Orlando Hotel Tips by sswagner

This twin tower hotel is very close to the Universal Studios parks and offers complimentary scheduled shuttles to the parks. There is a nice pool on the grounds and there are also a few different choices for dining here. The only real downside was the difficulty in finding a parking space at times. Be sure to ask for the cookies when you are checking in. The Doubletree is a little expensive, yet it is a nice hotel.

Unique Qualities: Easy access to Universal and all of the places along International Drive. If Universal is your main goal for your stay, this might be a good choice.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: 407 351-1000
Address: 5780 Major Blvd

We stayed in the Fantasia building which is near the pool, the food court, and the area where you catch the busses to other areas of the Disney resort. The room was very clean, was decorated in a movies theme, and was fairly basic as far as amenities go. We had two beds in the room, and it would comfortably fit 3 people, although 4 would be a bit cramped. Although, few people spend their vacation in their room. The buildings are decorated with larger than life objects such as Buzz Lightyear, the Fantasia wizard hat, and a big dalmation. There are two pools on this resort and frequent busses to all sorts of Disney attractions.

Unique Qualities: There are many hotel rooms here and the property is quite spread out. This is adjacent to the All-Star Music and All-Star Sports properties.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 1991 W Buena Vista Drive
Directions: The nearest park is the Animal Kingdom, although it is easily accessible to all of Disney.

Without a doubt, staying at this Disney Deluxe resort will be expensive, yet it does offer some things that no other hotel can match in this area. Service is good, and the hotel has many rooms, a great many of which overlook a wildlife savannah. Rooms are of adequate size. Really, the big draw to this hotel is the wildlife and activities outside your room. There is a large pool with a slide. A zero depth entry section is also available. Near the pool are two hot tubs and one wading pool. Even if you do not get a savannah view room, there are some noteworthy overlook areas near the lobby and the pool. The decor is amazing, especially in the lobby. The cheapest rooms will overlook the parking area, while the most expensive ones will be at concierge level overlooking a savannah. There are 3 places to eat at this hotel. They are: Jiko, which is the full service restaurant--Boma, which offers a buffet style setting, and Mara, which is the quick service cafeteria style setup. Transportation is available by bus to the Disney parks as well as Downtown Disney. The Animal Kingdom is naturally the closest park.

Unique Qualities: We had a savannah view on the second floor and saw a lot of animals. The best time for seeing them was late afternoon. The animals are range animals such as giraffe, zebra, bongo, antelopes, and even ostrich in one savannah. Different combinations of animals are present in each of the three savannahs. We saw lots of giraffe right from our balcony as well as other animals. Some of them even got fairly close. If you like wildlife, this hotel will be a great experience. Be sure to bring binoculars and a camera! The room has a wildlife checklist to verify what you are seeing.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32830
Directions: On the Walt Disney World property near the Animal Kingdom park.