Grab a $57 Disney Deal - While It Lasts
It's not often I can tell you about a deal this good at Disney World. The new Holiday Inn Hotel in the Walt Disney World® Resort, next to the Downtown Disney Marketplace, is offering a $57-a-night deal for the first lucky families to book it. The special rate is good from the hotel's opening date of November 15 to December 21, with no minimum stay required.
Once the special rates are gone, even the regular rates of $110 are a deal considering the freebies: parking, wireless internet and kids' meals (with Kids Eat Free™) are all included. For families, there is a refrigerator in each room, rooms with two queen-sized beds (not doubles) or a king with a pull-out sofa, an arcade and a brand-new zero-entry swimming pool.
The resort is walking distance to Downtown Disney, which has free admission and plenty to see and do, including a 24-screen movie theater, a hot-air balloon attraction which gives a panoramic view, an interactive fountain and tons of family-friendly restaurants. A free shuttle from the hotel connects you with the rest of Disney's theme parks.
Examiner.com's Jeff Titelius reports that the hotel originally "opened as a Howard Johnson's in 1972 and was one of the four original hotels comprising Hotel Plaza at Lake Buena Vista...Through the ages, Howard Johnson's later became a Courtyard By Marriott and it was during that time when the hotel suffered significant damage from the hurricanes in 2004 resulting in shuttering the hotel. It's been closed ever since."
Well, no more. I spoke to Doug Smith, director of sales and marketing at the only Holiday Inn within the Walt Disney World property, who told me, "It's more than a renovation. Everything's been stripped to the bone, to the concrete. Power, electrical, everything is brand new. It's basically a new hotel, with a totally different look. This hotel will symbolize Holiday Inn's new brand look."
Why $57? Holiday Inn is celebrating 57 years, and it seemed like a fitting tribute by the newest addition to the chain. Book online at Holiday Inn Downtown Disney Resort Area or call (800) 467-1538.
Image courtesy IHG
When I booked my room for December, the confirmation shows $8.00 per day parking fee. If this is correct, maybe you need to update your review.
Thanks,
Wendy,
Yes, the Holiday Inn reservations system was charging an $8 parking fee and $20 per night for any adult above one in the room (so a family of four would incur a charge). I called the central reservations number and they confirmed the charge.
When I spoke to Doug Smith Thursday morning and made him aware of the extra charges, he told me it was an error. He and his team had it fixed within the hour. I was really impressed by how quickly they handled the glitch.
Since you booked before the glitch was fixed, I suggest calling either the central reservations number or contact the hotel directly to have them wave any parking fee you’ve prepaid.
Have fun and enjoy your trip!
Charlyn
I have heard in the past that there were opening days scheduled for this hotel and they were never met. Is this definatley going to open on November 15, 2009?
The system is still showing parking and additional persons in the room fees.
J.B., as far as I know they are on track for a November 15th opening. If they don’t make it, you and I will be in the same boat finding alternative accommodations!
Hal, I see the parking fee has been added back in (but not the extra person fee). I’m in touch with the hotel to see if the free parking policy has changed. Stay tuned!
I checked again today and it looks like the $8 parking fee has been removed again, so you should be good to go.