
    
    Convenience and economy at the CBR.
    
    Mike_who_wants_the_next_24_weeks_to_WHIZZ_by

    I agree with Mike, but I'm one of those who praised the CBR so much.
    
    I can't talk much about the Contemporary, not having stayed there
    before.  What do you consider "contemporary"?
    
    But, we found the CBR to be convenient and economical.
    
    Convenient:  the resort is located very close to MGM, EPCOT, Typhoon
    Lagoon, Pleasure Island, & the WDW Shopping Village.  We found the bus
    service very good, and prompt (at least during the off season when we
    were there).  The only far off attraction was the Magic Kingdom.
    You can reverse this convenience factor from the Contemporary.  How
    does someone that has stayed at the Contemporary lately feel about
    convenience/easy access to attractions.
    
    Economical: you be the judge.  The highest rate at CBR was approx $95 a
    night, with a limit of 4 per room.
    
    If you want something more "contemporary", you may want to look into the
    Swan or Dolphin, the newest resorts on property (at least for the time
    being).
    
    peter
    Remember, you can use any of the facilities at any of the on-site
    resorts.  You are not restricted only to those at the resort you are
    staying at.

    re .75
    Having stayed at the Contemporary in June, I'd have do say go for one
    of the newer hotels on site.  I'm not saying that the Contemporary
    isn't nice, we had a wonderful time there, but it's starting to show
    it's age.
    
    We spend a bit of time in the Grand Floridian.  This has got to be the
    most beautiful hotel I've ever seen.  Fantastic.  
    
    So my advise would be to save save save and go stay at the Grand
    Floridian.
    
    If you are worried about price and convenience (ie. closeness to quick
    transportation) you might want to consider the Golf Resort.  It's right
    behind the Grand Floridian, and is in easy walking distance to the
    monorail at the Grand Floridian.
    
    Steve O
    
    

    Peter,
    
    Did you rent a car when you were down there? If so would it have been
    faster to drive over to the MK parking lot instead of waiting for the 
    buses?
    
    Did you take a bus to EPCOT and then take the monorail to MK?
    
    Mike

    Mike - We did rent a car for our entire stay.  It didn't get used every
    day, but we liked the security of having it available.
    
    The only day we drove to an on-site attraction was when we went to
    Typhoon Lagoon.  We didn't realize that the only bus to there was from
    Old Port Royale and were planning on going direct from there to
    McDonalds for supper.
    
    We took the bus, the first bus every morning, to MGM, EPCOT, and
    directly over to the Magic Kingdom.  There were many times when we
    waited longer for the monorail than the bus!  Maybe we were lucky?
    
    We discussed driving to MK, but due to jumping from park to park each
    day, we didn't want to have to go back to the MK parking lot to get the
    car.  We never ended a day in MK, so always had a short bus ride back
    to the CBR in the evenings.  NOTE I mean short, regarding distance, not
    time in the evening.  Getting out of EPCOT after Illuminations was a
    challenge.  I personally wouldn't want to drive a car out of there and
    was very glad to take the bus (standing many times).
    
    I know others have responded about how much of a hassle taking the
    buses from CBR were, do you have some stories you would like to share?
    Is it much worse during "peak" times?
    
    peter

As I said in an earlier reply, we stayed at the Polynesian and since we usually
were going to either the MK or EPCOT, we usually would take the monorail.

I wouldn't call the busses a "horror show", but I definately believe they are
much less convenient than the monorail.  Most bus routes are on 20 min
intervals while the monorails seem to run on 6 minute intervals.  This
translates to a 10 minute average wait for a bus and a 3 minute average wait for
the monorail.  

I especially like the Poly because it is right next to the TTC, and everthing is
within 1 hop from the TTC.  If you get a room in Pago Pago or Moorea, then the
TTC is closer to your room than the Polynesian's own monorail stop.

Also from the Poly, you could take the express monorail over to the MK rather
than taking the local hotel monorail.  The express is much faster.

Some of the other hotels require that you make a tranfer to get places.  For
example, to get to EPCOT from the Contemporary or Grand Floridian, you first
take a monorail to the TTC and then transfer to the EPCOT monorial.

In my opinion, the Poly is the most convenient hotel as far as transportation.
If you happen to go during the off season and can get in on one the many special
rates, it is about the same price as the CBR.  During the high season, it is 
much more expensive. 

    
    I just booked a trip to WDW from Sept.28 to Oct.4 staying at the
    Polynesian. Based on suggestions in here I requested the Pago Pago
    longhouse. I was told there is no guarantee I will get a room in
    that building but the odds are about 95% that I will, I hope so.
    The reason I'm going then is the 35% MKC discount for that time.
    It ends on October 4. 
    
    The info in this conference is VERY helpful, plus it adds to the
    anticipation and excitement!
    
    I've been twice to WDW but have never stayed at the park, I am
    very excited about it. I hope the crowds are low and the weather
    is good. Anyone else been there at this time? How was it?
    
    Mike
    

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to which buildings
are the best to stay in at the Poly and the CBR. We are planning on
going down in June and splitting our stay between th two hotels.

thanks

Doug

    If I was going to the CBR again, I would request a room in Martinique. 
    It contains the first bus stop, which means you will get a eat in the
    mornings and be the first off on any return trip.  We were staying in
    a room in Barbados and many mornings we would go to the bus stop at
    Martinique so we would get seats on the bus.
    
    Also, it is next to Old Port Royale where the food court, game room,
    and gift shop can be found, along with the boat and bike rentals. 
    During our trip last Nov, we went to OPR every morning (gotta have our
    early morning coffee) and almost every evening.  Some evenings it was
    an enjoyable walk, and we would walk around the entire promenade, but
    evenings after having walked around a theme park all day, even a few
    less steps was appreciated.
    
    What do some of you others that have been to the CBR think?
    
    peter

    I just booked at the CBR, I requested Martinique but was told that
    they have nothing to do with what buildings, etc.  I booked with
    MKC, but had also called the main reservation number and was told
    the same thing.
    

    We just stayed at CBR for one night in December -- last minute 
    trip while in Floriday and could only get a room for one night.
    We were in Martinique, and I would agree with the previous comments.
    I think the least convenient area is Trinidad 2, way off to one
    end  and isolated. That is the only place I would be disappointed
    to saty.
    
    Linda

Like I said, at the Poly, the closest buildings to the TTC are Pago-Pago and 
Moorea.  In Pago Pago, the rooms would either face the parking lot or Moorea.
In Moorea, the rooms would face either the lagoon or Pago-Pago.

I also know that Moorea is one of the newer building.  I do not know about the 
others.  Some of the older buildings do not have balconies on the second floor.

We had a lagoon view room in Moorea and liked it very much.  For my future
visits, I have requested a garden view room (less $) in Moorea.

/Jim Pappas

    Re:46
    
    Just called resrvations to inquire about the Beach Club and the
    Yacht Club and opening dates. The Beach club is scheduled to
    open 12/15/90, and the Yacht Club is scheduled to open 11/15/90.
    The central number is not yet taking reservations for these two
    hotels.
    
    Linda

    The Beach Club & the Yacht Club.... Has anyone seen how far they have
    gotten on these two resorts?  Plus, how close to Epcot are these going
    to be?  I called also, and received the same opening date information
    as the previous reply.  I asked about rates, I was quoted $185 for
    garden view and $265. for Lagoon view with concierge service.
    
    I will be making my reservations for '91 this coming May, and we
    are debating if we should stay at the Polynesian again or try
    either of the above!
    
    Carla
    

    They are very close to Epcot. They are being built on the other
    side of the Swan and the Dolphin -- the side towards the park. When
    I was there I didn't know about them, so didn't check out the 
    construction progress. 
    
    Linda

    
    Re - .87
    
    Jim,
    
    In note# .68 you said you're first choice for a building at the
    Polynesian would be the Pago Pago. In note#.87 you said you want
    to stay in Moorea. Has something changed your mind about Pago Pago?
    I'm not trying to nit-pick but I'm going in Oct. and have requested
    a garden view in Pago Pago. Being this is my first time staying
    in WDW I'm taking any suggestions into consideration, so any insight
    you can provide is appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    Mike
    

    RE: -1
    
>    In note# .68 you said you're first choice for a building at the
>    Polynesian would be the Pago Pago. In note#.87 you said you want
>    to stay in Moorea. Has something changed your mind about Pago Pago?

    
    I requested Moorea becuase I stayed there before and it is a nice
    building.  I havn't stayed at Pago Pago so I really don't know.
    
    Pago Pago is perhaps a bit closer to the TTC, but that would be only a
    few steps.  Not a big deal.
    
    I looked back at .68 and indeed I did recommend Pago Pago.  I would
    change my recommendation based on the following:
    
    I guess the biggest reason is because Moorea faces the lagoon while
    Pago Pago faces a parking lot.  The garden view rooms (or at least I
    assume they are GV rooms) for the two buildings face each other.  If I
    stay at Moorea, then I know I will not get a parking lot view, and if
    they goof up, I might even get a lagoon view.  In Pago Pago, I could
    imagine that I might get a view of a garden with a parking lot beyond.
    
    From Moorea, you could walk right out to the beach on the lagoon.
    
    I would therefore recommend Moorea as first choice.  That is what I
    have reserved for my next two trips down.                        
    
    /Jim Pappas

    
    Re - .92    Thanks for the info Jim! Good point about the parking
    	        lot, I may call and change my request to Moorea.

    
    Mike
    

    Thanks for the discussions re the Poly.  I think I'm going to make
    reservations for 9/28-10/4 to stay in Moorea also.
    
    -Ken
    

How does one go about using facilites at other WDW resort hotels?

I was thinking mainly about using pools or beaches. Are there changing
rooms available?

For instance, if we were staying at the poly and while at EPCOT wanted
to take a dip at the SWAN for a break at mid-day, and then return to
EPCOT.

thanks,

Doug

>    < Note 13.95 by SIMUL::WIEDEMAN >
>
>How does one go about using facilites at other WDW resort hotels?
>I was thinking mainly about using pools or beaches. Are there changing
>rooms available?

    Not that I can recall, but usually the weather is good enough so
    that swimwear will dry out quickly.  We usually just took sweatshirts
    and shorts/sweatpants along to put on after swimming.

    I think the Contemporary has changing rooms by the pools, so I'd hope
    and assume that others did also.
    
    Seeing that Disney is always proclaiming that "A guest of any of their
    hotels is a guest of all their hotels" (or something like that), I'd
    think that you shouldn't have a problem...
    
    Steve
    

    Remember to  keep  your Resort ID with you and they'll be no problem if
    you are asked  as  to  being  a  quest, since the pools/beaches are for
    resort quest only. From memory (and we all know how that is ;^))
    
    Polynesian Pool/Beach -  has  a  small  hut next to their main pool for
                 changing but no lockers.
    
    Disney INN Pool -  You change in the Looker Rooms under the Club House.
                 (This was the Golf Resort)
    
    Contemporary Pool/Beach - Had  changing  rooms next to the marina/snack
                 bar if I remember right, but no locker?
    
    Lake Buena Vista Club Pool - Use the Locker rooms (3rd Golf Course)
    
    Vacation Villa's Pool - I think  I remember using the restroom near the
                 pool
    
    Fort Wilderness Beach - Use the Rest Rooms  at the Trading Post/Pioneer
                 Hall  or  if you were visiting River Counter than you  had
                 used those facilities.
    

    The CBR does not have changing rooms. However they do have nice clean
    spacious restrooms by each pool with doors that you can lock. On my
    last trip staying outside the park on Intl Drive (it was free) we took 
    advantage of this and saved ourselves the aggravation of driving back
    to the hotel in the afternoon to cool off. We would store our swin
    suits,towels and clean clothes in a duffel bag in the lockers at
    whatever park we were at and pick them up on the way out and hop on a
    bus to the next park.
    
    Bill

    The Contemporary has plenty of lockers available at pool/marina.
    
    John

    I just found out about this notes file and I'm glad there are lots of
    other fanatics about WDW also! Just wanted to put my two cents in about
    the Polyensian, we stayed there in June of 88 and loved it! We stayed
    in the Oauhi and was in between the TTC and main lobby. We had a garden
    view which I prefer because it is quieter. You can watch the fireworks
    from the lagoon and the food is fantastic! Hopefully we will go back in
    the near future!

    I just got back from my trip from WDW that consisted of 8 nights at
    CBR.  We were given a room in Martinique without asking for it, however
    smokers beware, (I am not one, but my wife is), Martinique is a
    non-smoking complex.  We noticed this but did not change rooms, for the
    most part my wife just went outside to have her cigarette, only a few
    times did she light up in the room.
    
    We had our two children, (daughter 8, and son 3 1/2) with us, which
    meant that we spent more time at MK than any of the other parks.  I
    bring this up because we thought CBR was a bit inconvienient to MK.  I
    know the buses are only 20 minutes apart, but if you go to the bus
    stop, and just missed one you have to wait 20 minutes before the next,
    add to it 7 minutes to go around the rest of the complex, (Martinique
    is the first stop), 10 minutes to MK, and about another 10 minutes to
    take the monorail inside the park. All total almost 50 minutes to get
    inside the park.  After 2 bus trips I learned the route, and then drove
    myself to park, parked at the Polynesian, and took the resort monorail
    from there, (which I found less crowded, especially coming out when the
    park closes).
    
    CBR, however, is very convient to EPCOT, MGM Studis, Typhoon Lagoon
    which was closed), and the Village, (pleasure Island ETC...).  When we
    went to EPCOT and the Studios we took the bus, which was not bad.  I
    drove to the village for shopping.
    
    Another problem we had with CBR was that with the two kids you can
    forget about privacy, especially in the morning when everyone is
    getting dressed at the same time.  The bathroom is just big enought for
    the tub and toilet, and not much room for getting dressed.  They could
    fix this problem as down that end of the room is a nice alcove which
    had 2 sinks, they could put a retracable door, or curtain in this area
    and make a nice private dressing area.
    
    Thats about it.  Overall the CBR was ok.  Afterall it is the cheaper of
    the "on property" hotels, you just have to remember that you pay for what
    you get, and since you dont pay much, (relative to the others "on
    property), you don't get much.  For us, we are planning to return again
    in about 3 years,when our youngest will be 7 or so, however we will 
    either stay at the Polynesian or the Floridian.
    
    
                                  Forrest...

    While staying at the CBR, we found it much easier to drive (rather
    than take the bus to the different Disney parks).  Epcot was only
    a five minute drive and MK was about ten minutes.  Also, by showing
    your resort pass you were allowed to park free.

    
    re: .102;
    
    	I find it interesting that one whole area was non-smoking? Are you
    sure? We prefer non-smoking (due to allergies!), and I'll have to call
    back and find out more about it. Did you check to see if they had any
    smoking rooms available for the rest of your stay? I am surprised that
    they didn't say anything about it being non-smoking when you checked
    in... At least something to keep in mind for both smokers and
    non-smokers......
    
    re: .103
    
    	Thanks for the info about parking free at the parks if you have
    a resort pass! We will be staying at CBR for 5 nights, and were
    planning on leaving the car and using the transportaion system, but
    if parking is free we may choose to drive....
    

    RE: .104
    
         I was told, (by another guest and not by CBR personnel), that the
    entire Martinique complex was non-smoking.  All I know for sure is that
    all of the building we were in, (there are 3 in all), was non-smoking
    rooms.
    
         We were not asked when we checked in if we wanted smoking or non,
    they just gave us the room, it was when we got to the room that we saw
    the Non-smoking sign on the door.  We talked about moving but decided
    against it, as my wife said she could leave the room to smoke,  our
    room was right beside the Pool where there were a lot of tables and
    chairs to sit and relax for her to have her cigarette,  Eventually
    there was even a group that met there regularly all doing the same
    thing.  It was at these sessions that alot of Disney information and
    tricks were passed along, (of course these notes had most of them first!!)
    
    
                             Forrest...

    I stayed at the CBR last June with my niece and nephew.  The first
    day there we rode the bus to EPCOT.  The kids were excited about
    riding it.  However, it full by the time it got to our stop - I think
    we were in Jamaica and there was a detour because of road construction.
    We had the joy of standing for the ride.  I don't remember the wait
    to come back being overly long but it was a wait.

    The next day I asked the kids if we should take the bus or car.
    They opted for the CAR!!  We rarely left the park with the crowd.
    But even if we did at least we were sitting in the car instead of 
    standing in line.  There are alot of back roads so we weren't in
    traffic for very long.
    
    When we went to the MK, I parked at one of the hotels.  If you are 
    going over a holiday, it may be tricky getting back to the hotel at
    closing.  I transferred to the GF and was there for the Fourth of
    July.  At closing we took the boats back.  They were only allowing
    people on the boat who had a resort ID for GF or PV.  
    

|    July.  At closing we took the boats back.  They were only allowing
|    people on the boat who had a resort ID for GF or PV.  
    
    
    Are you sure about this?  We took the launch to the GF and PV on the
    strength of a CBR resort ID; they were only letting people with Disney
    Resort IDs on the launch; the "unwashed herd"  had to take the monorail
    or ferryboat.  
    
    					Nigel
    				(we're going again in '92)

    One thing to consider when deciding to drive or take the bus is which
    park will you be starting at in the morning and which park will you be
    leaving from at night (or during the day for a break)? FWIW - we were
    at the CBR
    
    When we went in Nov, not one day at the theme parks was spent at a
    single park.  Just want people to think of this before deciding to take
    the bus or drive, will you have to take a bus and/or extra monorail ride(s) 
    to retrieve your car?  If you will be only visiting 1 theme park, you
    can decide for yourself.  I thought of taking the bus as an experience
    of the vacation, no driving for a few days and the option to look
    around at the sites.
    
    Whatever anyone does, enjoy yourself and be flexible.
    
    peter

    Peter,
    
    Good point. It is something that I have thought of too. At the end of a 
    long day I want to hit the sack ASAP so the egress consideration should 
    be part of the whole plan.
    
    Mike

>          <<< Note 13.107 by 2EASY::CONLIFFE "Cthulhu Barata Nikto" >>>
>
>|    July.  At closing we took the boats back.  They were only allowing
>|    people on the boat who had a resort ID for GF or PV.  
>    
>    
>    Are you sure about this?  We took the launch to the GF and PV on the
>    strength of a CBR resort ID; they were only letting people with Disney
>    Resort IDs on the launch; the "unwashed herd"  had to take the monorail
>    or ferryboat.  
>    
>    					Nigel
>    				(we're going again in '92)

    Yep, I'm sure about this.  The other days I was able to take the
    transportation with my CBR resort id.  But at closing on the Fourth of 
    July, they were announcing that you had to have an id from the
    Grand Floridian or Polynesian Village.  They appeared to be checking
    them a little more closely.  (But then maybe they let anyone on who
    had a resort id.)

    NOTE:  The Fourth of July was the only day they were doing this.

  Can anyone tell me if the resort hotel facilities eg beaches, playgrounds 
  bars, restaurants  etc. are available to offsite guests holding 3 park 
  passports.
  
  Robin_from_UK_31_days_to_go. 

    Rep to <<< Note 13.111 by WOTVAX::KAYR >>>

>  Can anyone tell me if the resort hotel facilities eg beaches, playgrounds 
>  bars, restaurants  etc. are available to offsite guests holding 3 park 
>  passports.

    Robin,
    
    The answer  is  yes  and  no.    YES to the Bars/restaurants, NO to the
    beaches/playground.  You might be able to get away with it, but they do
    ask from time to time if  it looks like you don't belong, like the time
    I pulled up with my loaded gym-bag to the restroom near  the  Poly Pool
    and  a Cast Member asked if I was a hotel guest, should them my  resort
    ID (Treehouse Villa) and no problems.  I also did the same thing when I
    stayed at the Disney Inn, but nobody asked me that time ;^(.
    
    Claude

    I find it a bit odd how they handle the waitlist for the WDW resorts.

    I am going in June/July, and recently changed my reservation to the
    CBR.  They did not have all the days available, so I booked the days
    that were available and waitlisted the rest.  I ended up with 3
    reservations with holes between them.  For each reservation, I
    waitlisted the missing days.

    For the oddities:

    First, they will only add consecutive days to a waitlist.  For example,
    let's say you want 7 days, but could only get a reservation for June
    17-18, and another for the 22-23th, you can waitlist for the 19th, 20th
    and 21st on both reservations, but if only the 20th comes free, you
    will not be given the room since it is not consecutive with either
    reservation.  If later, the 19th (or 21st) comes free, you will be
    given the room, but you will have to wait for another room on the 20th
    to come free.  Therefore it is best to grab as many days as possible
    and waitlist as many ways as possible.  You will need a new
    reservation for each group of days you reserve, and each one will
    require a separate deposit.

    Secondly,  I was told that the waitlist would be handled in
    chronological order from date of reservation.  However I called today,
    and due to cancellations I was able to make a new reservation for all
    of the days I wanted.  I canceled my other reservations (same hotel,
    same view/rate etc), but the extra days were never added to those
    reservations, even though they had waitlists.  I know the rooms were
    not available last night (I called) but when I called back this
    morning, the entire stay was available.  From this I guess that during
    the day, as reservations are canceled, then anyone can grab those
    days.  They probably fill the waitlists overnight from whatever is free
    at the end of the day.

    Finally, somewhere else in this conference it was advised to call on
    Sunday mornings because that is when most people call to cancel/change
    reservations.  This might be a coincidence, but these rooms became
    available on a Sunday.

    /Jim Pappas
    

    
    
    	Thanks for the advice on Sundays, Jim....
    
    Just read your note, and called to check my reservations wich I had
    made Saturday.
    
    	I'm going May 27-31 and am unluckily in the thick of the Memorial
    Day rush (no choice! It's a honeymoon and the wedding date was set WAY
    back).  I must have booked one of the only remaining Memorial Day
    weekend rooms, yesterday afternoon, but only got May 29-31.
    
    	Here goes the waitlist thing........I was wait listed for the 27,28
    and nothing was added since yesterday.  However, when I called turns out
    there was a room on the 28, only it's a Garden view (I had booked Deluxe
    yesterday feeling lucky to get it!) and since it was one day it wasn't
    added.  Soooooooooo, I made a 'seperate' reservation and waitlisted the
    27 on this one.  The final result is:
    
    	I pay two deposits for two reservations ($109 and $93.50)
    	I CAN still get the 27,28 from $104 Deluxe Room reservation, or, 
    		the 27 from the $93.50 Garden View reservation and cancel 
    		one or the other as necessary with the extra deposit to be 
    		applied toward my stay.
        I will be on the phone again next Sunday trying to squeeze out that
    		last day......
    
    Seems like a very confusing way to do it, but then, something must work
    well about it.  I guess it's true that to have every SINGLE open day
    get added to somebody's waitlist AS they come open could cause a lot of
    room jumping during their stay.  As it is, I may be moving rooms
    between the 28 and 29 if the extra waitlisted day comes through.
    
    	Guess that's what I get for not listening sooner and deciding to
    stay in the world....
    
    	I'm looking at it like, 'Hey there's two nights already paid before
    I even get there',  wich means more greenbacks for walkin an' talkin.
    	

    Re: last few.

    Ah, the wonders of batch processing.

    With an inventory of >12,000 rooms by the end of 1997, you would think
    that a state-of-the-art transaction based reservation system would be
    in order.

    Anyone in the Orlando sales office listening?

        More on this "Sunday phenomenon".

        I am going down again in June (74 days) after the kids get out
        of school.  We are planning on spending a week or two.  In
        order to give us some flexibility, I wanted to reserve 3
        weeks.  This would allow us to change our arrival date and
        length of stay as the time gets closer and we make more
        definite plans.

        When I called two weeks ago, only a few days were available in
        this time period (June/July).  I ended up with three
        reservations with big holes and gaps all over, and I
        waitlisted each reservation both forwards and backwards.

        I have called back several times (about 5) but not once was a
        single room available.  Then I read (here in this conference)
        about Sundays being the best day to snag rooms.

        I called again yesterday (Sunday) and was given a confirmed
        reservation for 21 days, beginning June 15th.  Note that this
        even includes the 4th of July holiday which should be
        difficult to reserve!  When I canceled the other three
        reservations, they had never filled in any of the extra days.
        It is possible that the only reason I was given the new
        reservation is because I was waitlisted for all of those days. 
        I really do not know.  Even if this is the case, it is
        inconsistent with what they told me in the past since they
        could never tell me my position within the waitlist.
       
        This experience is not conclusive that Sundays are the best
        days to get reservations, but I would give it a shot.  I would
        also not trust the waitlist system.

        /Jim Pappas

    The major systems that they use are Sperry/UNIVAC, now called UNISYS.
    
    They would only hire me as a computer operator trainee because I didn't
    know UNISYS equipment.  We all know that Digital is the best and that
    they should convert to a company that sells solutions!
    
    My $0.02 worth.
    
    Joel

    I was recently at Disney and there seems to be construction along the
    monorail line near Bay Lake.  Does anyone know what it is?  Also, does
    anyone know the location of the Disney's Beach Club, Disney's Yacht
    Club, Port Orleans Resort and Dixie Landings Resort?
    
    There are also several other resorts planned but no date has been set
    yet, to my knowledge.  Has anyone heard?
    
    Boardwalk Resort (530)
    Mediterranean Resort (1000)
    Wilderness Lodge (700)
    Buffalo Junction Resort (600)
    Kingdom Suites Hotel (200)
    EPC-2 Hollywood Hotels (2000)
    
    If anyone has information, please let me know?

    From a multi-page ad printed in the Boston Sunday Globe, May 13, 1990.
    
    The grand opening of the Walt Disney World Dolphin is on June 4, 1990.
    Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are scheduled to open on
    October 15, 1990.

    FYI -  The  Pickett  Suite  Resort, has been renamed (bought, change of
    management?) Guest Quarters  Suite Resorts, according to the add in the
    Summer '90 issue of Disney News.

    
    
    Anyone know what the Yacht club resort will be like? Is it "attached"
    to EPCOT by waterway? I heard that one of the new resorts would have a
    canal into EPCOT...
    
    

    Yes, it is supposed to be attached to Epcot by boat and canal. The same
    is true of the Beach Club, Swan, and Dolphin.

    The Port Orleans and Dixie Landings have begun construction on Bonnet
    Creek Rd which starts near the SR536 entrance (Epcot entrance) and runs
    up to road that Fort Wilderness is on.  It is immediately next to the
    Buena Vista golf course.  There is a lot of site preperation underway,
    but I didn't see any structures yet.  This is a very large piece of
    property.  In re-reading one of the notes here, I see that it is
    supposed to connect to the Village/Pleasure Island via waterway?  I
    didn't think that the lake went anywhere near that far west so they
    must be planning a canal.
    
    /Jim Pappas

        Looking at the map in Birnbaum's book, I see that canals
        already go close to the new Port Orleans and Dixie Landings
        site.

        The maps in the Birnbaum book are out of date.  They do not
        show that Buena Vista Drive connects to World Drive.  They are
        missing the section that goes past the CBR and MGM studios.

        Bonnet Creek Rd is also missing from the Birnbaum map.  It
        connects between Buena Vista Drive (near CBR) and connects to
        Vista Blvd, near Fort Wilderness.   The Port Orleans and Dixie
        Landings resorts will be on this road.

        /Jim Pappas 

    The following appeared on the back of The Globe Magazine in the Boston
    Globe yesterday, July 15. Note the section on opening specials.
    
    Reprinted without permission.
    
    
    OUR NEWEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE PERFECT VACATION
    
    Waves gently lap ashore as calm breezes whisper through the clapboard
    shutters. The yachting crowd's chatter echoes along the dock. Nearby, 
    preparations begin for the evening's clambake. Welcome to DISNEY'S 
    YACHT AND BEACH CLUB RESORTS, two new Epcot resorts in Walt Disney 
    World. Turn-of-the-century seaside splendor has been tastefully adapted 
    and authentically preserved by blending quaint New Engalnd style
    cottages and a grand seaside hotel.
    
    Joining thses treasures of American architecture is "Stormalong Bay", a 
    spectacular fantasy lagoon. Swim in one of many pools. Snorkel amid
    freshwater fish. Enjoy the slides and decks of the themed paradise.
    Bask in the Florida sun on one of the dramatic white beaches. 
    
    Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts offer everything you'd expect
    from Disney, and more. A leisurely stroll along the wooden boardwalk
    leads directly to Epcot Center. Or take a convenient water taxi to the
    Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park. There's also easy access to the Magic
    Kingdom.
    
    Book now for arrival between October 1, 1990 and December 18, 1990 and
    ask for our Grand Opening MARITIME PACKAGE.* This four-night deluxe
    package will save you 20% off regular room rates, in addition to many
    other features including theme park admissions and special dining
    opportunities. Maritime Package prices start at $669.00 per person 
    based on double occupancy. So, drop anchor here, and enjoy Disney magic
    all day and night.
    
