Category Archives: Staying On Property

The Disney EPCOT Resorts Primer

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Staying on Disney property has many perks. But with more than 25 resorts to choose from where should you stay? Often overlooked, the cluster of deluxe EPCOT resorts have so much to offer and are some of our favorite places to stay. What’s Not To Love? They’re within walking distance of EPCOT. They have fabulous boardwalk nightlife with restaurants, bars, bakery, and entertainment. There is super easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And with the addition of the new Skyliner transportation system, there are added transportation value options, as well! Here is a breakdown of each resort so you can Continue reading The Disney EPCOT Resorts Primer→

10 Reasons To Stay On Property At Walt Disney World

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

To stay on property or not to stay on property? That is the question. But for the die-hard Disney fan, it isn’t even a question. You stay on-property. Obviously. It’s all a part of the experience. For others, it can be a conundrum. There are so many options in the area: hotels, resorts, condos, and homes for rent. But to truly experience Walt Disney World and to truly get your money’s worth, for this Disney fan, staying on-property is the only way to go. #10 Let’s Talk Transportation  Each morning you walk out your door, hop on a boat, a Continue reading 10 Reasons To Stay On Property At Walt Disney World→

Extra Magic Hours At Disney World Explained

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

One of the perks of being a Walt Disney World resort guest is the ability to enjoy Extra Magic Hours. What are Extra Magic Hours? Each day, a park or two, depending on the season, is open either an extra hour in the morning or extra hours at night. This is a time when guests of the resorts can spend extra time in the parks, with fewer people and shorter wait times for attractions. You must have a Magic Band (RFID chip), proving you are a Disney Resort guest. Since the Extra Magic Hours (EMH) option was introduced in 2005 there Continue reading Extra Magic Hours At Disney World Explained→

Your Quick Guide To Walt Disney World Resort Rapid Fill Mug

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

What is a Rapid Fill Mug? What is a Rapid Fill Mug? If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort you’ll find plenty of guests walking around with a special Walt Disney World mug. It’s not just a fancy souvenir. It’s an insulated, 16 oz. refillable mug that you can use for your entire stay and fill at any of the convenient beverage locations, either poolside, at the quick service food windows, food courts or gift shops. How much does a Rapid Fill Mug cost? If you are on any of the dining plans a Rapid Fill Mug Continue reading Your Quick Guide To Walt Disney World Resort Rapid Fill Mug→

Why We Love Staying At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

One of the youngest of all of Walt Disney World’s deluxe resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) opened in April of 2001. And if I’m being perfectly honest, I always resisted staying there. When we can afford to stay at a deluxe resort, one of the perks is the unique transportation each resort offered. Monorail for Polynesian, Contemporary and Grand Floridian. Boat transport for Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk and Beach & Yacht Club resorts. The ability to walk to parks from Contemporary and the EPCOT resorts. There’s nothing wrong with bus transportation, especially at Walt Disney World, but busses seemed to take Continue reading Why We Love Staying At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge→

The Best Disney World Resorts For Your Party Of Five+

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Not all of us have a traditional family of four, with two parents and two kids. Some of us have more than two children. Some of us have a grandparent or other family member living with us. Or, some of us, when we travel, feel the more the merrier. Typical guest rooms can accommodate four people. At Disney World, there is something for everyone. Yes, most are set up for four people. But there are certain resorts that can handle everyone in your party. Just remember, if a member of your family is age 3 or younger and can stay in Continue reading The Best Disney World Resorts For Your Party Of Five+→

Your Quick Guide To Disney Resort Rapid Fill Mugs

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

You’ve heard about Disney Resort Rapid Fill Mugs. You see people walking around with them at your resort. But what is the advantage and how can you get one? What Are They? If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort you’ll find plenty of guests walking around with a special Walt Disney World mug. It’s not just a fancy souvenir. It’s a refillable mug that you can use for your entire stay and fill at any of the convenient beverage locations, either poolside, at the quick service food windows, food courts or gift shops. How Much? The current Continue reading Your Quick Guide To Disney Resort Rapid Fill Mugs→

The 13 Reasons Why You Should Stay On Disney Property

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

To stay on property or not to stay on property? That is a question that every budget planner must ask. Let me start by saying I am NOT a Disney employee or travel agent. I am a uber-Disney nut who loves to plan actual trips to Disney. I say “actual” because I’ve been known to plan “fake” trips, too. Embarrassing, yes. But it entertains me. What can I say? We have stayed on property and off, for a variety of reasons. And even my husband, who is not nearly the Disney nut that I am, prefers to stay on property. Continue reading The 13 Reasons Why You Should Stay On Disney Property→

Mousekeeping And Tipping At Disney: How To, When To

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Anywhere from 30%-56% of us tip housekeeping services at the resorts and hotels we visit. I’m embarrassed to admit, I never considered tipping housekeeping until about my 20th Walt Disney Resort visit. My daughter was 3-years-old and when we came back to our room, after a long day at the parks, she walked through the door and gasped. Our room had been transformed. Clean? Yes. But all of her Beanie Babies were having a party. Some were watching TV. Some were sitting at the table, enjoying a snack. Some were sacked out on the bed, snuggled under her blankie. A couple were even Continue reading Mousekeeping And Tipping At Disney: How To, When To→

Declare Your Disney Resort Room A Clutter Free Zone!

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Let’s face it. Most of our homes are a little bigger than 440 square feet (the average size of a room at the Grand Floridian, a deluxe resort.) Squeeze that down to the 260 square feet of the average value resort and you can get downright claustrophobic. To save a bit of money, our family of 5 stays in one room. With one bathroom. And with three “boys” and two “girls” (my daughter and I), the bathroom storage situation is not ideal. And the clutter? Drives. Me. Crazy. Here are some tricks we’ve learned over the years to help you Continue reading Declare Your Disney Resort Room A Clutter Free Zone!→