Showing posts with label Walt disney world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walt disney world. Show all posts
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Walt Disney World Souvenirs are Cheaper at Wal-Mart
On a recent trip to Walt Disney World, we rented a car so that we could eat offsite and visit other attractions in the Orlando area. One of the best cost savings opportunities we found was on a visit to a nearby Wal-Mart. We had looked at Disney souvenirs at Downtown Disney but had not yet bought anything. Good thing we didn't. Wal-Mart had a large selection of Disney frames, tshirts, beach towels, and other knick knacks for a fraction of the price offered onsite at Disney. The quality of these items was just as good or near as good as those offered on-site at Disney but were significantly cheaper. So it does pay to venture outside of Walt Disney World if you have a car and are interested in saving a few dollars!
Disney's All Star Resort is a winner for Families!
We picked the Disney All Star Resort for our stay at Walt Disney World. It is one of the economy or value resorts and it was really worth it. The hotel rooms were large enough with 2 double beds, a small table, drawers and TV and small but manageable bathroom. We also rented a small refrigerator for drinks and snacks.
Our room was near to the main pool area which was very nice and clean. There were more than enough chaise lounges and restroom facilities nearby. Lifeguards kept a watchful eye over the pool to ensure safety first.
The snack bar restaurant area was much better than expected with a large menu at reasonable prices. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks and ice cream are offered most of the day. I recommend that people eat breakfast at the hotel before heading to the park.
The Disney transportation buses offer a ride to and from all of the parks, Downtown Disney, etc. They do not go to every hotel though. So if you are planning a visit to another hotel you will need to transfer buses at Downtown Disney. So plan enough time if you a booked a reservation for a character breakfast at another hotel. The concierge can provide assistance on gettting to another location via the transportation system.
Although the higher priced Disneyworld hotels are beautiful and offer upgraded amenities, if you are on a budget the All Star Resort is a great choice!
Our room was near to the main pool area which was very nice and clean. There were more than enough chaise lounges and restroom facilities nearby. Lifeguards kept a watchful eye over the pool to ensure safety first.
The snack bar restaurant area was much better than expected with a large menu at reasonable prices. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks and ice cream are offered most of the day. I recommend that people eat breakfast at the hotel before heading to the park.
The Disney transportation buses offer a ride to and from all of the parks, Downtown Disney, etc. They do not go to every hotel though. So if you are planning a visit to another hotel you will need to transfer buses at Downtown Disney. So plan enough time if you a booked a reservation for a character breakfast at another hotel. The concierge can provide assistance on gettting to another location via the transportation system.
Although the higher priced Disneyworld hotels are beautiful and offer upgraded amenities, if you are on a budget the All Star Resort is a great choice!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Headed to Disneyworld for Family Trip This Week
My niece, Nicole, is a Flag Girl in the Bethlehem Catholic High School Band and they are appearing at Walt Disney World this week. This provided us with a great opportunity for an extended family trip to land of Mickey Mouse!
My youngest sister, Donna who is Nicole's mom, is traveling with the High School Band as a chaperone. I wish her luck having to account for all of those teenagers! Thank God they are flying to Florida and not going by bus.
My sister, Diane, my nephew James (Nicole's brother), our parents and I are meeting up in Florida on Tuesday. This is two days ahead of the band but we wanted to take advantage of lower air fares and have some time to hang by the pool before the high school kids arrive. We are staying the Disney All Sports Resort. It is one of the lower end resorts at Disney and I had stayed there on a previous visit. It just so happens that this is the same hotel that the band is staying at. Since we will be spending money on multi day tickets, we tried to save some money on the hotel since we wouln't be in the room that often.
I can't believe the price of admission tickets in to the Disney parks. They seem to go up every year despite there being economy issues. The more days you purchase tickets for the lower cost per day. However, a one day pass is roughly $75. Now I know why families save for years for a trip like this! I can remember when a one day pass cost $35. I guess I am showing my age.
My nephew James is 10 and has never been to Disney. He is really looking forward to this trip and also being away from school for a couple of days. My sister and I have to keep our energy up for him while also looking out for our parents. Multi-generation trips are fun but also present unique challenges in everyone staying together. This is another reason we are staying onsite so that my parents could head back to the hotel if they need a break. It may be me needing the break though!
I will providing updates on our trip during the week.
My youngest sister, Donna who is Nicole's mom, is traveling with the High School Band as a chaperone. I wish her luck having to account for all of those teenagers! Thank God they are flying to Florida and not going by bus.
My sister, Diane, my nephew James (Nicole's brother), our parents and I are meeting up in Florida on Tuesday. This is two days ahead of the band but we wanted to take advantage of lower air fares and have some time to hang by the pool before the high school kids arrive. We are staying the Disney All Sports Resort. It is one of the lower end resorts at Disney and I had stayed there on a previous visit. It just so happens that this is the same hotel that the band is staying at. Since we will be spending money on multi day tickets, we tried to save some money on the hotel since we wouln't be in the room that often.
I can't believe the price of admission tickets in to the Disney parks. They seem to go up every year despite there being economy issues. The more days you purchase tickets for the lower cost per day. However, a one day pass is roughly $75. Now I know why families save for years for a trip like this! I can remember when a one day pass cost $35. I guess I am showing my age.
My nephew James is 10 and has never been to Disney. He is really looking forward to this trip and also being away from school for a couple of days. My sister and I have to keep our energy up for him while also looking out for our parents. Multi-generation trips are fun but also present unique challenges in everyone staying together. This is another reason we are staying onsite so that my parents could head back to the hotel if they need a break. It may be me needing the break though!
I will providing updates on our trip during the week.
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