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On this page you'll find every known discount and deal on Disney's resorts at Walt Disney World. I list discount codes that can save you a bundle, as well as other strategies that can help you get the best rates at Disney World hotels.

Discount codes must be thought of as a "clearance sale" -- if you want the discount, you have to be willing to take what's left over! It's important to be flexible with both dates and hotels, and to be persistent in calling back periodically to see if anything has opened up.

		Not sure which Disney resort to pick for your vacation? Read about the various resort types and my recommendations for the best values in each resort category.

All of the discounted hotel rates listed below are subject to availability and are per night, usually for double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. An extra charge may apply for additional adults in the room. Kids under 18 years of age are free of charge on a "room only" reservation.

Rates listed on this page do not include tax, which is 12.5% for most resorts, 13% for the All Star Resorts.

		Want to know what the room rates would be without any discounts? Check the full price "rack rates" at the Disney World resort hotels for 2009. Check the full price "rack rates" at the Disney World resort hotels for 2010.

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"Room Only" Reservations vs. Packages

Looking for the best deal for your stay at a Disney resort hotel? Sometimes your most economical option is to book a "room only" reservation at the resort of your choice and buy the other components of your vacation (i.e. tickets and meals) separately.

However, Disney has revamped its vacation package offerings and made them a better value. Package prices are now consistent with paying full price for the separate components, plus you get a few "extras" at no cost. Also, now when discounted room rates come out in the low season, those discounts are usually applied to special package offers, too.

"Room only" reservations offer better terms for cancellation and payment dates than vacation packages booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company (WDTC). Here is an outline of the differences:

When booking a "room only" reservation, you are subject to very few restrictions:

• You must pay one night's room rate as a deposit within 7 days of reserving your room. (Except when booking online at DisneyWorld.com, in which case the deposit is required at time of booking.)

• Final payment of the remainder is due at check-in. (Except when booking online at DisneyWorld.com, in which case full payment is required if reserving within 45 days of arrival.)

• You can change or cancel your reservation without penalty up until 5 days prior to check-in. (6 days for online bookings.)

When booking a vacation package through WDTC, you will be subject to the following rules:

• You must pay a $200 deposit within 7 days of reserving your package. (Except when booking online at DisneyWorld.com, in which case the deposit is required at time of booking.)

• Final payment of the entire remainder is due 45 days prior to check-in. You have to pay in full right away if you are booking less than 45 days in advance.

• You can change or cancel your reservation without penalty up until 45 days in advance. From 7 to 44 days in advance, there is a cancellation fee of $100. If you cancel 6 days or less in advance, you pay a $200 penalty.

• Any changes that result in a rate change, such as applying a discount code, reducing number of days and/or changing to a differently-priced resort, made 45 days or less prior to arrival, are subject to a $50 fee.

• Beware - WDTC usually adds nonrefundable travel insurance to your package by default. If you don't want it, tell them while you are making the reservation. Once you hang up, it's too late. You can add the insurance later if you wish, up until your final payment is due. You can also buy travel insurance directly and usually save some money that way.

• Airfare added to your reservation is also nonrefundable. It's hardly ever a good deal, either. I strongly advise booking airfare separately. Visit the Airfares page for hints on how to save on airfare!

		To reserve a "room only" reservation, call the Disney Reservations Center at (407) W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel.

Be polite but persistent when calling the Disney Reservations Center. Some of the agents answering the phone know more than others, and some will try harder than others to get you the best deal. If the first agent you speak with isn't helpful, say thanks, end the call and try again. With hundreds of agents at the call center, it's unlikely you'll get the same agent twice in a row.

If you work with an agent at the reservations center who is especially helpful or friendly, get his or her name and take two minutes to send an e-mail complimenting the agent's work (if the link doesn't work, go to disneyworld.com and click on "contact us" at the bottom of the page.

Keep calling back periodically if your dates are not immediately available at the discounted rate, because people change and cancel reservations all the time. Something is quite likely to open up eventually.

