With many families on a tight budget, they are deciding to forego their usual summer vacation this year. But with a Disney vacation, prices have become even more budget-friendly than you may think. There are great Disney hotel package deals that you can take advantage of to help save money while still giving you the summer vacation of a lifetime. There are 4 tiers of hotel prices available to suit every price range. Take a look at the various types of hotels available and their nightly rates; one is sure to be a good fit for you and your family!

Value Resorts

Starting at just $82 a night, these 4 Walt Disney World Value Resorts are affordable, yet still offer the imaginative splendor that Disney is known for. In true Walt Disney spirit, each of the 4 resorts is themed to keep their guests dazzled and amazed.

• · All-Star Movies Resort – This hotel features giant figures from Disney’s most famous movies including characters from Herbie, 101 Dalmations, and Toy Story. There is plenty of space available, with about 2,000 rooms in 10 different 3-story buildings.

• · All-Star Sports Resort – This is an active person’s dream with interactive basketball, surfing, tennis, baseball, and football that gets you in the middle of all of the action. This resort features a giant tennis ball and mega-soda can along with 40-foot-tall figures from sports that tower taller than some of the buildings themselves!

• · All-Star Music Resort – All-things music is what this resort has to offer in its theme. From giant musical instruments to a pair of humongous cowboy boots, this hotel offers a peek into the world of musicals, jazz legends, rock     music, country twang, and Latin sensations. This is their newest value resort and offers larger family suites.

• · Pop-Century Resort – Get acquainted with blasts from the past with this resort featuring icons of each of the memorable decades from the 20^th century. Everything from dance fads, social trends, and technology are represented here in a nearly 3,000-room resort.

Moderate Resorts

These resorts are a great option for those on a Disney vacation who want to get a great value and experience more amenities than what’s offered at the Value Resorts. With prices starting at $145 a night, many budgets will find these hotels quite affordable.

• · Caribbean Beach Resort – With a tropical island getaway theme, this 5-building resort resembles a village and has 7 pools as well as a lake with white sandy beaches. Relaxation is the vibe here!

• · Coronado Springs Resort – Themed with Northern Mexican and Southwestern flavor, this resort is sure to spice up any Disney vacation. Featuring haciendas, lots of shade, a pool, and a giant Mayan pyramid, this resort is a fantastic place to stay.

• · Port Orleans Resort, Riverside – Two themed areas of this resort make it a distinctively wonderful place to enjoy a Disney Hotel stay. One section is called the Alligator Bayou and appears in a Cajun theme, complete with an outdoors feel. The other section is called the Magnolia Bend and represents a Mississippi plantation.

• · Port Orleans Resort , French Quarter – With just over 1,000 rooms, this resort is made to look like the French Quarter of New Orleans. The same charm and essence of this historic area of Louisiana is spectacularly represented for guests to enjoy and marvel at.

No matter what your budget, Disney has a resort to available in a price range that works with you. They have made it easy for families to have the vacation of their dreams. After all, that’s why they are known as the “Magic Kingdom”!

KING OF GALACTIC ROCK & ROLL: Inspired by his favorite singer, Elvis, Stitch gets into the galactic groove in the new “Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration” show in the Magic Kingdom. With the help of rocking robots and dancing divas, the interactive show features real-time animation and plenty of surprises. The 25-minute show in Tomorrowland features the same cutting-edge technology used in “Turtle Talk With Crush” and “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor,” letting guests interact with an animated Stitch in one-on-one encounters. The fuzzy, loveable alien officially known as “Experiment 626″ spots specific guests in the audience, asks questions and entertains them in a playful and personalized way. The interstellar party is all part of Disney’s “What Will You Celebrate.” (Garth Vaughan, photographer)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Brides on a budget can still have a Cinderella-like wedding at Walt Disney World Resort if they know where to save and when to splurge.

“Every bride wants to feel like a princess for the day, and at Disney’s Fairytale Weddings we can make that dream a reality,” said Korri McFann, marketing director Disney’s Fairytale Weddings.  “The beauty of a Disney wedding is that we can tailor the occasion to suit almost any budget.”

