May 152013
 
Tips for Renting DVC Points

As we recently discussed on our blog and on our Facebook page, prices at Disney World are rising rapidly and outpacing inflation significantly. Therefor we all look for new ways to save money when planning a Disney vacation. We love to stay on site, and we prefer deluxe resorts. But we also recognize how expensive these resorts have become. Is there any way to save significant money on a deluxe resort? Thankfully, the answer is yes. For frequent visitors to Disney World who enjoy moderate and deluxe resort accommodations, joining the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is an investment worth considering. However DVC requires a significant financial investment, and arguably a time investment too. Once you commit to DVC, you will need to visit at least

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Apr 132013
 
Disney World - Are You Being Priced Out?

Every once in a while we get inspired to write an article which examines Disney World from a standpoint other than that of a Polyanna. While we love the house of mouse, we are critical of many trends taking place in the World, not the least of which being the incredible rise in ticket pricing. In 1997, my wife and I honeymooned at the Grand Floridian in Walt Disney World. We paid a shade under $290 per night during the peak summer season for a garden view room. It was expensive, but as a new middle class family, we were able to swing the cost. In subsequent years, we returned to other deluxe resort options such as the Polynesian, Contemporary, and Beach Club. The same

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Mar 192013
 
When to Visit Walt Disney World

Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World? Great! But before you purchase that vacation package, let’s give some thought to when you should plan to visit. They say timing is everything. When it comes to the most famous theme park complex in the world, timing can make or break your vacation. In this article we will talk about the best times to visit Disney World if you want to beat the crowds. And we will also discuss a few advantages of touring during the busiest seasons. Weather Part of determining when to visit Disney World should be assessing your tolerance to the heat of central Florida. If you live in the frigid northern latitudes, escaping to the warmth of Florida might sound like a dream

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Mar 112013
 
Review: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

The first time we saw it, we couldn’t believe our eyes. “We’re staying here?” My wife and I chose the Grand Floridian at Disney World for our honeymoon in 1997. We knew it was a beautiful resort, but nothing could prepare us for the incredible Victorian architecture towering over us as we arrived on site. From that moment on, the Grand Floridian has never failed to take my breath away. We were treated wonderfully by the cast members of this resort. I don’t think we will ever forget how welcome they made us feel, or how many surprise gifts we found waiting for us in our room every night. Disney cast members are known for being friendly and courteous, but nobody has ever made us

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Mar 052013
 
Choosing a Disney Resort - Deluxe or Moderate?

Last week we discussed the differences between the Value and Moderate resorts at Walt Disney World. But what if you want a little more luxury out of your vacation? Depending on how much you are willing to spend, Disney’s Deluxe resorts offer beautiful grounds, larger rooms, and excellent locations. But how do they compare to the Moderates? Is the step up in price worth it? Today we compare the top two WDW resort tiers. It probably won’t surprise you to learn that there is no definitive answer to the Moderate versus Deluxe debate. Both property tiers offer nice grounds, and the full Disney experience. The Deluxe resorts take luxury to the max, but not without a huge increase in price. Whether the price differential is

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