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[dazzling]

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[HydroGuy]

First, I am a big advocate of walking distance hotels. See this thread and the links it contains: "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

Lots of good hotel advice in Mary Jo's sticky at the top: * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

Advantages of the DLR hotels are much less than the WDW hotels. The only real perk IMO is that you can use Magic Mornings every day they are offered. Other than that you have a minor perk in being able to use the private entrance into DCA in the morning. And then you have the immersion factor that many people value.

Also, be aware that September is off-season at DLR so choose your dates carefully. HM will likely be down (happens every Sept) and now Space Mtn goes down for a short while too.

See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

 

[dizneedoll]

There are many nice hotels that are "off site" but are actually closer to the parks in terms of walking distance then the "on site" hotels. I always stay at the Hojo which is about a 10 min walk and there are many restaurant choices along the way. I'm a single woman who travels alone with my four year old son and I've always felt quite safe making that 10 min walk including when it's dark out. That being said, since you aren't too concerned about budget and it's your first visit, I would really consider an on site hotel just so you have the whole Disney experience. The links Hydroguy provided are excellent and he and others have contributed a lot of great info in the stickeys found at the top of the DL boards page.