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!

Disney's Port Orleans: Two Resorts in One

Think quiet Southern charm. Imagine French Quarter excitement. Throw Disney into the mix and what have you got?

The Walt Disney World Port Orleans resort!

Two Resorts in One

The Disney World Port Orleans Resort is composed of two interconnected resorts -- Riverside and French Quarter. They are on the banks of the Sassgagoula River, a waterway connecting the Port Orleans resort to Downtown Disney.

Boat taxis that run between the two resorts transport those who do not want to take a five-minute stroll across a shaded walkway to reach their destination. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or perhaps rent a bicycle. Any way you look at it, you should visit both resorts to experience what they have to offer.

Other items shared by the two resorts are a rental area at the marina for watercraft designed to traverse the river, an excellent restaurant called Boatwright's (make early reservations!) and the rental for horse-drawn carriages and bicycles.

Disney World Port Orleans: French Quarter

The French Quarter Resort, which is reminiscent of New Orleans, was the first to offer accommodations to overnight guests. It is the smallest of the moderately priced Disney resorts, with only 1,008 rooms. Each of these rooms is accessed via an outer doorway rather than through the hotel lobby, and is nicely decorated with comfortable beds. Although the rooms comfortably sleep up to four people, accommodations are available either with two double beds or a single king-sized bed.

The rooms located on the riverfront are significantly quieter than the others; however, they are quite a bit further from the parking areas and bus service. For those interested in internet access, the cost is about $10 for 24 hours' use. Two swimming pools, the Doubloon Lagoon and a kiddie pool, are available. The Doubloon Lagoon has a charming monster water slide that is quite enjoyable for young and old alike!.

Disney World Port Orleans: Riverside

The Port Orleans Resort was originally named Dixie Landings, but was changed to its present name to be politically correct. The Port Orleans Riverside Resort, containing 2,048 rooms, is more than twice as large as the French Quarter, although each room is the same size. Although the layout of the rooms is similar, the decor is different from that of the French Quarter.

This resort also boasts 5 heated swimming pools, including one themed pool, Ol' Man Island. The other pools offer quieter swimming and sunning options.

Other Information to Know

Either of these Disney Moderate resorts is an excellent value for the money. They are a little quieter, a little more comfortable and better themed than the Value resorts offered by Disney World. This makes the Disney World Port Orleans resorts an excellent choice for the discerning traveler.

Check here for more information and photos about the Port Orleans Disney resorts.

Have yourself a great Walt Disney World vacation!

Disney's Pop Century Resort: A Blast From the Past!

The Pop Century resort at Disney World -- it's not only a great savings for your wallet, but it's also something else.

A blast from the past.

Do you remember foosball? What about Big Wheels? Play-Doh? If so, you've found your century at Disney's Pop Century resort.

Introducing...

The Disney World Pop Century Resort is the newest member of the Disney World Value Resorts. These Value Resorts are less expensive than the Disney Moderate and Disney Deluxe Resorts, yet they still offer all of the wonderful touches you would expect to find in a Disney Resort.

Pop Century highlights some of the gizmos and gadgets that became popular over the last few decades. For example, the "80's" Resort features a large Rubic's Cube and a large walkman in the courtyard. You'll see icons from the 1950's through the 1990's at the Pop Century resort.

Where is the Pop Century?

Pop Century is located in the Wide World of Sports area within Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Now the Wide World of Sports area is kind of remote from the rest of Disney. Not to worry, though -- free Disney transportation is offered to hotel guests. All of the Disney parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney shopping areas are just a short bus ride away from Pop Century. Buses run roughly every 10 minutes. During the peak season (like Summer), be sure to arrive a little early in order to make sure you get a spot on the bus -- they can be crowded.

Play Time!

Pop Century also offers two large themed swimming pools, as well as a kiddie pool for the toddler set. In addition, for the slightly older set, there's a playground. Young and old alike will enjoy the arcade (think "Space Invaders" and "Asteroid").

Other Resort Information

The resort is extremely large and spread out. If you're not a fan of walking, you may want to pay a little extra to be located close to the pools, food court, bus stops and so on. On the flip side, if you don't mind the walk, at least you know you're paying the lowest cost possible.

There is a food court located in Disney's Pop Century resort. It's mainly quick-service with items like sanwiches, burgers, pizza and such. If you're hankering for a sit-down meal with table service, you'll need to make a dining reservation at another resort.

Overall, the Disney Pop Century resort is another example of wonderful Disney innovation.