    OPENING OCTOBER 1990
    
    There's only one thing better than visiting the Walt Disney World
    Resort. Staying There. For reservations, ocntact your travel agent
    or call (407) 827-7200.
    
    
    
    *Offer is subject to limited availability and does not apply to 
    group rates, special promotions, concierge service, or suite
    accomodations. Reservations must be booked in advance.
    
    
    Linda 
                                    

    Rep to <<< Note 13.126 by GEMINI::GIBSON >>>

>    Nearby, preparations begin for the evening's clambake. 
    
    I wonder if WDW is finally going to add another dinner show, the Poly's
    Laua's and Contemp's Top Of The  World  is  fine once, maybe twice.  It
    would be nice if they added another  Dinner  Show  at the resorts to go
    along with FW Hoop Dee Doo (which I don't think I'll ever get sick of).
    
    Claude

    I read someplace that at the new Yacht & Beach Club they were going to
    have Clambakes.  I bets that the new dinner show.
    ANyone else hear that.  I'll check it out when I down there in
    30 days..............................................
    
    

    Is there anyone out there that recently stayed at the Poly or has a
    layout of the buildings?
    
    I would like to request a particular building but I don't know which
    one it is?
    
    Currently I have requested Bora Bora, first floor, pool-view, they say
    this is a non-smoking building does anyone know where it is?
    
    I would appreciate any help.
    
    Thanks,
    Cheryl

    re: .129
    
    Cheryl,
    
    We stayed in Bora Bora last October.  It is located behind the
    main building (the Ceremonial House?) and to the right.  The
    easiest way to get to it is to go through the main building and
    exit out the right hand door beneath the stairs.
    
    Situated as it is, Bora Bora is extremely convenient to the monorail
    stop, the character breakfast, one of the pools and most of the shops
    and restaurants.  It is less convenient to the video arcade, laundry
    facilities, the main pool, the lagoon, luau cove (Polynesian Revue
    dinner show) and the walkway to the TTC monorail station.  The less
    convenient things are within reasonable walking distance for most
    people but you may find the distances to be too much for small children
    and anyone else who has trouble walking for much distance.
    
    Are you trying to get a specific building but can't remember the name?
    If so, I think I still have the booklet they gave us which has a map
    of the resort.  If I have it, I'll be glad to help you more.
    
    Ruth

    Ruth,
    
    Thank you for your quick response.  I have an old picture of the resort
    but it only has 8 buildings on it.
    
                               Monorail
                              oooooooooo-Ceremonial House
           oooooooo                       ooooooo
                   o
         o         o                     o
         o                   Pool        o
         o   Pool    o                   o
         o           o                   o                Polynesian Luau
         o           o           Marina  o                      oooo
    
           ooooooooo-Tonga                 ooooooooo
    
    
                   Lagoon - lake front - Beach
    
    This is only an idea of what I know is there, but I think there are
    several new buildings that I am unaware of.  It has been many years
    since I stayed at the Poly.
    
    I do have a 1 1/2 year old so walking long distances is a
    consideration.  
    
    What building do you recommend?  How was Bora Bora? What are the ground
    floors like?
    
    Thanks,
    Cheryl
    
    
    

    re: .131
    
    Cheryl,
    
    I found my map.  It shows 11 buildings in addition to the Great
    Ceremonial house and the building that has the video games, laundry,
    etc..  I'll try to enter an approximation of the map in another
    reply.
    
    Our room in Bora Bora was pretty good.  We were on the bottom floor
    and the view from our room was of the plants behind the Great
    Ceremonial House.  We had no problems with noise - either from inside
    the building or outside.  Although it was close to the main activity
    center (the Ceremonial House), our room was set back from the path
    so pedestrians didn't bother us.  Bora Bora is a small building so
    there is only a soda machine and an ice machine.  However, it's not much
    trouble to go buy stuff at the Ceremonial House.
    
    We liked being close to the Ceremonial House since most of our resort
    type of activities were done there - character breakfast, monorail
    boarding, shopping.  I should make monorail boarding a little more
    clear.  You can board the monorail from the upper floor of the Great
    Ceremonial House but this is the Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom,
    Contemporary Resort, TTC loop (stops in that order).  The Epcot
    monorail only loops between the TTC and Epcot.  So, to go to Epcot
    you can either board the monorail at the Great Ceremonial House and
    ride it to the TTC (takes at least 45 minutes) or walk over to the
    TTC and board it there (takes about 15 minutes).  We found the morning
    walk to the TTC to be ok - sometimes stopping at the Tangaroa Terrace
    for breakfast on the way but the evening walk was rough on our feet.
    Our 2 year old had little problem with the walk but sometimes wanted
    to be carried.
    
    From the map I have, Oahu looks pretty well situated.  If the map is
    drawn to scale, it is the largest building.  It is located about 1/3
    of the way between the Great Ceremonial House and the monorail walkway.
    It is also next to the pool and the building that has the video games,
    laundry, Tangaroa Terrace and I think the Neverland babysitting place.
    We have only stayed in Bora Bora so I don't know if this is a good
    building or not.
    
    Moorea and Pago Pago are closer to the monorail walkway but they are
    farther away from the Great Ceremonial House and very far away from
    the lagoon, marina and luau cove.  Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti and Bali Hai
    are to the left of the Great Ceremonial House (Samoa is farthest away)
    so are least convenient to the monorail walkway.
    
    Other negatives - Pago Pago, Maui, Bali Hai and Tahiti are on the
    parking lot side of the resort so you might have to deal with noise
    from the lots and/or monorail.
    
    This is getting long so I'll wrap it up.  One thing I want to say about
    walking around the resort is WATCH OUT FOR THE GOLF CART THINGS.  They
    really whip around the paths.  Nicole wasn't used to this and tended to
    dart out in front of them.  They watch out for this but it still
    worried me.  To deal with that and any long walks through the resort, I
    recommend bringing an umbrella style stroller.  We used one in May and
    it was heaven.
    
    Ruth

    re: .132
    
    Cheryl,
    
    Here's an approximation of the map in the booklet.  I've tried to keep
    it to the scale in the booklet.  I hope this helps.
    Ruth
    
    
Seven Seas Lagoon
                                                             
               [ ]   <- Dock for boat transportation         
                |                                            
                |   (beach is out here)                      
                |   ----------------------------------------------fb
                |  /                                         
                - -  pp        TTTTTTTT    OO      MMMMMMMMM 
                |    pp        OOOOOOOO    OO      OOOOOOOOO 
\     ------|   |                          OO                
 \   /SSSSSS|   |            H H   pp      OO                 TTC ->  
lc--- SSSSSS|  /             H H   ppp     OO          PA     wwwwww 
            |  |             H H    pp    OOO         PA     w
        FF  |--|             H H          OO         PA     ----|
        FF                                OO        PA     /    |
        FF                    BBB         OO              /     |
        FF         GCH        BBB               TA       / park-|
                   GCH                         TA       /   ing /
  TTTTTTT   BBB    GCHGCHGCH   MMMMMMM        TA       /_______/
  TTTTTTT   HHH    GCHGCHGCH   AAAAAAA       TA              
                   GCHGCHGCH                TA                     m
m                                                                 m
 m                                                               m
  mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
                                                             
          |--------------------------------------------|     
          |    parking                                 |     
          |                                            |     
                                                             




KEY --
fb - ferry boat landing (to Magic Kingdom)
lc - luau cove
mm - monorail
pp - pool   
ww - walkway to monorail (TTC)
BB - Bora Bora
BH - Bali Hai
FF - Fiji
GCH - Great Ceremonial House
HH - Hawaii
MA - Maui
MO - Moorea
OO - Oahu
PA - Pago Pago
SS - Samoa
TT - Tahiti
TO - Tonga

    Ruth,
    
    I can't thank you enough.  Your map is terrific.  I am going to put it
    into my folder for future reference.
    
    Your advise has been most helpful and thanks for the tip on the
    umbrella stroller.  Our daughters seem to be close in age so I imagine
    Samantha will also dart out in front of the Golf Cart accidently.
    
    Thank you again,
    Cheryl
    
    If you have any other tips with regards to small children please post
    in the note Small Children at WDW.  I have read your other responses
    and have found them to be helpful.

        Well, now that we have been twice, I could compare the
        Polynesian to the Caribbean Beach Resort.  We spent 8 nights
        in the Poly (11/29/89 - 12/7/89) and 13 nights at the CBR
        (6/22/89 - 7/5/90).

        We liked the Poly a little better than the CBR for the
        following reasons:

        - Transportation

          The Poly is definitely more convenient as far a
          transportation.  We spend most of our time in the MK or
          EPCOT, and for either of those, the express monorail from
          the TTC is the fastest way to get there.  Additionally,
          would not use a car to go from the Poly to Fort Wilderness,
          River Country, or Discovery Island.  Ideally, we would want
          a car to go to MGM, Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island, or the
          WDW village.

          From the CBR, only bus transportation is available.  We used
          it a few times, but we always felt it was better to drive
          wherever we were going.  We would not want to be at the CBR
          without a car.  The busses are crowded, make a lot of stops,
          and take a long time.  Plus, you have to wait a fairly long
          time for them to arrive since they run on 20 minute
          intervals.

        - Room

          The rooms at the CBR are smaller than most other places in
          WDW.  If you get a room with two beds, they are double beds,
          not queen sized.   However they are long doubles, and have
          the same extra 6" in length as a queen or king.  The CBR has
          fewer drawers than the Poly and space was tight.  We kept
          suitcases and duffel bags under the beds to hold the rest of
          our clothes and laundry.

          My single biggest complaint with the CBR is the lack of
          privacy.  The rooms are "motel style", where the doors to
          the room are on the same wall as the windows.  Therefore, if
          you keep your drapes open, the rest of the world walks by
          your room and really can't help looking in.  This combined
          with the lack of window sheers, and the tiny bathroom made
          it inconvenient to change if you have the least bit of
          modesty. In the poly, the public area is the corridor in the
          center of the longhouse, and your balcony is a private area,
          especially if your room is overlooking the lagoon.  In the
          Poly, we would not close our drapes unless we wanted to
          darken the room.

        - Restaurants

          The CBR only has fast food.  I think I only ate there once,
          and the family ate there a couple of more times during the
          days I was gone on business.  We did not care for the food
          there.  We would much rather have a sit down meal,
          especially while on vacation.  Besides, the Poly has banana
          stuffed french toast which we are addicted to.  We are not
          big users of room service so we did not mind the fact that
          the CBR only had pizza (which we ordered a couple of times).

        - Recreation

          Both places are very nice and probably fare equally.  The
          water sprites at the Poly are nicer than the CBR tubies, but
          then the CBR rents bikes which is a pleasant way to spend an
          hour in the evening.  The pools at the two places are nice,
          but the CBR is probably a bit nicer.  The Poly does not have
          a spa but the CBR does.

        - Other

          We would have really liked it if the CBR had a Mickey Mouse
          Clubhouse (babysitting).  With the number of families there,
          I am surprised they do not offer one.  We used the one at
          the Grand Floridian instead for the nights we went out by
          ourselves.

          They have very few safety deposit boxes available at the
          CBR.  We had to sit on a waiting list for two days before
          one came available.

          They do not have several of the other services like barber
          shops etc.  However, because of this I got my haircut one
          day on Main St. in the Magic Kingdom.  Definitely a lot more
          atmosphere.  We really don't miss these services because we
          would seldom use them anyway (I had to get ready for the
          business part of the trip).

        This probably sounds like we are down on the CBR.  We really
        are not.  For the price, we think it is great and will
        probably stay there for our next trip (summer 92?).  We really
        had a great time at the CBR.  However, if we are able to grab
        one of the Poly $99 specials again, we would stay there over
        the CBR any time.

        /Jim Pappas
    

Obviously, to each his own but..

I stayed at both the Grand Floridian and the CBR and found the GF only 
convient to the MK.  The fastest to MGM/EPCOT was from the CBR on buses,
usually less than ten minutes.

George

    Well its official now.  The final payment has gone to the travel agent
    for our reservations at the Dolphin.  Only 52 more days to go.  Has
    anyone or know of anyone who has first hand knowledge of the Dolphin?
    I would really appreciate hearing your comments and I am sure lots of
    others would also, it being so new and all.

    Can anyone who has recently seen the Yacht & Beach Club Resort being
    built explain to me what that huge smoke stack like thing is on top?
    
    Everytime I drove by there I tried to figure it out.
    
    Mike

    
    
    Is it a lighthouse?
    

    Can anyone explain to me what extras you get when booking a room with
    concierge service at the Grand Floridian? (Other than less money in
    your pocket)

    You get extra room in your wallet!
    
    Mike

    A few notes back someone asked about the Dolphin Hotel.  I to would
    like to know more about the Swan or Dolphin.  I had an option of
    staying at these two hotels for this April 1991 but I booked the
    Poly instead.  I have never stayed at the Poly so I'm excited to
    see how that is.  

And it didn't cost any more than a regular room.
We didn't use too much of their services. Among other things, they:
   Made reservations at all the restaurants and shows for us - no waiting in
	lines by us to make arrangements and we always had great seats.
   Boxed and shipped purchases we made. We paid shipping, of course.
   Complimentary drinks nightly on the floor. Nothing like a little
	Bailey's Irish Cream every night after a hard day being a tourist.
	Munchies too - fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate, etc.
   Breakfasts, newspapers available, etc.

This was our honeymoon and my wife and I aren't the type of folks who would pay
for/really make use of this level of service. The room we'd reserved wasn't
available on our arrival and they moved us up to the concierge floor without
mentioning it to us, We got the rate of the original room we'd reserved.
While we didn't make that much use of the service, I really enjoyed meeting some
of the people on the floor during the evening libations - world-traveler-types
with fascinating stories.

Would I do it again? At the regular room rate, sure! But I bet the difference in
cost for a two week stay could get pretty significant. If you really want to max
out, there's one room on the floor with a real jaccuzzi. Weren't lucky enough to
get that one.

						Trace

	I'd like to get some feedback on the Hotel Royal Plaza.

	I have booked a room at this hotel for 8 nights in October
	for $90 per night. It resides in the WDW village. Is this
	a good price for this location and timeframe? It seems so.

	Has anyone stayed at this hotel? Any info would be helpful.
	Do you get free use of transportation from this location?

	This is my first experience with WDW since 1972 (I'll bet its
	changed). I'm sorting through the vast info looking for hints
	to help out. 

    Pls move if this is not the appropriate place but I couldn't find
    any better .... (sorry, Claude)
    
    After changing my hotel-only reservation to a package-plan I receive
    a new confirmation-fomular where the following was  stated:
    
    "A deposit of $xy is the balance due."
    
    My english is not that bad (I hope) but I really couldn't translate
    this! I would guess that they mean I will have to pay another xy$
    because the old deposit wasn't "enough", but they do have my "credit
    card authorization" so why wouldn't they simply charge this to it,
    too?
    
    Help!
    
    And, do I now have to send back again the yellow copy or not?
    
    Sorry to bother, but I'm honestly confused.....
    
    Billie

    Well, now I'm completely confused! When I first pressed "next/unseen"
    this morning I saw a reply to this note and *now it's gone!!!!*
    What happened?
    
    When I remember correctly, somebody said, they don't charge deposits
    to credit cards. Well, they definitely do! When I made my first
    reservation 4 months ago (for room only, no plan) they sent me a
    green form called "credit card authorization form" which I had to
    fill in and return. A few days later the whole deposit-amount was
    charged to my visa card. So they do it!
    
    What I really would need to know is what does this sentence (see
    -1) mean?  (Yea, I know I should call, but please remember I am
    from Austria, and calling the States is not only a time problem
    but also veeeery expensive!)
    
    Help, pls!
    
    Billie 

    Billie,
    
    	    I think you have understood Disney's quaint usage of 
    English correctly. The standard deposit to secure a reservation is 
    one day's cost. If you change room type, or if the price is 
    increased, then the computer will automatically generate a new 
    invoice for the difference. We were hit with this last year, when 
    they hiked the price of the FW Trailers, and we got a 
    supplementary invoice asking for the difference. Although the 
    invoice stated that if the difference was greater than $1 (I 
    think, could have been $5) it had to be paid within the timescales 
    to guarantee the reservation, I rang the MKC, explained about 
    speed of mail, and the cost of International Money Orders, and 
    they agreed to confirm the reservation without the extra $20+. 
    
    	    I've just booked my Trailer for '91, and asked if I could 
    quote a Visa or MC number to cover the deposit. I was told that 
    they will only use this method if there is less than 30 days 
    before arrival. Otherwise, you need to wait until you get the 
    hard-copy invoice, and then pay it. 
    
    	    I am waiting for my invoice to arrive, to see what methods 
    of payment they allow. Last time (Late'88/early'89) there was no 
    provision for paying by Credit Card, and I needed to get an 
    International Money Order which cost another �5 ($3.50). The cost 
    is now �7, so if I can get around it it would be useful.
    
    	    One last point, although Disney have your Visa number, 
    they cannot make a new withdrawal against it without your 
    agreement, so you will either have to post off the yellow copy, or 
    ring them to authorise the charge.
    
    Regards,
    
    Mike in Warrington, UK.

    The cover of the Fall 1990 issue of Disney News has a picture of 
    Mickey and Minnie in front of either the Yacht or Beach Club Hotel
    (it isn't clear which). It looks really nice. Anybody have any
    idea what the range of the rates are?

    RE:  credit card authorizations.
    
    We just made reservations for June, 1991... when I received the
    confirmatio/slip to pay the deposit, I called and asked if we could
    charge to American Express, the reservations clerk said yes, but, we
    would have to send information in writing...  It was charged to
    AMEX.
    
    Carla
    

    re: .149 Yacht and Beach Club Resort
    
    I don't know which one is pictured either.  As for prices, they should
    be listed in the official price note.  For some "unofficial" prices,
    check out my note 21.56 which lists the prices I was quoted for the
    Yacht Club Resort for the week of Christmas.  If someone does call
    for the official prices, please post them in the official price note.

    I have a question about the waitlists due to my latest experience
    with Disney.  I made reservations a for 12/22 - 12/24 at the CBR
    and 12/25 - 12/28 at the Yacht Club Resort.  I was placed on the
    CBR waitlist for 12/25 - 12/28.  When I called today, I had picked
    up 12/25 and 12/26 on the CBR reservation so I guess the lists work
    in that resort.  However, I was still reserved for all four nights
    at the Yacht Club.
    
    When I made the reservations, I was led to believe they would
    automatically update the second reservation if I got the days I was
    waitlisted for.  The clerk I spoke with today said you have to alter
    or cancel the reservation yourself.  Has this been your experience?
    
    I imagine it's best to take care of it yourself but I wish I had been
    better informed when I made the reservations.  I would not have been
    pleased to have to pay for unused nights at the Yacht Club.  Needless
    to say, I'm glad I happened to ask about the reservations this morning.
    
    What's really funny to me is, in the past I completely trusted Disney.
    I never worried about confirmations and such.  I just assumed they had
    their acts together.  Ever since I've been reading this file, I've
    been more careful.  Thanks for saving me about $500!  I'll toast you at
    the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue.

    It has been my experience that all unnecessary reservations be
    cancelled by a phone call to the CRO.
    
    I had made enough reservations for my last trip that they have included
    me in their mailings for Travel Agents.  I get newsletters that begin
    Dear Travel Agent:
    
    Keep those slips of paper and keep record of your deposits.  Once all
    your nights have been confirmed and you have the confirmations in hand,
    then you could cancel the unneccesary room.
    
    Do keep your slips.
    Good luck,
    Cheryl

    Disney will not cancel your overlapped reservations, but this is an
    advantage.  There are reasons why people might want overlapped
    reservations.  For example, you might want to make next year's vacation
    plans and reserve both a room at CBR and a campsite at FW.  As the time
    approaches you could decide which reservation to cancel depending upon
    whether you want to fly down or drive your camper.
    
    In my case, last year I had reservations at the Poly for my entire
    stay.  I decided (almost too late) to stay at the CBR since I wanted to
    stay more days (constant budget).  I made reservations for available
    days at the CBR and waitlisted for the rest.  Only after all of my days
    were reserved did I cancel the Poly reservation.  I would not have
    wanted them to cancel days off the Poly reservation as the days became
    available in the CBR.  It was more important for me to stay in one
    hotel rather than bounce from room to room.  Even after all of the CBR
    nights were obtained, I might have changed my mind and decided to stay
    at the Poly.
    
    Their policy is simple.  They will not cancel a reservation unless
    expicitly requested.  I think this is much better than having them
    second guessing your plans.
    
    /Jim Pappas

    I agree about the good points of keeping overlapping reservations
    active.  I was just surprised since the person I spoke with when
    I made the reservations led me to believe the second one would be
    cancelled and the deposit automatically applied to the first one.
    
    The ironic thing is that the reason I called when I did was because
    we changed our minds about the reservations.  We decided to stay a
    couple of days in the Yacht Club Resort so I wanted to remove us
    from the CBR waitlist for those days.  I was worried that we had
    lost our Yacht Club reservation because I had waited too long before
    calling.  Typical of me, all that worrying for nothing!!!!
    
    Thanks for the sanity check though,
    Ruth

    Has anyone recently stayed at the Grosvenor Resort?  We were planning
    to go to WDW this coming January and hoping to stay at the CBR, however
    we'll be unable to get reservations for 7 days in a row.  We were told
    that there are rooms available at the Grosvenor.
    
    Anyone have any details?  I'm mostly curious to know how far away we'll
    be from the parks and what type of transportation service is available. 
    Has it changed much from what is described in .19?
    
    Any info would be appreciated.
    
    Brian

    Does anyone know anything about the new Port Orleans and Dixie Landings
    Resorts?  Where they'll be located?  What they'll be like?
    
    If there is already a description in the notesfile, could someone
    please direct me to it?  Thanks.
    
    --Jay
    

re: .157

>    Does anyone know anything about the new Port Orleans and Dixie Landings
>    Resorts?  Where they'll be located?  What they'll be like?
    
I just made reservations at Port Orleans for next fall.  It will be located
close to WDW village because there is suppose to be water transportation 
to the Village.

I believe the architecture is New England at the turn-of-the-century.

Marilyn

    re: .157 

�   Does anyone know anything about the new Port Orleans and Dixie Landings
�   Resorts?  Where they'll be located?  What they'll be like?

    I think there is a description in the "Disney Decade" note.  They are
    going to be New Orleans / Southern Architecture, and priced much like
    the Caribbean Beach Resort (i.e./ $75-100/night).

    We drove by the construction site last week, they are located on an
    extension of Bonnet Creek Rd., which runs between EPCOT Center Drive
    and Vista Blvd. (the back road to Ft. Wilderness). A new interchange is
    under construction at the intersection of EPCOT Center Drive and Bonnet
    Creek Rd.  The security checkpoint on Vista Blvd. has been moved west
    to a spot just before you get to FW.

    Has anyone stayed at the Guest Quarters since it was renamed from
    Pickett Suites?  There's a special promotion now in effect; only $89
    per night, compared with $180 normally.  Looks like good deal,
    considering that you can take bus to MK.
    
    Jim

    Does anyone recall as to when the CRO would start accepting
    reservations for an unfinished resort? I'm thinking about Port
    Orleans/Dixie Landing and how soon people can make reservations.
    
    Heck I'm thinking about a 2 week stay in  '92 with one week in the CBR
    and the other at PO/DL.
    
    Mike the Dreamer

    For what it's worth, I believe Port Orleans (but not Dixie Landing) is
    listed in the 1991 Magic Kingdom Club brochure. Thus it should be
    eligible for booking plans or just rooms.

    Reservations for Port Orleans are being accepted now.
    
    
    Linda

    Guess I'll wait until some trip reports come in on PO.
    
    Mike

    We are leaving Feb. 3 for a week at the Poly.  We have reserved a pool
    view room.  We will be traveling with a (nearly) 3 year old.
    Questions:
    
    		Which pool is better to be by?
    		Which buildings do people prefer?
    		Is it better to have a ground or upper level floor?
    
    Thanks in advance.  I'll post trip report when we return.
    
    Judy

    Sorry - forgot 1 question...
    
    Is it possible to walk via the beach or some path directly to the ferry
    boat landing or must you pass through TCC to show passports?
    
    Thanks,
    Judy

    
    Judy,
    
    It all depends on what you want. The pool near the marina is larger and
    has a kiddie pool, and water slide, but it's more crowded and noisier
    than the other pool. some of the buildings are no smoking but I do not
    know which are. When we stayed at the Poly in '88 we had a marina view
    (cheaper than lagoon back then) we had a second floor w/o balcony and
    were able to swap for a third floor with balcony. We found this great 
    at bedtime for our son. We could sit on the balcony and talk leaving 
    the room quiet for him. The ground level is nice for access to the pool
    but some areas tend to have more foot traffic and less privacy. The
    only way to get to the ferry is the footpath to the TCC wich the
    smaller pool is closer to. There is a small water shuttle that goes to 
    the MK that leaves from the dock at the marina all day and night(have
    your resort id handy) so the big pool is closer in this case. I hope
    this helps. If you find you don't like your choice you can ask for a
    change of rooms. They can't always accomidate you but they will try.
    
    Enjoy  
    
    Steve

    
    Hi Everyone!
    
    I was wondering if anyone out there could give me somemore information
    on the Disney Villas.  I have already made a reservation for the CBR,
    but now that there are 5 (2 couples and 1 single - who is partially
    handicapped if that makes any difference) of us going, we think it will 
    be more economical for us if we stay at a 2 bedroom villa.  There is alot 
    if info in this notes files on the CBR, and other hotels, but I couldn't
    find much on the Villas (if there is a note in here that I missed could
    you point me to it?).  I'd like to know if there is a certain area
    we should request (if we could even do that).  Are there ones right by
    the pools?  Are there better ones to stay at than others?  Are there
    tennis courts near the Villas?  Anything else that you think would be
    helpful to me would be great!
    
    I'm going to be calling on Sunday to make our reservations (I called this 
    past Sunday to make our reservation for the CBR and it was great!  The 
    phone barely even rang...and they had all room levels available!  Thanks 
    for the tip on calling on Sundays!) for the Villas so any info before 
    then would be great!  
    
    Thanks !!!
                        
    Patty Leone
    
    BTW, We're planning on going the 3rd week in October

I've made reservations for next winter at the Contemporary (special $99 rate
for annual pass holders).  My motivation for the Contemporary is a) it will
be more convenient for us, given that I'll be with my mother and my nephew;, and
b) it should be easier for my mother to find her way around.  Last time when we
stayed at the CBR, she got lost when she returned by herself at night.  (It's not
that she's getting old; she's never had a good sense of direction; I don't know 
where I get mine from.)  My feeling was that the Polynesian, with multiple
buildings, would be too confusing and too easy to lose ones bearings.

The confirmation letter that I just received includes a note about how they're
doing construction to the Contemporary, to increase the meeting space.  I'm
now concerned that it may be too businesslike for my nephew, who will be two
weeks short of five when we go.  Can anyone who's been at the Contemporary
recently comment on the atmosphere there?  Will a five year old find it fun?
Or perhaps he'll be so enthralled with other things, that the hotel won't matter.

Do they still have characters making surprise visits at the breakfast there?

  Gary

    Gary,
    
    In the last five years we have stayed at the Contemporary three times
    with our small children. We all love it there. What we like most is the
    conveneince of all in one building. There is plenty of stuff to occupy
    small kids like the LARGE game room, swimming pools, playground even
    the marina out back is great.
    
    Alot of people don't care for the Contemporary because it is busy. But 
    you are really only caught up in the "traffic" when you are coming and
    going. 
    
    The character buffet for breakfast and dinner is better than ever since
    they remodeled it. Plenty of all you can eat good food and the
    characters are as freindly as ever.
    
    I am sitting here now imagining the view from the balcony just staring
    at the castle all lit up at night. I've got goose bumps. If your
    getting a tower room request one on the park side.
    
    John
    
    

    
� I've made reservations for next winter at the Contemporary (special $99 rate
� for annual pass holders).
    
    Just out of curiosity, how were you informed of this deal.  I have 
    annual passes, but didn't receive any mailings.  Did you call and ask
    what specials were coming up?
    
    SEAN/BEER=LABATTS

    My kids love the Contemporary!  It's one of the first places they want
    to hit when we get to the World.  I think that the new convention
    center may move the business traffic out of the main hotel, leaving a
    higher percentage of tourists in the tower, Grand Canyon concourse,
    recreation areas, etc.
    
    As for the character buffets, all they have is a character breakfast
    now.  Dinnertime is just a "Family Dinner Buffet", which was very good,
    and very busy.

Thanks for all the positive feedback.  My deposit check will be in tomorrow's 
mail.

re: .171

I just followed the strategy described elsewhere in the conference, and got
real lucky on my first try.

