Video:Tips for Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Transcript:Tips for Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Arthur: The theme parks are wonderful of course, but Disney World offers so much more, including hotels that immerse you in the theming. Hi, I'm Arthur Levine, the Theme Parks Guide at About.com, here with Charlyn Keating Chisholm, About's Hotels and Resorts Guide, to offer some tips about staying at Disney World hotels.

Themes Are a Fun Part of Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Now one of the best reasons to stay at a Disney World Hotel is the unique theming that they offer, and it doesn't get much more unique than Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Charlyn: Oh, that's so true, Arthur. This resort is situated on 40 acres of a wildlife preserve. There are several viewing areas throughout the property where you can see the animals, but my favorite place to view the animals is on a room overlooking the savannah. If you have a balcony, you can go out there early in the morning, or late at night after you've come back from the theme parks and just soak in the peaceful atmosphere and take a look at all the animals.

Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando Is Very Convenient

Arthur: So in addition to the wonderful theming what are some other benefits to staying on property?Charlyn: You know you're really immersed in the Disney experience when you're staying on property, and in addition to that it's also very convenient. Disney's got something called Magical Express, where they'll pick you up -- you and your luggage up from the airport, bring you right to the hotel, put your luggage in the room, and you can start enjoying the theme parks right away.

A Perk of Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando Is Free Transport

Also, there's a great network of complimentary transportation here at Walt Disney World that connects all of the resort hotels with the theme parks. So you can take busses, monorails, and even sometimes a boat launch to the theme park.

Extra Magic Hours Are a Great Perk of Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Also, if you're a Disney resort guest, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. Each day, one of the theme parks is open extra time in the morning, or up to three hours after regular closing time in the evening, so you can enjoy some extra time in the park, and that's only open to guests who are staying at a Disney World resort.

Value Resorts Are One Option for Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Arthur: Now Disney World has different categories of hotels, so what can guests expect from each one? Charlyn: Well the value resorts are your most affordable option. They can be as little as less than $100 when you're in the off-peak season. And the theming is great for little kids; it's very big, it's very colorful. The Art of Animation Resort is themed to several of the Disney Pixar movies like Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid.

Moderate Options for Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

So the next category would be a moderate, and you're going to add a little more space in the guest rooms and some extra amenities, like a mini-fridge in the room. And, uh, Port Orleans is one of my favorite moderates. It's got a water slide at the pool and some of the rooms are themed. They've got royal guest rooms, which are decorated by Princess Tiana for her princess friends when they visit, and it's a really fun way to soak up the magic.

Deluxe Resorts Are Another Option for Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

And then you have the deluxe resorts, like here at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, where the restaurants become signature dining experiences -- really unique places like Jiko and Sanaa. And some of the deluxe resorts have fantastic locations, like The Contemporary, which is just walking distance from The Magic Kingdom.

Try a Deluxe Villa Resort When Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Arthur: Used mostly by Disney Vacation Club members, Disney's time-share program, non-club members can also book condo suites at Disney's deluxe villa resorts. Charlyn: Yes, anyone can book these rooms, and what I love about them is they give you a lot of space. You can get up to three bedrooms and two stories, and even the smaller units -- the one bedrooms -- come with full kitchens, come with laundry facilities, and big soaking tubs in the master bedrooms. One of my favorite deluxe villa properties is the Saratoga Springs, which has a gorgeous pool area and a spa right next to it.

Other Options When Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Arthur: Tell us about some other hotel options at Disney World. Charlyn: Sure. There's actually quite a few choices, and designed to fit just about any budget. You can get a camp site at Fort Wilderness, or you can even get a cabin that sleeps up to five people. And the Downtown Disney resort area hotels are very affordable.

Tips for Booking a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Arthur: Share some advice about getting the best prices, getting the best value, and some other tips about staying at Disney World. Charlyn: Sure, I think that the key thing to consider when looking for the best rates is to book off-peak season. If you avoid the very busy summertime, or the holidays at the end of the year, you can get pretty good rates.

Dining Options When Staying at a Disney Hotel in Orlando

Arthur: What about dining options for guests who are staying at hotels here at Disney World? Charlyn: Well you can add the Disney Dining Plan onto your reservation, and what that does is cover your meals and your snacks while you're at Walt Disney World for one price.

Arthur: Well, thanks Charlyn. For more information about Disney World hotels, visit us online at About.com.