Hilton in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort is one of seven Downtown Disney-area hotels that are located on Disney property, but not owned or operated by Disney. The Hilton, which is right across the street from Downtown Disney, has the only access to the Extra Magic Hours offered by any of the Downtown Disney hotels. This opportunity to enter a specific theme park early each day ahead of the general public, or to stay in a certain theme park for up to 3 hours after the public, is a fantastic benefit.

In addition, this hotel offers recently renovated rooms, great Hilton beds and extensive dining and shopping options you won't find elsewhere. While it is a very large hotel that does a lot of convention business, the convention areas of the hotel are in a separate wing, meaning the contact between vacationers and convention-goers is minimized.

The standard rooms feature a contemporary, understated décor. They have two double beds or a king bed, an overstuffed chair and a desk, and sleep four people maximum. The hotel has upgraded all of the beds to the Hilton Serenity Bed™ featuring very comfy pillow-top mattresses, Pacific Coast Touch of Down® pillows and European-style 250 thread count linens.

If you have allergies, you may be interested in booking one of the Hilton's new PURE rooms, which are specially treated to eliminate most irritants such as mold, pollen, and yeast. (Click here to read more about the process.) There is a slight extra charge for the PURE rooms, which are located on one wing of one floor.

In-room appointments include a 37" flatscreen TV in each room; minibar; hairdryer; iron/ironing board; electronic safe (large enough for a laptop computer); Lavazza® coffee from Italy and Cuisinart® dual cup, single-brew coffeemaker; and La Source bath products. There is voicemail and a dataport on the phones.

All guest rooms offer wired high-speed Internet access at $9.95 per 24 hours. Wireless high-speed Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available in some public areas (bars/lounges/pool area) of the hotel, also at $9.95 per 24 hours.

The Hilton's lobby has an expansive, tropical, upscale feeling, with fish tanks behind the front desk. There are numerous shopping options in the lobby -- among the many attractive gift shops is one that sells Disney tickets.

There are two large pools plus a children's splash pool with fountain, and a two-level whirlpool spa located in a private grotto off the pool area. A large game room/arcade is just off the pool area. There is also an exceptionally spacious 24-hour Hilton Fitness by PRECOR® Center exercise facility with extensive cardiovascular equipment as well as free weights plus men's and women's locker rooms that include showers. There's a salon located in the lobby.

The Hilton includes seven different food and beverage outlets. Covington Mill, a casual restaurant, serves breakfast and lunch and offers a character breakfast every Sunday. Adjacent is the 24-hour Mainstreet Market that has basic staples as well as gourmet food items, ice cream, Krispy Kreme donuts and Starbuck's coffee.

There is an upscale restaurant called Andiamo Italian Bistro and Grille. Other options include a sports bar, a pool bar and Benihana Japanese steakhouse. Room service is available and keeps extended hours.

By the way, speaking of dining, I have seen discounted certificates for Andiamo offered through Restaurant.com at times.

The Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort participates in the Downtown Disney private bus system to the theme parks. The Downtown Disney buses run all day (from before park opening until after park closing) about every half-hour, and are much better than the transportation offered by most non-Disney resorts around Walt Disney World. (In fact, the buses are more comfortable than Disney's own buses!) However, be aware that the drop-off point is slightly further from the theme park gates than the Disney resort bus drop-off, so there's a little extra walking.

If you choose to drive your own car, the hotel charges $10 per night (plus tax) for self-parking. There is also the option of valet parking for $16/day plus tax. There is an Avis rental car desk in the lobby. You can easily walk to Downtown Disney, which is across the street.

If you are considering a stay in the Downtown Disney area, the Hilton is definitely worthy of serious consideration. It offers a lot of services and amenities that you won't find elsewhere, at reasonable prices. I have stayed at the Hilton several times.

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