The strategy is: book something early, so that you have your one bird in the
hand.  Then keep an eye out for all of the specials, including MKC, regular
promotions through travel agents, specials for annual passholders (mostly by
calling every couple of months), and even stockholders specials (if I could
get around to buying that one share of stock that I'd like to own).  By picking 
one of the very low seasons (Jan 2-Feb 9), I was pretty sure that sooner or 
later there'd be a great deal available, and I just had to persevere to catch it
before it disappeared.

In my case, I called the MKC reservation number, asked if they had any specials
for next January for annual passholders, and was told that I could get any
of the usual hotels (Contemporary, Polynesian, Disney Inn, but not CBR or GR;
don't remember about the Swan, Dolphin, or Beach/Yacht Club) at $99 (no 
guarantee of view or wing, no guarantee of rates).  Since Contemporary had been 
my first choice, I didn't even listen carefully to the rest of the list.

Experience has shown that by the time the passholders receive announcements of
specials, it's late, and getting too late.  My mother got a mailing at the 
beginning of December (she's a Florida Salutes - Four Season passholder) for a
special this January, but by the time she got around to calling (admitedly a 
couple of weeks later), all the cheap rooms, including the entire CBR, were 
booked for the days she needed.  (In retrospect, she really should have tried 
again after the war broke out, because there were sure to be some cancellations,
but she didn't want to fuss with the off-property reservation she had already 
made.  That turned out to be a mistake.)

   Gary

    Has anyone stayed in the Travelodge Hotel at the Disney Village ?
    Any info would be much appreciated.
    
    cheers,
    		-peter-

    I stayed there last month. With the AAA discount ($80/night) it's the
    cheapest place to stay in the Village. However, I wouldn't stay there
    again. Superficially, the place looks nice. Service was poor, though,
    and they have about the lousiest mini-bar arrangement I've ever seen
    for folks with small children.

    I highly recommend the Guest Quarters Suites, one of the hotels in the
    Village group of seven.  They seem to know how hard it is to compete
    with Disney and they're trying.
    
    1. Special rate of only $89 when we stayed there in February.  I think  
       it's $99 now.
    
    2. Can take bus right to the gate of the Magic Kingdom.  No parking,
       no tram, no monorail, no ferry.  Every 20 minutes all day.  Right
       from door of hotel.  Buses also run every 20 minutes to Epcot and   
       MGM.
    
    3. It's a suite.  Big kingsize bed in one room (can get two doubles, I
       think), with pull-out sofa in living room.
    
    4. Small kitchen area.  Free OJ and coffee every day.  Little
       refrigerator that's stocked with snacks and sodas; pay for
       everything but OJ.  We went over to the nearby Crossroads Shopping 
       Center to get groceries from really nice supermarket there.  Kept
       cereal in room, with fruit, milk, etc. in refrigerator to cut down
       on breakfast costs and leave $ for the two days we went to character
       breakfasts.  No stove, but I think you can get a microwave if you
       ask.
    
    5. Nice pool and small playground.
    
    6. Disney desk in lobby.
    
    7. Can cash checks up to $100/day at front desk.
    
    8. Small; only about 7 or 8 floors.  You don't feel lost in crowd.
    
    9. Lots of TVs (who cares?) -- two color + B/W in bathroom.
    
    10. Nice laundry room; $1.50/cycle.
    
    11. Looked like nice restaurant (Parrot Patch), but we never tried it.
        (Wanted to get over to the MK!)
    
    Jim

    I too have a reservation for the Travelodge in WDW Village APR 18-22
    for $79/nite. Is this place worth staying at for this price? I also
    have a reservation at the "NEW" Holiday Inn (forget exact locatation,
    3-5 miles from MK) for $69/nite. Is this place a better hotel & deal?
    
    This is my first visit to Florida so I am open to all suggestions. I 
    will  also be spending a week after WDW travelling in a rental car along
    the coasts so any other suggestions would be appreciated.
    
    thanks,
    
    Mike K. and girlfriend_who_is_anxiously_awaiting_APR-18_arrival_date.
    

    Mike,
    
    I stayed at the Travelodge my first time ('75) in WDW. I found it
    pretty nice. I think it's better than the Holliday Inn.
    
    Mike

    Well, I spent 1 night in the Travelodge in February. I wouldn't stay
    there again.
    
    Jack

    Having nearly got a $125 special (See 135.41 for details) it 
    started us thinking about other WDW Hotels. Can anyone give us the 
    latest on building work at the Contemporary and Yacht and Beach. 
    Our Travel Agent told us of someone at the Contemporary whose 
    Garden Wing, Lake View turned out to be Crane and Bulldozer View.
    
    What's the latest state of building, what's affected, what should 
    we stay clear of, etc. for our July trip?
    
    Mike in Warrington, UK.

    
      Hi Mike,
    
         There is a convention center under construction at the
      Contemporary.  The bulk of the construction is on the Seven Seas
      Lagoon side of the garden wing and main tower.  When I was there 
      in March, some areas of the lower tower floors were closed to
      guest traffic.  If you are looking at the Contemporary from the MK,
      this construction is on the right handside of the resort property
      pretty much where seven seas lagoon and Bay lake connect.  It looked 
      to me at the time that most of the outter building construction was
      basically complete so by July they may only be doing inside 
      finishing work.  I did not venture to the Yacht club so I cannot 
      comment on any construction that might be happening over there.
    
                            I wish I was going with you,
    
                                        -Rob
                        

    Any construction that is going on near the Yacht/Beach Club area
    shouldn't substantially affect the view. I would assume that the
    construction would be the Boardwalk stuff, and that area isn't between
    these resorts and EPCOT anyway. Right now there are just trees where
    Boardwalk is going to be (at least that was true in February).

    Having never been to WDW, I am hoping someone can suggest which hotel
    would be nicer.  I am booking a Premier Package trip over Veterens Day
    in November and have the choice of the Carribbean Resort Hotel or the
    New Orleans Hotel (new).  Neither is on the Rail.  Any comments.  The
    Carribbean looks nice in the picture.
    
    Thanks,
    JS

    This is a toughy because Port Orleans is not open yet. However, here
    are some thoughts on how you can make your decision:
    
          - Is The Magic Kingdom your favorite Theme Park?
    
          - Do you prefer Typhoon LAgoon to River Country?
    
          - Will you have a car handy? (I really think it makes a
            difference.
    
          - Are you a big MGM/Studios fan?
    
          - How often will you be going to Pleasure Island?
    
          - Any kids? What ages?
    
    
    The big difference between PO and CBR is how convenient you see their
    location. That is, if you are a big FW/TMK fan then PO/DL is for you.
    
    If you like to be more centrally located and be close to EC, TL, MGM,
    and PI then the CBR is for you.
    
    Mike

    I have never been to WDW, so I don't even know what Tyfoon Lagoon,
    River country and the like are!!  My son in 10 years old and he will
    probably be bringing another 10 year old friend.  We will only have 3
    and 1/2 days there before going on the cruise.  Yes, a car comes with
    the package, but would I really need it?  Aren't there bus'es and the
    rail system to get you around?  I hope we have enough time to do
    everything with out being totall y worn out.  Isn't the Magic Kingdom
    mostly for younger kids??
                thanks for the comments,
    Joanne

    Typhoon Lagoon and River Country are water parks in Walt Disney
    World, with separate admissions (unless you have a superpass).
    With the time you have, you may/maynot have an opportunity to go
    to either.
    
    The only recommendation I have, and someone else (Mike?) hinted
    at, is to determine what theme parks you think you will spend more
    time at.  The CBR is fairly close to EPCOT, MGM, Typhoon Lagoon,
    and Pleasure Island, but a fair distance away from MK.  From what
    I recall of the location for the DL/PO, it will be much closer to the
    MK and possibly as close to Pleasure Island than the CBR is.  SO,
    you save some travel time to/from the theme parks.  This becomes
    more important if you plan on returning to your hotel during the
    day for some rest or a swim there.  
    
    The building at the CBR are all 2 story high buildings with the
    windows opening on the walk-way around each floor, does anyone
    recall any of the design details on the DL/PO resorts.  Do they
    have balconies and more privacy?
    
    Regarding the car - while on WDW property, you can get around using
    the bus system, if you desire.  There have been many discussions
    on the pros/cons of the bus system in various notes in the conference. 
    
    peter
    
    ps- what is your definition of younger kids?  I don't consider myself
    a "young" kid, but I enjoy much of MK. 

If you're going to start out with preconceptions that "park A is for 
younger kids, park B is for old fogeys," you're doing it wrong.  You may
decide that the MK isn't for you, but there most definitely are attractions 
there that are appreciated by adults.

My impression, from looking at maps, is that no matter how you cut it, the 
CBR is more convenient to everything than PO.  That may be wrong, however, 
because almost none of the maps are true to scale.  Also, the route from the
CBR to the MK is the main drive that most visitors from offsite take to get
to the MK, while the route from PO to the MK is on Disney private roads, so
traffic may make the physical distances irrelevant.  We never actually took
the bus from CBR to the MK, choosing to drive or take the monorail from Epcot
instead, so I could be wrong.

   Gary

    WDW has taken to identifying the on-site properties as being part of
    one of three clusters as follows:

    Magic Kingdom Resorts

         Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort
         The Disney Inn
         Disney's Polynesian Resort
         Disney's Contemporary Resort
         Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

    EPCOT Resorts

         Disney's Beach Club Resort
         Disney's Yacht Club Resort
         Walt Disney World Swan (Operated by Westin)
         Walt Disney World Dolphin (Operated by Sheraton)
         Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

    Village Resorts

         Disney's Village Resort
         Disney's Dixie Landings Resort
         Disney's Port Orleans Resort
         Buena Vista Palace
         Grosvenor Resort
         Travelodge Hotel
         Guest Quarters Suite Resort
         Hotel Royal Plaza
         Howard Johnson Resort Hotel
         The Hilton

    

    While most of the resorts are closest to the place their cluster is
    named for, to me, some of the distinction seem kind of arbitrary.  For
    example the CBR is as close to the Disney Village as it is to EPCOT
    Center.  Perhaps it is an administrative distinction as well.

    I think that PO/DL will be halfway between TMK and PI which could make
    it even more convenient than the CBR.
    
    Mike

    I am booked at the CBR for Nov 7th to Nov 11th and then off to the
    cruise ship for another 4 days!!
    
    Thanks for all the answers and info

Hi,
	We're hoping to go to Disneyworld this fall and bringing our
parents along (mom, dad, and mother-in-law).  The treehouses at the
Disney Resort Villas sound ideal.  What I am wondering though is how
comfortable is the downstairs study?  We thought this would give
everyone the privacy they need, and be more "homey" for the folks,
but weren't sure what the study was like, and if it would serve
as a bedroom for an older person.  Any information on this would
be most appreciated.

Thank you,

Joey Hanlon.

    Rep to <<< Note 13.191 by CSC32::J_HANLON "JOEY" >>>

>What I am wondering though is how
>comfortable is the downstairs study?  We thought this would give
>everyone the privacy they need, and be more "homey" for the folks,
>but weren't sure what the study was like, and if it would serve
>as a bedroom for an older person.  Any information on this would
>be most appreciated.

    First off, the downstairs study is NOT A  BEDROOM, the treehouses sleep
    6 and only 6, 2 in each bedroom and  2  on  the living room sleep sofa.
    One bedroom has a queen bed with bath, the other  has twin beds, second
    bath  is  in the hall between the bedrooms.  The study  was/is  sparely
    furnished,  with a normal small sofa (not a sleep sofa), table/lamp and
    a couple of chairs, there is no TV however (or at least the  one we had
    in '84 didn't have one).
    
    As to privacy,  it is quiet down there unless running the laundry, with
    the laundry  room  door open (this is a non-coin laundry btw).  However
    it does provide and area to  get  away  and  relax.    Also one of thew
    things  the wife liked was that the  laundry  room  had  and  iron  and
    ironing board, so we were able to press  our cloths prior to the Top Of
    The World.
    
    Claude

Claude,
	Thanks for the information!  I had called last week for some additional
information and the reservationist told us there was a sofa bed in the
study and a queen bed in each of the bedrooms.  Despite this, it still
seems like a better idea to stay there rather than the in one of the other
villas, as the treehouses seem to be more private.  From what they said (and
what you said in a previous response) it looks like a good area for walking.
Our parents get up when the cleanup crews are probably still out and about
in the parks, and this seemed like a place they could have their morning coffee
and then go wandering about in the morning (as we hope to sleep in (???)
until at least 6:30/7:00).  Anyway, thanks so much.  It's great to talk to
someone who's been there!

Joey.

    Rep to <<< Note 13.193 by CSC32::J_HANLON "JOEY" >>>

>	Thanks for the information!  I had called last week for some additional
>information and the reservationist told us there was a sofa bed in the
>study and a queen bed in each of the bedrooms.  
    
    Hum, sounds like they have moved the sofa bed from the living room area
    down into the study.  that being the case it  makes the Treehouses even
    more apealing.  One of the problem I had was, my  parents  had one bdrm
    we had the other and my son had the sofa bed in  the livingroom.  Since
    he was only 5 at the time, made it tough to put him to bed at night and
    watch  TV, since putting him in a bdrm 'till we were tiring and swaping
    to the sofabed would always wake him up thinking it was time to go into
    the MK.
    
    Claude

	Does anyone know if those wonderful bathrobes that they let you use 
in the GF hotel may be bought without having to go to DW.  If so, how does one
go about doing it...

Phil

    
�	Does anyone know if those wonderful bathrobes that they let you use 
� in the GF hotel may be bought without having to go to DW.  If so, how does one
� go about doing it...

    My wife ordered me one for a present by calling the GF up and having 
    them mail one.
    
    - Sean

    Has anyone stayed at the Swan hotel.  I believe that's the one which
    enters into EPCOT from the looks of it.  I couldn't tell where the
    parking lot was, there some be a back road approach or something.  How
    is the access to the other parts of WDW?  I went down to see the
    Christmas Chorale and made arrangements for the wrong time Dec. 3rd
    through Dec. 16th which included the Premier cruise.  Wouldn't you know
    it, the Chorale (Imay be spelling this wrong.  Lots of chorus's who
    walk through the MK at 7:30 at night singing Xmas and Chanukah songs.)
    day was Dec.16th a Sunday.  I flew back earlier that afternoon.
    
    I'm set to try again, thought I'd skip the cruise, stay only 1 week,
    and try for the Swan.  It'll be my senior citizen mom and me.  We've
    seen the park many times, so now we just enjoy the decorations, and the
    special shows.
    
    Lorraine @OHF

Claude (or anyone who's stayed at the treehouses),
 	Where do you park your car when you stay at the treehouses?
Just wondering if it's very far away...  I was worried about our parents
having to walk a great distance (as they'll be coming along), but it just
occurred to me that there will be a great deal of walking involved the entire
vacation!  Anyway, now I'm just curious about where you do put your car.

Thanks,

Joey.

    Joey,
    
    Sorry, I've been on vacation the past 2 and a half weeks.  You park you
    car right at the treehouses, each one is a seperate  unit.
    
    Claude

Thanks Claude!  That's what I was looking for.  The person I spoke with
at the time we made our reservations implied the parking was elsewhere,
but I had not pursued it.  Hope you had a nice vacation!

Joey.

    Rep to <<< Note 13.200 by CSC32::J_HANLON "JOEY" >>>

    Joey,
    
>The person I spoke with
>at the time we made our reservations implied the parking was elsewhere,
>but I had not pursued it.  
    
    I wonder now, when I stayed in a treehouse back in '84, the units where
    clustered in group of 3 and 4 (each unit is seprate from the other) and
    the parking was centraly located for each cluster.  They've since added
    about 40 more units back around '85-'86 (when  they  added rooms to the
    Poly and DI), maybe thay changed the parking scheme  (never did recheck
    them back in '87) or maybe the operator was referencing  to the central
    parking for each cluster of unit.
    
    Claude

    I have a question...  I realize I'm not going to WDW for a while but,
    when I was trying to get a grip on how much my next trip would cost me
    (to start saving up) I came accross a couple of options as to where to
    stay.  Do you have any comments on the following:
    
    If I have 4 adults and 3 children (two 13 and one 5) travelling to WDW
    for two weeks would it be more economical to stay in two rooms at the
    CBR or the Poly or to get a two bedroom villa in one of the Treehouses?
    If we stayed at the villa it does cost more per night but I'd save on
    the food cause I wouldn't have to eat out all the time.  And then there
    is the other concern.  Would all of us staying under one roof make us
    crazy?  Should we have the separate rooms for that reason?   Or would
    the villa be better since we could "spread out"?
    
    Any comments about the cost or anything else?
    
    
    Kathy
    

Okay Kathy let's do some estimates on 14 days in Disney at the Village
Resort vs 2 rooms at the CBR or Poly. Remember, all these figures are based on
guesstimates for 1995.

1991 (average) prices are as follows:

       $330/night (tax included) for a 2 Bdrm Vacation Villa.
       $209/night (tax included) for a room at the Poly.   
       $ 97/night (tax included) for a room at the CBR.

If we estimate that prices will go up an average of 5% per year then in 1995
we'd be looking at..

       $401/night (tax included) for a 2 Bdrm Vacation Villa.
       $254//night (tax included) for a room at the Poly.
       $118/night (tax included) for a room at the CBR.

Okay we are talking 14 days so now the totals look like this:

       $401/night X 14 nights = $5614 for the 2 Bdrm Vacation Villa.
       $254/night X 14 nights = $3556 X 2 rooms = $7112 for the Poly.   
       $118/night X 14 nights = $1652 X 2 rooms = $3304 for the CBR.

Now let's look at food costs...

       In 1995 I'd say you'd expect to spend $40/adult/day on food and
       let's say maybe $25/child/day on food.

       I arrive at this by figuring that breakfast runs $5-8, lunch $12-15,
       and dinner $15-17 pretty much now.
       
       If you stay at the Villa you'll eat out maybe half the time so
       let's look at these figures:

          (5 adults X $40) X 7 days   = $1400
	  (3 children X $25) X 7 days = $ 525
	                                -----
					$1925

       Hmmm, you'll be preparing meals at the villa so you'll need to
       allocate money and time to buy and prepare the meals.

       Can we say that $500 in groceries for two weeks is a good estimate?
       That's only $35 per day for the entire household. 

       If you stay at either the Poly or the CBR you'll be eating out more
       often so the figures would then read:

          (5 adults X $40) X 14 days   = $2800
	  (3 children X $25) X 14 days = $1050
	                                 -----
					 $3850

       Admissions (Annual Passports right?), dinner shows, and souvenirs
       will be the same regardless of where you stay.

       I will estimate the Adult Annuals to be around $225 and children to
       be around $185.
    
       Hoop-Dee-Doo will probably be about $40 per adult, $30 per junior,
       and $20 per child.
     
       Okay here's the breakdown:

                 Village Villa      Poly (2 rooms)      CBR (2 rooms)

       Room Cost      $5614           $7112                $3304
       Meals          $1925           $3850                $3850
       Groceries      $ 500           $   0                $   0
		      -----           -----                -----
		      $8030           $10962               $7154
                      

    Looks like the CBR stay would be the most economical if these figures
    are close to being accurate. And I think it would take about 4 years to
    save up to meet those numbers.
    
    Does anyone else want to take a shot at helping Kathy at this? These
    are my best guesses.
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    Did your nightly rates include the 30% discount for MKC card holder in
    value season?
    
    Just wondering,
    
    Kathy
    

The rate we got for this coming October in the treehouse villa is 
$227/night including the discount (and all the Florida tax).

Joey.

    Kathy,
    
    My estimates are based upon value season rates. I don't believe you get
    a discount on CBR rates and I don't know for sure what the discount
    rate, if any, would be for the Villa or Poly.
    
    That estimate I put together includes figures BEFORE any discounts
    would be applied. This way you can work backwards from those numbers.
    
    Theoretically those figures may be treated as the maximum you would
    pay.
    
    Mike

    Rep to <<< Note 13.206 by VISUAL::SCOPA "I'd rather be in Orlando" >>>

>    I don't believe you get a discount on CBR rates..
    
    No discount  for  CBR,  PO and DL.  For a full list of '91 rates see my
    entry in 96.20 for details.
    
    Claude

    Hi all,
    
    Two weeks ago I sent in my deposit (one night's rate) to the 
    Magic Kingdom Club Travel Company for my three night stay at the
    Contemporary Hotel in December. Today in the mail I received a
    balance due statement requesting that the remainder of my
    'bill' be paid off by November 11. 
    
    Is this typical? I wasn't expecting to have to pay until I 
    acutally stayed at the hotel. I also don't want to have to pay
    by check, I'd rather put everything on my charge card for
    record keeping purposes. Have any of you who have stayed 
    on the Disney properties recieved the 'balance due' statement?
    
    Thanks for your feedback!
    todd///

    	Is the Magic Kingdom Club Travel Company part of Disney?  If not
    maybe tht's why they want the balance up front.  I recently received my
    coinfirmation for 2 weeks in February (YEESSSSSSS(add body language
    here)) and don't have to pay the balance until we arrive.
    
    	If you want to pay by credit card give them a call and maybe you can
    give them the number over the phone.
    
    George

    
    I was always requested to pay in full to Disney before I arrived.
    
    - Sean

    Let me jump in with some real information before this gets out of hand.

    The Magic Kingdom Club is part of the Walt Disney Company.  It is the
    corporate discount program that we DECies all use.  (And some of us
    over-use :-)

    All reservations for Disney resorts require a deposit equal to one
    night's lodging and tax.

    In addition, payment is due in full in advance for vacation packages
    booked through the MKC and, I suppose, the CRO or Walt Disney Travel. 
    There are varying requirements for advance payment and refundablility. 
    My experience with MKC packages is that they want full payment 21 days
    in advance of arrival.

    Non-package stays in Disney resorts require only the one night deposit. 
    However, the "new and improved" reservation system at WDW has been
    sending out confirmations requesting payment in full.  It is confusing,
    and obviously has generated a lot of phone calls to the CRO. On the
    latest few modifications to my reservation the following notice was
    stapled to the confirmation:

         Payment in full is not due prior to your arrival.  Please
         remit one night's rate plus 10% tax by the due date indicated
         on the confirmation.  If you have already submitted a one
         night's deposit, please disregard balance due amount.
    
    WDW will charge your deposit to a credit card, (AMEX, Visa, or
    Mastercard, if memory serves), but requires written authorization. 
    Unless they have changed their rules recently, they will not take the
    card number over the phone.  I usually just send a note along with the
    remittance copy of the confirmation slip indicating my credit card
    number, expiration date, amount to charge, and signature.  There has
    never been any problem.

    Thanks Len.  That explains why I haven't had to prepay anything but one
    night - I never used a package.
    
    George
    

Thanks Len,

I planned on calling today, once I've checked with the experts here ;-)

Your comments about the vacation packages makes sense, I read that
on the back of my confirmation paperwork. What confused me was
that I don't have a package (i'm just reserving three nights
in one of the disney hotels), and they were still asking for
payment up front.

Now that you mentioned it, it does look like they're having some
problems. My stay is planned for Dec 2 - 5 and they have me waitlisted
for September 28 - October 1. ha!


thanks agiain
todd///

    
    I have a quick question about waitlisting.
    
    I called this week to add one more night to our stay (since we started
    planning this trip, we've gone from 7 to 9 nights...).  This last time
    they didn't have our same room type available, so I asked to be wait
    listed for the extra night.  I just got my "modified" confirmation slip
    in the mail, and it doesn't mention anything about the wait list. 
    Should it? 
    
    Thanks!
    
    Patty

    Patty,
    
    If there is no "waitlist" indicator on the slip (like "WL" or something
    like that) it wouldn't hurt to make yet another call to make sure they
    have you on a waitlist for that extra night.
    
    Even the folks at WDW make mistakes.
    
    * * * 
    
    Len, recent info I've received says they are still holding with that
    policy of NOT taking credit card numbers over the phone. Seems like
    it's one of the few instances where you can't do this. MKC does.
    
    Mike

    Len, 
    
    They will take a letter authorizing them to charge your account for
    $X for X purpose. Just send the letter when the payment is due. 
    I even handle deposits this way.
    
    Linda

>   I usually just send a note along with the remittance copy of the
>   confirmation slip indicating my credit card number, expiration date,
>   amount to charge, and signature.  There has never been any problem.

    Although the 'Holding Period' is extended for overseas visitors, 
    the mail system can be extremely slow, so to make sure that I 
    didn't miss out, I've also sent faxes (One for Annual Passport 
    payments, and one for the one night's deposit on FW.). I sent my 
    MKC details on the fax as well, and even though the fax address 
    was not Digital (I used my friend's company fax machine) they have 
    always been honoured.
    
    Mike B.

Article: 3903
From: [email protected] (Paul Joseph Mitchell)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Subject: Disney's Mediterranean Resort
Date: 23 Sep 91 00:59:49 GMT
Organization: Freshman, CIT general, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
 
 
	During my last trip to WDW, I rode up front in one of the Monorails,
and during my discussion with the driver, he mentioned that Disney is
planning on building a new resort along the Seven Seas lagoon with a
mediterranean theme.  The location is right next to TTC and right on the
lagoon.  When I was last there, there was a big pile of dirt and a
construction fence around the outside.  I also noticed that the Monorail
track leveled off in this area, presumably so that a station could be
built there.
	Any information on this?
 
					Thanks,
						Paul Mitchell

    
    	I afraid that Disney has temporarily put its plans for a fourth
    monorail hotel on hold. It seems that -- during the exploratory work
    that was on the proposed construction site for the Mediterranean
    Resort Hotel -- none of the trial footings for the foundation would
    stay in place. You see, this hotel was going to be * RIGHT * down by
    the water, much like the Polynesian. But this particular piece of
    property seems to be too marshy to safely support the weight of a
    building on this size.
    	So -- for the time being -- Disney's gone back to the drawing
    board. They're exploring various ideas such as changing the layout
    and design of the hotel ( so it's not quite so close to the water )
    as well as building the hotel somewhere else in the vicinity of the
    Magic Kingdom ( The area directly behind Space Mountain -- once 
    considered as the construction site for a Persian Resort Hotel --
    is evidently now being given serious scrutiny again as a possible
    hotel construction site ). There's also talk of relocating the 
    ticket and transportation center so that that centrally located
    piece of property can be developed as hotel space. But that plan
    is tied to the long-rumored third monorail line ( which is supposed
    to serve Disney-MGM ), so that's probably a decade or so away.
    	Truth be told, we're probably five years away from seeing a
    new hotel built on the monorail. Disney has plans to put new hotels
    in next to the studio theme park as well as a yet another set of
    budget hotel rooms ( a la Carribbean Beack Resort ) at Fort Wilderness.
    After these are up and running, * THEN * you might hear some serious
    talk about yet another monorail hotel.
    	Any other questions ?

    JRH,
    
    Do you know of any plans to build any Hollywood-themed hotels in the
    vicinity of the Disney/MGM Studio park??  After all, we've got MK and
    EPCOT hotels, why not Studio hotels??
    
    I think it'd be kinda neat to have a themed hotel like that nearby,
    maybe with its own form of 'streetmosphere'with 'big stars' checking in
    and lounging by the pool.  Of course, the papparazzi (sp?) might drive
    you nuts...
    