• Select an off day of the week.  Couples can save big if they choose a Thursday or Sunday wedding over the tradition Saturday evening affair.
• Because of the number of venues, Disney can host weddings at various times of the day.  A mid-morning wedding is a great alternative.
• Check out non-traditional reception venues such as themed restaurants.
• Couples choosing a destination wedding will likely tighten the guest list.
• Select brunch or heavy appetizers instead of sit-down meals.  This is not only acceptable but growing in popularity.
• Out-of-season floral choices can make a big dent in a wedding budget.  McFann suggests working with the florist to determine what flowers are in season.  Another tip is to use floral arrangements from the wedding at the reception for added decor.
• Get creative with your family or bridal party and design homemade favors.
• Take advantage of the current discounts on hotels and wedding packages.

Brides and grooms participating in the survey also indicated that they were seeking inventive sites rather than traditional ballroom-like venues.  McFann recommends Epcot as the ideal setting for couples looking for exotic backdrops with themed entertainment, rich culture and diverse menu offerings.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Calling all scoundrels, rogues and ne’er-do-wells - Captain Jack and the crew of the Black Pearl want you.
Starting in late June, the Pearl drops anchor in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom for The Pirates League, recruiting and training Walt Disney World guests of all ages in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers.
Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled pirate’s lair gets an official pirate name.  Then it’s off to Muster Station for applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth - all done with the savvy skill of a veteran pirate who shares his own tales of sea-sailing adventures.
After the new buccaneers recite a sacred pirate oath, they are officially part of Captain Jack’s motley crew, leaving their old identities behind.  Past a hidden portal and into the treasure room, the shipmates have their “pirate portrait” taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland - and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
Guests can choose from three daily pirate packages:

• First Mate Package: Includes bandana; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5×7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath — $49.95 plus tax.

• Empress Package: Includes bandana; shimmering makeup; face gem; tattoos; nail polish; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5×7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath — $49.95 plus tax.

• Captains Package: Includes choice of costume/outfit from selection; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate  coin necklace; three 5×7-inch photos; and personalized pirate oath — $124.95 plus tax. 

Newly donned swashbucklers can test their pirate prowess on the streets of Adventureland where they search for clues and discover treasures.  And for mateys who need a little more training, learn the secrets for survival by the captain himself during “Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.”
Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life can start the process by calling 407/WDW-CREW beginning May 11.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22-June 14, 2009, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the temporary home for a band of out-of-this-world characters, including Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians.  Dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14.

Star Wars Weekends At-a-Glance
 
Location
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
 
Dates
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays  May 22-June 14, 2009
 
Celebrity Host
Jay Laga’aia (“Captain Typho”) with special guest Ashley Eckstein (“Ahsoka Tano”)
 
Activities
A Galaxy of Photo Opportunities – Encounter more than 50 Star Wars characters from the entire saga. From Darth Vader to Darth Maul and Greedo to Chewbacca, you’ll find heroes, bounty hunters, droids and villains from throughout the galaxy.
Celebrities from Star Wars will attend each weekend and participate in:

• Autograph Sessions
• Legends of the Force – Star Wars themed motorcade
• Stars of the Saga – Talk Show and Q&A hosted by Jay Laga’aia

Clone Wars: Behind the Force – A behind-the-scenes show that explores the excitement of Star Wars: The Clone Wars led by Ashley Eckstein,the talented voice behind “Ahsoka Tano.”
In addition to being the voice of “Ahsoka Tano” in The Clone Wars TV series and feature film, she has appeared on shows such as “That’s So Raven” and in films including “Sydney White,” which starred Amanda Bynes. She and her husband, Major League Baseball player David Eckstein (a two-time All Star who won the 2006 World Series MVP Award), were married at Walt Disney World Resort in 2005.

Jedi Training Academy – Each young “Obi-wanna-be” who is chosen will learn a lightsaber combination as they prepare to face the dark side!
Star Tours Attraction –Blast your starspeeder through the ultimate Star Wars adventure.
Padawan Mind Challenge – Kids under 12 can test their wits before the Jedi Council!
Hyperspace Hoopla – Star Wars characters and guests gather for an entertaining conclusion to each day’s events.
Wicket’s Warehouse – Shop a galaxy of Star Wars themed and limited-edition merchandise developed just for Star Wars Weekends 2009.

