We're Going to Disney World! So, Where Should We Stay?

Yes, Hana beat me to Disney. Her son, Robbie, at Disney in 2005. So cute!

After much deliberation, my husband and I made the leap (gulp!) and are planning our first trip to Walt Disney World in April with our 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter. Shhhh, don't tell our kids. We are keeping it a secret and unveiling the surprise in about a month. Otherwise, every day I will have to remind my kids that "today is not the day we are going to Disney" and ask them to "please unpack their rolling suitcases."

The last time I was at Disney World was over 20 years ago. There are now 32 resorts hotels located on the Walt Disney World property. Twenty-two of these resorts hotels are owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. In addition to saving on car rental and parking fees, we decided to stay at a Disney resort hotel because this is our children's first trip to Disney and the Disney resort hotel guests have the unique opportunity to enjoy the following benefits:

• Extended Theme Park Hours: Also known as Extra Magic Hours, Disney guests may enjoy additional time in the Disney Theme Park, beyond the standard operating schedule, at no additional charge.


• Complimentary Airport Transportation: Disney's Magical Express Transportation offers free round trip airport transportation and baggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport.


• Complimentary Resort Transportation: transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort is available via bus, boat or monorail.


• Disney Dining Plan: Guests can save up to 30% per adult on dining by purchasing a Disney Dining Plan.


• Key to the World Card: An all-in-one card that operates as a hotel room key, credit card, and Disney Theme Park ticket.


• Package Delivery: Guests can have packages or souvenirs purchased throughout Walt Disney World Resort delivered directly to their hotel.


• Disney Service: Disney cast members are available 24 hours a day.

Certain benefits are also available to guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and select Downtown Disney Area hotels.

Now that we decided to stay at a Disney resort hotel, Disney offers accommodations, generally based on price and room size, in five categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa, Moderate, Value, and Campground. Once we found the category that fit our budget, we had to think about location, amenities, dining, transportation and recreation. I read reviews and articles posted at Frommers.com, Fodors.com, and Tripadvisor.com and WeJustGotBack.com. We pored over this decision for two days. Painful, I know.

We all know that where you stay is just icing on the super sized, super sweet, Disney World cake. But, this is my vacation too, so we decided on Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa because of a good package deal, the proximity to Magic Kingdom (the resort is on the monorail), the pools, on-site character meals, and (I cannot tell a lie) the full-service spa (only to be enjoyed when my husband and kids go down for a late afternoon nap). The Grand Floridian also offers two special cooking programs for children and boasts one of the best restaurants in the area, Victoria and Albert's.

With that said, research the vacation packages and special offers that make certain resort hotels more affordable than you might think. Recently, I received a promotional mailing offering seven-night packages at one of the 23 on-site hotels for the price of four including admission to the park itself. While the promotion has listed blackout dates, Disney is extending the offer until August 15. Also keep in mind that children under the age of 3 do not need to purchase theme park tickets. We selected our package based on our length of stay, theme park tickets, and meals and snacks. We forewent the upgrade options for the park hopper and water park fun this time around. Maybe we will consider upgrades in another 3 to 5 years. Because we are visiting family in Miami first and driving up to Orlando, we did not review deals that also included flights.

I'll keep you posted on my planning. And remember, make the journey as fun as the destination!