    Just curious,
    - Skip

    
    	Actually, yes, there are two Hollywood-themed hotels tenatively
    scheduled to built in the vicinity of the Disney - MGM Studio Theme
    Park. The first ( and most likely of the two to actually get built )
    is the Beverly Hills Hotel. Modeled after all those great hotels you
    used to see in those Ginger-Rogers-and-Fred-Astaire musicals ( The
    bellboys with their little round caps, dramatic sweeping staircases,
    palm trees everywhere ... you get the idea ), as you walk inside,
    you're supposed to feel like you're actually stepping in to a glamorous
    Hollywood hotel of the 1930s.
    	Current plans call for the Beverly Hills Hotel to be built right
    next door to the studio theme park, directly to the right of the park's
    main gate. Guests staying at the hotel will have their choice of park
    or parking lot views ( The hotel will mostly overlook the new " Sunset
    Boulevard " section of the park. From the inside of the park, the new
    hotel will help hide from view the Dolphin and the Swan Hotels ... So
    guests staying at the hotel as well as guests just visiting the park
    will benefit from the construction of this hotel ).
    	However, befitting a hotel with such a hoity-toity name, the
    Beverly Hill Hotel is supposed to be fairly exclusive and very pricey.
    Current plans call for the hotel -- which will be less than five
    stories high -- to have just over 500 rooms, making it one of
    thesmallest hotels on the Disney property. Anyone planning to stay
    here should expect room rates along the lines of the Grand Floridian's
    better rooms. 
    	 Now, the other hotel under consideration for construction next
    to Disney-MGM ( And the one the Imagineers -- and I -- don't think
    Eisner will buy, but they really hope he does ) is the Hollywood Horror
    Hotel. The gimmick here would be guests -- instead of just riding
    through the Haunted Mansion -- would get to * STAY * there.
    	Picture a dilapidated but still kind of grand hotel. Inside,
    cobwebs cover the chandeliers as the staff -- dressed a la Addams
    Family -- check you in. Out of the corner of your eye, you catch a
    ghostly face is the mirror behind the check-in desk ...
    	Should Disney opt to build the Hollywood Horror Hotel, it too
    would be on the small side -- with less than 300 rooms -- as well as
    on the pricey side. The conceptual drawings I've seen are wonderful
    ... But the folks I spoke with today in Glendale said that -- as of
    right now -- it looks like the Hollywood Horror Hotel will be built
    at Disney-MGM, but * NOT * a sleep-over spot but a ride-through
    attractions.
    	Current plans call for the Hollywood Horror Hotel to be built
    where the " Dick Tracy Crimestoppers " attraction was to have been
    located along Sunset Boulevard. What the Imagineers hope to do is
    recreate classic moments from numerous horror movies, but with a
    decidedly comic bent. However, the ride would come to a close with a
    decidely thrilling conclusion, as guests -- reaching the top floor of 
    the hotel -- plung down to the lobby ( Swiping the " Freefall "
    roller coaster style attraction you can find at most amusement
    parks these days ) via a darkened elevator shaft.
    	And -- if the Hollywood Horror Hotel gets turned into an attraction
    -- what other kind of hotel might we see built next to Disney-MGM ?
    Well, my Imagineer friends said that -- given the other parcel of land
    next to the studio theme park's entrance would overlook the Indiana
    Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular -- a Morrocan styled hotel of the 1930s
    is possible. At least, drawings of a similiarly styled hotel are
    currently making the rounds at WDI -- so who know's what'll happen ?
    	But the Beverly Hills Hotel should get under construction sometime 
    in the next two years or so, as soon as Disney gets Sunset Boulevard
    completed. At that rate, guests might be able to check in sometime by
    late 1994.
    	Any other questions ?
    

Article: 3912
From: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Subject: Re: Disney's Mediterranean Resort
Date: 23 Sep 91 12:00:17 GMT
Organization: The Walt Disney World Monorail System (Reserve)
 
 
[email protected] (Paul Joseph Mitchell) asks:
 
>   During my last trip to WDW, I rode up front in one of the Monorails,
>and during my discussion with the driver, he mentioned that Disney is
>planning on building a new resort along the Seven Seas lagoon with a
>mediterranean theme.  The location is right next to TTC and right on the
>lagoon.  When I was last there, there was a big pile of dirt and a
>construction fence around the outside.
 
   Yep. The area was cleared in early 1990.  The Med is gonna be a
huge, blocky, white Hotel.  I've seen pictures of the models.  It
will also be right in the way of where 75% of all monorail visula
confirmation of positioning is made.  I don't ;look forward to
trains having to drive SOLELY on the trust of their anti-collision
receivers, but I'm paranoid...
 
 
>  I also noticed that the Monorail
>track leveled off in this area, presumably so that a station could be
>built there.
>   Any information on this?
 
   The monorail track has been level there since it was built in
1971.  Everybody in Rails, including the supervisors, is against
the idea of adding a stop at the Med.  The Lagoon cycle time went
from 12 minutes to 17 because of the Grand Floridian.  That Hotel
was put right in the center of the longest open beamway on the
Lagoon loop, thus slowing everything down disproportionally.  The
Med will be in the center of the NEW largest open stretch.
Estimates put the new IDEAL cycle at 25 minutes.  That's too damn
long to go around in a 2.6 mile circle...
 
   Let Med guests make the 20 yard walk to TTC and get the train
there.
 
                                          Monorail Green
 
                                            aka B-Man
 
 
--
  The 23:00 News and Mail Service - +1 206 292 9048 - Seattle, WA USA
                          PEP, V.32, V.42bis
                  +++ A Waffle Iron, Model 1.64 +++

    
    Anyone have any new news about Dixie Landings ?  It must be coming
    close to completion since its scheduled to open in 1992 and they are
    booking already.  My sister and her family will be staying there 
    someplace around the 4th of July.
    
    Diane

    Extracted (without permission) from Worcester Telegram -- 11/3/91
    
    Disney's Dixie Landings Resort.
    Opening in early 1992, the complex of three-story plantation-style
    mansions and two-story "rustic bayou dwellings" will add 2048 rooms
    to Disney accommodations.  The complex is being built next to the Port
    Orleans Resort.  Attractions will include a 3 1/2 acre old-fashioned
    swimming hole with slides, rope swings and playgrounds.  A riverboat
    will serve as a water shuttle to Disney's Village Marketplace and
    Pleasure Island.
    

     We are thinking of going to disney in July next year, there are 3 adults 
     and 2 kids age 5,4 going. Would or could I get booked in the CBR,PO
     HOTELS with 5 staying in one room. ??
    
     TOM.

    Tom,
    
    I think you can get a cot but am not sure about this. Actually, I'm not
    sure if you can fit a cot in a CBR room.
    
    And don't forget the DEC Disney Get-together to end all Get-Togethers
    at the Hoop-Dee-Doo review on Sunday, July 12th @ 5:00.
    
    It's only 229 days away.
    
    Mike

        The CBR can only hold 4 people, unless one is 2 or under.  In
        that case, they can provide a portable (small) crib. The room
        has 2 double (not queen) beds, and there is not room for a
        roll away.  The beds are long doubles, with an extra 6" in
        length.

        Some rooms have one king sized bed but those only hold 2
        people.

        Having said that.  I know several people put 5 people in a
        room, but they check in as a party of 4.  Comfort will not be
        real high, and you better bring a sleeping bag/pillow for one
        person.
    

    Thanks Mike,Jim.
    
    I still don`t know whats the best thing to do as far as staying, we
    would like to stay on the grounds if possible(cost permitting) for the
    convenience sake. But I will have a car when over, so if any further
    ideas would be helpfull.
    
    TOM, Ayr Scotland

    You could consider the Fort Wilderness Trailers which have a 
    double and two bunk beds in the bedroom, and a fold away double in 
    the lounge (You also get full kitchen facilities which helps with 
    the cost of food, and accomodating the varied feeding times of 
    young kids!). In theory you should pay a surcharge for more than 
    two adults in the trailer (but that's only if you declare it up 
    front!).
    
    Another possibility is the Vacation Club (discussed in 254). They 
    may have something to suit although we don't collectively have 
    that much info on them yet. Book through the CRO as usual.
    
    Mike B. in Warrington

    The '92  edition  of  the  AAA  Florida  Tour Book rates the WDW resort
    hotels as follows,
    
    1 Diamond  = Meets AAA basic requirements for recomendation
    2 Diamonds = Exceeds AAA minimum requirements  in  some physical and/or
                 operational catagories.
    3 Diamonds = Significantly  exceeds AAA requirements in  many  physical
                 and  operational  catagories,  offers very confortable and
                 attractive acommodations.
    4 Diamonds = Exceptional, significantly  exceeds  requirements  in most
                 physical  and operational catagories.    Offers  luxurious
                 accommodations, as well as extra amenities.
    5 Diamonds = Renowned, awarded to those exceptional properties that are
                 widely  recognized  for  marked    superiority   of  guest
                 facilities, services and overall atmosphere.
    
    Disney's Beach Club Resort                     - 4 Diamonds
    Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort                - 3 Diamonds
    Disney's Contemporary Resort                   - 3 Diamonds
    Disney's Dixie Landings Resort                 - Pending completion
    Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground - AAA doesn't rate CG's
    Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort          - 4 Diamonds
    Disney's Polynesean Resort                     - 3 Diamonds
    Disney's Port Orleans Resort                   - Pending completion
    Disney Village Resort                          - 4 Diamonds
    Disney's Yatch Club Resort                     - 4 Diamonds
    The Disney Inn                                 - 3 Diamonds
    Walt Disney World Dolphin                      - 4 Diamonds
    Walt Disney World Swan                         - 4 Diamonds
    
    The Lake Buena Vista Hotels (non-Disney but on WDW property)
    
    Buena Vista Palace          - 4 Diamonds
    Grosvenor Resort            - 3 Diamonds
    Guest Guarters Suite Resort - 3 Diamonds
    Hilton                      - 4 Diamonds
    Hotel Royal Plaza           - 4 Diamonds
    Howard Johnson Resort       - 3 Diamonds
    Travelodge Hotel            - 3 Diamonds
    

    In .5  I placed the latest AAA ratings on the WDW resorts.  At the time
    of publication Port  Orleans wasn't quite completed (tour book come out
    in October, so listing must  be sent to publisher by August/Sept?), and
    they had just started Dixie Landings.    My  guest  is  that they'll be
    getting a 3 Diamond ratings like CBR.
    
    Claude

Do the wings at the Contemporary have elevators?

   Gary

Yes,  The wings of the Contemporary Resort have elevators.  They're a bit
slow, but they work.

Note that you have to walk outside the main building to get into theNorth
or South wings.  There was cover for most of the 100 feet of walkway when
it rained...

Shortcut to the North Wing: go through the cafeteria/game room and out
the door in the corner past the cash registers!  

Bill

    I have a question re Guestquarters Suites. We are planning a March trip 
    to the wonderful world of sun and "no terminal access".
    
    The travel agent has recommended Guestquarters Suites near the Disney
    Village...Buena Vista Dr. as part of a package. Does anyone have any 
    comments pro or con about this place?
    
    Thanks

    Rep to <<< Note 13.234 by DELNI::R_VENO >>>

    See replies  .22-24  &  .176,  Guest  Quarters  used to be Picket Suite
    Resort, and has  has very good reviews.  Being on WDW property you have
    access to WDW buses  a  major  plus  when  considering Non-Disney owned
    hotels.  Latest AAA rating  is  3 diamonds, has AC, C/CATV, pay movies,
    coin laundry, htd pool/wading pool, whirlpool,  lighted  tennis  courts
    (2), playground, exercise room, Restaurant.
    
    Claude

	I have a question for previous Disneygoers who stayed at the
	Polynesian.

	We are a family of 5 - 2 adults, daughter 13, sons 9 & 10.

	Will a regular room at the Polynesian accomodate us for sleeping?
	Birnbaum says 2 beds, but it looks like there is a couch in
	the room, too. If I had three boys, or all my kids were smaller,
	3 in a bed would be no problem, but, not anymore :^)

	Any comments/suggestions are welcome. I know Disney Inn can accomodate
	us, but we prefer to try The Polynesian, if possible.

	Jim 

    The last two times we went to WDW we stayed at the Polynesian.
    We being my husband and I, our two daughters (15 and 16), and my
    son who was 10 at the time. There were two queens(I think, possibly
    kings) and one pull out couch. No one complained of being
    uncomfortable.

    Rep to <<< Note 13.236 by NROPST::MPO12::MCFALL "Ma'am I am tonight" >>>

>	Birnbaum says 2 beds, but it looks like there is a couch in
>	the room, too. 
    
    Well  if  you  have  Birnbaum,  look  under  the  pratical  section  of
    Accomadations and it  lists  the  number of people that each resort can
    accomodate.  The regular Poly rooms can accomodate 5, plus 1 additional
    under age 3.
    
    Claude

    We stayed at the Poly last summer.  Our room had 2 queen size beds and
    a Day Bed (I think that's the correct name) - it had a regular twin
    size matress and was perfect for one person.  The room easily
    accomodates 5 people.
    
    Phyllis
    

	Thanks for the replies on the Poly.

	Claude, I read that Birnbaum said 5, but I didn't know if he
	meant 5 adults, or whatever. I feel much better seeing it
	in here from veteran attendees :^)

	My last trip was in '85, hoping to go over New Year's this year.

	Thanks again for your help,

	Jim M.

    Has anyone stayed at the Polynesian Resort since it has been renovated? 
    We stayed there 7 years ago and I was wondering what it looks like now. 
    
    
    M.E.
    

    I stayed there this month.  The last time I was at the Poly was 6 years
    ago. I don't know what they are renovating.  They have rafters up here
    and there but, I am not sure what they are doing.  I didn't notice any
    big change besides the addition of Captain Hooks ice cream factory.
    The room certainly wasn't knew.  I was more impressed with the place
    6 years ago.
    
    Susan  

    Re: .last
    
    I have to agree that the Poly is losing something over the years. 
    There just small things, but when I was down in the 70's-80's there was
    a small club ``Captain Cook's Hideaway'' that was nice with good
    entertainment and a great little atmosphere.  This has been replaced by
    the ```Captain Cook's Burger/Pizza Hut'' (?).  Likewise the old arcade
    (Mona Mickey's Fun Hut) is a shadow of itself with the closed
    ``Neverland'' using much of the space [BTW: Neverland is a GREAT idea
    but I would have like to see a new building or an addition (IMHO)].
    
    George
    

    Just when I have all these notes printed about the CBR and other info.
    I get a call to see if I would like to stay at the Disney Inn for $120.
    Dir/title= shows no info on this hotel. But looking at the layout this
    place is a ways from where I am interested in. (Epcot,MGM Pleasure
    Island) Why do they try to move you about? I don't think I want to stay
    there. If they were to offer the Yacht club or Beach club I think I
    would take it for $120. Does anyone think a call wouldn't hurt to ask?
    Aren't they the closest to Epcot?
    

    Re .243:
    
    The Poly may be losing something to certain groups of folks, but
    other than slight indications of the buildings aging (ceilings
    getting dirty by heat registers), we were quite pleased during
    our recent stay.  Our room was neat, clean, and well maintained;
    quite a bit of painting was going on in the halls & etc. while we
    were there.
    
    My wife and I spent a bit of time comparing the Poly versus the
    Contemporary (our previous visit) and felt the Poly was probably
    more suited to families with younger children.  The atmosphere,
    the things to do, etc., didn't seem to match either the teenager
    crowd or the intimate pair of adults type.  The Contemporary was,
    in our opinion, more along those lines.  (The Papeete Bay Veranda
    at the Poly WAS a fairly nice place for an intimate dinner for
    the two of us, if you could overlook a few whiny kids close by.)
    
    A lot of the "nice entertainment" moved out to Pleasure Island.
    
    I'm not sure I understand your "closed" comment in reference to
    Neverland.  Please don't tell my kids, as they stayed there for
    4 hours on January 27th of this year and had a great time.  They'd
    be disappointed to realize it was only a dream.

    John,
    
    I stayed at the Disney Inn two years ago and it is located nearer to
    TMK than EPCOT or MGM.  It's not on the monorail loop, but we were
    walking distance (15-20 mins.) to the Polynesian.
    
    For what you're looking to do, the Disney Inn doesn't sound like it's
    the best choice.  And truth be told, I wasn't that impressed with it. 
    The rooms and the pool were nice, but to me, there wasn't much more to
    justify the added expense.  I suppose if you were a golfer, the
    convenience of being able to walk right on the 'links' would be a big
    selling point but it wasn't to me.
    
    As to calling about possible specials at the Yacht and Beach Club, it
    never hurts to call.  What have you got to lose??  The cost of a phone
    call...
    
    - Skip

    Re .114:
    
    Why do they try to move you about?
    
    Money.  The Holy Grail of Disney.
    
    Seriously, WDW is in business to make a profit.  Their cost for
    different types of accomodation (pool view, parking lot view,
    trash dumpster view, etc.) in the same or similar class of
    lodging is the same in terms of maintenance and cleaning.  If the
    "benefits" of the Disney Inn are almost identical to the CBR
    (I don't know this), then Disney makes more off your stay. 
    
    Given that park attendance is down, I can see them trying to
    collect all the "extras" they can.  Offers of different
    accomodations are just one way.
    
    Don't read this as a flame, it is reality.  I enjoyed my recent
    visit and will go again in a few years.  I feel that sometimes
    folks attribute too much goodness and such to anything connected
    with Disney to sometimes see the business underneath.

    RE: .244
    
    By ``closed'' for Neverland I only meant that the facility has to be
    purchased as opposed to simply part of the ammeidities.  
    
    I also am not too down on the Poly and prefer it to the Contemp.  I 
    simply citing a few things that I miss which have gone the way of the 
    dodo for more revenue producing places (ie. quiet lounge -> fast food
    and comfortable arcade -> $6/hr+ playland).  
    
    It's losing "something" over the years but too much.
    
    George
    

I just stopped in to the Beach & Yacht Club (BYC) to see it on my trip last
week.  It's a short walk to EPCOT, a boat ride to MGM.  The grounds
are very nice; the pool area is superb.  I got a price sheet (I'll post
info in the price note) but the receptionst said to be sure to ask about
available discounts when calling.

Several nice restaurants, lounges, and snack places throughout the complex.
There is a conference center out front, so expect lots of disoriented
people wearing name tags to wander around on their breaks.  There is 
also a health club (a first for Disney properties???)  with fairly good
equipment and low use rates.

There are two "quiet" pools at either end of the complex.  The middle
of the complex is a landscaped area called "stormalong bay" which has
a network oc connected pools with clever and unique designs and features.
There is also a freshwater snorkelling pool which was being fixed when
I saw it.  There is a sandy lakeside beach but they don't want you to
swim there.  The highlight of the area is a replica of a broken down
beached ship, which is cut in half on either side  of the walkway.  The
main mast is "broken" and tips from the stern across the walkway to the
bow section.  It is acutally a water slide.  You climb up a stairway to
the "break", and slide through the hollow mast onto a curving slide in
the bow section and into the pools.  Cool.

The only negative about the place is a lot of non-resident tourists
come through because it's just outside EPCOT's international gate.  I
suspect the gravity from the immense Dolphin and Swan just the other
side of the BYC pulls passers-by through the international gate.

    I've been scanning through the numerous packetts of WDW info at home
    trying to see where to stay.  This time I really want to stay on site
    rather than the past few times when we had to drive in each day from
    the real world.
    Any opinions on what place would be of the best value for us.  The size
    of the party is: two adults and four children, ages 9, 7, 4, 2..
    I've talked to Mr. Disney (aka Mike Scopa) off line and he feels that
    it would be more expensive for us to get two adjoining rooms at CBR, PO
    or DL than to get a single, but larger, room at one of the other hotels on
    site.
    Any ideas will be greatly appreicated!!!!!!
    
    Tony
    

    How about a trailer, (now called a "Wilderness Home") in Fort 
    Wilderness?
    
    It will comfortably handle two adults and four kiddos, plus give you 
    the advantage of a full kitchen, and a separate living room.
    
    Not much more expensive than the Port Caribbean Landings:
    MKC off-season price - $119.

    re:.252
    
    Len,
    
        Thanks for the idea.  We're planning to go during season so the
    rates are much higher----- right?!?
    
        Also, a convenient location to the parks from the hotel is a must.
    My daughter is a fairly newly diagnosed Diabetic.  And we would like to
    be some what close to our room incase she needs anything.  Also I have
    talked to WDW about special foods, ie suger free.  After being
    transfered a number of times I was given some information, but not
    enough to feel comfortable.  Any idea if WDW food services have hard
    copy lists of food exchanges and caloric breakdowns?
    
        Lastly are these Widerness Homes nice or are they tacky?  To have
    my wife stay in one would take some arm twisting.
    
    Tony

    Rep to <<< Note 13.253 by AIMHI::TLAPOINTE >>>

>        Lastly are these Widerness Homes nice or are they tacky?  To have
>    my wife stay in one would take some arm twisting.

    Tony,
    
    I've never  been inside of one, but based on the pictures, the trailers
    at FW are reffered to as  Park  Models in the RV Industry (similar to a
    small mobile home) and are not your typical pull behind travel trailer.
    Park Models tend to be relatively wide 12-14' vs a travel trailer 7-8',
    and they appear to be somewhere in the 36-40' range in length.
    
    Claude

    re:.-1
    
    I stayed in one for a week in Nov.  Even during the 'on-season' they
    are about the least expensive accomodations on the property.  You will
    have a bed room with a bunkbed and a double bed in it (sleeps 4) and it
    also has a sink.  It also has a full bath, a living room with cable TV,
    couch, etc. and a double bed that pulls down from the wall.  A kitchen
    fully applianced (fridge, microwave, oven, dishes, etc.).
    
    I have 3 children 10, 7 and 5.  We slept in the living room and they
    have the bedroom for their own domain...
    
    I was a little apprehensive about about staying their with my wife. I
    had visions of this small bathroom with only a tiny shower, not much
    room, beds with mattresses like a rock, etc.  Anyways I was assured
    that none of this was the case....and they were correct.
    
    The trailer is not your 5 star hotel with fancy rugs and curtains but it
    is better than any motel 6,7 or 8!  It is very clean,
    airconditioned/heated, comfortable and a lot larger than a hotel room. 
    With a family we actually used the kitchen more than we expected since
    we found that it was easier for us.
    
    As to convience of location, depending on the location of interest (MK,
    EPCOT or MGM) I'd say the monorail hotels are the best for MK or EPCOT. 
    FW is really convenient to MK ( a short trip on a boat) and I guess the
    SWAN and DOLPHIN are convenient to MGM (by car).  Some others that have
    stayed in multiple locations probably know better than I, but FW seemed
    overall as easy to get to/from.
    
    I'd recommend it...and would use it again (my wife would second this,
    but probably would like to stay at the Grand Floridian if we went
    alone).
    
    -Jay
    

    My original recommendation to Tony was the FW option. Besides the
    obvious economic advantages to doing it this way you would also be
    closer to young children's favorite theme park.
    
    Needing to sleep 6 limits your options and FW is the least expensive of
    your options.
    
    Mike

    	My wife and I just got back from 2 weeks in Disney and we stayed in
    Fort Wilderness, again.  The trailer homes are very comfortable.  We ended 
    up sleeping on the living room bed rather than the bedroom because the
    mattress was better (less use?).  The bunk beds in the bedroom are
    very comfortable also.  In your situation you can put the 4 kids in the 
    bedroom and have kind of a private room in the living room.  The bedroom 
    also has it's own sink and mirror (no john).  The trailers have a full size
    refridgerator, microwave, and dishwasher.  If you want to leave the
    dishes the maid will do them.  You have full maid service in the
    trailers.  The location is great.  It's in the woods and is very
    relaxing.  None of the hotel hustle and bustle.
    
    	As far as getting back and forth from the parks it's a
    little less convenient then from some of the other hotels but not by
    much.  I found that it took about 45 minutes to an hour to go back and
    forth from the kingdom to the trailer.  It depends on the bus or ferry
    connections you make.
    
    George

Just a note about FW trailers: not all of them have bunkbeds.  My S.O. and I
stayed in one for two nights between Christmas and New Year's last year, and it
had a double bed in the bedroom and the pull-down bed in the living room.
(We actually used the pull-down bed because the TV was there. :-) )

Though no doubt they will accommodate you based on the number in your party...!

It was quite pleasant and comfortable, though, as .257 said, a little less
convenient to the parks.  We took our car to EPCOT, but took the boat from
the FW landing to the Magic Kingdom, which was pretty convenient.  (Didn't make
it to MGM on this trip, alas.)

							-- Nina

    	I will be going to Disneyworld from May 2nd for 4 nights and have
    narrowed down my hotel choice to either the Carribean Beach Resort or
    the WDW Dolphin Hotel.  I will be traveling with a 3 year old and my
    wife.  Does anyone have an suggestions on which might be a better
    choice.    
    
    	I have reservation at the CBR for a garden view room for $99.00 or
    $185.00 less 50% off promo rate at the Dolphin (net $92.00).
    
    	I understand that the CBR gets a AAA 3 star rating and the CBR gets
    a AAA 4 star rating.  I have never been to Disney World and have read
    all about the CBR but I have seen next to nothing about the Dolphin. 
    For about the same cost is which is the best deal.
    	
    	Has anyone stayed at the Dolphin.  Which would be better for kids?  
    What is the Dolphin like?
    
    THANKS in advance.

    Well first off comparing the CBR to the Dolphin is like comparing a
    compact car to a Luxury Sedan/they are deffinately different.  I have
    stayed at the CBR and it is very family oriented/restaurant is really
    cafeteria style and the rooms are arranged in 2 storey groups of
    multiple rooms/all with thier own pool/pop machines etc.  The dolphin
    is where I rented my last rent-a-car and it is more like a typical
    Westin/Hyatt type 1st class hotel.  Very nice (from the inside anyways)
    and very posh.  It is also very close to EPCOT and I beleive is
    connected via the waterways.  I think younger kids would probably enjoy
    the CBR better.  For the price if it was just my wife and I, I would
    probably stay at the Dolphin.  If I brough a niece and/or nephew I
    would most likely stay at the CBR.
    
    Any other 2 pennys worth (I wish I had such a hard decision to make)
    regards,
    JP

I agree with .260, and let me add a little... atmosphere in Dolphin is
what you'd expect from a big city Westin hotel... clean, stark, imposing.
Grounds are overdone with landscaping and artwork. 

The CBR is definitely family oriented, and should not dissapoint unless
you are inclined toward Westin style luxury.  The Dolphin's regular rates
are MUCH higher than the promo rate you mentioned. 

The CBR has a nice common area, although the food could be better (It's all
fast food) and each village has it's own pool beside the big common area
pool.

Bill

    RE:  .259      -< Dolphin vs. CBR  >-
    
    I believe (based on a conversation with a person staying at the
    Dolphin) that guests staying at the Swan or Dolphin are NOT considered
    to be "resort guests", and are therefore unable to charge purchases and
    meals to their rooms.  Also, advance dining reservations through Dining
    Around the World is unavailable.  Can anyone confirm this through
    personal experience?
    
    If this is true, and these perqs are important to you, you may prefer
    the CBR.  If you prefer luxury, the Dolphin is for you.
    
    --Jay
    

Last November a friend and I stayed at the Contemporary Hotel. We
decided one night to eat at the Italian Restaurant in the Dolphin
Hotel (or was it the Swan?!!), btw it was a great meal -well prepared, 
fantastic taste, attentive service.

Anyway, the waiter explained that they did not accept the Resort Cards
and were not able to charge the meal to our room at the Contemporary.
He did explain however, if we were guests of the Dolphin Hotel they
could charge the meal to the room.

hope this helps
todd///

    
    Hi all,
    
    We just got back from a 12 day stay in Florida. We go to Florida every
    year as we really enjoy it there and have many relatives there. Like
    every other year, I'm not putting a trip report in but I do have some
    input on various WDW hotels. The reason for no TR is that they all seem
    the same to me. Do you really want to know what I did each day? Hey,
    all we need is Claude and the gang and that lady who actually put in
    the times of day they did each thing and the costs of the food!!! 
    
    I mostly stay in the woodwork with this
    conference, but feel I have something to contribute. Because DEC gets
    me to Orlando on average once every 18 months and we go every year, I
    have collected a ton of data. Up until last year, we had never stayed
    on WDW property (except for Disney Village hotels). We generally stay
    at the Marriott or with relatives. But last year we did the Dolphin and
    the  Poly. This year, due to the fact that we wanted to stay at WDW
    hotels, and couldn't get one for the whole time, we split between three
    of them. We did 3 days at CBR, and four each at PO and DL. All the
    $85-$105/night hotels. I know it sounds crazy, but we didn't mind as we
    wanted to try them all and they were all close together. 
    
    In addition, both last year's Spring trip and this one were longer than
    usual so we devoted one day each trip to exploring all the hotels in
    some depth. We would do a meal and also talk a maid into letting us see
    a room in each. We did that this year at the YC+BC and the GF. Last
    year we looked into the Contemp, the Swan and the Disney Inn. 
    
    Plus, one of the guys in my unit is the biggest Disneyphile I know of
    (and this includes Claude and the gang). He and his wife went to WDW on
    their honeymoon 16 years ago and have been evey year since but 2! He
    owns a Mickey watch, tie, cufflinks and one of just about everything
    they sell at the MK Emporium... Have every Disney movie and their
    daughter's room looks like the Disney store... They stay at FWC every
    year. He and I are the Disney resources for the folks we know. 
    
    Anyway, we compared notes on hotels and WDW in general. 
    
    The way I look at it, you first decide if you want on WDW property or
    not. If on, then you basically are talking proximity to one or the
    other attractions and cost. It's that simple. If on WDW property, then
    what do you want to be near and what will you spend...
    
    Our personal bottom line is if money were no object (!?) it would be
    the Yahct club hands down for us. There is no place at WDW we would
    rather stay. We love Epcot best and the YC is just wonderful. The pool
    and swimming is the best in WDW to us. We love the decor. It's right
    next to Epcot. Love it. The GF is very nice. But we spend more time at
    Epcot.
    
