Things You'll Need:
- Small bills for tipping
- Well-packed luggage
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Step 1
Plan to Save Money
One of our favorite resorts is the Contemporary. Tower rooms with Kingdom views are spectacular, but so are the weekend prices. Splitting your trip between a value and deluxe resort can save you thousands of dollars, while still giving you a taste of Walt Disney World luxury.
Check sites like Mousesavers and TourGuideMike (subscription) for the best savings available.
Also make sure you have a print out of all of your reservations. When we checked in to our Wilderness Cabin, there was a mistake with the computer. We were forced to pay in cash and had our credit card reimbursed later. -
Step 2
Pack for Easy Moving
Before our trip, we check out weather reports for Orlando, and select an outfit for each day we are there. Each outfit is folded and placed in a quart-sized freezer bag with the person's name, day, and hotel written on the outside.
Not only does this maximize packing space, but it keeps things organized for easy packing and unpacking.
When you get to your hotel, unpack all of the clothes for that stay, get them ironed and ready to go. When you get back at night, pack outfits into their baggies and move them to the bottom of your suitcase. On the day you check out, you'll just have one outfit and your essentials to pack before you're ready to go. -
Step 3
Prepare for the Bellhops
The Grand Floridian is my personal fave, but it isn't the only Disney resort with bellhops. (They just have the best uniforms!)
On the morning you check-out, call the front desk to have them pick up your bags and ask them to move them to your next hotel. You can also move them yourself, but it takes away from precious minutes you could be spending in "the World."
Bellhops generally receive $2 per bag, both when picking up and dropping off. For our family, the money is more than worth it, but if you're caught without small bills, you might wind up spending more than you intended. -
Step 4
Politely Request Early Check-ins
We have our bags picked up early and go directly to the parks, take a lunch break and head to our next hotel. Don't worry if it's not 3:00. If you ask nicely at the desk, they will usually allow for early check-ins, but if not? Resort grounds are packed with places you can sit back and relax.
