Disney hotels
 

Two questions that I have not found the answers for on Fodors: <BR>1. Do any of the Disney hotels have heated pools? We are going in January and the kids would like to swim. <BR>2. Of the moderate to inexpensive hotels on site which is the least relentlessly Disney? <BR>(Since I lost the battle and the kids are going to Disney, I would prefer to stay in a place that is a little more non-Disney, but still on site.)

All of the pools at the Disney resorts are wonderfully heated. The more expensive the hotel, the less Disney it will be. But you don't want the deluxe hotels. The budget hotels (All-Star Resorts) are very, very Disney themed. Judging from the wording of your post, you will hate them. I have stayed at two of the moderate resorts, Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach. They are themed (obviously, from their names), but not as overdone as the All-Star Resorts. Frankly, I found them very tasteful and delightful to stay at. As someone who has been to WDW 19 times, I would like to offer a piece of advice. Loosen up. You are going to Disney. Consequently, you will be bombarded with Disney everywhere, regardless of the resort. Get over it and enjoy yourself.

We went in December during what they called a cold snap in Florida! We stayed at Dixie Landings and the main pool was indeed heated! My husband was in the hot tub nightly (with some icicles in his mustash...almost) and loved it. The pool was active every night. There are also quiet pools (just pools, no themes) throughout the resort which also looked heated, no kids. <BR> <BR>I did not find this property to be relentlessly Disney, and I did find the staff to be excellent! Beautiful grounds, great service. Ask for Magnolia house to be near the pool/main reception areas. Check wdwig.com for more hotel information, as well as Fodors picks/pans area and some good guidebooks. Rooms are all the same size at the various resorts (bigger rooms at more expensive hotels, but all moderate resorts are exactly the same size rooms) but I guess themes vary. Dixie Landings was great.

Is this ? related to Disney in Florida or California?

Thanks for your answers. It's Disney in Florida. Ilisa-believe it or not this is pretty good for me, you should have seen me the day I lost the battle! But you are quite right and hopefully by then I will just go with the flow and maybe (gasp!) enjoy myself.

You may just end up having a better time than the kids.

Coronado Springs isn't Death By Disney, either. It has a nice Mexican theme which carries over into the restaurants etc.

Our first visit to Disney World we also enjoyed our stay at Dixie Landing and would recommend it as one <BR>of the nicest reasonable priced resorts. <BR>We looked all of them over and feel it <BR>is the best for that price range. <BR>We stayed at The Dolphin last April and <BR>it is wonderful, but pricey. We had a <BR>great deal...our son who lives in Tampa <BR>joined us for our Disney stay. By reserving the room in his name as a <BR>Florida resident (must show drivers license to prove it) we got a huge <BR>discount and made it affordable to stay <BR>there. That only works if you have <BR>friends or family in Florida to do this <BR>but it was worth it- be sure to ask <BR>about specials! Enjoy your trip!

DO NOT STAY AT DISNEY ALL-STAR RESORTS!! They are awful !!!! The room decor will drive you crazy. We were very disappointed with the all star resorts. Couldn't believe Disney put their name on it !! <BR> Dixie Landings is the way to go!!! Beautiful Grounds and pool. Staff was great also. They are in the process of a name change. It should still be Dixie Landings for a while yet. They are linked to Port Orleans and you may use the pool there alsoif the kids want more of a themed pool. <BR> Have Fun !! We have also stayed at The Disney Swan. Way too stuffy for families with children. If you are looking to stay off site check out the Holiday Inn Sunspree. Great family hotel. We vacation to Disney quite often if you need anymore advice feel free to e-mail us!

I beg to differ with Cindy. We have stayed in several of the on-site Disney Properties, including All-Star Music last spring. Our two children were 12 & 16. Was it smaller than the other hotels? Yes. Was it as clean and the beds firm and comfortable? Yes. Did it matter to us it was their 'budget' property? NO!! We left there at 7 or so every morning, and wouldn't return until 10 at night or so. It was PERFECT as it was still $109 (during high season) and we were so tired we didn't care. <BR> <BR>We did return one afternoon for a swim -- the pool was large and clean and just fine. It does not have a slide like the other properties, but WE went to Disney to see Disney, and NOT to swim!!! <BR> <BR>Our building was just steps away from the food court and also the bus pick up for each trip to the parks. Our very bright children decided they'd MUCH rather stay at the All-Star resorts and have the remaining $$$ to spend on the souvenirs they most inevitably will want! lol

For Sharon (or anyone who may know)-- would you mind telling what percentage discount Florida residents receive at Disney? Is it only when it's reserved in their name, with them making payment? Thank you Sharon.