Romantic Disney (And Florida) Vacation Spots

Romantic Florida vacation destinations are nestled around Florida, sometimes in the most surprising places. While the traditional oceanside sunrises and sunsets are indeed romantic, you may want to consider some more exceptional ideas. The kind that will make your sweetheart swoon and think you are the most romantic person there ever was.

How about some night lights. I am not talking about the big city now. I'm talking about the night sky here, and drinking champagne while looking at its magnificence. And here's a distinctive way to do this; rent a boat in the Florida Keys or Flamingo and put out to sea (so to speak) in Florida Bay. The bay water is calm and you can float away from the bright lights and stare up at the night sky. Don't forget the music!

Lover's Key is another place to consider for a romatic getaway. It's an island on the SW Florida Gulf coast. Lover's Key was initially named such since one couldn't get there from the mainland without a boat. As a result, it was an, ahem, out-of-the-way site. These days a road connects Lover's Key to the mainland, but it is still a romantic vacation spot. Why not take the sunset eco-tour cruise and get pleasure from the sun's final rays lingering on the horizon while you see the natural Florida. Or possibly you'd prefer the morning dolphin tour and shelling expedition?

Is a romantic Florida wedding part of your future? You're maybe thinking one of the Florida Keys, right? There's something quite unusual to consider. I'm talking about a South Seas genuinely romantic wedding at Disney World, at the Polynesian resort. I know, Disney is a favorite of honeymooners, but one doesn't usually think of it as being a romantic wedding location. Want an extraordinary wedding experience? Consider a fairy tale wedding at Cinderella's Castle. Envision, fireworks going off when you take your first kiss as man and wife.

Daytona Beach has some appealing places for romance; one is The Shores Resort and Spa, where there are several couples packages. Enjoy champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a moonlit seaside walk, breakfast in bed and spa treatments as well.

There are bed and breakfasts situated all around the Sunshine State and many have out of the ordinary packages planned for a romantic holiday. One off-the-beaten-path rendezvous spot is called Turtle Beach Inn. It's appropriately placed on Florida's "Forgotten Coast" -- the area from the Big Bend on the east to around Apalachicola on the west. This bed and breakfast is cozy and private, offering miles and miles of unspoiled shoreline for your pleasure.

Do you fancy a resort on its own private key? Little Palm Island in the Florida Lower Keys is actually on its own island, with just 30 suites (28 are thatch-roof bungalows). Little Palm has a five-day romance package that can make anyone swoon, because of the champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a steaming bath with rose petals...you get the idea.

Florida's know as the Sunshine State and occasionally the Tourist State, but we should also be renowned for our romantic Florida vacations.

Walt Disney World: Florida Resident Discounts

Did you know that if you live in Florida, you can get some nice Disney World Florida Resident discounts? No need to pay regular prices again!

Who Is a Florida Resident?

First, you have to live here in the Sunshine State. Your driver's license has to show a Florida address or no discount. However, there are two exceptions.

The first exception is anyone in the armed forces who is stationed here in Florida. The second is any college or university student enrolled in a Florida school. And of course, you have to have the IDs to prove it.

May I Have Your Ticket Please?

You can get your Walt Disney World Florida Resident discount ticket from any one of several sources -- online, at a resort, or at the Disney World theme park entrance. However, there's something you need to know before you place that order, or else you could be in for a surprise.

In every case, you must pick up your Disney World Florida Resident discount tickets in person. You must show ID in order to confirm your address. No way around this -- you will be "carded".

Stay and Play at a Disney World Resort

Here's something a lot of Florida residents don't know about -- there are special Disney Florida Resident resort rates available! Now you can stay and play at Disney World -- park your car once and forget about it for the rest of your stay.

And the discounts can be awesome, too. But there is one trick to getting the discount -- you have to book early. How early is that? To get a Florida Resident special discount for one of the resorts, try booking at least 4 months in advance. While last minute Florida Resident deals can be had, don't count on them.

You Live In Florida, Your Family Doesn't

If you live here in Florida, you can't buy a Florida Resident's discount ticket or book a Florida Resident special resort price for them. Sorry. Remember, they will have to show ID to get their tickets or their resort room.

Want To Know More?

Check Great Disney Vacations - Florida Resident for a wealth of information about Disney World Florida Resident special pricing.

Disney Moderate Resorts

Walt Disney World resorts come in several categories, mostly by price. And it's the Disney Moderate resorts that are the best value for the money. Sure, they cost a bit more than the All-Stars, but they are a world away. Let's see why a Disney Moderate resort is a smart place to stay on your Walt Disney World vacation.

The Disney Magic - At Last

Do you like a little extra comfort when you take a vacation? A little more fantasy -- a little more magic? Disney's Moderate resorts fit the bill.

First, the Moderate resorts are smaller and less crowded than the Value resorts. The rooms tend to be a bit larger and also quieter. The themes of the Moderate resorts tend to be more elegant, as do the lobbies and common areas of the resort.

