Disney’s Grand Floridian review: what guests can expect for the deluxe resort price

Before our stay for the purpose of a Disney's Grand Floridian review, I admit to harboring high expectations. I imagine this is typical; after all, the Grand Floridian is Walt Disney World's flagship resort. The moment we stepped off the Disney Magical Express bus into the generously appointed porte-cochère and were greeted by no fewer than three cast members, however, I knew … [Read more...]

How you can get Disney Vacation Club points for less

What family hasn't dreamed of a magical Disney vacation? The characters, the rides, the enchantment...and oh yeah, the cost! Planning a family getaway to Disney is not only expensive, but it can also be stressful and difficult. These days, there's just so many different ways to "do" Disney that it can be nearly impossible to find the best deal. But I think I have discovered the best way to indulge … [Read more...]

Disneyland hotel pick: Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

The following guest post is written by Pit Stops for Kids contributor Elizabeth Bickford. Need a Disneyland hotel pick? The Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance has one of the best locations and properties combined in the Disneyland resort area! We had a great stay with our two daughters ages five and seven. The property is within walking distance and is surrounded by several … [Read more...]

Why you should get the Disney Dining Plan

Most self-respecting Disney budget blogs will tell you the Disney Dining Plan is not a savings. If you plan to stay in a condo with a kitchen and cook meals in-house, pack peanut butter sandwiches for the parks, and eat at quick-service restaurants only, they're right. But while the plan may not give you a lower bottom line while enjoying the parks, we believe it does add to your overall value, … [Read more...]

A stay at Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

The best Disney theming never seeks to replace what you know and love. It simply taps into it to touch you on an emotional or visceral level. Disneyland Resort's Grand Californian does this for me. A lover of wilderness lodges (the real ones), I know what they should look like, feel like, and smell like. While the Grand Californian is clearly the romanticized version, its magnificent six-story … [Read more...]

A stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our family's favorite--if not thefavorite--DisneyWorld resort. When readers ask me, "Why pay to stay at a DisneyWorld resort?" I always cite Disney's impeccible attention to detail, from the in-room touches to the grand lobbies to the on-site restaurants...always themed to perfection. No where is this attention to detail more evident than at Animal Kingdom … [Read more...]

A stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa

I'll admit it: as my airport shuttle pulled up to Aulani, Disney's destination resort on Oahu, I expected to find Mickey front and center. I was prepared to greet that familiar pair of mouse ears from every angle: in person, in silhouette, in every scrap of signage and decoration. I was wrong. And while I have nothing against the guy, I'm so glad I was wrong. Throughout my four-night stay, … [Read more...]

Disney done right: a stay at the Disneyland Hotel

Until last week, my family and I had never stayed on-site at the Disneyland Resort, despite numerous trips to the theme parks. After last week’s stay, I may never visit Disney any other way. Our night at the newly improved Disneyland Hotel granted both tangible and intangible perks I don’t think I could do without! We arrived at the hotel in the morning before park opening, and the front … [Read more...]

Disney done right: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

I wrote recently on the benefits of staying on-site in Walt Disney World. Of course, deciding a Disney resort is right for you and your family hardly narrows down your field of options, given that at last count, there were almost 20 of them to choose from. For our Disney World vacation, we finally settled on Disney's Port Orleans Resort, Riverside, and we never once regretted our decision. … [Read more...]