Orlando & Disney World Hotels

This was the first time flying Aer Lingus internationally, so I was keen to be able to compare with some of other well known carriers. Well I have to say I was really impressed, I lucked out securing an emergency exit seat on the way out and the leg room was HUGE! Lunch was ample and offered a good choice and the wi-fi worked really well for me to clear up some last minute work emails. On the return I was treated to an Business Class upgrade, and wow, if you have the funds, I’d definitely recommend. The configuration meant that some of the window seats were single person ones given them a double work space, I was in the middle on the right hand side and got a little extra space too and it looked like a wider seat width. Complimentary amenities in a handy little bag had everything you needed for an overnight flight and the lie flat bed was one of the longest I’d been on with ample room with your feet. The service was some of the friendliest and best I’ve had, the attendants were so attentive, drinks placed as you literally finished the last one, the food was super nice too with smoked salmon and a decadent chocolate tart. The choice of entertainment was broad and as this was a US flight you could watch some of the latest blockbusters – I managed to cram in 5 movies across both legs! I’ve you been to the US before either via ESTA, visa or indeed like I did have a US passport – I’d highly recommend downloading the MPC (“mobile passport control”) app which is valid at most major US airports and some cruise ports. You can pre-populate some fields prior to travel and then once you landed submit the 6 declaration questions and capture a photo of each traveller. You are able to add up to 12 travellers on one submission. Once processed, you receive a receipt and then can head to the signposted CBP processing lanes. To give you some idea, I only had one person in front of me and got through security in less than 5 minutes, whereas those without took over 45 minutes. One thing to note is that the MPC receipts are time sensitive so only submit once you get your luggage as you have a think 4 minutes to then get through border control. I was staying at the new renovated and absolutely stunning Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Harkening back to the Victorian Era and with rooms inspired by Mary Poppins, this Deluxe Resort is the top hotel at Disney World. The rooms are splits into low level blocks with beautiful scent pumped in and the squishiest carpets ever. The rooms are huge, my room enjoyed two queen beds plus a double sofa bed, a lovely furnished terrace and immaculate bathroom with rain shower. One thing I loved was the amount of plug sockets including USB ports, the quirky touches like bird shaped light bulbs and a proper powerful hairdryer, plus every TV Channel known to man, from all the Disney Resort and Disney+ shows to ESPN, ABC etc. One of the resort’s main bonuses is that the monorail to the parks goes straight into the hotel on the 2nd floor, there are boat transfers to Magic Kingdom and you can even stroll back in 10 minutes from the park along the lake. For dining, we ate dinner at the Grand Floridian Café (table service restaurant), with an extensive choice and giant portions and then grabbed breakfast and snacks the next day Gasparilla Island Grill – that’s also where the free drinks refill stations are located. If you really wanted to push the boat out try Victoria & Albert’s fine dining restaurant with its tasting menu and wine pairings or for romance, enjoy a cocktail in the Enchanted Rose bar, inspired by Beauty & The Beast. For days when you want a break from the parks, enjoy one of their two pools, the beach or get active in the fitness centre, basketball courts or arcade games room. Whilst on site, we wanted to see how other Disney resort hotels compared to each other and enjoyed a tour of a wide range of Deluxe, Moderate and Value Hotels. For Deluxe, we visited in addition to the Grand Floridian & Spa, the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort and the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. For Moderate we toured the extensive Caribbean Beach Resort and then for the Value hotels, visited both the Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts. Given the size of Disney World (47square miles), there are actually 25 resort hotels you can select from and on park perks include 30 minutes early park access and for Deluxe Hotels/Villas extended evening hours in select parks on select nights, plus of course you can take advantage of the Disney dining plans (currently FREE with bookings for 2025* t&c’s apply), complimentary Disney transportation to the parks varying from the Skyliner, monorail, boats and buses plus free on-site parking if you’re hiring a rental car and lots more…. If you’re staying on park in a Disney Resort hotel you have the ability to book a dining plan (Currently FREE with bookings for 2025*t&c’s apply). These are a fantastic way to budget for meals upfront so you don’t need to worry about feeding the family while away as your meals and snacks are already pre-paid. There are a mind blowing over 170 locations across the resort hotels, Disney Springs and the theme parks and you’re able to pre-select whether you prefer “table service” or are more a “quick service” type of family and you can make reservations up to 60 days in advance and over 21’s can even enjoy an alcoholic drink with their meal. They basically work the same way, your meals & snacks are pre-loaded on your Disney card or Magic Band (if you have one) and then every time you make a purchase you just touch card/band and you get a receipt showing your latest balance. With a plan you also get the resort refillable mug! I think what surprised me the most was the quality and variety of the food, we ate across multiple different locations so we got a great sense of the choice – want to grab a giant turkey leg no problem, prefer to enjoy huge plates of pasta or juicy burgers we got you, need a dole break (legendary pineapple whip) we have those too or if you’re trying to stay healthy pick a humungous fresh salad or grilled salmon with green beans. Don't get me started on the fun food - I never ate so many Mickey Mouse shaped foods in my life – ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, waffles for starters! If you want a unique experience why not book an action packed Character Breakfast and meet your favourite friends or enjoy high end Signature Dining, some of which can rival Michel Starred restaurants.