    Now, money is usually an  object and we feel that the CBR/PO/DL resorts
    are a much better value if you can live with not being right at one of
    the parks. Having just stayed at all of them, we definitely formed
    opinions. You may like the CBR, but in our opinion, it holds no candle
    to the other two. We liked PO/DL much better. It's not anything in
    particular, just a bunch of small things. CBR has no sit down, nice
    table service restaurant, just the food court. My wife can't live with
    that. The pools at PO+DL are nicer. Everything seems too spread out at
    CBR. We like the layout at PO/DL better. Even the staff at the front
    desk of CBR said that they had learned lessons from it and done PO/DL
    better. I agree. Not that CBR is bad, just not as good (it still beats
    staying in any of the cheap places off WDW).
    
    You can have the Contemporary. Can't imagine why folks stay there when
    there are the other places. We would take the  Poly over it in a
    heartbeat. The GF just kills the Comtemp.
    
    The  Dolphin is nice, but I just don't get a very "Disney" feeling
    there (at least not until I walk outside). Very nice hotel but I'll
    take the YC any day. Forget the Swan; dull, dull dull... (remember,
    these are opinions only).
    
    Disney Inn? only for golfers without kids who want quiet. Not us.
    
    We think overall, the best bargins at WDW are the PO/DL hotels. Best
    balance between cost, convenience and amenities. We just love the YC
    but it is very hard to justify the cost. An $85 room at DL/PO is 1/3
    the cost of the 2nd best YC rooms ($245 when we were there). I guess if
    you can get a stock holder discount and do YC for say $99/night, we
    would definitely do that. Otherwise, Dl/PO for us.
    
    I hope you aren't too miffed about the trip reports. But you guys know
    this stuff as well as I do...
    
    Super Micro Trip Report, only new stuff:
    
    Splash Mountain was in training when we were there. Water running but
    ride not open. Looks great though. The new train station in
    Frontierland is something to see. The kid finally made it to the bottom
    of the Thunder Mountain sign and see went crazy. Couldn't get her off
    of it... Do you like the food at Alfredo's? We think it isn't that
    great... I'm into trivia and you can get tons of great reading at Epcot
    Outreach in the Communicore (East I think). If you want to know stuff
    like the number of meals served each day and how much electricity is
    used each day go there. I came home with a stack of stuff. I think the
    guy was just glad that someone took such an interest in it. Weather was
    great. Did Universal one day; we liked it; probably good for once every
    4-5 years. Kong was broken AGAIN... ET great, BTTF so-so..., Quake
    good...
    
    Regards, Jim Lawrence 
           
      

    I think that the folks at WDW are trying to appeal to both ends of the
    $$$ and convenience spectrum when it comes to the hotels.
    
    SOme people may like the GF for it's elegance while others like FW
    because they like camping.
    
    Some people like CBR because it is spread out and very laid back (IMHO)
    whereas others may like DL/PO because of the sit down restaurants.
    
    Some people may like the Poly and the CR for nostalgia reasons. Others
    may like the Y&BC because of it's Cape Coddish atmosphere (and Beches
    and Cream).
    
    Still others may like the Swan and Dolphin for masochistic reasons :^).
    
    I think our job as WDW noters is to provide first-timers, that is,
    noters planning their first visit to WDW, a very thorough overview on
    all the hotels and give profiles and impressions on each. It helps to
    say, "Well we liked ........ because of the ........" because a
    first-timer might say "Hmmm Jim Lawrence pretty much echos my feelings
    on what I like in a Hotel."
    
    My family likes the CBR because it seems rural in its setting and that
    helps you to relax during those mid-day hours away from the parks. My
    kids feel comfortable there.
    
    Of course the price has a lot to do with it too.
    
    Of course my plan is to squeeze in a night or two at PO to check out
    what everyone in this conference has been praising...it must be good.
    
    Mike

    CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME SOME INFO. ON THE TRAVELOGE HOTEL.LIKE
    HOW FAR IS THE WALK TO PLEASURE ISLAND?
    HOW IS THE HOTEL?
    THERE IS NO SMALL KIDS.JUST FOUR ADULT KIDS.
    THANK YOU ED
    WHERE ALREADY BOOKED FOR SEPT.1

    Rep to <<< Note 13.266 by WFOV11::HETU >>>

>    CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME SOME INFO. ON THE TRAVELOGE HOTEL.LIKE
>    HOW FAR IS THE WALK TO PLEASURE ISLAND?

    The Travelodge  is  at the entrance to WDW Village off of rt 535 on the
    right handside of  Hotel Plaza Blvd.  Because of this with exception to
    Guest  Guarters  it's  about  the  farthest   away  from  the  shopping
    plaza/Pleasure  Island  of  the  Village Resort Area  Hotels,  so  your
    looking at about a mile walk to Pleasure Island from your hotel.
    
>    HOW IS THE HOTEL?

    Well I never stayed there or  been  inside,  reminds me of your typical
    tower type of hotel on the outside, with  the exception of being rather
    well  landscaped outside due to being on Disney property.    Check  out
    earlier replies for people's actual inpression as well as reply #.5 for
    AAA listings.
    
    Claude

    	What is the rate for the Travellodge?  I'm just curious, I have 
    reservations at a place on RT192 with a rate of $34.95/night in July
    and if I can find something else for about the same rate, I'd consider
    switching.
    
    Tom

    Rep to <<< Note 13.268 by BUSY::TBUTLER >>>

>    	What is the rate for the Travellodge?  I'm just curious, I have 
>    reservations at a place on RT192 with a rate of $34.95/night in July
>    and if I can find something else for about the same rate, I'd consider
>    switching.

    Stay where  you  are Tom, The Village Hotels are comparable and in some
    cases  (Hilton,  Lake  Bueana Vista)  more  than  Port  Orleans,  Dixie
    Landings or Carribean Beach, unless of  course  you get into one of the
    special packages that some of them run  from time to time, but no where
    are they close to the $'s you'll be  paying.  The only reason I see for
    staying in one of the 7 Village hotels is  because you either can't get
    into PO, Dl or CBR or you own stock in one of them.
    
    Claude

    I stayed at Travellodge back in 1975. Back then it was only a few years
    old and seemed "fresh". If they've kept it up over the years then I
    would think it's still a nice place to stay.
    
    It's a high-rise sort of hotel and pretty one of the more economical of
    The Village Hotels.
    
    Mike

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    I agree with the comment about staying in the cheaper WDW hotels as
    opposed to the Disney Village ones. If I could stay at PO/DL, I would
    definitely do so befire I would do the DV hotels. Unless, that is, you
    want to be near the Marketplace and PI.
        
    The TL is triangular shaped. The best rooms are on higher floors,
    facing the pond where the Empress Lily is docked. That's where I stayed
    back in '75 also. We were in the 2nd highest floor. I don't remember it
    as being particulary fancy. Sort of plain-jane. My folks stayed in the
    Ho-Jo's across the street and that was OK, but also, no great shakes.  
    
    Jim
    

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.YOU WERE RIGHT THIS IS MY FIRST TIME
    USING NOTES FILE.BECAUSE OF LOWER FLIGHT COST EVERYTHING IS
    ABOUT SOLD OUT.WE WENT TO DISNEY IN 1990 AND STAYED AT THE 
    VILLAGE AND LIKED IT.SO THIS IS ALL I COULD GET CLOSE TO THE
    VILLAGE.IT WONT BE LONG.

    I THINK THE RATE IS 79.00 A NIGHT.I BOUGHT A PACKAGE FOR 5 ADULTS.
    MY 3 KIDS ARE 17,18,19.

    A question for the more experienced......
    
    Our family wishes to stay within WDW for the second and third week of
    our vacations, and we had planned on renting a home in Fort Wilderness
    (which seemed the most economical).
    
    However, my adult son has elected to join us, and this takes the party
    to seven and complicates the sleeping requirements....
    
    There are now:
    	2 Grandparents (who would like their own bedroom)
    	2 Parents (who wouldn't mind sharing with the 2 children below)
    	1 Adult Son (who also wouldn't mind sharing with the 2 kids,
    			but not with the Parents!)
    	2 Children, both boys, ages 6 & 10
    
    I think this implies a requirement for 3 rooms, one way of another. 1
    of those rooms could also be the day-lounge!
    
    So the questions are:
    
    1) If we stay with FW, where could adult son stay close-ish to us, for
    a reasonable price?
    
    2) Is there somewhere else we could stay that gives the same value for
    money but keeps us in the "heart" of WDW?
    
    Tnks in advance,
    
    JK

    Interesting Problem! 
    
    Firstly, even without Adult Son, I think you could be a little 
    cramped in a FW Trailer. They're not over-endowed with storage and 
    hanging space for 4 adults and 2 kids, and the Grandparents would 
    have to tidy the 'pulldown' every morning to give back the living 
    space. 
    
    FW is part of the MK accomodation group, so the only stuff 
    close-ish would be the Contemporary/Poly/GF, all pretty expensive 
    for one person. Renting two adjacent trailers would work, but 
    costly! The tent might also work, if a. He's agreeable. b. you can 
    get hold of a tent and c. you can get a campsite. Or you could get 
    adult son to sleep in a sleeping bag on the kitchenette floor, 
    giving the impression that grandparents are in their own room, or 
    in the car/van outside. All ideas OK for a couple of days, but I 
    don't think they're really on for two weeks!
    
    Renting two of the rooms at CBR/PO/DL would give you more scope 
    except for the requirement for the grandparents to have their own 
    room. If you could get them to accept adult son in the same room, 
    then this would work.
    
    IMHO I'd try for Disney Villas (Claude can come back with details 
    on this) or the Vacation Club - A 2 bed apartment should meet your 
    needs, plus giving you newer, larger and more luxurious 
    facilities. 
    
    Mike B.

    Thanks for the reply Mike.
    
    I've checked note 60.47 and done Dir/title=villa, but null response. Do
    the Villas have another name?
    
    JK

    RE: .-1 
    
    > I've checked note 60.47 and done Dir/title=villa, but null response. Do
    > the Villas have another name?
    
    See note 254.* for a discussion of the Disney Vacation Club.  For an
    even better description, see the trip report in note 290.54 which was
    just entered last night.
    

    Rep to <<< Note 13.277 by TECRUS::JIM "Jim Pappas" >>>

>> I've checked note 60.47 and done Dir/title=villa, but null response. Do
>> the Villas have another name?
    
>See note 254.* for a discussion of the Disney Vacation Club.  For an
>even better description, see the trip report in note 290.54 which was
>just entered last night.

    But if  you don't want to know about the Disney Vacation CLub which are
    TIMESHARE ownership villa's  but  are  interested in the Villas you can
    rent (ie Treehouses etc.)  then  check  out  topic 13.  I had done some
    discussion on Treehouses etc in there.
    
    Claude

    About 50% of the accomodation at the Vacation Club is available 
    for rental on a per night basis like other hotels. It is a bit 
    pricey, but it was one of the few on-site options that offered 
    three rooms. 
    
    I've seen videos and had second hand reports that indicate that it 
    is very luxurious, but I'll have to wait a few days before I 
    experience it for myself - and even then, only by visiting friends 
    who are staying there (They should be checking in in about 3 hrs 
    time, whereas I've got another 4.5 days to hold on....YIPEEEE!!)
    
    Mike B.

    Rep to <<< Note 13.279 by WOTVAX::BATTY "Well, I wouldn't start from here!" >>>

>                            -< Not Just Timeshare! >-
>    About 50% of the accomodation at the Vacation Club is available 
>    for rental on a per night basis like other hotels. It is a bit 
>    pricey, but it was one of the few on-site options that offered 
>    three rooms. 

    Yup that's  today, but when they sell out the timeshare points/slots, I
    was under the  impression  from  a  Cast Member, the only way you'll be
    able to rent is  if  someone  wants  to  rent  out their slot/points or
    something to that (Member Getaways).
    
    I've driven throught it (didn't look inside a room, I wasn't up for the
    sales pitch) and it reminds me  of  a  cross  between  the  CBR and the
    Beach/Yatch Club  from  the outside.  What I mean is they are 2-3 story
    buildings with the metal roofs of CBR, but painted in pastel colors ala
    Beach/Yatch Club.  Has a very nice marina/shopping/boardwalk/pool area.
    
    Claude

    The treehouses have three bedrooms, that will accomodate at least
    6 (2 beds are queen size, 1 double.) There is good size sofa in the
    living room. We stayed in one in March, was very nice. Not sure the 
    physical condition of the grandparents so I'll mention that there
    are quite a few steep stairs to climb to enter the treehous. There
    is an entrance on the lower level to the bedroom there, but there is
    an even steeper spiral staircase to climb to the main floor. 
    
    Marcie

    REP NO 13.274
    WE STAYED AT THE DIS. VILLAGE AND RENTED A CHALET,THIS WAS IN
    90.IT HAD TWO BEDROOMS UPSTAIRS,ONE COUCH DOWNSTAIRS,ONE DOUBLE BED
    THAT PULLED DOWN FROM THE WALL.IT ALSO HAD KIT.WAS A TEN MIN.WALK TO
    PLEASURE ISLAND.THE BUSSES PICKED US UP ALMOST IN FRONT OF OUR PLACE.
    WE ARE GOING BACK FOR OUR SECOND TRIP AT THE END OF AUG.
    
    

Just to give you a little input on accomodations - don't know if you
are not interested in The Vacation Club because of cost so to give you
info - we just stayed there in April - we had the 2 bedroom which was
one master bedroom with king size bed, a bedroom with 2 double beds
(also its own bath, refrig, micro, deck etc. and then in the livingroom
we had 2 pullout couches - one a double and one a queen. We used our
Magic Kingdom card and spent $227 a night.  Just let us know if there
are any other questions about the Vacation Club that we can answer for
you. We really really really loved it.

Jackie Kuscher

    Thanks for all the replies. Seems like I'm not quite there yet.......
    
    Following Claude's recommendation I checked back through this topis re:
    Treehouse.
    
    One of the replies (around .192 I think) suggested 6 people was a
    maximum for these places, yet there seem to be more beds configurable
    than that. Is there a person limit?
    
    JK (Who finally figured out that Villas are Disney Resort Villas and
    the Vacation Club is a timeshare sheme which also has properties to
    rent, etc. etc.!!)
    

    sorry for a late reply - we stayed in a 2 bedroom villa back in
    '85.  There was a limit then of 6, with a 7th under the age of 11.
    I don't know if this is still the rule or not.  The 2 bedroom villa
    had 2 large bedrooms with king size beds and adjoining baths and
    a pullout sofa in the living room.  Check Birnbaum, it used to have
    these time limitations listed, I haven't looked lately.
    
    peter

I'm getting confused over terminology of "villa" and "village" and so forth.

Basically, I'm looking for a place to stay onsite which:
	1) has at least 2 rooms (bedroom and living area, or 2 bedrooms)
	2) is *not* a trailer
	3) has a refrigerator available, even a tiny one.

Is my only choice the treehouse?  Will the annual passport help reduce the
price of the place(s) that fit our criteria? 

THANK you for your help!

     Carol

    Carol,
     in Fort Wilderness, the rental unit is a "trailer" but it is
    in fact a mobile home.  We stayed in one several years ago and found it
    to be very satisfactory in all ways.  There's a good-szied kitchen, a
    main living room, a dining area, a separate bedroom, full-sized
    bathroom, maid service, microwave oven, some cutlery/crockery/glassware
    and so forth.
    
     Fort Wilderness is conveniently placed for Magic Kingdom and the TTC
    (transportation hub), and is very quiet and peaceful of an evening. Its
    a place for families, and there's even a fair amount of privacy.
    
     Anyway, just thought I'd offer a little clarifying information to you.
    
    					Peace
    					Nigel

    Rep to <<< Note 13.286 by CSC32::DUBOIS "Love" >>>

    Carol,
    
    What you  want  is  to reserve one of the Disney Village Resort Villa's
    which come in  1-2 bedroom, and are listed on page 11 of the latest MKC
    guide and are not  to be confused with the Hotels in the Disney Village
    Hotel Plaza (on page 20+21).   The  Treehouse  is  only 1 of 5 types of
    Villas available, they are
    
        1 Bedroom  Vacation  Villas  located  closest    to    the  Village
          Marketplace
        1 + 2 Bedroom ClubHouse Villas located  on  the  Lake  Buena  Vista
          Course
        2 Bedroom Fairway Villas located along the LBV Golf Course
        2 Bedroom Treehouse Villas
    
    If you have the latest Birnbaum  guide  look  at  pages  61-63  for the
    section on Village Resorts for a better discription.
    
    Claude
    
    BTW the names  I  used above are what the Villas used to be called when
    they used to be  marketed seperately several years ago prior to lumping
    them into the Disney Village Resort catagory.

<    The  Treehouse  is  only 1 of 5 types of Villas available, 

OOoohhhhh. Thank you.
    
Are any of these able to be obtained through an AP special or some other
much reduced price??  I would like to be able to pay no more than $150
a night.

(BTW, to the person who told me about FW.  I've read that, and explained it
to my spouse, but I have been told that we are *not* staying in a mobile home
or trailer or anything like that.  Thanks anyway.)

     Carol

    Rep to <<< Note 13.289 by CSC32::DUBOIS "Love" >>>

    Carol,
    
>Are any of these able to be obtained through an AP special or some other
>much reduced price??  
    
    Not sure,  you will most likely have to call to find out, unless one of
    those with an AP knows (Mike/Len?) and replies here.
       
>I would like to be able to pay no more than $150 a night.

    Hmmm, according to  page  68-69 of Birnbaum, the villa's range in price
    from $175-$345 depending on  the type and season.  Again get either the
    latest MKC guide from personel  or  Birnbaum  for  a description of the
    villa and you'll have to ask  about particular of the accomodation when
    you call for making reservations.
    
    Claude

    I checked on these with the AP discount, the prices are 50% off until
    december 24th... same as all the hotels except PO,DL, and CBR. Rz

    There is also the option of the new Vacation Club.  I don't know what
    if any specials are offered here, but if I'm not mistaken, there are
    more accomodation types available here than there are in the Village Resort.
    I had a reservation here for my trip in July that got cancelled, and
    when I rebooked for September, I went for the Polynesian because it was
    a better deal.  I seem to recall, however, that there were some
    specials being offered during the fall.
    
    Ellen (who is only 6 days away from her trip.....and who wonders if THE
    REPORT will be finished so that she can take advantage of the author's
    great wisdom for her own trip??)
    

We'd be going in the Spring (April/May) so I'll have to see what the 
specials are then, but this gives me hope of being able to do all I want
to do!  :-)

THANK you all!

   Carol

                   <<< Note 13.293 by CSC32::DUBOIS "Love" >>>

   Carol

	Two points.  

	Stayed in 'Trailers' in 1989(before I knew about this note).  Very 
	good accomodations.  Full kitchen, bath, separate bed room, 
	cable TV, etc.  Would highly recomend it to anyone.  Only drawback 
	was the 'long' walk from the bus stop late at night with little ones.     

	Second, and perhaps not in the correct note area, but friends stayed 
	at Guest Quarters Suites, just off the property, this spring.  They 
	chose it for the cheaper price (about $75-80/night if I remember).  
	I think its written up somewhere else here.

	Dave

I'm off to the world on 25th Sept for 2 weeks in Orlando + 1 week in 
Jamaica. Although all accomodation is booked I would like to suprise 
the wife with a couple of nights in the Grand Floridian overlooking 
the lake plus the full works. What should I expect to pay??

Cheers 

CL

    Probably in the neighborhood of $225-$300 per night. That would be the
    cheapest room.
    
    Mike

    Has anyone stayed at the Disney Inn recently?  What is it like?
    How convient to the Poly/TTC?  How many pools does it have? Does
    it have laundry facilities?  All the books indicate that the rooms
    are good sized, are they?  Do they have any additional amenities,
    like a coffee pot?  Are the rooms quite at night?  Would you recommend
    staying there?  Is there a convenient, quick way to get a simple
    breakfast in the morning?  Anything else you remember about the
    Disney Inn, good or bad?
    
    I don't recall seeing much discussion of the Disney Inn, so I'm asking
    these questions.  Why? because we are planning a trip for late next
    August.  Our first choice for a room was to be in the Poly, but all
    of their 2 least costly rates have been put on reserve for 4 days
    in the middle of our planned stay.  Our next choice is the Disney
    Inn.  We have stayed in the 2 bedroom villa, club lake villa and
    CBR on prior visits, so comparisons would be informative.
    
    Our hope is that there will be some AP specials for next August
    that would allow us to stay at the Beach Club or there may be some
    intro specials for the Boardward Resort?  Has anyone heard or seen
    anything more about the Boardwark and associated suites?
    
    thanks for any replies, peter

    Rep to <<< Note 13.297 by WDWLD::KARAM >>>

    Peter,
    
>    Has anyone stayed at the Disney Inn recently?  
    
    Not since '87
       
>    What is it like?

    Very nice and quite hotel nestled between the two WDW main golf course,
    gets very busy there in October with the WDW/Olsmobile PGA classic.

>    How convient to the Poly/TTC?  
    
    Very convenient, it's 5 min walk to Poly, 8 min to TTC, or you can take
    the bus, but if you just missed the  bus,  walk  to  the  Poly  or  TTC
    instead of waiting for the next one, you'll get there faster.    
        
>    How many pools does it have? 
    
    I  believe  it  now    has    three,    the   main  one  (with  a  pool
    bar/showers/lockers nearby) which wasn't themed like  the  Poly or Port
    orleans is located right behind the club house for the golf course.
    
>    Does it have laundry facilities?  
    
    Yes, there was a laundry room in each building as I remember it.
    
>    All the books indicate that the rooms are good sized, are they?  
    
    about 30-40% larger than the CBR room,  they  have  2 Queen beds with a
    sleep sofa/tabel area next to the sliders to  either  the patio/balcony
    depending on the floor your on.
    
>    Do they have any additional amenities, like a coffee pot?  
    
    Not in '87, but I think they have added the mini-bar since then.
    
>    Are the rooms quite at night?  
    
    Very  quiet  at night, since there is no club/lounge  in  the  complex,
    there is a small lounge next to the restaurant but  nothing  with bands
    etc.
    
>    Would you recommend staying there?  
    
    Yes if you have the money to spare, it comparable in $'s to staying  in
    any of the monorail hotels, but without the monorail, so there are less
    tourist walking around,  more  relaxed in atmosphere than the Poly, the
    Garden Gallery is one  of my favorites restaurants on site (was this in
    my latest top 10? should of been)
    
>    Is there a convenient, quick way  to  get  a  simple  breakfast in the
    morning?  
    
    Yes, the Garden Gallery had both ala  cart and buffet breakfast back in
    '87, never had a problem with waiting to be seated
    
>    Anything else you remember about the Disney Inn, good or bad?
    
    If yor into jogging/walking there were some lovely paths nestled in the
    courses you could take especially in the moring with early morning fog.
    And of course if your a Golfer....
    
>    Our hope is that there will be some AP specials for next August
>    that would allow us to stay at the Beach Club or there may be some
>    intro specials for the Boardward Resort?  Has anyone heard or seen
>    anything more about the Boardwark and associated suites?

    they didn't  even  break  ground  yet for the Boardwalk hotel back last
    April when I  last  went,  they  had  placed  a  plywood wall along the
    boardwalk with some artist rendering, but it didn't look like there was
    any construction going on, so  unless  they  had started heavily on the
    contruction I would think it doubtful for next August.  
    
    Len/Mike do you have anything to add around the Boardwalk Hotel?
    
    Claude
        

    In my discussions with some castmembers nothing was said regarding the
    Boardwalk Hotel. They weren't even sure as to when Boardwalk would be
    complete. Obviously timing is everything and I would think that the
    hotel in question would open about the time the new park opens.
    
    I would go as far as to say the Hotel will open before the park so it
    wouldn't hurt to call the CRO and ask about reservations as soon as we
    get an idea as to when the Boardwalk will open.
    
    Mike

    We stayed there for a couple of nights some time ago, (maybe as long
    ago as '87).  We liked it a lot, and would stay there again, that is if
    I wasn't committed to the Disney Vacation Club for the next 50 years.

    It is much smaller than the other properties, only about 225 rooms, and
    as Claude pointed out, off the beaten track.  This makes it VERY quiet
    and relaxing.  When we stayed there it wasn't strongly themed like the
    other resorts.  (You can only understand theming once you've stayed in
    a Disney resort).  Since then, however, the Disney Inn has had a total
    refurb., and they may have improved on the "cozy country inn" theme.

    Based on my memory of the legal documents we got from the DVC, the
    rooms in the DI are 10-20 square feet larger than any other double
    rooms on the property.

    Transportation now is much better than when we were there.  The Green
    Flag bus goes directly to the Magic Kingdom now rather than to the TTC,
    and there is also a bus to the studios that is shared with the Grand
    Floridian and the Poly.  You still may have to connect at the TTC to
    get to EPCOT Center.

    Price wise, it seems to be more expensive than the CBR/PO/DL and less
    than the Poly or Contemporary.

    All in all, I would recommend the Disney Inn.

    thanks for the quick replies.  Once they have set the MKC rates
    for next year, we will probably make our reservation for the Disney
    Inn for August 22nd through Sept 4, 1993.  When I called last weekend
    the person I talked to indicated that they were unable to make reservations
    now with requesting the MKC discounts until the discount rates have
    been set and the rooms allocated with the discounts.
    
    any other input on the Disney Inn would be appreciated.
    
    peter

    
    Me and my wife stayed at the Disney Inn in Fall of 1990.  In short:
    we *loved* it.  We are going again this fall, and we would easily have
    gone back there except for the fact that we want to try all the resorts
    (so we're testing out the Beach Club this time).
    
    I thought that it is a little cheaper than the other monorail hotels,
    maybe I'm wrong, but I remember thinking last time that we considedered 
    it the second-nicest hotel (after Grand Floridian) at the second-cheapest 
    price (after CBR).  PO, DL, and Y&B were not open when we last made
    reservations.  I used Stockholders discount, maybe that skewed the
    price.
    
    One thing is that it is generally quiet.  You tend to lose the feeling,
    in some respects, that you are on WDW (as compared, say, to the
    Contemporary).  Its pretty slow-paced, too.  
    
    It's a nice, short, walk to the Poly/TTC, but I know some people who
    considered it a slight pain to deal with.  And since the busses aren't
    majorly frequent, we (and others) found that walking to the TTC was always
    the best choice.  Me, I loved the walk.
    
    The Garden Gallery is a very good restaurant.
    
    One thing I really liked was that we had a sliding glass door that
    opened right out to a lawn in front of the golf course and at dusk,
    deer would always come around grazing.
    
    I suppose if there was a golf tournament going on, it would be a lot
    more hectic.
    
    I considered the rooms to be very nice and roomy.  The decorations were
    tasteful and the Victorian separator they had between the "bed part"
    and the "couch part" of the room added to the effect of size.
    
    - Sean

    Rep to <<< Note 13.302 by WONDER::REILLY "Sean Reilly DTN 293-5983" >>>

>    I thought that it is a little cheaper than the other monorail hotels,
>    maybe I'm wrong, but I remember thinking last time that we considedered 
>    it the second-nicest hotel (after Grand Floridian) at the second-cheapest 
>    price (after CBR).  PO, DL, and Y&B were not open when we last made
>    reservations.  I used Stockholders discount, maybe that skewed the
>    price.

    When not  doing  any  specials  (Annual/Stockholders)  The DI starts at
    $175, Poly at  $180,  Contemp at $180, Grand at $220 in the off season,
    so a $5 difference  between  the  Poly/Contemp/DI to me means that they
    fall in the same catagory.  However  the  top  end room prices are much
    more $$'s at the Monorail hotels over the DI.   One  thing  I forgot to
    mention was that all the rooms at the DI have nice  views of either the
    pool/course/forrest, the parking  was  secluded and away from the rooms
    unlike the other resorts.
    
>    One thing is that it is generally quiet.  You tend to lose the feeling,
>    in some respects, that you are on WDW (as compared, say, to the
>    Contemporary).  Its pretty slow-paced, too.  

    Easily corrected by simply going into  one  of  the 2 shop's located in
    the main building (Gift's & Sundries or The Pro Shop) ;^).
    
    Claude

    Peter,
    
    Too bad you're not a Florida Resident.
    
    From now through through December 20, 1992 all Florida residents are
    getting 50% off rooms at DI, CR, POLY, and FW.
    
    Maybe the same will hold for AP holders next year.
    
    Info on AP information and reservations can be found by calling (407)
    560-PASS.
    
    With luck you could probably get a room for $150-160 or a suite for
    $175-185.
    
    Mike 

    Well, according to Len's note in 150.104, there's an AP Special this
    year offering a 50% discount at the Disney Inn from August 23 through
    December 20.  Maybe they'll run the same deal next year, in which case,
    Peter, you'd luck out.
    
