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I just returned from a weekend in Orlando, and was able to check out accommodations, and do some exploration in Walt Disney World. This included the Walt Disney World Dolphin, the MLA conference hotel, and the Holiday Inn Maingate West (our back-up hotel, but non-MLA sponsored).
Mid-September weather is similar too late May weather in Orlando; can be hot and humid, with some rain expected-though no hurricanes to speak of in May
.Walt Disney World Dolphin, MLA Conference Hotel
The Dolphin is a large sprawling, luxurious resort hotel with an attached convention center. Actually, the MLA nightly convention rate of $175.00 plus tax is actually quite reasonable, as rates can go up to $300.00 per night. Befitting this hotel, expect higher priced restaurants and amenities. However, there is a cafeteria for reasonably priced meals. The adjoining Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, a similar type place, should also have some reasonably priced eateries. You will find : a big fancy swimming pool with waterfall, lush grounds, a beachfront on a lake, over-the-top whimsical architecture and decor, etc. The Convention Center is part of the Dolphin. Self-Parking at the Walt Disney World hotels is free. There is a parking lot very close to the Dolphin's convention center.
Reservations for the Dolphin will be handled through the usual MLA registration system.
Staying at the Dolphin does allow guests free access to the WDW transportation system, which includes buses, monorails, boats, etc. This means transport to all the major parks e.g. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney MGM Studios, and the water parks. Actually, you can take a boat to Epcot, and I believe there is boat transportation to Disney MGM Studios, as they are comparatively close to the Dolphin. There is bus transport is also to Downtown Disney, which include: Disney Westside, the Marketplace, and Pleasure Island. Here, there are a great variety of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The Dolphin is very close, perhaps even walking distance to the Boardwalk area and possibly Epcot. This is a very charming locale with shops, restaurants, and bars on a lake amongst the Epcot Resort hotels.
Holiday Inn Maingate West Hotel, (Back-up)
10 rooms are being held for our group at the Holiday Inn Maingate West, 7601 Black Lake Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34747 a 3-Diamond AAA, 295 room full-service hotel. It is very well located, hospitable, comfortable, pleasant, clean, albeit, not luxurious. While popular with families, the Holiday Inn adheres to a non-discriminatory policy. This hotel features easy free parking, a nice pool, whirlpool, gardens, restaurant, lounge, fitness center and game room. Rooms are nicely done, and include TVs featuring HBO & other cable channels; and all rooms should include microwaves and refrigerators by May, 2001. There is a reasonably priced breakfast buffet option. Packaged continental breakfast can be delivered to room or waiting at front desk.
The Holiday Inn Maingate West is strategically located as to be one of the closest off-property hotels to Walt Disney World. You also avoid highway noise of nearby U.S. 192. The hotel is just to the west of the Main Gate of Walt Disney World, just a block from U.S. 192. The nice thing is the adjacency to an easy back road, which leads to the highly efficient Disney roadway system. One can easily avoid the messy highways and freeways. It is only a 10-15 minute door to door drive to the Dolphin Hotel convention center in good traffic. I clocked it a few times. By this same route, The Animal Kingdom is just about 5 minutes away.
But a car is needed if one is staying here during the Annual Meeting. Numerous back and forth cab rides would be not economical. However, if you are staying here after the meeting, needing a car might be optional. This is particularly so if you are just going to be visiting Walt Disney World. There is free scheduled transportation to the main WDW parks only (not the water parks, hotels, or Downtown Disney). It makes only stop at one hotel to and from the Park. For explorations to Universal, Sea World and other Orlando places etc., having a car is desirable. The hotel does have transportation for fee options to Universal Studios, etc. However, despite taxes and surcharges, the Orlando area generally has very competitive car rental rates.
Room rates will be $65.00 per night, plus (currently) 12% tax, with no breakfast included. Rates are for single to quad arrangements using existing beds. King beds and two double bed room types are available. Reservations can be taken at 1-800-365-6935 and ask for booking code ENV05. Our group name is Special Interest Group. However, please mention the ENVO5 booking code, as Special Interest Group may not access it. A reservation will require one night's credit card guarantee, or a one night pre-payment via check. Cancellation requires 72 hours notice before arrival. Cut-off date for the group rates is 4/21/01. Reservations and applicable rates would then be accepted on a space available basis. These group rates begin Monday May 21, are in effect until Sunday June 3. Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.
For further information, contact:
Richard S. Klein
Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Library
e-mail: rklein@scholl.edu
phone: 312-280-2891
fax: 312-280-2495
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This page was last updated on September 15, 2004. Credits