Episode 587 - Epcot Resort Recommendations

Authored by: AquaViola on Monday, July 06 2009 @ 09:27 AM CDT

I think every listener, including myself, would equally like to extend our sympathies to Len, during this difficult time.

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Authored by: Kfischler on Wednesday, July 08 2009 @ 12:16 PM CDT

I would also like to extend my condolences and say that I am looking forward to Len's return. -- Ken in Richlands, NC

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Authored by: jaywdwdreaminnva on Saturday, July 11 2009 @ 09:25 PM CDT

As a long time listener to the show, I was disappointed that I let myself get so far behind in listening that I just heard this show today. I was greatly saddened to hear that Len had lost his father. Len, please allow me to join in with the other posters in expressing my sympathy to you, Dawn, Hannah, Christina, Linda and the rest of your family. Please remind everyone in your family that they have a HUGE group of people to lean on if necessary, and if there is anything that the Disney community can do for you, please let us know. All of you are in my family's thoughts and prayers.

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People often ask if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is you do it by working. - Walt Disney

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Authored by: Rayman on Sunday, July 12 2009 @ 05:31 PM CDT

Matt briefly mentioned it on this show but I'm sure it's been mentioned before...Port Orleans is not an Epcot resort. It is classified as a Downtown Disney Resort...along with Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.

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Authored by: djdavies on Monday, July 13 2009 @ 08:43 PM CDT

This was not mentioned on the show, but I think it's important. Not only do you have to pay a per-day fee for parking at the Swan and Dolphin (which is ridiculous in a non-urban area where parking spots are abundant), but you are charged a mandatory $10 "Resort Services Package" fee, as well. Non-optional fees like this are aimed at tricking consumers, and I very much dislike them. However, the Swan/Dolphin resort fee gives you Internet access (among other things), an amenity for which one must pay $9.95 per day extra at a Disney resort. Thus it could be perceived as good value if you would otherwise plan to pay for Internet access.

Also, it was mentioned that one cannot get the Disney Dining Plan while staying at the Swan or Dolphin. That's true, and it is also worth noting that Magical Express is not available to Swan and Dolphin guests. That means that you'll need to find some other way to get from the airport to these resorts (like renting a car and paying the Swan/Dophin parking fee!). Furthermore, Swan/Dolphin guests cannot charge theme park purchases to their rooms.

Finally, some hot deals on the Swan/Dolphin are sometimes available. I have heard of prices as low as $99 or $119 per night (without fees), well below the prices that Michelle mentioned. The current teacher rate is $129 per night. In addition, you can get a free room on your birthday (with a 3-night stay) and some other stuff during 2009. (See the Swan-Dolphin web page.)

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