    As to the Disney Inn itself, my wife and I stayed there in '90 and
    while I do think it's expensive and doesn't offer much in the way of
    theming (unless you're a golfer), it was very comfortable.  And it was
    a nice place to get away to after being in the parks all day.  As
    others have said, it's quiet but still convenient to the MK, the TTC,
    and the monorail hotels.  There's very little "tourist" traffic.  I
    doubt many people even know it's there.
    
    Next time, we'll probably try another resort (like Y&BC) but this was
    the first time we stayed on-the-property and it was a good start.
    
    But the walk back from the Poly seemed much, much longer at the end of
    the day than the jaunt that started the day off... :-)
    
    - Skip

    Some of the replies here talk about transportation included.  The last
    time I was at Disney World, which was probably in the early 80's, we
    stayed outside the park and bought tickets at the gate.  We rode on the
    ferry going in and the monorail coming out.  Is this the transportation
    that is included to resort guests?  (I hope I am using the term
    correctly - by resort guests I mean staying in a hotel within Disney
    which is owned by Disney.)  

    Also, I am trying to talk my husband into staying inside Disney the
    next time we go.  But he can't see past the extra $$$.  What are the
    extras you get by staying within the park?  (Before I get flamed, I
    have looked in here, but there are a lot of notes for someone who
    doesn't know exactly what to search or dir/title for.)  The general
    felling in this string seems to be that you get atmosphere and
    proximity.  Is that it?  I don't think I can win him over with that. 
    I'm won - he's the holdout!

    Aren't there now hotels within the park but not owned/operated by
    Disney?  Are these less $$$ than those owned by Disney?  
    
    
    Debby

    Debby,
    
    Check out note 119 for some discussion on staying on vs off the
    property.
    
    Mike

    Thank you Mike.  I will do that.  "Planning" is a word I hadn't thought
    of to search or dir/title on.
    
    Debby

     I am planning a trip to WDW in early December 1992.  There will be 4 adults
and 2 children (2 and 3) in my party.  When I inquired about AP specials that
could accomodate us (with a kitchen) I was offered a choice between the
following:

1) Wilderness trailer home
2) 2 bedroom clubhouse villa
3) 2 bedroom fairway villa
4) 2 bedroom treehouse villa

We stayed at Fort Wilderness last year.  We enjoyed it but want something
larger this year.  Can anyone comment on which of the other 3 they would
choose?  The fairway villa is the most expensive, but the price difference
is only about $25 between the fairway villa and the clubhouse villa.  Right
now I have reserved the treehouse villa but I'm having second thoughts after
reading about steep staircases.

Any comments are welcome.

Thanks,

Elizabeth

    Rep to <<< Note 13.309 by TLE::GUSTAF::PARMLIND >>>

>Right
>now I have reserved the treehouse villa but I'm having second thoughts after
>reading about steep staircases.

    Hmm you  must be talking about the spiral staircase that leads from the
    living room upstairs  to  the  downstairs  den/laundry.   Otherwise the
    stairs from the driveway  to the mainfloor weren't steep as I remember.
    Myself if I was going  again  and had the $'s would opt for a treehouse
    again if those four were my choice.  The treehouse are individual units
    whereas the othe villas are your basic condo.
    
    Claude

    I pulled this out of the rec.arts.disney newsgroup on USENET.  It looks
    like a decent comparison of the lower-priced Disney hotels (CBR, PO,
    and DL).
    
    - Skip
    
Article 12367 of rec.arts.disney:
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
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From: [email protected] (Eric Pepke)
Subject: Port Orleans, Dixie Landings, and the Caribbean Beach
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Sender: [email protected] (Usenet News File Owner)
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Date: Tue, 12 Jan 93 17:16:51 WET
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Port Orleans, Dixie Landings, and The Caribbean Beach Resort
A Comparative Review

Eric Pepke
30 September 1992
Updated 12 January 1992

I have finally been to all three of Walt Disney World's less expensive hotels
and offer this informal comparative review in the hopes that it will help
people decide between them.

Standard disclaimers apply.  This is all my opinion based on my experiences,
which are not guaranteed to be comprehensive.  I am not getting any money
from anybody for doing this, and I don't bear any grudges.

LAYOUT

All three hotels are layed out in the basic rural Hyatt fashion.  There is a
central clump of buildings for registration, eating, and entertainment.  The
guest rooms are located in satellite clumps of buildings.  The buildings are
two or three stories high, and access to the rooms is via outside balconies.
Each satellite has a small swimming pool, and there is a larger pool in the
central area.  There is a bus system which stops at one or more areas in the
complex and goes to the theme parks and Disney Village.  The Caribbean Beach
also has a purely local bus system, because it is so large.

The Caribbean Beach Resort is layed out on both sides of a large artificial
river-shaped lagoon.  Dixie Landings is built around a small artificial
winding-river-shaped lagoon, and Port Orleans is right near by.

ROOMS

The rooms are pretty much the same: standard motel fare leaning toward the
upscale.  The rooms have comfortable beds, air conditioning, and ceiling
fans.  The usual range of toilet articles are provided, including shampoo.
It is possible to get non-smoking rooms.  All three resorts have voice mail
systems.

Rooms at the Caribbean Beach have servibars and coffee makers.  The prices
on the servibar are the best I have seen--they're only about 50% higher
than average vending machine prices.  It is possible to get refrigerators at
the other two resorts upon request in advance.

Rooms have decent television sets in cabinets with unfixed remote controls.
The decor is well done and coherent in a Disney sort of way.  Each hotel has
a theme which is used throughout.  For example, the theme at the Caribbean
Beach is pineapples, which appear in several places.  The door on the TV
cabinet has pineapples printed on it, and the bedposts end in turned
pineapples.  The decor represents a local maximum of good taste constrained
by the fact that it's Disney.

SWIMMING

All three hotels have large central pools and smaller satellite pools.  For
lap swimming, the satellite pools at Dixie Landings are the best.  For
splashing around, they're all pretty much equivalent.

The central pool at the Caribbean Beach is done up in pseudo-Pirate fashion
with little cannons shooting spritzes of vaporized water.  There is a small
slide, but it's not much.

The central pool at Port Orleans is built around a big dragon-shaped water
slide.  You slide down its tongue.  It's a good slide.

The slide at Dixie Landings is longer and more irregular--you go back and
forth a bit before plopping in the water.  It is made in sections, the joins
between which have some degree of buttock-abrading effect.  It's still fun.

The Caribbean Beach also has swimming in the lagoon, unless they find
infectious bugs in the water, in which case it's restricted.  There are
manicured beaches of sugar-white sand with volleyball nets and hammocks.

Port Orleans has the best hot tub/whirlpool.  The hot tubs at the other
two places are relatively uninteresting.

ATMOSPHERE

The Caribbean Beach has a very tranquil atmosphere, especially around the
lagoon at twilight.  It is the largest, which is good if you like to go on
walks and probably not so good if you don't.  There is a little area with birds
on an island in the middle of a  bridge.  Of the three hotels, the Caribbean
Beach is the best one to ease stress and the symptoms of burnout.

Port Orleans has more of a fun-type atmosphere.  There's usually music
around.  The streets are dotted with man-high fiberglass sculptures of
alligators and the like which are moved around from day to day.  Port
Orleans would probably delight children the most.  It is the most difficult
to walk around in bare feet, because it is mostly paved in that concrete
with the big bubbles that bite at your soles.

Dixie Landings is a bit more "homey" than Port Orleans.  It tries for
down-home shuck and agricultural sophistication at the same time. The effect
is not entirely successful.  They stay well away from a Song of the South
atmosphere.  I think they did about as well as could be expected.

Dixie Landings has some of that foot-eating concrete but not as much.  However,
to get to the pool you may have to go over an iron-shod bridge, which isn't
too much fun when the sun is shining unless you are shod yourself.

ENTERTAINMENT

The music at Port Orleans consists mostly of outside Dixieland Jazz
bands in the evening and is really quite good.  All three hotels have
musicians occasionally at the bar.  It's generic bar fare, which usually
ranges from mediocre to embarrassing.

The Caribbean Beach Resort provides the best boating in their large lagoon.

All three hotels have good arcades.  The arcade at Dixie Landings has the
widest selection of pinball games, with recent Bally/Williams, Data East, and
even Premier/Gottlieb games.  Nearly all tables are 25c/game, and the games
appear to be reasonably well maintained.  Port Orleans has somewhat fewer pin
tables, and they appear to be worse maintained.  The Caribbean Beach Resort
has a good selection of pins.  All three arcades have a reasonable selection
of vids and kinetic games for kids, but Dixie Landings has the best.

You can rent bicycles at all three places, and I saw a few tandem bicycles
around.  Bicycles at Dixie Landings and Port Orleans are just for fun, but
bicycles at the Caribbean Beach may be good for getting around if you don't
like to walk as much as I do.

FOOD AND DRINK

All three restaurants have central food courts and a central bar.  Only
Port Orleans and Dixie Landings have full sit-down restaurants, both of
which are 100% non-smoking.  There is no full sit-down restaurant at the
Caribbean beach, but the largish bar has a limited selection of food items.

The two sit-down restaurants are similar and have some items in common.
They both serve a gumbo based on a roux so dark it's like beef gravy.
They both serve a variety of fern bar style food.

The restaurant at Port Orleans, "Bonfamilles," has a larger menu, laid out
"Bennigan's" style.  The menu items tend toward ersatz Cajun or Creole.  The
best meal they do is breakfast.  You can get for about five bucks a mess of
eggs, vegetables, and Andouille sausage which is guaranteed to keep you burning
with a smoky black flame all day.  The lunch and dinner items are fairly
uninteresting and don't have much to do with the cuisines they are supposed
to represent.  The po' boys have nothing to do with real po' boys.

The restaurant at Dixie Landings, "The Cotton Co-op," has a smaller one-page
menu with a few daily specials (some of which are shared between Port Orleans
and Dixie Landings).  The items appear to be higher quality than those at
Port Orleans.  The food goes in two directions: standard southern dishes
(I saw a MASSIVE plate of barbecued ribs) and "Florida" cuisine, which is
sort of California cuisine with a little cajun/creole influence and Florida
seafood.  I had a Hoedown Salad, which had grilled chicken, grilled artichoke
hearts and marinated peppers, chopped pecans, and a honey mustard dressing.
It was tasty.

Both restaurants have good vegan entrees and a selection of low-fat entrees.
Prices are good.  Entrees range from $8.00 to $12.00 including salad and
bread.  My girlfriend and I ate far too much at each place and had a couple
of drinks apiece for about $15 apiece per restaurant.  You can easily walk
between Port Orleans and Dixie Landings.

The food courts are like food courts everywhere.  The one at Dixie Landings
has a stand that sells breakfast sandwiches on sweetish cornbread instead of
biscuits: an interesting idea, but not one worth repeating.

The bars are standard hotel bars.  There are no really good beers on tap,
although you can get Sierra Nevada in the bottle.  All three places have
theme-related specialty drinks.  The ones at Port Orleans seem mostly to be
renamings of standards like the Hurricane and the Long Island Iced Tea.  The
ones at Dixie Landings are oddish but interesting combinations of liqueurs.
There are decent pool bars at all three places, and all the bars serve a
variety of non-alcoholic drinks.

Dixie Landings and Port Orleans have reasonable room service, including
Kosher, vegeterian, and vegan items.  The Caribbean Beach has only a pizza
delivery service.

PRICING

Well, you'll have to call and ask.  Personally, I have gotten far better
results letting AAA do the calling than calling them directly.  Basically,
a room is anywhere from eighty five up to a hundred twenty or so, depending.
Rooms of similar quality off property, though perhaps not quite as nice,
go for about sixty bucks.  Cheap rooms off property can be had as cheaply
as twenty bucks plus five per extra person.

When we stayed at the Caribbean Beach the last time, we had booked a cheap
room.  When we arrived, they had no nonsmoking rooms of that class, so they
gave us a better room for the same price.  Then they tried to get us to stay
an additional day for $75 including free use of all the boats.

Eric Pepke                                    INTERNET: [email protected]
Supercomputer Computations Research Institute MFENET:   pepke@fsu
Florida State University                      SPAN:     scri::pepke
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4052                    BITNET:   pepke@fsu

Disclaimer: My employers seldom even LISTEN to my opinions.
Meta-disclaimer: Any society that needs disclaimers has too many lawyers.

    	Quick question:  On a recent advertisement for WDW there was a
    little disclaimer that stated: * Health clubs and pools at Disney's
    Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort
    are for their hotel guests only.
    
    	The question is, is this something new or is a standard rule that's
    just being enforced.
    
    Tony

    
    It's been around awhile - mostly because they are two of the nicest
    hotels with nice facilities.  The Yacht and Beach pool is, well,
    unbelievable, and if everyone at the Carribean, Port Orleans, etc.,
    went there, it wouldn't really be fair to the guests who are paying a 
    premium price to have the nicest resort with the nicest pool.
    
    For purely selfish reasons, I like this rule.  Most of our recent visits 
    include more "hanging around the resort" time than they do "visiting the 
    park" time, and I don't want it too crowded in "my" pool! :^)
    
    - Sean

    	Disney Village Resorts.
    
    	I read somewhere that saying this is "onsite" is like saying
    	a floppy on your desk is "online".  (Where did I see that
    	anyway?  I couldn't find it again...)
    
    	I couldn't find a topic on this, so let's start one.
    
    	How (in)convenient is DVR?  I know that it has "air conditioned
    	motor coach service" to/from the parks.
    
    	Good/bad experiences here?

I have not stayed there but it is located at the Disney Village, which is 
situated at the same place as all the other nonDisney hotels which are 
"on-property".  It is close to the Disney shopping area and Pleasure Island
but not too close to the Parks.  You have Disney bus transportation to/from
here.  To me (with a bunch of kids that are hot on MK vs the other parks) this
is just as good as any of port orleans, CBR, etc....it is better in your
situation with all the people that are going with you.

Just MHO

-Jay

    	What we mean when we say 'on-site' is that the property in within
    the boundries of WDW's vast land holdings.  In this case it is both
    on-site and owned by WDW unlike the Swan and Dolphin.  To put it into a
    mental picture it's sort of on the opposite side of WDW than the Magic
    Kingdom.  It is accessable from WDW transportation but that can be like
    a ride from one side of Boston to the other so many people will still
    get a rental car so that they can get places quickly.  If you're going
    to go to MK, and EPCOT alot I would suggest a rental.  If you plan on
    spending alot of time at the Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure
    Island you're right there basically.  Let's see if I can make a
    makeshift map from my memory.
    
    
         Magic Kingdom
    
    
    							Fort Wildnerness
    
    		
    			EPCOT				Disney Village
    						Vacation Club
    						
    							Pleasure Island
    
    		Disney/MGM	CBR		Typhoon Lagoon
    
    
    That's sort of the way it's set up.
    
    
    To

    If you are staying onsite, request what is called an "inside road map".
    This is a color glossy map that has all the backroads marked.  It's 
    real pretty.  There are lots of roads that will help you get around 
    faster if you have a car.
    

    Help HELP HELP
    
    Well after reading so many replies.  I am even more confussed.
    
    This is the case:
    
    It will just be my husband and myself.  All we want is somewhere nice
    with a shuttle to get us back and forth to wherever we want to go.  Oh
    and by the way not over priced.
    
    I know this is alot to ask.  But can some one help me.  We are going in
    April  this is my first time and my husbands second time. 
    
    I would greatly appriecate any ones in put
    
    
    
    Della 

    Della,
    
    It would help if you indicated what your budget will be...that is how
    much do you wnt to spend on your room?
    
    That will get the responses going.
    
    Mike_who_goes_CBR_everytime.

    I would love to answer your question, but I can not.  Do to the fact of
    I dont know what the price range is for hotels on and off the property
    that provide shuttle back and forth vs stay renting a car.
    
    I know this does not help much but that is all I can say for now. 
    My husband would like to stay on the property.  We dont need anything
    real plush, just nice.  The way I look at it is that we are leaving the
    children at home and we are planning on not spending much time at the
    hotel.
    
    
    Della
    

    Della,
    
    In note 96.20, there's a list of the '91 resort prices.  Even though
    this listing is two years old, it should give you some idea of how much
    it costs to stay on-site at WDW.  
    
    Off-site hotels are generally cheaper and the further you get away from
    WDW, the cheaper they are.  I'd recommend picking up a guide book (like
    Birnbaum's) or any one that at least contains the phone number for some
    of the off-site hotels.  A little time on the phone checking the prices
    will help considerably.
    
    Unfortunately, we don't have that info organized in any form in the
    conference.
    
    Also, how long are you planning to stay??  That's another factor in
    your decision and will help others give you some useful advice.
    
    - Skip

    We are going to 4 day and 4 nights.  My husband informed me last night
    that through his work he got MKC.  I beleive he will be getting more
    info on the discounts.  How do I get the guide that you mentioned.
    
    
    Della

    The guide book I mentioned is Steve Birbaum's Official Guide to Walt
    Disney World and it's available in most book stores.  Look in the
    travel section.  I think it costs under $10 but it's well worth it.  In
    there, you'll find a list of hotels both on-site and off-site with
    approximate costs and more improtantly, their phone numbers for
    reservations and more specific questions.
    
    Other guide books probably have this information too, but I've only
    used Birnbaum in the past.  Also, if you're a member of AAA, they have
    travel guides as well.
    
    Another question for you, regarding the need for a rental car.  During
    your four days, are you planning to go anywhere else besides the Disney
    parks, like Sea World or Universal??  If not, I'd scratch the rental
    car and stay somewhere on-site.  During our last trip (4 days, like
    yours), we'd stayed on-site at the Disney Inn and our plans were only
    to do the Disney parks.  We had a rental car but only used it once to
    go to dinner at the Empress Lily (and even then, we could've taken WDW
    transportation).
    
    - Skip

    We are just planning to see Disney.  Here is a list of place we would
    like to go Magic Kingdom, Epcot, pleasure Island, MGM
    
    Thank you for the info on the book.
    
    One questions is my husband call the 800 number for Disney, They said
    that they were going to send us information.  Does any one know what
    the information is that we will be recieving.  The reason I ask is
    should I wait to make any reservations untill I receive it?
    
    
    Della

    If you make a reservation now at any onsite hotel WDW requires a one
    night deposit within a couple of weeks. The nice part, though, is that 
    you can transfer that deposit to a different reservation if you change
    your mind about where to stay. The same is true of any Hoop De Doo
    reservations you might make -- they transfer with the deposit to a
    change of room. Also, the deposit is fully refundable up to 48 hours  
    before check-in, and you don't pay for HDD tickets until the day of the 
    performance!
    
    My advice -- make a reservation now for the cheapest room in one of the
    moderate priced hotels on property (CBR, PO, DL). Reserve for HDD if
    you think you want to go. Then, when you husband gets his information, 
    make any changes to suit your tastes and budget. At least you will
    know that you have a place onsite to stay and can plan from there. 
    
    Linda_who_has_stayed_at_CBR_and_PO_and_liked_PO_better

    You always had that Cajun look in your eye Linda.
    
    Getting back to what Skip said about the car, definitely pass that over
    and apply that money towards either your room or something else. Busses
    and monorails offer decent transportation to the theme parks and
    Pleasure Island.
    
    If you intend to go to Hoop-Dee-Doo then plan accordingly, like plan on
    doing TMK before the Hoop and leave TMK at least 1 hour before your
    Hoop show....just ask Kathy Jette.
    
    Mike

    Has anyone recently stayed at the Dolphin Hotel? Is this considered
    part of the "inside" hotel scheme or outside? I thought I saw someone
    mention you could not do some of the things inside guests are able to do.
    
    I am a member of the Sheraton Express club and although I get no discount 
    per se, I do get free suite upgrades. It makes going there tempting.
    
    I only this week decided we, wife and 2 year old daughter, would head
    down in October. Any info that would help in our choice of Dolphin, 
    I'd like to hear about. Liking Epcot, Dolphin would make that easy.
    
    Now, where's the topic that tells me what a 2.5 yr old can do and should
    see? Should I be closer to TMK instead? 

    I was just leafing through the 1993 edition of the Unofficial Guide, 
    (ran out of new Disney notes to read) and noticed a new feature. They 
    are providing hotel ratings of most of the hotels in the area (both on 
    and off Disney property) in several categories depending upon your taste 
    and budget. 
    
    Rooms are rated initially on a 5 star basis with the number of stars 
    denoting roughly the following quality:
    
                ***** Superior rooms - Tasteful and luxurious by 
                           any standard
    
                 **** Extremely nice rooms - What you would expect 
                           at a Hyatt or Marriott
    
                  *** Nice rooms - Holiday Inn or comparable quality
    
                   ** Adequate rooms - Clean, comfortable, and
                           functional without frills - Like a 
                           Motel 6
    
                    * Super Budget
    
    In addition, each particular hotel is rated on a 0-100 point system
    to indicated perceived differences between hotels in the broader 
    star categories. There is also an indication of relative cost with
    each $ representing $30 per night cost. 
    
    List #1 is The Nicest Rooms in Town, rating all the hotels in order of
    points within star category. Disney hotel rankings:
    
         Grand Floridian    5 stars    97 points    $$$$$$$$+
         Beach Club         4.5 stars  95 points    $$$$$$$+
         Yacht Club         4.5 stars  95 points    $$$$$$$+
         Disney Inn         4.5 stars  94 points    $$$$$$$
         Swan               4.5 stars  91 points    $$$$$$$+
         Dolphin            4.5 stars  91 points    $$$$$$+
         Polynesian         4 stars    88 points    $$$$$$+
         Port Orleans       4 stars    86 points    $$$+
         Dixie Landings     4 stars    84 points    $$$+
         Contemporary       3.5 stars  82 points    $$$$$$+
         Caribbean Beach    3.5 stars  79 points    $$$+
    
    
    List #2 is The Best Deals in Town, ranking the best combinations of
    quality and value. Disney hotel rankings:
     
                14. Port Orleans       
                19. Dixie Landings     
                59. Caribbean Beach       
    
    List #3 is The Best Deals on 4 and 5 Star Rooms. Again, quality 
    and value are counted together. Disney hotel ratings:
    
                 1. Port Orleans
                 2. Dixie Landings
                14. Dolphin
                17. Disney Inn
                18. Beach Club
                19. Yacht Club
                21. Grand Floridian
                22. Swan
                25. Polynesian
                  
    List #4 is The Best Deals on 3 Star Rooms. Again, quality and value
    count together. Disney hotel ratings: 
    
                27. Caribbean Beach
    
    List #5 follows with The Best Deals on 2 Star Rooms. 
    
    List #6 is the Hotels with the Best Swimming Facilities. Disney hotel
    ratings:
           
            1. Yacht & Beach Club    
            2. Port Orleans
            3. Caribbean Beach
            4. Dolphin and Swan
            5. Ramada Maingate Parkway
            6. All other Disney Properties 
        
    This might help when not only price but value are considerations when 
    booking a room. 
                     

    I've been to Disneyworld 10 times (#11 is coming up this Saturday!) and
    I've stayed all over.
    
    When I was budget-conscious, I stayed at the Maingate East Holiday Inn
    in Kissimee, which is about a 5-minute drive to the MK, and very
    convenient to I-92 (Sea World, Busch Gardens, etc.).  The first time I
    stayed there, they had only one "complex" but have since added another
    whole complex.  The buffet breakfasts and dinners are VERY reasonable
    and tasty.  My kids loved this ... the service was fast, we were in and
    out, and my wallet wasn't groaning.  There are two huge pools, laundry
    room, game room, rental movies, a deli and a snack bar by the pool. 
    It's very clean and it's like going home.
    
    On the occasions where we planned to just stay with the WDW program and
    not venture any further, we stayed at what was the Viscount, and is now
    the Travelodge.  We stayed there three times.  Only once did we have a
    problem, and that was with a New Jersey Drum & Bugle Corps. who came
    without chaperones or at least chaperones who actually did their jobs. 
    They were loud and obnoxious and kept us up one night; I made two
    polite calls down to the lobby and then one very angry call; within
    five minutes all the teenagers who were shrieking by the pool or
    hanging off their balconeys screaming at each other were inside and
    quiet.  But other than that once incident, we really enjoyed staying
    there.  The pool was great and on Sundays they had cookouts with
    Jamaican musicians playing in the afternoons.  There were soda
    fountains, snack bars, and a nice restaurant that had the best
    breakfast buffet, complete with a chef who prepared made-to-order
    omelettes.  Buses for the MG, Epcot, MGM and the Disney Shopping
    Village came by every 10 minutes, so that's the most you would wait for
    transportation.  The buses were air-conditioned and the only complaint
    I had was that sometimes I felt the drivers were going to tip us over
    because they drove fast and took corners on a dime ... after I got over
    my initial paranoia (only I can handle transportation correctly!), I
    relaxed and enjoyed being toted around.  One other beef: being in a
    high-rise hotel bound for WDW fun in the morning, the wait for an empty
    elevator was sometimes longer than waiting for the bus!  But we liked
    how this hotel was situated and it was within walking distance to the
    Village where we would usually stroll over to in the evenings.
    
    One time I stayed with a friend of mine at Park Inn, which was part of
    a "package" offered by a timeshare place for visiting their premises. 
    This was a very nice complex as far as the outside was concerned (hot
    tubs, good pool, right on a lake), but the inside was definitely ready
    for renovations.  The bedspread alone was so nubby that it hurt to sit
    on it!  It's not a place I would have chosen, but for a freebie it
    wasn't bad, and it was clean and convenient.
    
    Last year I traded my timeshare for a week at the Orlando World Resort
    in Kissimmee; this was a beautiful place with multiple pools and close
    to the Maingate East Holiday Inn; right down the road, as a matter of
    fact.  We drove down (VERY short on funds last year!) and the only cost
    was food and passes to WDW.  We even lucked out on Sea World tickets:
    for touring the resort we got freebies!  We had a two-bedroom, two-bath
    condo with a kitchen/dining area and a big living room with a
    queen-size pullout couch.
    
    This year I'm going with just one of my kids, my 19-year-old daughter. 
    We're staying at Dixie Landings.  This was a spur-of-the-moment
    decision (we need it BAD!) and I decided that the closest we got to
    staying "in" the WDW resort complex was the Viscount and I wanted to be
    closer.  I really wasn't interested in the Contemporary or the Poly; we
    like the idea of being on the lagoon with Pleasure Island right there,
    so this is going to be a new experience.
    
    There are all sorts of ways to go, but the best and most cost-effective
    is throught the DEC Magic Kingdom packages or the Delta Dream Vacation
    packages.
    
    Leslie

    We are thinking of taking a trip sometime between Thanksgiving and
    Christmas.  There is a Jolly Holiday Package or somesuch that is
    avaiable to MKC members.  My wife and I have been to Disneyworld once
    but the kids (8/4) never have.
    
    I took home about 10,000 blocks of this notesfile last week and have 
    been doing a LOT of reading.  My problem is this.  I'm more confused
    now than I was before!  
    
    There are 5 resorts available with the package (5 days/4 nights). 
    Before reading this notesfile, I'd only heard of the Contemporary,
    which is available for ~$440.  The Grand Floridian is ~$540 and Port
    Orleans is ~$390.  We hadn't even considered the Port Orleans until
    reading about it in this notesfile.  I can't remember the other two
    resorts that were available.
    
    We're leaning toward either the Contemporary or the Grand Floridian,
    because of their location (we'll probably spend at least 2 days at MK).
    Is it worth the extra $200 to stay at the G.F. vs. the Contemporary?
    Any other suggestions?  Thanks,  Steve

    Steve,
    
    The GF and the CR are both on the monorail. Go with the Contemporary
    and spend the $200 on something else, like HDD.
    
    The other two resorts you were trying to remember were the Carribbean
    Beach Resort and Dixie Landings.
    
    Enjoy the notesfile.
    
    Mike

    Steve,
    
    The Contemporary may be a better choice because you have the option
    of walking to/from the Magic Kingdom entrance.  If you plan to ride
    the monorail to and from the MK, you'll be in for a long ride no
    matter which hotel you stay in.  Staying in the Contemporary means
    a long ride to the MK but a short ride home since it's the first
    stop.  Staying in the Grand Floridian will be the opposite.  If you
    absolutely must stay in a monorail hotel, you may want to consider
    the Polynesian.  If you request a room in one of the buildings near
    the TTC, you can walk to the express monorail (or the ferry) to the
    MK and walk directly to the Epcot monorail.  Personally, I refuse
    to stay in the monorail hotels now because it takes way too long to
    get anywhere.  It took us 45 minutes to get from the Contemporary
    to the MK by monorail during the non-busy season.  It takes us about
    15 minutes to get there by car from the CBR or Fort Wilderness!
    