Weekend 1 (May 22-24)

Weekend 2 (May 29-31)
Peter Mayhew (“Chewbacca”)
Matthew Wood (“General Grievous”)

Weekend 3 (June 5-7)
Jeremy Bulloch (“Boba Fett”)
David Prowse (“Darth Vader”)
Matt Lanter (voice of Anakin in Star Wars: The Clone Wars)**

Weekend 4 (June 12-14)
Dave Filoni (Director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Temuera Morrison (“Jango Fett”)
 
** Guest appearances in Clone Wars: Behind The Force presentations

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A July reopening is planned for the Hall of Presidents, an iconic attraction in Magic Kingdom.  An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971.  Disney Imagineers also are updating a broad array of show elements.

You can sail with popular Disney Channel stars this summer aboard the Disney Wonder® Cruise Ship during the first-ever “Disney Channel Summer at Sea,” presented by Kodak.

Popular stars from Disney Channel shows like “Hannah Montana,” “Sonny With a Chance,” “JONAS,” “The Suite Life on Deck,” “Camp Rock,” “High School Musical” and “Hatching Pete” will join Guests on 3- and 4-night cruises beginning July 9 through Aug. 2, 2009.

All eight sailings are available to book now with special fan activities included in the prevailing cruise rate.

During the voyages, Disney Channel stars will help pump up the volume during onboard deck parties and join Guests for Q&A and autograph sessions as well as preview screenings of Disney Channel programming.

The onboard fun culminates with a “Party with the Stars” event, an evening in which Guests are invited to join the stars for a special musical performance by a Disney recording artist.

Each cruise will include multiple Disney Channel stars. Among those scheduled, with more to be announced shortly, are:

3-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*

July 9 to 12, 2009 – Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 16 to 19, 2009 – Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 23 to 26, 2009 – Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
July 30 to August 2, 2009 – Debby Ryan (The Suite Life on Deck)

4-Night Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*

July 12 to 16, 2009 – Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 19 to 23, 2009 – Musical Act Mitchel Musso and Jason Earles (Hanna Montana)
July 26 to 30, 2009 – Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
August 2 to 6, 2009 – Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock)

Even though I live in Southern California, I never tire of a visit to Disney’s “Magic Kingdom”. I can clearly remember the 3 times my parents made the drive from San Diego to Anaheim to take us to Disneyland for a one-day Disney vacation. It truly was magical seeing all of the characters I had grown to love through reading my Disney books and watching my favorite Disney movies. Top that off with riding on things that spun around, went fast, and floated in the water…it was a dream come true! Now that I have 3 children of my own, I love sharing these amazing adventures and fun times with them!

The first thing I recommend when planning a Disney vacation is location. You can either plan to visit Disneyworld in Florida (all 4 parks and Epcot Center) or you can opt for Southern California’s Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure. All of Disney’s parks guarantee a fun-filled day, but if you factor in flight costs, one particular location might be a better choice than another. Something else to consider when choosing one of their parks is whether you’ll be able to stay longer and take in the local sites. Both locations have excellent resources and activities for tourists and you could certainly have a full week planned out by the time you’re ready to purchase your airline and Disney hotel tickets.

Next, consider the age of your children. For very small children, these parks are very large and can quickly drain your little ones. Plan to either bring or rent a wagon or stroller to hold your belongings and cart the kids around when they get tired. You can also opt for RideMax or FastPass to lessen the amount of time you spend in line. This especially helpful for parents of small children who just can’t wait to get on the rides and need to maximize their time! Another factor to consider if you have small children is the number of days you’ll be staying. If you plan to visit just the parks, one day for California Adventure, 2 days for Disneyland, and 3 days for Disneyworld should be sufficient.

A Disney experience on the water is just as fun as one on land! Book a Disney Cruise Line vacation and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many exciting activities they have planned for you and your family. Entertainment onboard is geared toward people of all ages. The activities are available from early in the morning until late at night to give you the flexibility you want when vacationing. They make sure you can still make time for a nap, relaxing, or eating whenever you choose. Babysitting services are also available to parents who would like to take advantage of the dancing, shows, and other entertainment on the ship.

So, whether you’re considering your first trip to a Disney vacation spot or whether you’re like me and just want to share the same experience with your kids, it’s easy and economical to plan a trip to “The Magic Kingdom”. Check for AAA, AARP, military-based, group, and travel agency discounts available to help you save even more money on your trip!