Off-Season Rates

Disney has four "seasons" each year. Value Season is the least expensive (and least crowded) time, followed by Regular Season, Peak Season and Holiday Season.

		View the dates of the seasons at Disney's resorts for 2009. View the dates of the seasons at Disney's resorts for 2010.

Each night of your stay will be priced separately, and you will be charged the applicable rate for that night. So for example, if you check in on December 18, only that one night will be at the Value Season rates. December 19 and later will be charged at the higher Holiday Season rates. Plus, if some nights of your stay are weekend nights or part of a pre-designated holiday period, you'll be charged the higher rate for those.

Dates to Avoid

Certain periods during the year are priced at premium rates. Another good reason to avoid these time periods is that they are also the most crowded times of the year!

The periods to avoid in 2010 are listed below:

• New Year - January 1-2
• Marathon - January 7-9
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend - January 15-17
• Presidents Day - February 12-14
• Peak Season (especially weekends) - February 15 - March 27
• Easter - March 28 - April 10
• Summer Season at the Value and Moderate resorts (especially weekends and Independence Day Weekend - July 2-4) - June 4 - August 14
• Thanksgiving Weekend - November 24-27
• Holiday Season - December 17-31

The periods to avoid in 2009 are listed below:

• Presidents Day - February 13-15
• Peak Season (especially weekends) - February 16 - April 3
• Easter - April 4-18
• Summer Season at the Value and Moderate resorts (especially weekends and Independence Day Weekend - July 3-5) - May 22 - August 8
• Thanksgiving Weekend - November 25-28
• Holiday Season (especially weekends) - December 18-31

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Disney Resort Hotel Discounts for the General Public

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Room-Only Discount Codes

		Disney Rewards Visa Winter Discount Disney Rewards Visa cardholders can take advantage of a 40% discount at Walt Disney World Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts. Valid most nights: 1/1/10-2/11/10. Some resorts will NOT be available for all dates. Use code OIZ. To calculate the rates, take 40% off regular "Rack" rates. Your stay will be priced on a day-by-day basis, so rates may be higher or not available on weekends. About Booking You must book by 11/30/09. For phone bookings, you pay a deposit of one night's room rate plus tax. No change or cancellation fee will be charged if you make your modification more than 5 days before arrival. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info. To reserve a room with the Disney Rewards Visa Winter Discount, call the Disney Reservations Center at (407) W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel, request the specific offer code and use your Disney Rewards Visa to pay the deposit. Late Fall / Holiday Discount Valid most nights: 10/4/09-12/24/09. Some resorts will NOT be available for all dates. Use code FSC. Compare these rates with regular "Rack" rates. (Note that this time period covers more than one "season" for rates.) Rates not available for all dates and resorts. Your stay will be priced on a day-by-day basis, so rates may be higher or not available on weekends. Sample rates: Value resort, Standard view: $59 plus tax (Value season) Moderate resort, Standard view: $96 plus tax (Value season) Animal Kingdom Lodge, Standard view: $149 plus tax (Value season) Old Key West or Saratoga Springs, Studio: $179 plus tax (Value season) Other resorts and room types are available About Booking You must book by 12/20/09. For phone bookings, you pay a deposit of one night's room rate plus tax. No change or cancellation fee will be charged if you make your modification more than 5 days before arrival. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info. To reserve a room with the Late Fall / Holiday Discount, call the Disney Reservations Center at (407) W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel, and request the specific offer code.

Booking Through Expedia

When discounted room-only rates are offered to the general public, the same rates that are offered through other travel agencies (and directly by Disney) are usually also available online through Expedia. The discounted rates are listed as "promotional rates" or are given special names such as "Magical Fall Rates."

Generally speaking you're better off to book through a Disney Specialist travel agent, because Expedia has rules and requirements that can be confusing, plus Expedia charges fees. In general Expedia is not very forgiving about changes and cancellations, and may charge significant fees for such changes. If you decide to use Expedia, be sure to read all the small print very carefully, and click on any "terms and conditions" links and read those.