    Some of the noters in here have said they'd never stay at the
    Contemporary because it's too busy and noisy.  I don't think it's a
    problem.  We've stayed in the tower, in a room directly above the
    monorail.  We never even heard any noise from it!  We've also stayed
    in the north garden wing several times.  The garden wing rooms are
    the same as the tower rooms but don't have the view.  These rooms
    are also very quiet (much quieter than the rooms at the CBR) because
    there isn't much people traffic in that area.  If you choose a
    garden wing room, I recommend asking for the north wing because it's
    closest to the MK - the south is near the convention center and water
    bridge.
    
    Good luck,
    Ruth

Well, I haven't read all these notes, so forgive me if someoone suggested this
but...

Have you considered staying at the Disney Inn??  It's across the road from the
Grand Floridian (which has a monorail station!) and is quiet and probably cheaper
than the main loop hotels. And it's probably no further from the DIsney Inn to 
the Monorail tahn from one of the far-away rooms in the GF or Contemporary!!

	Nigel

    Ruth brings up a good point. Even though your hotel may be on the
    monorail system it may take you awhile to get to TMK thanks to the 
    monorail system.
    
    I was in WDW for 12 days in '90 and I used the monorail twice.
    I was in WDW for 15 days in '92 and I used the monorail once.
    
    The DL, PO, CBR trio of resorts offer lower rates and are much quieter
    than the monorail hotels.
    
    Bluebonnet Creek Prkway has made driving to TMK a cinch for anyone
    staying at one of those three resorts.
    
    Of course all these recommendations are just muddying up your decision
    but what the heck....that's what we're here for ;^).
    
    Mike

Hi,

   I will be at WDW from 30/5-2/6 staying at Dixie Landings. Like to get 
some advice on whether we should be getting a rental car to move around the 
park and outside the park. After reading through the notes file, some 
people say yes and some say no, quite confuse now.

   How easy is it to find car parks around the park, if we get a rental car 
? What is the parking fee like ?

   Is it true that the park will be pack for those day, as it is the 
memorial long weekend ? Just like to be mentally prepared.

Thanks in advance,
Hong Ngee

    By all means RENT A CAR. I believe this is Kathy Jette's area.
    
    By car parks I think you mean parking lots.
    
    The parking lots are big enough to handle pretty big crowds. I think
    the only park I would have concerns for would be MGM but I never saw
    that lot filled beyond 75% capacity.
    
    EPCOT has a huge parking lot so don't worry there. Then you've got the
    granddaddy of them all, The Magic Kingdom Parking Lot. As suggested
    elsewhere think about parking in the Contemporary Parking Lot and
    walking to TMK.
    
    Busses from DL to TMK are probably a 5 min. ride. To EC and MGM the
    rides are about 10-15 minutes.
    
    Parking fees are $4.
    
    Some advice: Think about avoiding the parks on Memorial Day. Do Sea
    World, Universal Studios, or Typhoon Lagoon that day and Hoop-Dee-Doo
    at night.
    
    If you like you can ask your server if you can take a photograph of the
    portion of the Pioneer Hall Stage in which yours truly fell down after
    being attacked by the Texas Ranger during the famous Birthday Bash on
    July 12, 1992.
    
    Mike

RE -.1
>>    
>>    Parking fees are $4.
>>    

Actually, if you're staying at Dixie Landings (on WDW property), parking is
free I believe.  All you need to do is show your resort ID when entering the 
parking lots.

� �ori �

    We are in the process of booking a trip to during the Thanksgiving
    Holiday.  We are undecided on staying at Port Orleans or Polynesian.
    I was told that the all the rooms were remodeled and there are 
    currently working on the lobby areas.  The Poly is being considered
    (laguna side) because of the view to Mk for the kids (11 and 4 yr old).
    This is our first family trip out of the New England area and my 
    daughter (4) is counting the days.  We don't mind spending the extra
    money but I get the feeling that the Poly is not as nice as I expected.
    How would you rate the view at night from the Poly and if you had a
    choice, would you choose PO or Poly?
    
    Thanks for the input,
    Jennie

    Jennie,
    
    Viewise the Poly would get the nod.
    
    Mike

    If you plan on spending most of your time at the Magic Kingdon - I'd
    stay at the Poly (If price is not a factor).  Views - Poly gets the nod
    as well.
    
    Kathy
    

    re: .338        -< Poly or Port Orleans? >-
    
    Jennie,
    
    The Polynesian is very nice, but I don't know what your expectations
    are.  Port Orleans is also very nice, but in a different way.  Port
    Orleans, and the other moderate resorts, are like what I would call the
    classic "motel" model.  That is, your windows are near the door, and
    your view is of the common walkway.  In addition to having people on
    either side of you, you also have people behind you, so there can be no
    window out the back of your room.  If you want to have the shades open
    to get some natural light into your room, you are giving up your
    privacy.  If you want to see the "view" that defines your room, you
    have to go out into the corridor.
    
    The Polynesian is designed according to what I call the "hotel" model. 
    The door opens onto an indoor corridor, and the windows (in this case,
    sliding doors) are at the back of the room.  As long as you are not on
    the first floor, you can leave your shades open to let some light in
    without giving up your privacy.  And the view from the laguna rooms is
    the best view available (IMHO).
    
    The Polynesian rooms are much bigger than the PO rooms, and much nicer
    (IMHO).  If cost is not a factor, I suspect you'll like the Polynesian
    better.
    
    Is the Polynesian worth twice as much as Port Orleans?  Only you can
    decide.  We've stayed at the Polynesian only when we've gotten AP
    specials (but we prefer the Beach Club when it's available).  When we 
    couldn't get a special, we've stayed at Port Orleans, and Dixie
    Landings, and the CBR.  Port Orleans has a dynamite pool and we like
    the entertainer who sings in the lounge.  We also like the caricature
    artist in the food court, and the boat transportation to Pleasure 
    Island is nice.
    
    An answer in a rambling nutshell... ;^>
    
    --Jay

    re .338
    
    If you don't mind spending more money, then consider the Grand
    Floridian.  Many of the rooms have as good a view of the MK as does the
    Poly and it is a significantly better resort hotel.  However, since the
    rooms START at $240/nite+ tax, you may soon find that you might mind
    spending extra money.  My vote is for the GF since it will cause my
    stock to burp upwards one tick. :-)
    
    However, FWIW, and after a bunch of trips to WDW, I would not recommend
    ANY hotel there simply because of the view of the MK. Views get stale
    after a while; you will not be spending much (if any) time in your
    hotel looking at the MK and, anyway, kids are not impressed with views.
    
    Since you have youngsters, you will likely be spending more time in the
    MK then in EC.  That being the case, I would recommend staying in one
    of the large 60'_mobile_homes_they_call_campers (air conditioning, 2
    bedrooms, color TV, kitchen, maid service, etc) at Fort Wilderness. (My
    wife liked them and HER idea of roughing it is a Black & White TV in a
    Marriott hotel). The motor Launch from FW to MK is not really much
    longer than the Monorail from Poly V. and is a more pleasant ride. 
    Also, if you take advantage of the "Be Our Guest" pass, you can spend
    some time every day at River Country (right at FW) which will make the
    kids happy and get them off their feet (which will make Mom & Dad
    happy).  Then, if you want to go to Epcot or MGM, you take a VERY short
    bus ride to the TTC to make the connection (or drive over, if you have
    a car, since you car is right outside your camper/trailer/room).
    
    If, however, you were expecting to spend more time in EC, than MK, I
    would recommend the Yacht & Beach club.  It is a luxury hotel,
    positioned just below the GF; you are a short walk to EC and you can
    get a motor launch to MGM.
    
    As always, For What It's Worth,
    
    Dave

    
    Thanks for the replies.  I've been on vacation the past week.
    
    Well, after much thought, we decided not to spend the extra money on
    the trip itself and not the room, so we are staying at PO.  Just talked
    to someone who stayed at both and highly recommended PO since most of
    your time is not in the room, so he recommended spending the extra $ on
    other stuff.
    
    Will keep up with this notes file, since I have lots of time before the
    trip in Nov.

Hi,

        I will be taking my wife to Florida for the first time around the first
week in September. My idea is to book a last minute fly/drive to Orlando for
around 200 - 250 UK pounds per person. We would stay in WDW for the first week
and then drive to the Florida Keys for the second. My questions are these...

        Can I benefit from the MKC during the first week ?

        How cheaply can I stay in a fairly good Hotel (i.e. up to $100/night ?)
        in September .

        Suggestions on alternative Hotels

        Is this the best way to do what I want to do ?

Hope you can help...

Best Regards,

Andy.

    Andy,
    
    You can always benefit from being an MKC member. Since it's a trip
    involving you and your wife I'd suggest Port Orleans.
    
    Mike

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    A couple weeks ago I made the final arrangements for my trip in
    November.  We had rented the house waaaayyyy back last year, paid for
    it in March, and just recently got the plane tickets, car rental and
    one night at a hotel (the night we arrive, the house won't be ready for
    us until the next day).....

    Yesterday I was doing some checking for Paula Otten, with Thomas
    Cook... to see what other hotels were available, right at the airport
    (no driving to heaven-knows, at almost midnight).... I mentioned to the
    person on the phone that I was booked in the Comfort Inn, in Orlando...
    she sounded kind of funny as she talked to me, but nothing came of it. 
    I got a call from the woman who made my arrangements... seems battle
    lines have changes since my agent was last in Orlando... and the
    Comfort Inn use to be a really nice place to stay.... but now!!!!

    


    It's in the red light district!!!!!

    Steven and Brent see nothing wrong with that arrangement!!!  yeah,
    sure!

    So you say you've never stayed at The Disney Inn but from some notes
    from old friend and former moderator Claude Berube you've been thinking
    about doing so well I have news for you....
    
    ...not anymore.
    
    Flash...as of February 1994 The Disney Inn will no longer be available
    to the general public. The United States Army will be leasing that
    resort for Army personnel and their families. It will be known as a 
    "Shade of Green at The disney Inn" or something like that. I'll get the
    official word tomorrow but I thought I'd put this in for those who
    are/were planning to make reservations.
    
    There's less than 300 rooms at that resort and it sounds like WDW will
    not have to worry about any empty rooms.
    
    I'll try to get more info on this.
    
    Mike

    Here is the official word, reprinted here without permission from The
    Magic Key Newsletter, Winter 1993, Volume 6, Number 3:
    
    The U.S. Army will lease The Disney Inn at Walt Disney World to be used
    by eligible Department of Defense personnel and their families as an
    Armed Forces Recreation Center. The 228-room facility will be renamed
    "Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort" and will open on February
    1, 1994.
    
    The Disney Inn WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE for general public
    accomodations after January 4, 1994.
    
    Mike

    
    We had the opportunity to eat a dinner over at the Disney Inn Garden
    Gallery on 12/30/93... We made a point of doing this because the
    Inn would be no more as of 1/4/94.
    
    We had the opportunity to talk in detail with several of the cast
    members that worked at the Disney Inn.
    
    According to them Disney made a deal with the military for a 100
    year lease... The last day Disney Inn was checking people in was
    December 31st, 1993, and everyone would be checked out by Jan 4th,
    1994. At that point it would become a military run R&R center; staffed
    by military personnel. The golf courses would remain in Disney
    Control...
    
    SO unless you are qualified miliraty personnel you will not have
    access to the new Shades of Green(whatever it's going to be called)
    Disney Inn was 20 years old... 
    
    All the cast members were guaranteed jobs withing DIsney and were
    absorbed into other hotels.... Several whom had worked at the Disney
    Inn were sad to be leaving it.
    
    With Disney opening the All Star resorts and the Wilderness Lodge
    and getting rid of The DIsney Inn, the total room count on disney
    property will not have grown as much...
    
    		- Annie
     

    I've seen alot of talk about CBR in this conference but very little
    about the Polynesian. Can someone who has been to both provide a
    contrast? I'm headed down late April and considering these two resorts.
    Obviously, there's a price difference. What do you buy for staying in
    the Poly vs. CBR? How accessible is CBR? Food considerations? etc.
    
    Any insight is appreciated.
    
    Phil
    

    
    We have stayed at CBR, DL, PO, Y&BC and the Polynesian.
    
    The CBR is a different class of hotel as the Polynesian. The price
    per night is about 1/2, unless you happen to be going at a time
    where there is a passholder special, For instance we stayed at the
    Y&BC for $99/night, when it is normally up in the 180-230 range
    (I haven't checked this years pricing yet)....
    
    CBR - Is a cluster of buildings around a central pond. The eating
    	facilities consist of a fast food court, with common seating.
    
        There is a common pool and you can rent a variety of water
    	equipment and bikes, but not the waterski's and larger boats.
    
    	The rooms are smaller; they do not have individual balconies;
    	There are two floors, the lower floor is accessible from a walk
    	around the building, the upper floor is only reachable by stairs.
    	(P.orleans had elevators, don't remember if DL did). There is
    	a common walk around the outer side of the building. Inside the
    	rooms (mostly) have two beds (there are some kings?, but you
    	can request them but no guarantees). Inside is small, not alot
    	of room between the beds, there is a small table with two chairs
    	and then at the far end of the room is the doubls sink area whcih
    	is visible from the bed seating area, and then a small room for the
    	toilet and tub.
    
    	The Polynesian is also a cluster of buildings, it is located on the
    	Monorail, and you can look across the lagoon and see the Magic
    	Kingdom. It has a beach on the lagoon, and you can rent more things
    	(oops, they;re called water sprites), there is full service
        restaurants, there are elevators to the rooms, there is a balacony
    	or seating area for each unit, the units have the two beds but
    	also a couch(allows for a 5 th person). The rooms are overall
    	larger. The bathroom is separate(not) visible from the sleeping
    	area. More room to relax. They have the children's program for
    	evenings (forgot what it's called), if you're going to be spending
    	more time at the Magic Kingdom then Epcot and MGM it might be
    	more convient.
    
    
      In my mind it depends upon what level of service, amount of space,
    	and what you want to spend....
    
      We will stay at P.O., CBR, or DL if we are going when there is
    	not some other type of special. If there is a special we will
    	us the Y&BC, or Poly (wilderness lodge should fit into this
    	category).
    
      If you're not sure and you can't get a special for the Poly, and
      you don;t want to pay the higher price for the entire trip, you can
      always consider splitting the time. They are really good at moving
      luggage (you just have to pack part way thru the trip). Stay at
      CBR for the first 1/2 and then switch to the Poly, or whatever
      % is right for you..
    
    
      Next time we go, we may start out by trying the All Star resorts for
    	a night. They may be too small for an entire visit, but we'd try
        them. And if we can get a special then we'll stay at the Wilderness
    	Lodge. All Star opens in the May time frame; Wilderness Lodge opens
        in the June timeframe.
    
    		- Annie
     

    I'd like to add a tiny bit of a suggestion to what Annie said, and that
    is, if you do split you stay on property, you may want to spend the
    latter part of your vacation in the higher priced resort.
    
    Going from the CBR to the Poly may be more palatable than doing Poly
    first then moving to the CBR.
    
    It's similar to what we've said before that if you split your vacation 
    between an on the property resort and off the property resort do the
    non-WDW hotel first.
    
    It's best to move up in class.
    
    Mike

    Last night I received a call from the CRO. They told me from time to
    time they selct reservations from off the system and offer guests
    alternative reservations to give the guests a chance to try a resort
    they may otherwise not try.
    
    Well they offerred me an opportunity to stay at a Vacation Villa (see
    Peter Karam's note .3 on this), normally a $240/night resort for the
    same price as my CBR reservation, $89/night.
    
    I declined the offer for a number of reasons. First off I don't like
    to meddle with success. Secondly, my family loves the CBR and are very
    familiar with everything there. Finally, why is this offer being made
    to me? Don't they lose money on the deal? Are they having a tough time
    booking the villas? If so they'd get some $$$$ by booking me there and
    no doubt will fill up the CBR with no problem.
    
    Anyway, I thanked them for the offer but politely declined.
    Interestingly enough, they took the time to inform me that the Vacation
    Villa was a $200+/night resort.
    
    Has this happened to anyone else?
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    After my trip to WDW (trip report this morning), I would make a bet
    that this is Disney's version of the free night at the timeshare. 
    According to one of our CBR busdrivers, the Vacation Club works on a
    point system, so it isn't a traditional timeshare - but the concept and
    selling approaches are the same.  They will pick you up from anywhere
    and bring you on a tour, return you to anywhere (anywhere = on the
    Disney property).
    
    It makes sense to me that they would target returning Disney-heads for
    a free stay to do a low (or high) key pitch for the Disney Vacation
    Club.
    
    I did notice that the buses run MUCH less frequently to the Vacation
    Villas than to the CBR from Epcot and the MK.  I think the idea is that
    you'd have a car there.

I received a postcard in the mail with a photo of the Royal Plaza.
It touted a 50% discount plus other benefits if you call an 800 #.

I called; here's the deal.

	4 nights at the Royal Plaza
	2 tickets to either SeaWorld, Bush Gardens, or Universal
	Family admission to the Mystery Fun House in Orlando
	Plus some misc coupon offerings
	Cost $289.00 (= about $72/night)
	Extra nights at $75/night.
	You must confirm this with a credit card.
	You have up to 2 years to use this package.
	It is transferrable but not refundable.
	You need to make your reservations 60 days in advance during
	peak season, 30 days other times.
	The Royal Plaza has been completely redecorated.

They said that they were CFI travel (CFI owns the Royal Plaza and
other hotels). It seemed like a good deal with the tickets included.
I called the Royal Plaza reservations desk directly to confirm this and they 
said that CFI does indeed make these offers.

I signed up for 7 nights and received a form in the mail along with
some info, brochures, etc.

If anyone wants the 800 number I'll post it here.

Doug 

PS You can get a room in the Royal Plaza for $75 per night using your
    Orlando Magic Card but it does not include the Sea World tickets,
    etc.

    I received the same postcard yesterday.
    
    I guess we're on someone's database.
    
    Mike

    Hi,
    
    We just made reservations for the Polynesian for Sept.  What buildings
    would you recommend?  I asked for the Moorea based on earlier notes,
    but it is full, - this notes file is great!  How is the Tahiti?  
    
    There are 4 of us (2 adults, a six and a three year old).  
    I'd be grateful for any recommendatins.
    
    Thanks,
    Bill  

           I just received some pricing information for the resorts
          at WALT DISNEY WORLD. The price sheet is dated December 1993
          with the heading of "1994 ROOM RATES".

           Also "Prices are subject to change without notice" in BOLD
          on the top and bottom of the page on both sides.


                            1994 ROOM RATES

   Regular Season: 12/21/93 - 01/01/94, 02/13/94 - 04/16/94, 06/11/94 - 08/13/94
     Value Season: 01/02/94 - 02/12/94, 04/17/94 - 06/10/94, 08/14/94 - 12/19/94

                   PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.


                            1994                            VALUE        REGULAR

	DISNEY'S FORT WILDERNESS REPORT AND CAMPGROUND
Non-Preferred Site (no hookups)                             $  35        $    40
Non-Preferred Site (with hookups)                              43             47
Preferred Site                                                 49             52
Wilderness Homes                                              180            195

	DISNEY'S GRAND FLORIDIAN BEACH RESORT
Garden View                                                   245            265
Pool/Marina View                                              260            280
Lagoon View                                                   290            210
Lodge Tower Deluxe                                            320            345
Garden/Pool Concierge                                         430            450
Marina/Lake Concierge                                         430            450
Honeymoon Room Concierge                                      440            465
Deluxe Roon Concierge                                         440            465
Suites                                                   495-1655       535-1735

	DISNEY'S YACHT CLUB RESORT
Standard View                                                 205            220
Garden View                                                   230            250
Pool View                                                     250            270
Lagoon View                                                   270            290
Parking/Garden Concierge                                      355            375
Lagoon/Pool Concierge                                         365            385
Suites                                                   390-1190       390-1190

	DISNEY'S BEACH CLUB RESORT
Standard View                                                 205            220
Garden View                                                   230            250
Pool View                                                     250            270
Lagoon View                                                   270            290
Suites                                                   390-1190       390-1190

	DISNEY'S WILDERNESS LODGE RESORT (Opening Summer 1994)
Standard View                                                 149            164
Garden View                                                   165            180
Courtyard View                                                180            195

	DISNEY'S POLYNESIAN RESORT
Standard View                                                 195            210
Garden View                                                   215            230
Water View                                                    240            260
Lagoon View                                                   265            285
Garden View Concierge Service                                 280            300
Lagoon View Concierge Service                                 305            325
Suites                                                   520-3175       520-3175

	DISNEY'S CONTEMPORARY RESORT
Garden Wing - Standard View                                   195            205
Garden Wing - Garden/Pool View                                205            225
Garden Wing - Bay Lake View                                   225            245
Special Occasion Corner Room                                  235            255
Tower - Park/Bay View                                         250            270
Patio Room - Water View                                       260            280
Corner Room - Water View                                      290            310
Deluxe Room - Water View                                      410            450
Suites                                                   780-2345       780-2345

	DISNEY'S VILLAGE RESORT
Club Suites                                                   185            200
Vacation Villa (1 Bedroom)                                    250            270
Vacation Villa (1 Bedroom with Study)                         270            290
Vacation Villa (2 Bedroom)                                    300            320
Treehouse Villa (2 Bedroom)                                   335            355
Fairway Villa (2 Bedroom)                                     355            375
Grand Vista (2 Bedroom)                                       750            750
Grand Vista (3 Bedroom)                                       825            825
Deluxe Club Suites                                        270-580        290-600

	DISNEY'S VACATION CLUB RESORT
1 Bedroom Studio                                              190            205
1 Bedroom Vacation                                            240            260
2 Bedroom Vacation                                            345            365
Grand Villa                                                   755            755



	DISNEY'S ALL STAR RESORT (Opening Summer 1994)
    (Disney's All Star Resort does not have "Value Season" rates)
Standard Room                                                                 69
Deluxe Room                                                                   79



The following seasonal dates apply ONLY to the resorts listed below these dates:

   Regular Season: 12/21/93 - 01/01/94, 02/13/94 - 08/27/94
     Value Season: 01/02/94 - 02/12/94, 08/28/94 - 12/19/94


	DISNEY'S CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT
Standard View                                                  89             89
Garden/Courtyard View                                         109            114
Pool/Lake View                                                117            119

	DISNEY'S PORT ORLEANS RESORT
Standard View                                                  89             89
Courtyard/Bayou View                                          113            119
Pool/River View                                               119            121
King-sized Bed (any view)                                     119            121

	DISNEY'S DIXIE LANDINGS RESORT
Standard View                                                  89             89
Courtyard/Bayou View                                          113            119
Pool/River View                                               119            121
King-sized Bed (any view)                                     119            121

  Note: All Prices Subject to Change Without Notice.

    Okay I'll bite. What's the diff between a Standard and Deluxe Room at
    an All-Star Resort?
    
    Mike

    I *think* it's the view, Mike.  I'm pretty sure that it's parking lot 
    versus pool/grounds view that makes the difference.  --S
    

    I don't mind looking at the parking lot...besides, that means it takes
    less time for me to get to my car and get the day started...time is 
    so valuable down there.
    
    Mike

    
    
      It is "the VIEW". We went with the parking lot view for our July
    trip. 
    
      About a week ago we got a call from Disney asking us if we would like
    to upgrade, at no extra cost, from Port Orleans to the new Wilderness
    loudge. We went for it.

    It looks like WDW is upgrading like crazy. Over the weekend I found out
    that the upgrades have been put into place because of the advertising 
    that Disney puts out regarding the low price of staying on the
    property.
    
    Since most of the low cost rooms are taken, visitors to Orlando may opt
    to stay off the property rather than pay close to $200/night after
    seeing ads for under $100/night.
    
    Guests who have reservations for the All-Star resorts are being
    offerred upgrades to the CBR, PO, and DL. Those people in the latter
    three resorts are being offerred upgrades to the Village Resorts,
    Fort Wilderness Lodge, and get this.....The Beach Club at the B&YC.
    
    Not only does Disney fill some rooms but also get great PR in the
    process.
    
    Mike

    Does any one know how to reach a phone number to make
    reservations at any of the Disney World (Orlando) hotels?
    
    Thanks,
    
    David.
    

    1-407-w-disney

    .364 Use the 800 numbers:
    
               800-745-4444
                   435-6767
    
    Julie
    

    I have just had a very good experience with the waitlist process at
    WDW. Last July we made reservations for our 11/12 to 11/19 trip. I was
    able to get a king-sized bed room a the Beach Club at the MKC discount 
    price for the night of 11/12 and from 11/14 to 11/19. The night of
    11/13 was completely blocked off in both the Yacht and Beach Clubs
    because of a convention/function being held there 11/13 to 11/14. 
    As a backup I made a reservation at Port Orleans for 11/12 to 11/14
    and waitlisted for the Beach Club for 11/13. 
    
    Saturday I received notice in the mail that 11/13 is now available at
    the MKC discount rate. We only have to check in and out once, a great
    relief to my husband, and don't have to waste part of a day moving from
    one hotel to another. I had had doubts about the waitlisting, but it 
    worked out fine for us. 
    
    Looking forward to checking in approximately 4 days and 21.5 hours from
    now.......
    
    Linda

I recently recieved the free Disney Planning Video.
Along with it came a booklet describing the various
resorts.

It mentioned that the moderate priced hotels (ie Caribean, Dixie Landings,
Port Orleans, did I miss some?); now offer some rooms that are equipped
with trundle beds. It states that 5 people can stay in these rooms.

The new All-Stars resort still only accomodate 4 people per room.

Doug

Quick question (can't find answer in the current notes).  Has
anyone stayed in the Disney Village (the disney resort...not the
area). If so can they elaborate on a 'club suite'.  It is suppose
to have a kitchenette, a living room with a day bed and a seperate
bedroom with double beds. 
    
I know the location and I have a car...what I'm interested in is: 
    
- How are the accomodations?
- They have a marina area and a fitness center.   How 'good' are they? 


Why...I called to get an update on the AP specials...nothing
available, pressed on AAA discounts.  Gave them a story on wanting to
have a seperate bedroom for kids and be able to sleep 5.  CRO came
back with an 'out of the blue' special that they are running for
Disney Village rooms for 135.00 /night...I know they run over $200
normally.  I put in another reservation because the availability was
limited, now I have a week or two to decide if I really want it. 
    
    thanks 
    
    -Jay 
    

    Jay,
    
    Methinks that the Village Resorts aren't pulling their weight and these
    "specials" will be appearing from time to time. Last year many people
    were called and asked to upgrade to the Village Resorts from the PO,
    CBR, and DL for the same price. It's a soft push for a resort that is
    experiencing too many "dark nights."
    
    A flag should go up when you think of this...a Disney resort that just
    doesn't seem to get the typical repeat business.
    
    Mike

    re: .370
    
    �A flag should go up when you think of this...a Disney resort that just
    �doesn't seem to get the typical repeat business.
    
    Mike, you may be right about this (it sounds logical to me), but it is
    not always the case.  Last summer, we had two weeks booked at Port
    Orleans, at $89/night.  We got an offer to upgrade to one of the
    premium resorts for the same rate.  After some maneuvering, we were
    able to get two weeks at the Beach Club for $89/night. (The maneuvering
    wasn't to get the Beach Club - that was one of the choices.  We had to
    maneuver to get the full two weeks.)
    
    Our offer came about two weeks after our neighbors were upgraded from
    the All Star Resorts to Dixie Landings, for the same time frame as us. 
    I think our upgrade came about to clear some space for the All Star
    Resort people who were being upgraded to the moderate resorts.
    
    Moral of the story -- never look a gift horse in the mouth.  However,
    in Jay's case, you might be better off at FW.  Rent a cart for the
    duration and get a River Country add-on.
    
    --Jay
    

.
.
.
    Moral of the story -- never look a gift horse in the mouth.  However,
    in Jay's case, you might be better off at FW.  Rent a cart for the
    duration and get a River Country add-on.
.
.
.
Na, I'm not a cart person...hve to workout while I'm there...8-10 
miles every other day and someplace to row every day.  My kids would 
love it though.

-Jay 

PS: Thanks for the info....will keep the reservation for now...
    

Much of the Village Resort is being converted to housing for those
attending the new Disney Institute.

There is a lot of constructions there right now.

Watch out for rooms on the lake -- You will share New Year's Eve with
all of Pleasure Island every night at midnight.

I cruised all those waterways and don't remember a marina for the Village
Resort.  I think they technically use the Marketplace's marina.

Bill A.

Have any of you stayed at one of the WDW resort hotels and then visited the
pool at another hotel?  

When I made my Grand Floridian reservations, the cast member said something
about that by staying at the GF I'd be able to visit all of the other pools
at the other hotels, too.  I had assumed that.  However, when I got my
travel planning brochure it said that you could only swim in the pool where
you were staying.  When I called the CRO just now, the cast member I spoke
with said that I would only be able to swim in the GF pool(s).

