The 80s Section at Pop Century Resort

I’ve had the opportunity to stay at most of the Walt Disney World resort hotels over the years, and I truly believe that there is a perfect hotel for just about every family visiting the parks.  Since many families visiting are concerned about the cost of staying on property, I think that the value resorts are definitely a great option.  Value resorts offer the same benefits as other on-site hotels, like free airport transfers to MCO, intra-park transportation, access to extra magic hours, and option to purchase the Disney dining plan.

There are a few differences between the value resorts and the deluxe/moderate resorts.  Room amenities are a bit different, the rooms are smaller, and there are no refrigerators or coffee makers in the rooms.  In addition, there are no pool slides, or table service resorts.  While there are four different value resorts (with a fifth, the Art of Animation currently being constructed), my preference is Pop Century, which is clean and fun!

Pop Century offers many different buildings, all themed with decades from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, and 90s.  There are several pools, as well as a large, playful food court.  Rooms are fairly standard, and most have two double beds.  It’s a really fun, upbeat resort, and definitely a great option if you are on a vacation budget.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort
1050 Century Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL
(407) 938-4000

Photo credit: BestWDW on Flickr

A King Room at the Jupiter Beach Resort

Did you forget about Valentine’s Day?  Or maybe didn’t get just the right gift?  Well, the Jupiter Beach Resort, a nine-story hotel located near West Palm Beach, has offered up the perfect solution – a special “Get Out of the Doghouse” package available from now through April 30th, 2011.

The Get Out of the Doghouse package starts at $1299 and includes the following:

• One night luxury, ocean-view accommodations in the Penthouse Suite at the Jupiter Beach Resort
• A four-course meal for two prepared by the resort’s executive chef and served in grand butler style
• A half-day in the resort’s 7,500 square foot on-site spa, including two 50-minute signature treatments followed by a duet massage along with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries
• Flowers on your arrival
• Two special signature drinks
• Other fun surprises!

The Jupiter Beach Resort offers a variety of wonderful amenities that you’ll definitely enjoy on your “Get Out of the Doghouse” weekend, including over 1,000 feet of secluded beach, an ocean-front heated swimming pool, VIP turndown service,  a fitness center, and lighted tennis courts.  The newly renovated rooms include honor bars, marble bathrooms, plush robes, and private balconies.

The Jupiter Beach Resort
5 North A1A
Jupiter, FL 33477-5190
(866) 943-0950

Photo credit: The Jupiter Beach Resort

Get extra benefits when you stay at an official SeaWorld hotel

If you’re heading to Orlando for a visit to SeaWorld, Aquatica or Discovery Cove, booking your rooms at one of six official SeaWorld hotels could save you money and give you exclusive benefits you can’t purchase anywhere else.

As of January 2011, all guests at either of the SeaWorld Orlando official hotels will receive:

• Early entry to SeaWorld on select days during peak seasons
• Complimentary front-of-the-line access to SeaWorld’s thrill rides (this benefit alone makes me want to book a room!)
• Discounts on select food and gift purchases at SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark
• Complimentary transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando
• Exclusive access to the SeaWorld Rescue Tour

To receive access to these extra privileges, simply visit the guest service desk of the official hotel during your stay.

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Comfort Suites Maingate East in Kissimmee Florida

I’ve been sending Disney vacationers to the Hilton Bonnet Creek for almost a year now, but I may have to switch my recommendation to the Comfort Suites Maingate East in Kissimmee, Florida.  How do you go from a Hilton to a Comfort Suites?  Over-deliver at a budget hotel.

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