And unlike the Value resorts, the Moderate resorts have restaurants. No grabbing something at Disney's version of fast food -- you can sit down for a meal.

It all contributes a little extra to the Disney magic (which is why you are staying at a Disney resort anyway).

Which are the Disney Moderate Resorts?

So you're intrigued and want to find out more about these wonderful resorts...but you don't know which ones they are. Here's a list, in alphabetic order.

• Caribbean Beach Resort: As you might guess, it is island-themed and full of watery delights.
• Coronado Springs Resort: Think colonial Spain and an elegant Mexico for this resort, with a very interesting restaurant.
• Port Orleans, French Quarter: Yes, a theme of New Orleans' French Quarter, done up in Disney style, complete with horse-drawn carriages.
• Port Orleans, Riverside: Think of the Old South, with stately homes and lovely gardens by a river (which does run through this resort).

Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort

If you're like most people, you wouldn't mind saving just a bit on your hotel stay at one of the Disney Moderate resorts. After all, you do want some money to play in the theme parks!

Even a week can make a difference in the cost of your stay. Sure, you can pay the standard rate, but why not get a great deal by booking in the off-seasons? Perhaps save as much as $50 a night?

Here's additional information about the Disney Moderate resorts and the kinds of discounts you can get.

See you at a Disney Moderate resort!

The All Star Sports Resort - Sports Done Disney Style!

Are you devoted to football? Wild about basketball? Crazy about baseball? Tennis, anyone? Or do you prefer to hang ten on a board? Welcome to Walt Disney World's All Star Sports resort in Orlando, Florida!

Batter Up: The All Star Sports Resort!

Disney's All Star Sports resort is dedicated to the wide world of sports, and the themes include surfing, baseball, basketball, tennis, and football. These sports themes are carried through not only the rooms, but whole buildings as well!

The resort is one of four Disney Value resorts, the lowest cost hotels on Disney property. Although the hotel includes 1,920 rooms, it does fill up quickly, so making reservations as far in advance as possible is recommended. "Preferred" rooms are available at around $12 extra a night, which will buy you a room closer to the pool, guest facilities, or the food court.

Rooms are roughly 260 square feet in size, and can accommodate up to 4 guests. All Star Sports does not contain any family suites -- check All Star Music instead. Also note that rooms with king beds cannot be reserved. They are first come first serve.

All the resorts also charge an extra bed tax with the stay -- about 1.5% more than the Pop Century resort. Keep this in mind when budgeting, as it can add up if you're staying multiple days.

Cool Fun

The resort features two pools, Surfboard Bay and the Grand Slam, plus a small kiddie pool. There is no pool set aside strictly for for adults, though. But hey, the themed pools are big enough for everyone!

There is also an arcade, near the food court, and a playground located between the surfing and football themed buildings. Laundry and a gift shop are on site as well, if you are staying more than a few days.

Dinner is Served

There is a food court in the resort called the "End Zone", in Stadium Hall. Fare includes burgers, fries, pizza, deli-style foods, and vegetarian offerings. There is no table service restaurant in the hotel, but pizza delivery is available to your room.

Other Info

The Disney All Star Sports resort is located near the Animal Kingdom, and includes free transportation by bus to all Disney theme parks, as well as Downtown Disney. The buses can get crowded when the resorts are busy, so keep this in mind when planning your day, as you may have to wait for the next bus. Never fear, though, as they arrive roughly every 10 to 15 minutes.

Here's more about this fun Disney Value resort.

The Disney All Star Music Resort - Music to Your Ears, Easy on the Wallet

Can you hear it? Can you feel it?

The Disney All Star Music Resort is soothing on two fronts. First is the wonderful sights and sounds at the resort.

The other is the jingle in your pockets from all the money you've saved by booking this Disney Value resort.

Why Stay at the All Star Music Resort?

If you are a music lover and adore bargains, book your Disney World stay at the All Star Music resort, one of the extremely popular themed Value resorts located in Orlando, Florida. The budget cost rivals anything outside of Disney, but has all the special touches and conveniences that are a part of the Disney World tradition.

Located in the Animal Kingdom area, the All Star Music resort boasts 1,920 rooms. The brightly colored rooms have either 2 double beds or 1 king sized bed, with a maximum occupancy of 4 people.

For larger families there are also 53 family suites, which include sleeping areas for up to 6 people, a kitchenette and 2 full bathrooms. This feature is unique in all of the Disney resorts (not to mention extremely popular).

Hungry? Eating at the Resort

The Disney All Star Music Resort is home to the Intermission Food Court, where you can purchase a variety of foods from various food kiosks to eat in the main dining area. These are quick-service, and great for families with hungry tummies!

For other dining options, it's easy to visit one of the many Walt Disney World restaurants by taking advantage of the many forms of (free) Disney transportation available. It's always a good idea to make reservations for any of the Disney restaurants to avoid disappointment. They are all extremely busy!

Pool Time!

