How To Choose A Hotel & Save Money

All the rates cited here are what are called "rack rates." That means they're typical prices listed in the hotel brochures or the ones that hotel clerks give over the telephone. You can almost always negotiate a better price by purchasing package deals, by assuring the clerks they can do better, or by mentioning to the clerk that you belong to one of several organizations that receive a discount (such as AARP, AAA, the armed services, or a labor union). The Orlando Magicard can save you plenty of cash as well (this discount card is available through the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.orlandoinfo.com). Even the type of credit card you use could get you a 5% to 10% discount at some of the larger chains. Any discount you get will help ease the impact of local resort taxes, which aren't included in the quoted rates. These taxes will add up to 12.5% to your bill, depending on where you're staying.

The average, undiscounted hotel rate for the Orlando area is currently about $101 per night double, and that rate in good times can climb up by 5% -- even 9% a year. The lowest rates at WDW are at the Pop Century and the three All-Star resorts, which, depending on the season, can run from $82 to $160. They're pricier than comparable rooms in the outside world; though they are small and basic, they are still Disney-owned and offer the same on-property advantages as Disney's more expensive resorts.

WDW's 2009 value seasons or lowest rates are generally available from January 1 to February 12, August 9 to October 1, and November 29 to December 17. Regular season rates are available from April 19 to May 21 and October 2 to November 28. Easter rates run from April 5 to April 18. Summer rates (only at Disney's "value" and "moderate" resorts) run from May 22 to August 8. Peak rates apply from February 13 to April 4, and holiday rates from December 18 through December 31. Be aware, however, that Disney's new pricing schedule breaks down seasonal rates even further to include specific weekends and holidays such as Presidents' Day, Independence Day, and MLK Day, among others (none of which are listed above). Although the actual dates will shift a little (and will also change depending on the level of hotel you choose), the same general periods should apply in 2010.

If you're not renting a car or staying at a Walt Disney World or Universal resort, be sure to ask when booking your room if the hotel or motel offers transportation to the theme parks and, if so, whether there's a charge and exactly what it is. Some hotels and motels offer free service with their own shuttles (listed in the reviews). Others use Mears Transportation, and rates can be as high as $18 per person round-trip (some hotels make these arrangements for you; others require you to do it). On the other hand, if you have a vehicle, expect to pay $12 a day to park it at Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld.

If you stay at a WDW resort or one of Disney's "official" hotels, transportation is complimentary within WDW. For more information on this and the other advantages of staying at Disney properties, see "The Perks of Staying with Mickey".

In or out of Walt Disney World, if you book your hotel as part of a package, you'll likely enjoy some type of savings. The Walt Disney Travel Company (tel. 407/934-7806) offers a number of Disney resort packages.

Outside Disney, you'll probably be quoted a rate better than the rack rates contained in the listings, but you should try to bargain even further to ensure you get the best rates possible. Ask about discounts for students; government employees; seniors; military; firefighters; police; AFL-CIO; corporate clients; and, again, AARP or AAA, holders of the Orlando Magicard, even frequent-traveler programs (whether you have hotel or airline membership). Special Internet-only discounts and packages may also be featured on hotel websites, especially those of the larger chains. No matter where you end up staying, always ask again when you arrive if there are any additional discounts or promotions available. But never come to Orlando without a reservation: Taking chances on your negotiating skills is one thing; taking chances on room availability is quite another. Orlando is a year-round destination, with a heavy convention and business trade, and international vacationers flock here during periods when domestic travelers don't. If you come without a reservation, you may find yourself extremely disappointed -- or completely out of luck.

I mention concierge levels where available. In these hotels within a hotel, guests pay more to enjoy a luxurious private lounge (sometimes with great views), free continental or full breakfast, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres served at cocktail hour, and/or late-night cordials and pastries. Rooms are usually on higher floors, and guests are pampered with additional special services (including private registration and checkout, a personal concierge, and nightly bed turndown) and amenities (such as upgraded toiletries, bathroom scales, terry robes, hair dryers, and more). Ask for the specifics when you reserve a room.

You'll also find counselor-supervised child care or activity centers at some hotels. Very popular in Orlando, these can be marvelous, creatively run facilities that might offer movies, video games, arts and crafts, storytelling, puppet shows, indoor and outdoor activities, and more. Some provide meals and/or have beds where a child can sleep while you're out on the town. Check individual hotel listings for these facilities.

Tight Squeeze -- An average hotel or motel room in the Orlando area has about 325 to 400 square feet and beds for four. Although hardly a castle, most travelers find it adequate for a short stay. I've made a special note in the listings of properties where the rooms are substantially larger or smaller than the average.

Credit or Debit? -- If you use your debit card (instead of a credit card) as collateral against any purchases you may make during your stay, your card may be charged anywhere from $50 to $250 (or more) per day, whether you actually charge anything to your room or not. This policy can seriously deplete your checking account, leaving you with far less funds than you realize or planned on -- and you won't see a credit back to your account until up to 10 days after you have checked out of your resort. Though WDW does not (at least for now) follow this practice, and no charges are applied to your account until you check out, other resorts in the area do. Be sure to ask exactly what your hotel's policy is regarding debit and credit charges the minute you check in (or before you arrive).

Homes Away from Home

Some travelers, especially those who like all the comforts of home, prefer quiet privacy, or are traveling in groups of five or more, bypass motels in favor of rental condos or homes. Rates vary widely depending on quality and location; some may require at least a 2- or 3-night minimum. Many of these properties are 3 to 15 miles from the theme parks and offer no transportation, so a car is a necessity.

On the plus side, most have two to six bedrooms and a convertible couch, two or more bathrooms, a full kitchen, multiple TVs and phones, and irons. Some have washers and dryers. Homes often have their own private screen-enclosed pool, while condos generally have a common pool and a clubhouse.

On the minus side, they can be lacking in services. Most don't have daily maid service, and restaurants can be as far away as the parks. (There's another reason you'll need a car.) And unless a condo or home is in a gated community, don't expect on-site security. Some properties offer dinnerware, utensils, and salt-and-pepper shakers; others are fully stocked with pots, pans, and every gadget imaginable -- check when you book, as amenities vary widely.

Rates range from about $109 to $579 per night ($750-$4,100 per week).

All Star Vacation Homes (tel. 800/592-5568 or 407/997-0733; www.allstarvacationhomes.com) is the cream of the city's home and condo rental crop, with a wide variety of properties to choose from -- all of them within a 4-mile radius of Disney. Many of their homes feature such amenities as pool tables, personal home theaters, and Jacuzzi tubs along with private pools. Do check their website -- you will be able to see the exact home you are renting, as opposed to a "typical" room -- but be sure to call if you have special requirements, want a specific theme (they have a Disney-themed home if you don't want to give up Mickey while sleeping), or want help selecting the home that meets your needs. The staff is exceptionally cordial and well informed.

Other popular players include VillaDirect (tel. 877/259-9908 or 407/397-9818; www.villadirect.com), Holiday Villas (tel. 800/344-3959; www.holidayvillas.com), Global Resort Homes (tel. 866/921-1167 or 407/387-3030; www.globalresorthomes.com), and Elite Vacation Homes (tel. 888/510-6679; www.elitevacationhomes.com), among others.