Other Discounts

• You can book AAA member discounts for most dates through the end of 2010.

• Click here to see current Annual Passholder rates.

• Click here to see current Florida resident rates.

Postcard and E-mail Codes

For the past several years, Disney has regularly sent out masses of postcards (and more recently, e-mails) that offer deeply discounted Walt Disney World resort rates to the recipients. I can't publish those discounts, because Disney uses a PIN number system so that only the recipient can use the code. (When you call in with your PIN number, they match your name and address to it. You can't share the PIN with anyone else.)

How do you get on the lists for these special postcards and e-mails? No one knows exactly, and believe me, I've done a lot of research on it. It appears that Disney's marketing department uses a variety of lists at different times. Often a specific geographical area is targeted.

If you want to have the best possible chance of getting these mailings, it's definitely a good idea to register with Disney.com and be sure to click on the boxes that indicate you're interested in Walt Disney World. You might also want to go to DisneyWorld.com and request a vacation planning video. It also appears that they may use mailing lists from DisneyStore.com, subscribers to Disney publications and Disney Rewards Visa cardholders. In short, sign up for anything Disney (especially Disney World related) you can, and keep your fingers crossed!

		Planning your Walt Disney World vacation should not leave you stressed out. However, that can easily happen, particularly for first-timers. If you do all of your own planning and booking, be aware that there is a huge amount of information to gather. If you are becoming frustrated (or you're just not a planner), consider using a Disney Specialist travel agent. It costs you absolutely nothing and saves you tons of time and effort!

Annual & Seasonal Passholder Resort Hotel Discounts

Savings for Annual and Seasonal Passholders can be deep (up to 45%). They are more likely to be available during Value and Regular seasons, though there are exceptions to this -- Peak season discounts are not unheard-of. Generally speaking the discounts are released 2-4 months in advance.

Annual Passholder rates are NOT guaranteed and frequently are not offered during peak holiday periods. Be aware that discounted rooms are limited in number and will not be available for all dates at all resorts. You may have to be flexible with your selections. If you can't get your first choice on the first try, call back periodically and check on availability. Frequently discounted rooms will open up as people change and cancel their reservations over time.

When available, the Annual Passholder rates are so good that in some cases it's worth investing in an Annual Pass for relatively short stays! To see a cost comparison chart that shows how a family on a single 7-night vacation might save by purchasing one Annual Pass, click here. To learn more about Disney World Annual Passes, click here.

		Annual Passholder Room-Only Discounts Stay dates: 10/4/09-12/24/09. (Some dates may be blacked out.) Use code JYF. Compare these rates with regular "Rack" rates. (Note that this time period covers more than one "season" for rates.) Rates not available for all dates and resorts. Sample rates: Value resort, Standard view: $54 plus tax (Value season); $69 plus tax (Regular season); $89 plus tax (Holiday season) Moderate resort, Standard view: $89 plus tax (Value season); $99 plus tax (Regular season); $124 plus tax (Holiday season) Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge, Standard view: $139 plus tax (Value season); $169 plus tax (Regular season); $229 plus tax (Holiday season) Polynesian, Garden view: $254 plus tax (Value season); $294 plus tax (Regular season) Saratoga Springs or Old Key West, Studio: $169 plus tax (Value season); $189 plus tax (Regular season); $249 plus tax (Holiday season) Other resorts and room types are available at varying rates! Please note that if you would like the Dining Plan with these rates, there is a special Annual Passholders package. About Booking For phone bookings, you pay a deposit of one night's room rate plus tax. No change or cancellation fee will be charged if you make your modification more than 5 days before arrival. You can also book online through the Annual Passholder section of DisneyWorld.com, but for online bookings the change/cancellation deadline is 6 days and you have to pay in full if you book less than 45 days in advance. In other words, there's a real incentive to book by phone! You can book one room per adult Annual Pass. You can book with a valid Annual Pass, an exchange voucher or with the intent to purchase an Annual Pass, as long as you present a valid Annual Pass or exchange voucher upon check-in. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info. To reserve a room with the Annual Passholder discount, call the Disney Reservations Center at (407) W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel, and request the specific offer code.

