Choosing a Walt Disney World resort is a big part of building an exceptional Disney vacation. Yes, it takes solid research, meticulous planning, and plenty of patience, but when you swipe your keycard, enter your neatly decorated and air-conditioned room, and flop down onto the bed after uncountable hours of travel, it will be worth all the hassle.

In order to make the most of your stay at the "Mouse House," you should jot down those offerings that are common to all resorts, but also keep track of extra programs or benefits from specific resorts.

COMMON PERKS

Staying on Disney-owned property is much more convenient than staying at an Orlando or Kissimmee/St. Cloud hotel, as WDW offers plenty of incentives for resort guests. The common traits of Disney-owned and operated resorts include guest-only perks, such as:

- Extra Magic Hours (parks opening early or staying open late on specified days)
- The Magical Express (free deluxe motor coach to and from Orlando International Airport)
- Free transportation among the Disney parks and attractions (via Monorail, bus, or boat)
- A variety of dining plans (two meals and one snack per day per person)
- Using your resort ID to charge purchases to your room.

Some of these amenities are optional and some are automatic.

Warning to Smokers: Be aware that all Disney hotels are non-smoking, even on balconies and patios, so if you must light up, look for the designated smoking areas. (This contingency alone is incentive to travel during the cooler months, if only to avoid subjecting yourself to oppressive heat when you feel the need to step out for a quick puff.) If you are caught smoking where you shouldn't be, you will be charged a hefty "Room Recovery Fee."

RESORT OVERVIEW

Once you decide to stay on Disney property, you should choose your resort based on price, convenience, style, and potential noise level, in keeping with your personal circumstances and preferences.

PRICE: Disney offers plenty of package deals, discounts, and specials, and the 24 on-property resorts are divided into four price levels (Value, Moderate, Deluxe Villa, and Deluxe).

CONVENIENCE: Staying near a park is an important option, but the transportation system is quite expansive and will expedite almost any resort-to-park or park-to-park trek.

Tip #1: If you expect to catch a vehicle easily, give yourself a spoonful of reality. You may have to wait 20 minutes for the next shuttle, so add travel times to your itinerary

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