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Mom and Daughter at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Room
  • On Mar 12, 2012
    Melissa from NJ Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Can only people staying at Disney resorts and/or have a dining plan make reservations or are reservations available to everybody? Also, what are the disadvantages of staying at a downtown disney resort hotel vs a Disney resort hotel?

    Hi Melissa!

    Anyone can make a Walt Disney World Dining reservation!  I am only an hour away and sometimes we drive up JUST to eat at one of fantastic restaurants.  You do not need a resort confirmation number to make a dining reservation, but you may need to put down a credit card depending on the restaurant of your choosing.  You won't be charged (unless it is Cinderella's Royal Table).  There is a one day cancellation policy, so you must cancel before 24 hours or you will be charged $10/person.

    I love the Downtown Disney hotels!  The Doubletree Guest Suites is my favorite.  All rooms are suites AND you get warm cookies when you check-in.  The advantage of staying in a Walt Disney World Resort being able to get on the Disney Dining Plan, Extra Magic Hours which allows you entrance to the parks either an hour early or a few hours extra at night (check the schedule to see which parks are participating on different days), Disney transportation and of course the Disney service.  You still get transportation to parks while staying at a Downtown Disney hotel, but the buses are shared with every single one of the hotels in Downtown Disney, so they fill up fast and it's a lot of stops along the way.

    One note is that the Hilton in Downtown Disney is the only hotel that participates in the Extra Magic Hours like a Disney Resort.

    Have a magical day!

    Leslie
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Meet the Panelist: Leslie, Florida

I am a stay-at-home mom and wife from Florida who loves to take advantage of every bit of what Walt Disney World has to offer.  From our wedding to birthdays, my family loves to celebrate any occasion at Disney World.  Learn More About Leslie

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