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