Discount Codes for Residents of Specific States & Countries

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Savings for Florida residents can be deep (up to 45%). They are more likely to be available during Value and Regular seasons, though there are exceptions to this -- Peak season discounts are not unheard-of. Generally speaking the discounts are released 2-4 months in advance.

Florida resident rates are NOT guaranteed and frequently are not offered during peak holiday periods. Be aware that discounted rooms are limited in number and will not be available for all dates at all resorts. You may have to be flexible with your selections. If you can't get your first choice on the first try, call back periodically and check on availability. Frequently discounted rooms will open up as people change and cancel their reservations over time.

		Florida Resident Room-Only Discounts Stay dates: 10/4/09-12/24/09. (Some dates may be blacked out.) Use code NBP or UZX. Compare these rates with regular "Rack" rates. (Note that this time period covers more than one "season" for rates.) Rates not available for all dates and resorts. Sample rates: Value resort, Standard view: $54 plus tax (Value season); $69 plus tax (Regular season); $89 plus tax (Holiday season) Moderate resort, Standard view: $94 plus tax (Value season); $104 plus tax (Regular season); $129 plus tax (Holiday season) Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge, Standard view: $144 plus tax (Value season); $174 plus tax (Regular season); $234 plus tax (Holiday season) Saratoga Springs or Old Key West, Studio: $174 plus tax (Value season); $194 plus tax (Regular season); $254 plus tax (Holiday season) Other resorts and room types are available at varying rates! About Booking For phone bookings, you pay a deposit of one night's room rate plus tax. No change or cancellation fee will be charged if you make your modification more than 5 days before arrival. You can also book online through the Florida resident section of DisneyWorld.com, but for online bookings the change/cancellation deadline is 6 days and you have to pay in full if you book less than 45 days in advance. In other words, there's a real incentive to book by phone! You can book one room per adult Florida resident. Proof of residency required at check-in. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info. To reserve a room with the Florida resident discount, call the Disney Reservations Center at (407) W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel, and request the specific offer code.

Discounts for states neighboring Florida were offered for a couple of years after 9/11, because of a downturn in travel. No doubt due to the current economic situation, they reappeared in Fall 2008.

No "Florida Neighbors" discounts are currently being offered, but they may come back, so watch this space!

UK/Ireland Resident Resort Hotel Discounts

These offers can be booked online through the UK Walt Disney Travel Company web site:

• Save 20% when you book your accommodation at one of the following Deluxe Villa Resorts: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney’s Old Key West Resort or at one of the following Disney Deluxe Resorts: Disney's Yacht Club Resort or Disney's Beach Club Resort. This incredible offer is available for all bookings of 1-21 nights made before 15 February 2010 and for hotel stays between 3 January - 18 May 2010. If you would like a hotel + tickets package, this room discount can be booked in combination with the Disney FREE Gift Card Promotion.

• Save 47% when you book your accommodation at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This incredible offer is available for all bookings made before 2 August 2010 and for hotel stays between 01 August - 18 November 2010. If you would like a hotel + tickets package, this room discount can be booked in combination with the FREE Disney Dining Promotion.

Canadian Resident Resort Hotel Discounts

No current offers.

AAA and CAA Resort Hotel Discounts

American Automobile Association (AAA) and Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) members qualify for "room only" discounts almost year-round, though there are a limited number of rooms available for each date. You can generally save about 10%-20% at the Disney resort hotels, depending on the season.

The only time AAA/CAA discounts don't usually apply is Holiday Season (around Christmas).

