Disney guests thinking about spending part of their summer at Walt Disney World Resort, but who have not yet booked a family vacation, can take advantage of the Walt Disney World (WDW) discounts being offered for some of Disney’s official on-property hotel rooms. Savings of up to 30% off are available for select dates between April and August 2011.
By focusing its summer discounts on Disney Deluxe Resorts, WDW appeals to guests for whom the resort experience is as much a part of their Disney vacation as the time spent at the theme parks.
2011 Summer Discounts on Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Hotel Rooms
Guests who book using this summer discount offer will save 25 % - 30% off regular rack rates for select Disney hotels. Only WDW’s Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotels are included in this offer. Disney Value and Moderate Resort hotels are not eligible.
Savings on hotel rooms vary with the specific Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort:
- 25% off hotel rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
- 30% off hotel rooms at Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts.
The two discount tiers reflect the different price points within the Deluxe Resorts, with Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Resort offering, overall, less expensive rooms than other Disney Deluxe or the Deluxe Villa Resort properties.
The 2011 Disney summer savings is valid for dates of stay between April 22, 2011 and Aug. 13, 2011.
Restrictions on Walt Disney World’s 2011 Summer Discount Offer
Disney guests who wish to take advantage of the 2011 summer saving should be aware that WDW is offering two different booking periods for these discounts, dependent on travel datesl. Booking deadlines are as follows:
- Guests wishing to stay at one of the participating resorts between April 22 and May 28, 2011 must book their rooms by April 30, 2011.
- Guests traveling to WDW for hotel stays between May 29 and Aug. 13, 2011 must book their hotel rooms by May 28, 2011.
A limited number of Disney hotel rooms are available for these WDW discounts, particularly as summer is one of WDW’s peak vacation season. These rates may not be available for all dates and resorts. A minimum length of stay for Friday and Saturday night arrivals may also be required.
As with other Disney discounts, this summer 2011 hotel room discount may not be combined with other offers, such as group discounts or additional promotions. Guests who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces may wish to compare the general public discount with 2010 – 2011 Military Discounts for Walt Disney World Resorts.
Disney Resort Hotels During Summer Vacation and Peak Season
For guests considering a summer Disney vacation, be aware that travel to WDW at this time of year is one of the most expensive as it is a busy travel period for families. As Disney’s peak season, all published rack rates for hotel rooms are at their highest.
The Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts are the most expensive and luxurious lodgings Rates are higher during summer’s peak season and vary based on the resort, date of stay, and size of room. According to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2011, rates for these levels of Disney hotels start $240 per night, off-season, for a standard hotel room before tax. Prices at a three-bedroom Disney Deluxe Villa Resort room can cost over $2000 per night during peak season (Sehlinger and Testa 110).
It is also worth noting the distinction between Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. Disney Deluxe Resorts offer more traditional hotel room accommodations, while the latter offers studio, one- and two-bedroom spaces that provide guests with more space. Rooms at the Villas also offer full kitchens, washers and dryers; guests seeking a home-away-from-home experience or who want save some money by preparing food in their rooms or by doing laundry might consider these options.
Take Discount on Disney Deluxe Resorts or Stay at Other Disney Area Hotels?
The 2011 summer discount to book a Disney Deluxe Resort room is a fairly good deal for peak season travel – for guests who enjoy the amenities of a Deluxe Resort or for whom upscale resort accommodations are an essential part of a Disney vacation.
As befitting their name, Disney Deluxe accommodations offer more or higher-quality amenities than those at Value and Moderate Resorts. Public areas, dining, and recreation opportunities are more extensive. For instance, Deluxe Resorts have more full-service restaurants and larger pool areas, and offer on-site child care (for a fee) and fitness centers. In addition to offering more space, Deluxe rooms provide upgraded amenities, among them better beds, linen and, towels, toiletries, and full room service.
Guests who enjoy Disney theming and on-property perks, but for whom time spent at a Disney hotel is less important than theme-park touring, might consider staying at a Disney Value or Moderate Resort. All Disney Resort guests enjoy access to Disney transportation, Extra Magic Hours, Disney's Magical Express, and other perks. Disney Value and Moderate accommodations, depending on dates of stay and other factors, can cost less money per night then the Deluxe Resorts even with the summer discount applied.
Guests primarily interested in proximity to the theme parks but not Disney Resort theming might consider staying at on-property hotels or resorts not operated by Disney: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Downtown Disney hotels and Shades of Green military resort. Rack rates are competitive with Disney properties, and publish their own discount promotions. In addition, these accommodations are comparable in quality to similarly priced Disney Resorts and offer their own WDW perks.
How to Book Walt Disney World Discounts for Hotel Rooms
There are two ways to book a WDW hotel room and apply the 2011 summer discount offer, if available. Guests may book online at Walt Disney World Reservations, after checking the availability of special offers for their dates of travel.
Alternately guests may call Walt Disney World at call (407) 939-7837. When asking about booking the hotel room via phone, be sure to refer to summer 2011 discount code M2X.
Sources
- “Disney World Special Offers.” Walt Disney World Resort. 1 April 2011.
- Sehlinger, Bob, and Len Testa. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2011. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2011.
Debra Peterson - A freelance writer and scholar, Debra Peterson specializes in Disney Studies, with particular interests in Walt Disney World and ...