When it's time to cool off, or you just want a break from the theme parks, take a dip in one of the 2 pools at the All Star Music Resort. The main themed pool is a large piano shaped pool and a smaller themed pool is shaped like a guitar. The little ones can cool off in the nearby kiddie pool. There is also a playground and an arcade within the resort.

So What's Your Music Theme?

There are five buildings in the Disney All Star Music Resort, all based on different music themes: Broadway, Calypso, Country, Jazz and Rock-N-Roll. There are some designated outdoor locations where smoking is allowed, but all of the buildings within the resort are smoke-free, and this policy is strictly enforced.

For an additional fee, high-speed Internet access is available. There are also laundry facilities located within the resort, and a huge gift shop, making it easy to stock up on those souvenirs!

When to Book so You Aren't Disappointed

Because the prices are low and the value is great, all of the Value resorts in Disney World are extremely popular, so be sure to book your rooms as far in advance as possible. The family suites are especially important to reserve well in advance, as they are often booked 6 months to a year ahead of time!

Here's more information on the Walt Disney All Star Music resort in Orlando.

Have a great Disney vacation!

Disney World: Save Your Time, Money and Sanity!

A Disney World vacation can be absolutely wonderful. The magic of Disney World, the warm Florida weather, the excitement on everyone's face.

However, a Disney World vacation can be hard on your wallet, leave you pressed for time and stress you out...if you don't first do some planning. What kind of planning? Let's find out.

Disney World Money Saving Tips

Your vacation at Walt Disney World can be expensive, or it can be reasonable. With just a little forethought you could end up saving hundreds of dollars on your trip!

• Book your trip well in advance. How far? A year isn't out of the question, if you are planning to stay at a very busy time, like between Christmas and New Year. Otherwise, six to nine months will help get you the rooms with the best rates.
• Speaking of booking your trip, if you're flexible on your vacation dates, you can save a lot of money. The times of the year that Disney calls Value rates are the least expensive. Sometimes just one day can make a big difference.
• If you like table-service meals , try lunch for that special restaurant. The menus tend to be less expensive than dinner.

Save Time at Walt Disney World

Here are a few ways to save yourself some time while on vacation.

• Stay at a Disney World resort, because you are spending less time traveling back and forth to your hotel.
• As a Disney resort guest, you can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hour. Use it to visit the attractions that are way too crowded during normal park hours.
• Study the theme park map before you get to it. Nothing wastes time like wandering around, not sure where you are.

Save Your Sanity

• Once again, stay at a Disney resort. Not only do you save the extra time traveling back and forth to the parks, but the Disney resort transportation runs constantly -- no stressing that you have missed the shuttle and have to wait a half hour for the next.
• Going along with that, staying at a Disney resort means that you can go back to your room for an afternoon siesta, then hit the parks again, raring to go.
• Relax! You won't be able to see any of the parks all in one day -- don't even try. Just pick the attractions in each park that you especially want to visit and then if you have extra time, that's a bonus.

Here are some more tips on saving your money, time and sanity on your Disney World vacation.

Disney's All Star Movies Resort - Lights, Cameras, Action!

Toy Story. 101 Dalmatians. The Love Bug.

What do they have in common? They are all made by Disney, and featured at Disney's All Star Movies resort!

Lights! Cameras!

The Disney All Star Movies resort is the perfect getaway for anyone who loves Disney movies. (And let's be honest, who doesn't love Disney movies?)

This Disney Value resort includes all the amenities you could ask for to make your stay both fun and relaxing. On site you will find a food court, pools, a playground, an arcade, laundry service, and a concierge desk. The resort also offers babysitting and child care services for couples looking to spend a little time discovering the romance Disney has to offer.

Dining at the All Star Movies Resort

The "World Premier" food court in Cinema Hall features something for everyone with traditional food court options like burgers and fries as well as deli-style food and vegetarian options.

You may also choose to have pizza delivered right to your room - how's that for interesting?.

Location, Location, Location

The All Star Movie resort is located in the Animal Kingdom area and provides free transportation to all of the popular Disney attractions including Downtown Disney, the Disney theme parks and Disney waterparks.

There are two themed pools, Fantasia and Mighty Ducks, as well as a kiddie pool, a playground and the Reel Fun Arcade. Between the Disney theme parks and the All Star Movies resort amenities, your stay will be jam-packed with fun activities for the whole family.

Is There Room?

The All Star Movies resort a large complex and is spread over several buildings. "Preferred location" rooms are available for approximately $12 extra per night and will get you even closer to the action.

All the rooms at the resort are approximately 260 square feet and sleep up to 4 people. An extra bed-tax of approximately 1.5% applies to rooms in The All Star Movies resort, so please consider that when you make your arrangements. Optional Internet access is also available ($10 per day).

Don't forget to book your reservation in advance because all of the Disney resorts are extremely popular. After all, what kid (no matter the age) doesn't want to spend their vacation walking among larger-than-life Disney characters?

Here's more information on Disney's All Star Movies resort.

Have yourself a great Disney World vacation!