Beating Disney World Hotels, the Secret Savvy Travelers Know

The Contemporary Resort has the Monorail going right through the lobby. The Grand Floridian is posh and stylish. The Wilderness Lodge is rustic and outdoors like. If you like the South Seas the Polynesian has the best of Hawaii and Polynesia. For that feeling of being in Africa, the Animal Kingdom Lodge can't be beat.

Each of these resorts is a multi-million dollar themed experience that can't be beat. The trouble with most of these resorts is that they cost a fortune to stay at, if you can even get a room. Prices can range from $250 to $600 a night for a standard room. Granted these are the best resorts Disney has. One of the problems with these resorts, or any hotel for that matter, is the lack of space you find in your room. It's a hotel after all. Typical hotel rooms have no more than 500 to 800 sq ft. and two beds. If you have more than 3 children it becomes a challenge. You either must book another room or an expensive suite.

Here's the little secret. Private owners have second vacation homes close by Disney World only a short distance from the entrance. These homes are just like a normal home and have bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and everything a typical home would have. You can rent these home just like you rent a hotel room and, they are a lot cheaper than the Disney World resort hotels. Homes generally rent from $100 to $300 a night and many have a private pool.

Still want to stay at a favorite Disney Resort? Here's a trick. Book just 1 or 2 days at your favorite resort and experience the resort to its fullest. Book a vacation home for the rest of your vacation and save money. I'm willing to bet that you'll love the Disney Resort, but feel more at home in the vacation home.

If you have a group larger than four people, you'll really enjoy the space a vacation home gives you. Usually you'll have 3 or 4 bedrooms. Children can play outside near the pool or watch TV in the living room. You can cook your own food and not only eat healthier, but also save money on meals.

The biggest disadvantage that vacation homes have is something that Disney has a monopoly on. That is the luxury of having the monorail come right to your hotel. With a vacation home you must rent a car and drive a bit, but the savings and the extra space are worth it.

Next time you go to Walt Disney World try a vacation home. I think you'll enjoy the experience.

Scott Ames owns a vacation home near Walt Disney World and has been going to Disney Theme parks since 1971. His vacation home is for rent by the week and more information can be found at: http://www.orlandogatherings.com