yhari, thanks for the additional info. The Sheraton Safari should be fine for you and I think it would be the best Sheraton location for what you are doing. It's just outside the entrance to the Disney Marketplace area which makes it very convenient to Disney's West End and Pleasure Island. Plenty of restaurants, fast food, and Goodings grocery store within walking distance. It's in a very "busy" area.

The Sheraton Safari is not a luxury hotel, but it is very nice and has a nice theme pool and such. The Marriott World hotel is a nicer property overall, IMHO, but it is a bit further away and is a HUGE property, with a great fantasy pool area. It's more a "convention" hotel, so there would be a possibility of there being fewer kids there vs. the Sheraton, if that makes any difference to you. Just depends on the guest mix when you are there.

Another option would be the Walt Disney World Dolphin, which is a Sheraton, or the Walt Disney World Swan, which is a Westin, and both are located right on Disney property next to Epcot, but the rates there for New Year's are probably out-of-sight. But you might check it out.

FYI, if you did not already know this: Pleasure Island on New Year's is a special "Hard Ticket Event." That means your normal Pleasure Island or Multi-Day Park Hopper ticket would not be valid there that night. It's a special party that includes drinks, food, name bands, special fireworks etc. and tickets are usually well over $100 per person. It's really fun and they historically sell-out well in advance so be sure to order tickets as soon as they go on sale via (407) W-DISNEY. Epcot would be a good alternate if you like fireworks and your regular admission would get you in. They bring out the "World War Three" barge (used only on July 4th and New Year's Eve) on the lake and also add launch stations behind each Epcot pavilion, making for quite a show that completely surrounds you. During the grand finale you will be ducking for cover!

If you do decide to do Epcot instead of Pleasure Island, remember that many of the parks reach capacity by mid-day on New Years Eve day, so be sure to hit at least one of them early and get your hand stamped so you will be readmitted and not left standing out in the cold.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to post or email them to me and I will be glad to help.


[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 09-13-2000).]