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Cathy Asks:
I have meal vouchers to eat at resort restaurants. Since I'm staying off Disney property, will I be able
to park for free at the resort's lot?
Pam Responds:
Don't worry, self-parking in the Disney Resort's parking lots on Disney property is free for everyone.
Many resort now limit the amount of time guest visiting the resort can park in the resort lots. They
will issue you a temporary parking pass, and may direct you to a certain area of the lot in which to
park.
Be aware that this parking is restricted to guest visiting or dining at the resorts it is not a place to
park while you are visiting a park If you don't have a WDW Resort Guest key card, be
prepared to show ID. They also sometimes ask for ID from on-site guests.Enjoy your meals-there are some great
restaurants at Disney's Resorts.
Kev Asks:
Does Walt Disney World do discounts for college students... either during spring break of anytime of
the year... I have friends who have never been... and would really like to arrange a trip... but I would
also like to give them the full Disney experience... but stay on one of their resorts... like the All Star
Hotel or something... do you have any suggestions?
Pam Responds:
While there aren't discounts specifically for college students, there seem to be plenty of discounts
available. The discounts can be up to 40% depending on the resort you are interested in. Discounts at the
All Star Resorts can make them very affordable. Even though the All Star Resorts are in value resort
category, and the most affordable resorts on Disney property, they offer all the same on-site benefits as
other Disney properties. That means you have access to Disney transportation from your resort and you may
participate in the early entry program. In addition the All Stars have that Disney theming and guest
services that Disney is famous for. With the discounts, a stay at the All Stars is usually as
affordable as most off site hotels, so I would highly recommend you take advantage of those discounts and
stay on-site.
The discounts are usually released a few months at a time. For instance discounts through July have just
been released. To stay on top of the discounts I suggest watching the MFL list because the codes are
announced here soon after they are released. As another way to cut costs-consider purchasing your
passes ahead a time as there is a slight advanced purchase price discount.
The MFL list is full of suggestions on ways to cut costs on the other aspects of your Disney vacation so
ask the list for some great suggestion on saving money on food, transportation and other costs.
Have a great vacation
Samantha Asks:
My oldest son knows that we're taking a family cruise (our first ever!) for his Graduation Present. He's
due to graduate High School in May of 2006. Realistically speaking, when should I start planning
this trip? How soon is "too soon" to go ahead and book the trip? What time of the year is most
recommended for first-time cruisers? Thanks in advance!
Pam Responds:
Right now you can only book a Disney cruise through December 0f 2004. You can plan on
making your reservations approximately 18 months ahead of your travel dates.
When booking a cruise I suggest you book early-Disney has been offering most of their cruise Discounts as
Early Booking Savings. The earlier you book, the more like you are to be able to get one of those discounts.
For first time cruisers you may want to consider a time of year that sees a lot of discounts-for instance
January (after those holiday cruises) or the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are also
good discounts in the fall, but you run the risk of experiencing some poor weather.
One other thing I want to mention-when booking a cruise, I recommend purchasing the trip
insurance-there are so many instances when it may come in hand. Disney has a good policy for a good price
that covers not only cancellations, but also other emergency situations that may occur.
A cruise is a wonderful graduation trip, and a great way to spend some time together as a family.
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