BoomerFL

My wife and I live in Orlando and visit often (we are passholders). I studying the park design (I am a self admitted Disney nerd) I found that the view from the Wedding Chapel new to the Grand Floridian. It was designed to be this way for wedding photos in the chapel with the castle in the background. My reccomendation is that since you will not be able to get in the chapel just get the to Grand Floridian and then walk the short beach line. It is a romantic walk and fun with the kids on the lake shore. Plan it "just right" and you will reach the chapel just in time for a great unobstructed view of the MK fireworks program and the various lighting effects done on the castle.

mkt

Studying park design... Rosen?

Rebelyell

Another Disney freak here.

The Polynesian has a zero-entry pool and a nice beach, although you may not swim from the beach. It is a laid back place although the pool is crowded.

The Contemporary is nice only because it is within walking distance.

If I were you I would stay at one of these hotels, preferably the Poly. Are you planning to stay Friday night as well? Because if you are mid-day naps are mandatory for the children and being close to the hotel is what makes the monorail location so important.

If you AREN'T planning on staying Friday night, Friday is going to be a tough day for the kids. But you might as well stay anywhere. If money matters at all I would suggest the Port Orleans French Quarter, which has a nice pool and slide, although its not zero entry.

Final advice. You MUST, no exception, be at the park entrance gate ticket in hand 20 minutes before the scheduled opening. You MUST go directly to Fantasyland at a near-run and get a FASTPASS to Winnie The Pooh, then ride Dumbo, then ride Peter Pan, then ride Mickey's Philharmagic, then ride the Carosel. When it is time to get on Winnie the Pooh, get a FASTPASS to ride it again or else to ride Peter Pan again. Use your Winnie The Pooh FASTPASS. Do not stop to have any character interactions during the first 90 minutes of park opening. You are now on your own.

Be aware that Snow White scares many children. Do not ride it first or your children may not want to get on the other rides.

Benjh

I'm thinking about going to either the starwood-owned swan or dolphin Dec. 18-21st. Any particular recommendations? Differences? How's there standard room? Any coupons out there? How's the pool/beach there, and will I be able to swimm in December weather?

Thanks!

toomanybooks

Swan and Dolphin are pretty similar, but there are differences, which have been discussed before in this forum and also the Starwood forum, and searches will yield everything you need to know.

December weather might be OK for swimming (pools are heated, or have been in the past), but it was too cold for me last time I went then. My son was fine with it, though.

Teachers get discounts at Swan/Dolphin (or used to). That's the only real deal I know of, but there must be others.

Benjh

Thanks, I searched within a few thread, but forgot (like a newbie) to search the whole forum. Will do! Any updated info is welcome too!