With the arrival of the holiday season, you still have time to make preparations for a dream Disney World vacation for your entire family – while enjoying significant savings in the process. The secret to successful last-minute bookings in Orlando is to seek out and take advantage of the best online hotel deals and discount vacation packages. Numerous holiday savings opportunities are available throughout Orlando for bargain hunters who know what to look for. Even though the holiday season in Orlando is extremely busy, a majority of the best resorts near Disney have rooms available. You simply need to know how to negotiate through the myriad of online Orlando hotel offers and find the best deal for your family.

First, browse online for an individually tailored Orlando vacation package that can be customized to meet the needs of your family. Next, call the vacation provider directly and negotiate the hotel price, free nights or an upgrade during this last-minute booking season. Ask about add-ons such as discount theme park tickets to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort or SeaWorld® Orlando. Location is definitely a key consideration when you research the appropriate hotel to book during your stay in Orlando, “The Vacation Capital of the World.” For example, Westgate Resorts offers great deals on spacious accommodations that provide convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks. Orlando area Westgate Resort properties include Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.

By booking your Orlando vacation getaway now, you and your family also can enjoy all of the special festivities scheduled for the 2009-2010 Disney holiday season such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom (select dates through December 18, 2009), Holidays Around the World at Epcot (November 27 – December 30, 2009), The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (November 10, 2009 – January 4, 2010) and Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (November 27, 2009 – January 3, 2010). And nothing quite beats bringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort!

When it comes to celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort with your family, many choices are available. As a result, advanced preparation is a great idea to save time and enjoy to the fullest the holiday season at Walt Disney World® Resort. And if you are seeking great deals on comfortable accommodations during your next Disney World vacation getaway, look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

• Take advantage of Disney’s “Celebration Vacations” promotion and enjoy free entrance to Walt Disney World Resort on your birthday in 2009. To receive free admission to one of the theme parks at Disney World, just bring valid ID, including proof of birthdate.
• Shop at area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets, which sells Disney merchandise at significantly lower prices than you will find at stores within the Disney World theme parks.
• Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney Area, or hiking through the Disney Wilderness Preserve.
• Take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World property such as Bill Wong’s Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler or Angel’s Lobster & Seafood Buffet.
• You will discover numerous accommodation choices within a five- to 10-minute drive of the main entrance to Walt Disney World Resort. For instance, you can find incredible deals on spacious studios and suites at Westgate Resorts properties that provide convenient access to Disney World theme parks such as Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for the latest deals.
• Look for free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain a multitude of discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops.
• Check out comprehensive online guides to Disney World such as Orlando, Florida Guide for in-depth information on finding the best deals on Disney World tickets, accommodations and vacation packages.
• If you are visiting one of the Disney World theme parks with young children, don’t forget to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes.
• If you are an active or retired member of the U.S. military, you may obtain one complimentary 5-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of Disney Water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. All tickets and options are nontransferable and must be used by December 23, 2009.
• Instead of spending a fortune at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to Town Square at Main Street, U.S.A. in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.
• Choose the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo things – you will want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.
• If you choose to eat at the Disney World theme parks, try to make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are considerably lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase).
• Whenever you leave one of Disney World’s theme parks, make sure to get your hand stamped. Then after you rest awhile and enjoy a cheaper dinner off site, you can head back to the park after the crowds have thinned out.
• Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day.
• Establish a budget for Disney World souvenirs and stick to your budget (no matter how many cool gifts you see as you stroll through Epcot’s World Showcase!).
• If you are an AAA or AARP member, take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation.
• Purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at Disney World, since prices at the theme parks are more expensive for such items.