Hiya, Karen! Welcome back to planDisney. I'm so happy you made your way back to us.
Currently, the deposit that is required to book a
vacation package (
theme park tickets and
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel room reservation booked together) at the
Walt Disney World Resort more than 31 days in advance is $200 (subject to change). If he is booking a vacation package later than that, he would be required to pay the entire amount at the time of booking. If he is purchasing theme park tickets only, he would be required to pay the entire amount when making his purchase, and if he's only making a hotel room reservation, he is typically charged one night's stay (plus taxes and fees) when booking. You can view the
Ticket Store and
Vacation Package Terms and Conditions for more details and the most up-to-date information.
Now I'm wondering which Disney Resorts Collection Hotel he is thinking of booking for this vacation. I know that
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside has been recommended to you before, and it's a great one, especially the
Royal Guest Rooms. But if he's already stayed there, it may be time to branch out. I love to stay at a different hotel with each visit. They all have such unique theming and a different vibe. I highly recommend sampling as many as you can!
My favorite
Value Resort Hotel is
Disney's Art of Animation Resort with its amazing theming,
The Big Blue Pool, and quick and easy access to two theme parks (and some other resorts) through the
Disney Skyliner. The next
Moderate Resort Hotel I'm hoping to check out is the Gran Destino Tower at
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. The only thing I have to worry about with
that one is making sure I don't just camp out at
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago the entire time! And then, when it comes to
Deluxe Resort Hotels,
Disney's Beach Club Resort has really won my heart.
The location, the restaurants, the theming, the pools...it's heavenly. Plus, the decor is really up my alley. It's like I have my very own apartment "down the shore" (that's what we say in New Jersey!).
Karen, best wishes to your grandson on planning his magical vacation. If either of you have any other questions,
I'm happy to answer them!
See the line where the sky meets the sea, it calls me,
Matt