There's no slide at the GF pool(s), and I have a young son who is going to
want more excitement than what the GF pool can offer.  We've been drooling
over the waterfall at the Poly pool and the long tongue slide at one of the
other hotels (PO?).  Has anyone gotten around this rule?

     Carol

I thought that Storm-Along-Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club was one of the few
(maybe only) pools that were restricted to guests of that resort only.  When
you go there, you are supposed to show your resort ID and get a wrist bracelet.
When we were there though, I saw lots of people without the bracelets, 
including us when we were down for a quick dip and too lazy to bother to get
them.  The life guards didn't seem to be checking for them.

Other than that, I though you could swim anywhere.  The only not-my-resort pool
I've ever tried to use was the one at Port Orleans with the serpeant-tongue
slide.  We had no problems getting in there.

						Tracy

    The latest brochures do say that the pools at CBR, Port Orleans, and
    Dixie Landings are available to guests of that resort only.  I didn't
    look at any others, because I can't afford to stay anywhere else!  It's
    one of the things that makes me lean toward Port Orleans for my next
    trip.  --S

It is policy now that pools are for the use of each resort's guests only.

I have gotten around it at many of the resorts simply by looking like I know
what I am doing.  Arrive in your bathing suit, get a towel, swim.

Scope out ahead to see how to get a towel.  In Wilderness Lodge, towels
are supposed to be used from your room, but, there is a towel cart inside
the door near the pool in the south wing.

At Beach & yacht clubs, grap a towel at one of the quiet pools in the
cabinets at each one.  Go for a brief swim there, then migrate to the
Stormalong Bay Pool.  YOu can't use the slide without showing a resort
ID from that resort, but no one can tell you're not a regular guest other-
wise.  

It's equally easy to use the pools at Port Orleans, and Dixie Landings.
Caribbean Beach Resort has security at the entrance, but we got in showing
our other resort ID and saying we wanted to eat and shop.  

I would not try this at the Grand Floridian if you're staying elsewhere, 
they guard their privacy more closely.

The contemporary pool isn't worth a side trip.

Does anyone know how it works at All-Star or the Polynesian?

Bill A.

P.S. You didn't hear if from me....

When we stayed at the Poly (92) the pool area seemed pretty open - you use towels
from the pool area - I don't remember any id checks.

At CBR (92) we only used the "local" pool not the fancy one but we had to use 
towels from the room.

At PO (93) we had to show the resort ID to get a towel.

At Fort Wilderness (91) the pools didn't seem to be restricted but then it's a 
lot harder to get there and the pools are not very fancy.

I think I like the Poly pool best.

If you really want to have fun in the water typhoon lagoon is worth a visit.

It seems like rules and how they are enforced change frequently so you could 
try it out. It may be that they only enforce the rules when the pool is crowded 
or they want an easy excuse to throw hooligans out. I don't think it would be 
wise to walk up to a cast member at another hotel and say "I'm staying at the 
Grand Floridian - is it OK to use the pool here?".

Peter.

The Benefits of staying On-Site, according to Disney

The Most convenient Location
Resort ID Card & Charge Privileges
Early Park Entrance, 1 hour early at a select park each day
Length of Stay Pass Available
Character Dining (of course, we know that's not exclusive)
Advance Dining Reservations up to 60 days ahead
Unlimited WDW Transportation
Use of virtually all Disney Resort Recreation Facilities (except pools, as
    					we now know)
Preferred Golf Tee TImes
Guaranteed Park Admission (on the busiest days, admission gets "full")
Complimentary Parking at Parks and Resorts
Special Child Services (child care, dinner clubs, learning programs)
Resort Guest Services Desks
Disney Magic 24 hours a day
Disney Security (goes on to list details of hotel room security)


Hmmm, I'd like to call the front desk at 3am and ask about Disney Magic
24 hours a day...

Bill A.

Do the towels look alike, one hotel to the other?  Or are they distinctly
different?  

If different, is it just a monogram/writing, or it is the color of the
towel so it would be noticed no matter how the towel hung or was held?

I'm thinking we could show up with a bathing suit on and a towel in hand.

Are *all* of the slides guarded, or just at the PO?

      Carol

Here's some hotel quick reference data.

Property		#rooms	Suites	Conc-	Rest/	Room	Bars	Pools
    					ierge	Snack	Service
    						Bars		
All-Star		3840			?		1	4
Caribbean Beach		2112			7		1	7
Contemporary		1041	36	Y	5	Y	3	3
Courtyard		323	2		1	Y	1	2
Vacation Club		210	494		3		1	4
Dixie Landings		2048			3		2	6
Fort Wilderness		407/784			5		1	2
Grand Floridian		905	23	Y	6	Y	3	1
Grosvenor		630	7		3	Y	2	3
Guest Quarters		0	229		2	Y	2	2
Hilton			814	27	Y	6	Y	4	3
Hotel Royal Plaza	396	10		3	Y	2	2
Polynesian		853	11	Y	5	Y	2	2
Port Orleans		1008			3		2	1
Village Resort		585						6
WDW Dolphin		1510	140	Y	7	Y	4	2
WDW Swan		758	64	Y	4	Y	3	2
Wilderness Lodge	728	31		4	Limitd	2	1
Yacht & Beach Club	1213	11	Y	7	24Hr	4	3

NOTES: Y=YES.  Fort Wildeness has 407 trailers and 784 campsites.


Property		Gym/	Kid's	Water	Marina	Beach	Tennis	Biking
    			Hlth	Progs	Sports	
    			Club		
All-Star								
Caribbean Beach				Y	Y	Y		Y
Contemporary		Y	Y		Y	Y	Y	
Courtyard		Y						
Vacation Club		Y	Y		Y		Y	Y
Dixie Landings					Y			Y
Fort Wilderness			Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Grand Floridian		Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	
Grosvenor		Y					Y	
Guest Quarters		Y	Y				Y	
Hilton			Y	Y				Y	
Hotel Royal Plaza						Y	
Polynesian			Y	Y	Y	Y		
Port Orleans					Y			Y
Village Resort		Y			Y			Y
WDW Dolphin		Y	Y	Y		Y	Y	
WDW Swan		Y	Y	Y		Y	Y	
Wilderness Lodge		Y	Y	Y	Y		Y
Yacht & Beach Club	Y	Y		Y	Y	Y	

Property		Rate Range

All-Star		69-79		Note: these are rack rates as
Caribbean Beach		94-124		of early 1995.
Contemporary		195-800
Courtyard		90-150
Vacation Club		185-755
Dixie Landings		94-124
Fort Wilderness		35-200
Grand Floridian		255-1450
Grosvenor		99-360
Guest Quarters		129-235
Hilton			145-759
Hotel Royal Plaza	97-404
Polynesian		200-1040
Port Orleans		94-124
Village Resort		185-1150
WDW Dolphin		220-365
WDW Swan		245-350
Wilderness Lodge	154-580
Yacht & Beach Club	215-975

I have more goodies like this coming, stay tuned.
Bill A.

Here's some interesting info on typical, or average, floor plans and 
square feet.  It might help you figure out which resorts are more comfortable
for larger numbers of people.

I have floor plan drawings of these typical rooms, they're too hard to
reproduce in text, so I'll describe.

A * after the resort name means I've stayed there, and can answer further
questions if I remember.


Village Resort Club Suite
500 Square Feet
Two rooms, outer room has double sofa bed, chair, two chair mini-table
Inner room has attached bath, two queen beds

Village Resort Two-Bedroom Villa
1450 Square Feet
Lower level entry has 1/2 bath and kitchenette off each side,
inner room has 4chair dinette, sofa, murphy bed (fold down from wall).
Upstairs has two bedrooms, each with full bath and king bed.

Caribbean Beach, Dixie Landings, Port Orleans *
315 Square Feet Typical Room (we think corner rooms have a little more space)
Two full/long beds, 2chair mini-table, at back of room is double sink
and door to bath.

Fort Wilderness Trailer Home
504 Square Feet
Door on right to kitchen, then living area with sofa and two chairs,
and a murphy bed.  Then hall with door to bath, a door to main bedroom.
Main bedroom has another outside door, full bed, and a bunk bed.
This configuration sleeps 6, another is available that sleeps 4 without
bunk bed.

Contemporary Resort *
436.5 Square Feeet Typical Room
Entry is a hall with closet, and door to two section bath. Toilet is in
back section with sink, outer section has tub and another sink.
Room has two queen beds against one wall, and on the other is the TV stand
and a double sofa bed.  There is a mini table and two chairs, and a spacious
porch with two chairs.

All Star Resorts
260 Square Feet Typical Room
Two Full beds, a 2chair mini table, outer bath area with sink,
inner bath with toilet and tub.

Beach & Yacht Club *
381 Square Feet Typical Room
Door opens on small hall, closet on one side and outer bath with two sinks
on the other. Inner bath has toilet and tub.
Room area has two queen beds, 2chair mini table, and another chair.  There
is a small porch.  Some have larger porches, some have dormer porches.

Polynesian Resort
409 Square Feet Typical Room
Door opens on hall with closet and bath on each side.  Toilet is hidden in
an alcove in the bath.
Room has two queen beds, a double sofa bed, and a 2chair mini-table.
THere is a porch with two chairs.

Wilderness Lodge *
340 Square Feet Typical Queen Room
Door opens on a hall with closet and dresser one one side, outer bath
with two sinks on other.  Inner bath has toilet and tub.  Room has
two Queen beds, and a 2chair mini-table.  There is a small but serviceable
porch with two chairs.  We also saw the one bed king room and it looked
the same, perhaps a little smaller.

Vacation Club Deluxe Room 
306 Square Feet
Door opens on area with two queen beds and a 2chair mini table. A typical
outer/inner bath angles back along side the entry door.  A small porch
has two chairs and a table.  This is also the second bedroom of the two
bedroom vacation homes.

Vacation Club One Bedroom Vacation Home *
1086 Square Feet
Entry Hall splits in two directions.  Straight ahead is the Living area,
with queen sofa bed, and a smaller couch, and a cofortable chair.  To
one side is kitchen island with TV and VCR under it.  The other side is
a kitchen galley, with full size fridge, sink, dishwasher, and many
amenities.  Dishes and cookware are also provided.  There is a coffeemaker.
There are french doors to a spacious porch with four chairs and a table.
Turn down the side hall and to the side is the bath, and straight ahead
is the bedroom, each with separate doors. There is a laundry room tucked
in thehall before the bath.  The bedroom has a king bed, TV, dresser, and 
a separate door to the porch.  The bath has a jacuzzi tub for two and
a sink in the outer area, and a door to an inner area with double sinks
and toilet and a large shower.  These places are awesome.

Vacation Club Two-Bedroom Vacation Home
1392 Square Feet
Combine the Deluxe Room and One-bedroom descriptions above.


Happy Hunting,
Bill A.
P.S. One last goodie on hotels tomorrow.

Pool towels do vary in color and size from resort to resort.  I used the
PO pool without being challenged once.  I think whoever said it depends on
the season and crowds as to how much enforcement was right.

I know that the big slide at Beach & Yacht Club is always guarded at the
top by a lifeguard to checks for wristbands which you can get only by 
showing a BYC ID.

Bill A.

I remember all the pool towels being white at the Poly, CBR and PO.

That may have changed.

>> I'm thinking we could show up with a bathing suit on and a towel in hand.

Mmmmm.
Would you be using the Disney transportation between hotels ;-)

. Beach & Yacht Club *
. 381 Square Feet Typical Room
. Door opens on small hall, closet on one side and outer bath with two sinks
. on the other. Inner bath has toilet and tub.
. Room area has two queen beds, 2chair mini table, and another chair.  There
. is a small porch.  Some have larger porches, some have dormer porches.

Our room at the Beach Club had a day bed rather than the extra chair so there
was sleeping room for five.  I thought this was the typical setup but maybe
it isn't...
						Tracy

The Shades of Green lost $1 million last year.  It was suppose to make 
$1.1 million.  The lowest room rent is $49 and the highest is in the $90's.
How much you pay is based on rank.  Apparently the demand by lower ranking
military was miscalculated.  Originally, the demand by lower ranking personnel
was about 30%; however, 60% of the rooms are rented at the lower rates.

The military has several options:

	- get out
	- change the room rates
	- buy the property and lease the land longterm

This came from a newspaper article in the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph
on Saturday.

And now, some info on Rack Rates for each Resort Hotel.  This is the Disney
published 1995 Rates, subject to change, for the Regular Season and the
Value Season.  I have tried to include the information that you can't get
from the MKC brochure or the Birnbaum book, so you can be more informed
when you call the CRO for reservations or inquiries.

Warning:  This entry is as big as some trip reports!

Near the bottom is a preview of the Vacation Club at VERO BEACH and of
the new DISNEY INSTITUTE programs.

PLUG: By the way, your travel agent can book your MKC packages and room
rates.  If you need air, car, transfers, etc. in one neat package please
go see your travel agent.  My wife is a travel agent, so this plug may
prevent retribution for spreading this information, which I got from her
"Disney Official 1995 Travel Industry Reference."  Can't find a good
travel agent?  Send me mail.  I know a good one.


It's not clear to me yet whether MKC discounts are taken only from the Regular
season rates or not...but that would be my guess.

It looks like these seasons apply to most of the listings here. This does NOT
correspond exactly to the MKC seasons.

Regular Season		Value Season
12/20/94-12/31/94
    			1/1/95-2/11/95
2/12/95-4/22/95
    			4/23/95-6/9/95
6/10/95-8/12/95
    			8/13/95-12/16/95
12/17/95-12/31/95

Note: Holiday periods incur a 5% surcharge.

Rates at Disney Resorts are for single or double occupancy.

Okay, here we go.

Bill A.


---------------
Grand Floridian
---------------
Ph (407) 824-3000  FAX (407) 824-3186
4401 Grand Floidian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category	Regular	Value
Garden View	275	255
Varied View	295	275
Pool View	295	275
Lagoon		325	300
Lodge Tower	355	330
Concierge*	465	445
Honeymoon*	485	465
Suites*		550	550

More than 2 adults: $15 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am
* Starting at

All Rooms Have minibars.
Concierge includes special guest services, continental breafast and refresh-
ments on 4th floor.
Suites can accomodate 4-10 adults depending on type.  There are 1,2, and 3
bedroom suites with parlor, wet bar.
There are six honeymoon suites in the main building tower.

------------------
Yacht & Beach Club
------------------
Yacht Club  Ph (407) 934-7000  FAX (407) 934-3450
1700 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Beach Club  Ph (407) 934-8000  FAX (407) 934-3850
1800 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard View		230	215
Garden View		260	240
Water View		295	275
SICO **			230	215
Garden Concierge+	380	360
Lagoon Concierge+	395	375
Suites *		410	410

More than 2 adults: $15 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am
* Starting at
+ Yacht club only.
** I have no idea what this means.  My guess: Selected upon Check-in, take your
chances.
There are minibars in the rooms.
Health club can be used for $5 per day, or $10 for your entire stay, $15
for a family for entire stay.

-------------------
Contemporary Resort
-------------------
Ph (407) 824-1000  FAX (407) 824-3539
4600 North World Drive,  Lake Buena Vista, FL 32820

Room Category		Regular	Value
Wing Standard		210	195
Wing Gargen/Water	240	220
Tower			280	260
Suites *		280	280

More than 2 adults: $15 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am
* Starting at

Tower Rooms have great views of either Bay Lake or the Magic Kingdom.
There are deluxe rooms in the wings with one or two bedrooms.
Suites have lake and park views, one or two bedrooms.

-----------------
Polynesian Resort
-----------------
Ph (407) 824-2000  FAX (407) 824-3174
1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32820

Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard View		215	200
Garden View		240	225
Garden Concierge	325	305
Water View		275	255
Lagoon View		295	275
Lagoon Concierge	370	350
Suites *		545	545

More than 2 adults: $15 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am
* Starting at.  Most have a parlor room with two "sico" beds.  There's 
that word again.
All 14 Suites are in the Bali Hai Longhouse.


--------------
Village Resort
--------------
Ph (407) 827-1100  FAX (407) 934-2741
1901 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category		Regular	Value
1BR Club Suite		205	185
1BR Vacation Villa	295	275
2BR Vacation Villa	330	310
2BR Treehouse Villa	365	345
2BR Fairway Villa	390	365
Grand Vista Homes	975-1150 all year

No additional adult charge.
Check-in after 4pm
Check-out before 11am
Most villas have fully equipped kitchens.  

The treehouses are in a very wooded and isolated area, and accomodate 6
adults plus a child under 3.  They are two-level structures with two baths.
Upstairs is a queen size bed in each of 2 bedrooms, downstairs has a study
with double bed. Washer & dryer.

Club suites are L-shaped one bedroom units with 2 queen beds and a day-bed in
living room.  Small fridge, wet bar, coffeemaker, microwave.

Vacation Villas (1BR 4 adults pluys child under 3, 2BR 6 adults plus child 
under 3). Townhouse style villas located near the Marketplace. A variety of
bed and room configurations.  Eachhas microwave, kitchenware, linens.

Fairway Villas accomodate 8 adults plus a child under 3. These are split level
bordering the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.  Kitchen as described above.

Grand Vista Homes - 2BR holds 6 adults plus child under 3; 3BR holds 8 adults
plus child under 3.  There are four luxury homes which include a golf cart,
bicycles, fridge stocked with snacks, etc.


-------------
Vacation Club
-------------
Ph (407) 827-7700  FAX (407) 827-7710
1510 North Cove Road, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category		Regular	Value
Deluce Room		205	185
1BR Vacation Home	275	250
2BR Vacation Home	375	355
3BR Grand Villa		755	755

No additional adult charge.
Check-in after 4pm
Check-out before 11am

Deluxe Rooms include a microwave,  small refrigerator, coffee maker, wet bar.

1BR includes full-sized kitchen, washer, dryer, king bed, whirlpool bath,
queen sofa.

2BR like 1BR but extra bedroom has 2 queens. There is also a second bath.

Grand Villa like 1BR but has has two bedrooms each with own bath on second
floor, one with 2 queens, one with 2 doubles.


---------------
Fort Wilderness
---------------
Ph (407) 824-2900  FAX (407) 824-3508
4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category			Regular	Value
Wilderness Home			200	185
Preferred Campsite		 54	 49
Campsite w/full hookup		 49	 43
Campsite w/partial hookup	 42	 35

More than 2 adults: $5 per additional adult per night in homes, $2 in
campsites.
Check-in after 3pm for trailer homes, after 1pm for campsites.
Check-out before 11am

Trailer homes are 1 bedroom w/ double bed, some with bunkbeds in bedroom.
Living area has pull-down double bed.  Full kitchen.

Campsites all have 110/220v electric, grill and picnic table.  Most
have sanitary hookup. Each look has at least one comfort station with showers,
ice, laundry, and telephone nearby.

----------------
Wilderness Lodge
----------------
Ph (407) 824-3200  FAX (407) 824-3232
901 Timberline Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard View		169	154
Woods View		185	170
Courtyard View		205	190
Suites			280	260

More than 2 adults: $15 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am

Standard Rooms:  Most feature two queen or 1 king bed.

Suites: Junior suites with 2 queen or one king, plus a parlor with
with a queen sofa.  Wet bar.


----------------------
Caribbean Beach Resort
----------------------
Ph (407) 934-3400  FAX (407) 934-3288
900 Cayman Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard View		 94	 94
Landscape View		119	114
Deluxe View		124	119

More than 2 adults: $12 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am

Most rooms are two double beds, a few are kings.  Mini-bars and coffee makers.
Refrigerators available for $5 per day.

--------------
Dixie Landings
--------------
Ph (407) 934-6000  FAX (407) 934-5777
1251 Dixie Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard View		 94	 94
Garden/Courtyard View	119	114
Water View		124	119
King Bed		124	119

More than 2 adults: $12 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am

Most rooms are two doubles, some kings available.


------------
Port Orleans
------------
Ph (407) 934-5000  FAX (407) 934-5024,5353
2201 Orleans Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard View		 94	 94
Garden/Courtyard View	119	114
Water View		124	119
King Bed		124	119

More than 2 adults: $12 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am

Most rooms are two doubles, some kings available.


----------------
All-Star Resorts
----------------
Ph (407) 939-5000  FAX (407) 939-7333
1701 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Room Category		Year Round
Standard View		69
Courtyard/Landscape	79

More than 2 adults: $8 per additional adult per night.
Check-in after 3pm
Check-out before 11am

Two doubles or king.  Wall safe.  Some rooms have deluxe views of
pools or themed courtyards.


--------
WDW Swan
--------
Room Category		Regular	Value
Resort			275	245
Epcot			305	270
Royal Beach Club	350	335

More than 2 adults: $25 per additional adult per night.

-----------
WDW Dolphin
-----------
Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard		255	220
Resort			295	250
Deluxe Resort		315	265
Premium Resort		335	280
Dolphin Towers		365	310

More than 2 adults: $15 per additional adult per night.


----------------
Grosvenor Resort
----------------
Ph (407) 828-4444  FAX (407) 828-8192

Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard Rooms		99-160	99-160	
Suites			320-360	299-335

Season dates vary.
5 adults max per room.
8 adults max per 1BR suite.
13 adults max per 2BR suite.


--------------
Guest Quarters
--------------
Ph (407) 934-1000  FAX (407) 934-1011

Room Category		Regular	Value
Suites			145-235	129-195

Additional Adults over 2:  $20 per person.
Suites include separate living room and bedroom, pullout sofa, and
3 televisions (!).


-------------
Hilton Resort
-------------
Ph (407) 827-4000  FAX (407) 827-3890

Room Category			Regular	Value
Standard, Pool, Village		175-250	145-220
Suites:				509-759	409-659


Footsteps from Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island.


-----------------
Hotel Royal Plaza
-----------------
Ph (800) 248-7890  FAX (407) 827-6338

Room Category		Regular	Value
Standard Rooms	from	110-150	97-133
Suites          from	310-350	295-330

5 Adults max in standard, 6 in suite.


---------------------
Courtyard by Marriott
---------------------
Ph (407) 828-8888  FAX (407) 827-4623

Room Category		Yeear Round
Standard Rooms		from 90-150
Suites			from 190-350


---------------------------
Vacation Club at Vero Beach
---------------------------
Room Category				Regular	Value
Studio/Deluxe Resort Room, Garden View	185	150
Studio/Deluxe Resort Room, Ocean View	205	170
1BR Garden View				250	205
1BR Ocean View				270	225
2BR Garden View				340	290
2BR Ocean View				360	310

Value season is 10/1/95 - 12/17/95.
Additional adult charge TBD.

1.5 hours away from WDW.
Close to Dodgertown (spring training camp).

Planned Features

The Environmental Learning Center in the heart of the most dense sea-turtle
    nesting area in the western hemisphere.
Deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba, sailing, surfing.
Tennis, basketball, shuffleboard.
Sports equipment and bike rental.
Sauna and spa.
9-hole mini golf.
Croquet lawn.
Activity center/community hall.
Sunset dinner cruises on the Indian River Lagoon.
Exercise room and massage.
Kids camp and playground.
Arcade.
Laundry facilities.
Ocean-front lounge, pool bar & grill.
Shutters, a restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Store.
Heated feature pool.


--------------------
The Disney Institute
--------------------
1901 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

NOTE: Highly subject to change.
Opening Fall 1995 with 324 guest rooms.  Vacations may be purchased in
3, 4, or 7 day packages.

Plan 1: Rates per person double occupancy, includes accomodations, breakfast,
lunch, and dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, programs (excluding individual 
lessons and spa treatments), all taxes, and meal and baggage gratuities.

Standard Rooms		3night	4night	7night
Bungalow		728	971	1699
1BR Townhouse		812	1082	1894
2BR Townhouse		873	1164	2038

Third Person Occupancy	3night	4night	7night
Additional Adult	489	652	1141
Addition Child 10-18	381	508	889
Single in Bungalow	967	1290	2257

Plan 2: Rates per person double occupancy, includes accomodations,
programs (excluding individual lessons and spa treatments), all taxes, 
and meal and baggage gratuities.

Standard Rooms		3night	4night	7night
Bungalow		581	775	1356
1BR Townhouse		665	887	1551
2BR Townhouse		726	968	1695

Third Person Occupancy	3night	4night	7night
Additional Adult	342	456	798
Addition Child 10-18	234	312	546
Single in Bungalow	820	1094	1914


Bungalows are 1BR with 2 queens, living area with day bed.  Average 500
square feet.

1BR Townhouses have king, and double sofa.  Some have a study with extra
single bed.  Average size 884 sq. feet.

2BR Townhouses living rooms and full kitchens.  King or Queen in each 
bedroom and double sofa in living room.  Average size 1,450 square feet.

Personalized service with high staff-to-guest ratio.
State of the art motion picture theatre, recital hall, and TV Studio.
8 miles of bicycle paths.  Rentals.
First-class fitness center with spa.
Clay tennis courts.

Programs are planned in:
-Entertainments arts: animation, film, TV, comedy, photography.
-Environment: gardening, preservation, tree farming.
-Sports & Fitness: aerobics, tennis, & golf clinics.  Coaching and
 athletics.
-Story Arts: Challenge your creativity.
-Design Arts: Architecture, interiors, landscape design.  
-Culinary Adventures: food preparation & presentation with international chefs.
-Lifestyles: New personal horizons, community building, multicultural programs.
-Youth: for kids 10 and up.  Make a music video, write a comic book, 
  wilderness adventure games.
-Performing Arts: Be a member of a performing arts community with Artists-in-
  residence.  Plays, film, dance, theatre.

    
    I'm looking for a list of prices for the Disney hotels, I'm 
    hoping to make my third trip to Orlando next june and would like 
    to try staying at two or three different hotles during my stay.
    
    
    Andy.B

Andy,
See my note at 13.381, which has a list of recent "rack rates" listed.
You get better rates with discouts, and specials.

The Magic Kingdom Club has a good discount structure -- see other notes about
how to get internally at Digital or joint for the $40 fee like I did.

AAA has good rates now.

Or, call direct (the numbers are posted somewhere in here) to ask about 
specials.

Basically, you can get into the All-Star resorts for a little under $100
per night; Dixie Landings, Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach for a little over
$120, and all the rest from $160 up.

I'd recommend the Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge for the high end, and 
Dixie Landings for the medium.

Bill A.

    We have been to Disneyworld 6 times, the first time the week before
    Christmas 1974, the last time this past June.
    
    We have always stayed within the resort, once at the Poly, this last
    time at the CBR (We were not pleased, but we are spoiled).  The other
    4 times we stayed at what is now called Shades Of Green.  This small,
    but charming hotel will always be my favorite.  By the way, the first
    time we stayed there, it was named the Golf Resort Hotel....we have all
    kinds of souveniers with that logo on them....my husband still has the
    baseball cap in perfect condition.
    
    This hotel was away from the crowd, but just a short walk (or very
    quick shuttle ride) to the monorail at the Poly.  The cast members were
    super friendly, I think I learned everyone's names by heart on each
    visit.  On all but one trip to WDW were have had either children or
    grandchildren with us.....they were treated like visiting royalty at
    the Inn as there weren't as many children staying there, it seemed to
    be a get-away place for adults, possible because of the golf.  The last
    time we stayed there was 3 years ago, our grandaughter was celebrating
    her 10th birthday and inaddition to the usual autographed picture, milk
    and cookies, the day of her birthday she received a lovely statuette of
    Snow White beautifully gift wrapped from the Princess herself.  We were
    really surprised at that.
    
    If the military isn't making a success of Shades Of Green, I can only
    hope they transfer the property back to Disney so I can stay in my
    favorite hotel again.
    
    Thel (first time noter)

    
    My confirmation paperwork for the Boardwalk Villa Resort lists
    lists check-in time as "after 4:00pm".   Everything I've ever
    seen was a 3:00pm check-in for Disney properties - which I already
    thought was a little late.  Is this something new?  Does it apply
    to all properties or just the Boardwalk?    Also, what's the
    experience with trying to check-in early (this would be for
    a Monday in November)
    
    Thanks,
    Carol

    
    
    I would have to look at my paperwork to verify, but on my recent
    trip, I recall 4:00 PM being the check-in time.
    
    We arrived at the resort (Old Key West) between 1:00 - 1:30 to
    do an early check-in and grab our passes. Our room was ready
    at that time, and even gave me a few choices regarding 
    floor and location. I would think early room availability is
    specific to resort, and occupancy rate at the time your visiting.
    
    Phil
    
    Phil
    
    

    
    To answer my own question, it seems that the villa/suite 
    properties (Boardwalk + Old Key West) have a 4:00pm check-in
    while the "hotel/motel" accomodations check-in at 3:00pm.
    Perhaps it takes longer to clean up the larger properties?
    
    Carol

    Can you pay for a refrigerator in a room at the Polynesian like you can
    at CBR?

    Yup. We needed a fridge for my son's medicine. $5/day.