humblejohn

wife and I want to see disney but what is better: inside or outside the park? does disney offer competitive specials for 3 or 4 day stays? in addition how far is orlando from miami? From Tampa? are there any indoor heated pools in disney park? thanks in advance.

Lee

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "inside" or "outside" the park. If you want to go to Disney World in Orlando, there are actually 4 theme parks within the WDW property--Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and MGM. They are all so much fun (even for 2 adults with no kids!) and will each take at least a day each. Also located within the WDW property are a wide variety of hotels. The prices on WDW hotels tend to be very high for what you get, but you are right on disney property and you get the free disney transportation. I have stayed on property 3 times and off property once (Radisson Resort Parkway). I enjoyed each experience for different reasons, but it was nice to stay at the Radisson and save some money. I also found it helpful to have my own car and drive myself to parks, whether I stayed on property or off. Hotel shuttles and WDW buses are just slow at times, by the nature of the business. If you want more WDW info, you should try www.mousesavers.com. Or, go to Google and type in Disney World and you'll find other websites that provide great travel information.

goofy

huh Lee, i think they mean Hotels, inside or outside of the disney gates.

diane

We have been to WDW several times, and have found better lodging rates outside the parks. I would suggest the Kissimee/Buena Vista areas. Many are just a mile from the maingates & easy to drive. (Try FLAKiss.com to see the rooms/rates.) Most hotels have free shuttles to all disney parks, and many to Universal/SeaWorld,etc. I agree that they can be slower than your own rental, as they stop at several motels along the way, but it would be a way to save $$ if on a tight budget. BTW, we have done the 4 day trip - much prefer taking a week in the Orlando area, if you can - so much to see! Also, a person can get "parked out" trying to pack all the parks into one trip. 7 days would allow for just relaxing. Tampa isn't far - can easily go there, spend the day & come back (1-2 hr, depending on traffic). Miami is farther - would have to have accomodations there.

dm

The Disney hotels are more expensive than other surrounding hotels, but you will get the fantasy, resort-type feeling that goes along with the Magic Kingdom.

Miami is about a four-hour drive from Orlando, and Tampa is about an hour and fifteen minutes away.