You don't have to book AAA/CAA rates through the Auto Club. Room-only reservations with an AAA discount can be booked directly through the Disney Reservation Center at (407) W-DISNEY or a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel. Just ask if there is an AAA or CAA discount for your dates and resort.

AAA/CAA rates for all of the following year are usually released in the summer. 2010 AAA/CAA "room only" discounts were released on August 2, 2009.

Resort Hotel Discounts for Military and Veterans

		Military Offer - Save up to 40% on Rooms Special deal for eligible members of the US Military*: Save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney resorts!* For stays most nights 1/4/09-12/31/09, except not available at all 2/13-2/15, 4/4-4/18, 5/22-5/24, 7/3-7/4, 11/25-11/26/09. Book by 12/18/09. Offer is also available at other select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. If you'd like to book these rates as part of a vacation package with the Dining Plan, there is a special code for doing so. *Offer available to active duty military, activated reservists and retired military. Proof of Military eligibility is required. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room. To reserve a room with the Military discount, call the Disney Reservations Center at (407) W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel, and request offer code MYV.

Shades of Green

Active duty and retired military, as well as honorably discharged veterans* can stay at the Shades of Green (SOG) resort. Though not operated by Disney, this is a beautiful deluxe resort on Disney property, right across the street from Disney's Polynesian Resort. Rooms are among the most spacious on property, easily sleeping 5 people, and rates (which vary based on your military salary) are very low compared with Disney's Deluxe resorts. SOG was completely renovated and expanded in 2005.

A stay at Shades of Green provides you with access to Extra Magic Hours. SOG has its own separate, very good on-site bus transportation that goes to all four theme parks and the Ticket and Transportation Center, where you can connect to the Disney buses or monorails. You can also walk to Disney's Polynesian Resort in about 15 minutes and take the monorail from there.

Shades of Green guests do not qualify for Disney's Magical Express service, so you'll have to arrange your own transportation to and from the airport.

Regular Disney vacation packages cannot be purchased in association with a SOG stay, but since you qualify for military prices on tickets, just buy your discounted tickets separately. Shades of Green offers its own "packages" that include room, tickets and meals, but the meals must be eaten at SOG restaurants during specified hours, which can be very inconvenient.

*Here's who qualifies to stay at Shades of Green: active duty personnel including National Guard and reservists; Department of Defense civilian employees; 100% disabled veterans; retired military (20 years or more). In addition, qualified personnel can "sponsor" friends and relatives, since they can book up to three rooms per ID. Also, honorably discharged veterans who served less than 20 years qualify to stay in the months of January and September -- see below.

MouseSavers.com reader Linda L of Niceville, FL offers this review of her March 2006 stay at Shades of Green:

The refurbishment is incredible. The resort has a new lobby area and hotel rooms plus a parking garage. Our room was terrific, [located] in the new 5 story section with granite double sinks separate from the shower and toilet area, comfy beds, and attractive room decor. The doors are equipped with doorbell feature and a do not disturb/housekeeping button that lets the folks in the hallway know when they can make up the room. Plenty of space for 5 people in the standard room with 2 Queen beds and a foldover sofabed.

Mangino's, the SOG Italian restaurant, was delicious, with nothing over $25 on the menu and that was for the lobster and mussel pasta.... The atmosphere was pleasant, with warm Tuscan village colors and decor. The [breakfast] buffet ... featured a good selection of breakfast foods, including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cereals, fruit, yogurt and Belgian waffles fresh made while you wait. We found the prices to be very affordable ($7.99 for adults, $3.99 for kids). It was nice to have a meal at Disney and not feel like we had to mortgage the house. We did not get to try the other 2 or 3 restaurants in the hotel.

The lobby area has a rustic feel with the largest iron chandeliers I have ever seen. There was a cozy fire in the fireplace, adding even more to the whole experience. [Other amenities include a] nice fitness center, 2 pools, 3 golf courses and remote control boats for the kids. There is also an AAFES store in the SOG for affordable Disney souvenirs, swimwear, batteries, film and food and drink items. The SOG is perfect for the military family to stay in Disney at reasonable rates.

