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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 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 very comfy pillow-top mattresses.

Appointments include a large flatscreen TV in each room, a minibar, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, electronic safe (large enough for a laptop computer), coffeemaker & Neutrogena bath products. There is voicemail and a dataport on the phones.

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

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 exercise facility with extensive cardiovascular equipment as well as free weights (a rarity in hotels these days) 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, Cape Cod style restaurant, serves breakfast and lunch and offers a character breakfast every Sunday. Adjacent is the 24-hour Main Street 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 an English pub, a sports bar, a pool bar and Benihana Japanese steakhouse. Room service is available and keeps extended hours.

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 will begin charging $8 per night for self-parking on 10/1/08 (it is FREE prior to that). There is also the option of valet parking (currently $15/day). 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.

MouseSavers.com readers get the best available rate for Hilton at Walt Disney World... plus kids eat FREE! You will receive the best available refundable/changeable rate at the time of booking on the room type you choose. Plus, at check in, you will receive a coupon for the kids' meal discount. One child 12 and under eats breakfast, lunch or dinner free from the kids' menu in selected hotel restaurants when accompanied by an adult dining from the regular menu. Coupons are valid for the entire length of your stay. Kids Eat Free offer not valid for Sunday Character Breakfasts; other restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Offer cannot be booked by phone; available only through the Hilton web site with the special code provided. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Rate may not qualify for Hilton HHonors points or miles. Room rate is refundable/changeable up until the deadline specified on the Hilton web site. No-shows and changes after the cancellation deadline are subject to a penalty of one night's room rate plus tax. To reserve the lowest rates with Kids Eat FREE, just click here, choose your dates and enter MOU in the space for Group/Convention Code.

Occasionally you may find a slightly lower rate on Hilton.com: it's called the "Net Direct Rate" and it requires 21 day advance purchase, FULL prepayment and it's totally NON-CHANGEABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE. (By contrast, the MouseSavers rates require only a deposit of one night's room rate plus tax and can be changed or cancelled without penalty, usually up until 5 days prior to check-in.) If you're willing to pay in advance and take your chances, look for the Net Direct Rate on Hilton.com. It cannot be combined with the MouseSavers benefits.

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