If you are looking for a place to stay for the 10th Anniversary Celebration we've put together a few suggestions below for mid-priced hotels. But first, here's an overview of the hotel situation in the Walt Disney World area. I'm writing this in the middle of the night under a deadline to get the info out tonight, so it's rough and I imagine some people won't agree with me, but here goes. Please write to the FML-10TH list or to me if you have questions. I've arbitrarily broken things down into 4 categories. First: Many of the best accommodations in the area are on Disney property. These are first-rate hotels and staying there has many advantages, not the least of which is proximity to the Disney theme parks. Transportation to all the Disney attractions is free and frequent so you don't need a car, plus the hotels are well run and safe. The main problem with them is that they are rather pricey. During big events these hotels fill up pretty quickly -- after all, if you're on an expense account why not stay at the best? If you can afford to stay at a Disney hotel, by all means, reserve soon. Category two is large resort hotels outside of Disney property. Places like the Marriott Orlando World. Also expensive, (usually over $100/day) but less so than Disney ones, though not as convenient. Category three are mid-priced hotels ($40-80) in surrounding towns. For example, Kissimmee is very close and has some outstanding values. They may be on a busy and rather ugly road (e.g. Irlo Bronson (Rt 192)), but most offer free or pay transportation to Disney and there are plenty of stores nearby. I'm listing a few of these below. Category four are low-priced hotels ($15-$40/night). There are many of these too, and in my opinion all are decent, but some people have concerns about security, noise, and such. Keep in mind that competition among hotels in the area is *extreme*. Bad places don't survive down there and good deals abound. Even in fairly busy times there's a good chance at least some of these places will have vacancies and they may even give *much* better prices to walk-in customers than to those calling ahead to reserve. Here are some mid-priced hotels in case you want a place to start. I've visited all of them and think they're all quite nice and clean. All have scheduled transportation to Disney parks (some may charge for this) and all rates are for up to 4 people in a room! So, the point is, you CAN spend a lot and get a lot, but economy places are everywhere and are quite good. Travelodge Suites Reg $54 lot view/$59 pool view 5399 W. Irlo Bronson Highway but they will give us a group Kissimmee, FL 34746 rate of $48/$53 to anyone who 407-396-7666 says they are with the Ferret 800--45SUITE Mailing List (tell them Chuck Microwave/fridge in all rooms. authorized it if questioned). All rooms are small suites with pull-out couch in addition to beds. Walking distance to 24 hour food/shopping. Best Western Eastgate Regular rate is $49 5565 West Irlo Bronson Highway *PETS* $10/extra Kissimmee, FL 34746 407-396-0707 or 800-223-5361 Average place, but included here because they allow pets. Walk to some stores. Courtyard by Marriott Maingate $109. 7675 West Irlo Bronson Highway Kissimmee, FL 34747 407-396-4000 or 800-568-3352 Above average ... included here because they have a parrot in the lobby that greets you when you arrive :-). Large rooms. Restaurant in hotel for breakfast and lunch. Walk to some stores. Hampton Inn Maingate $67 includes breakfast 3104 Parkway Blvd We're negotiating with them Kissimmee, FL 34747 and might get a lower price. 407-396-8484 Nice place -- set back from the road quite a bit on landscaped grounds. Need a car to get to stores (though there is a lobby store). Bill [Posted in FML issue 2128]