MouseSavers.com reader Gael M has this to add, based on repeated stays at Shades of Green:

It's worth noting that the rooms all have refrigerators, and there is bedding for 5. The rooms are comparable in size and comforts to deluxe Disney resorts, and I've stayed at the Contemporary and Dolphin. There are 2 types of folding beds/couches. One is the traditional kind with thin mattress. The other is a couch that the back flips onto the seat to expose a nice, thick, twin mattress.

There is a guest services office to make your dining and recreation reservations. There is also an ice cream parlor with good ice cream and the best prices on Disney property.

For more info on Shades of Green, including room rates, visit the official SOG web site or call SOG at (888) 593-2242. The Reservations Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-5:00 pm Eastern time and is closed on all Federal Holidays.

		Part of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom? You may qualify for an even better deal at Shades of Green! The Shades of Green invites US Troops from all services and DoD personnel serving a minimum of 12 consecutive months in an OEF/OIF location and their dependant children the opportunity for a special "R&R" vacation at Walt Disney World Resort. The package offers a 20% discount on all available room categories, breakfast and dinner buffets in the Garden Gallery Restaurant. Limited to a one time use and ranges from a 4 to 7 consecutive night package. This special offer can be used during your block R&R leave or up to one year after the end of your tour. Your DA Form 31 and mobilization orders will be required at time of check in. Contact the Reservations Department for questions on eligibility. To book this offer, call the Shades of Green Reservations Department at (888) 593-2242. Eligible personnel must mention that they are part of the US OEF/OIF on R&R or Block Leave program. The Reservations Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-5:00 pm Eastern time and is closed on all Federal Holidays.

Veterans

Shades of Green offers a “Salute to Our Veterans” Program, which is designed to give ALL military veterans who served less than 20 years and received an honorable discharge (verified by current DD-214), the opportunity to vacation at Shades of Green during the months of January and September only. (If you are a 100% disabled veteran, see above.) The veterans rate is similar to the rate they charge retired military. Find out more at www.shadesofgreenvets.org. Thanks to Megan F for info.

SOG Overflow Rates

If the Shades of Green rooms are full, you can book excellent "overflow" rates at selected Disney resorts. "Overflow" rates are standardized and not tied to rank. Discounts can be up to 40% off rack rates. For more info on SOG "overflow" rates call SOG at (888) 593-2242.

Airline Employee Resort Hotel Discounts

Airline employees (with appropriate ID) qualify for discounts at Disney resorts of up to 50% off rack rates! These seem to be offered only at certain times, but if you are an airline employee, it's certainly worth asking.

You will have to fax a letter proving employment in order to qualify for the rate. It's not unheard-of for the faxes to get mislaid or never go through, so it's wise to take the letter with you in case you need to show it at check-in.

Historical Information on Discounts for Walt Disney World Resorts

To assist you in planning future trips for which rates or discounts have not yet been released, check out the list of past release dates for "rack" (full price) room rates, as well as a chart of release dates for the deepest discounts (including discount codes, Annual Passholder rates and Florida resident rates).

Room Upgrades

Free upgrades are rare at the Disney resorts. They do happen occasionally, however, if higher-category rooms are available. This is entirely at the whim of the person checking you in. If you are traveling during an off-peak time of year, when there is more likelihood of rooms being open, you can always ask the Cast Member at the front desk if there is any chance of a free upgrade. Of course it helps to be friendly, polite and enthusiastic -- and don't forget to mention any special occasions you will be celebrating during your stay, such as a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary.

If you're willing to pay a little extra at the time you check into the hotel, it may be worthwhile to ask how much it would cost to upgrade. For instance:

• MouseSavers.com reader Valeire O. reports that she asked how much it would cost to upgrade to concierge level. She was offered a rate that was $50 a night more than the extremely discounted rate she was already paying. If she had booked a concierge level room at that hotel in advance, even with a discount, it would have cost at least $150 more per night.

• I once asked about a paid upgrade to concierge level. There were no concierge rooms available, but the front desk very kindly upgraded me from a standard room to a view room without charge!

• For a stay in May 2006, I wanted to book a concierge level room at the Polynesian with an Annual Pass rate, but none were available. I kept trying for months, but could not get a concierge room at the discounted rate. So I booked the next price level down (Magic Kingdom View), which was available with the discount. At check-in I asked if there was any chance I could pay for an upgrade to concierge. The answer was yes -- and they even had a Water View Concierge room with a view of the Castle available. I retained my discounted rate and only paid the standard price difference between the two room types.

There are no guarantees you'll be offered a free or discounted upgrade. If a specific view or room type is very important to you, book it in advance.

Concierge Level - Is It Worth the Money?

In my opinion, there is really no way to justify concierge level in terms of "getting your money's worth."

By staying on concierge level, you have access to a lounge that serves continental breakfast, followed by light snacks more or less all day. During the day it's usually something like goldfish crackers, potato chips and cookies, plus cold drinks; in the evening they have hot appetizers and wine for a couple of hours; in the later evening there are mini-desserts and liqueurs.

This is all very nice, but other than breakfast, it's not intended to replace meals. (And many people will want to eat a hot breakfast or two somewhere along the line, which is not provided in the lounge.)

The concierge rooms are not a big upgrade on rooms elsewhere at the hotel. They aren't bigger or better decorated, nor do they necessarily have the best views. Sometimes they have a "premium" location (most centrally located, highest floor, etc.) -- but don't count on this.

Concierge guests have access to staff in the lounge who can make dining reservations, etc. Regular guests can have the "Lobby Concierge" do the same thing. You might have to wait in a short line in the lobby; if you are a concierge guest there's usually no line in the lounge.

We went to Walt Disney World in May 2006 (Regular season) and stayed at the Polynesian. We wanted a great view and we wanted to "live it up" a bit. We could have gotten a guaranteed Magic Kingdom View, which is regularly priced at $495 per night (plus tax). Instead we upgraded to Concierge Lagoon View, which has a view of the Castle. This room type is regularly priced at $625 per night (plus tax).

We had an Annual Pass discount on our base room rate, but we still paid the extra $130 per night (plus tax) extra to stay on concierge level. Here's what we found out:

• Our room was not bigger or better decorated than rooms elsewhere in the resort.

• Our view was not nicer than a Magic Kingdom View room. It may have been slightly more centered on the Castle, but the Castle was blocked by a palm tree.

• Our room was centrally located, but not necessarily more convenient to the Great Ceremonial House (lobby) than if we had been assigned one of the buildings with Magic Kingdom views (Tahiti, Tuvalu or Aotearoa).

• We had access to continental breakfast and snacks in the lounge. We prefer hot breakfasts, so we ate continental breakfast only once. On average we took advantage of the lounge about once per day, for a light snack.

• We had access to the concierge staff, who would have made reservations for us. Since we had made our reservations before arrival, we never used this service.

We felt the concierge room was not worth $130 a night more. It occurred to us that a family of four that was purchasing a vacation package could add the Dining Plan for around $100 per night, and that would give them a table service meal, a counter service meal and a snack per person per day. That would be a MUCH better value for less money!

If you want to be pampered and feel like you're "special" (and money is no object) concierge level is very pleasant. However, at this point I have stayed on concierge level at many of the Disney hotels, and I have to say, it doesn't "wow" me. I don't feel the slightly better room location, slightly better services and minimal food and drink provided are usually worth the substantial extra cost.

Disney Vacation Club Membership

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a timeshare program operated by Disney at Walt Disney World. Click here to learn more.

Renting Disney Vacation Club Points

Renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points is a little-known way to stay in a deluxe-level Disney resort for much less. Click here to learn more.

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