Staying at Disney is Getting Much More Expensive with Marriott and Starwood

August 1st is just a few weeks away and that means the new Marriott and Starwood award chart and hotel categories are rolling out soon. While some areas are benefiting, those looking to stay at a nice resort near Disney World are getting hit hard.Here are some of the Disney World area resorts that I suggest booking now before the August 1st deadline hits. You can typically book 365 days in advance.

• Walt Disney World Dolphin – currently 36,000 Marriott points (equivalent to 12,000 SPG points), will be 50,000 Marriott points (which would be equivalent to 16,666 SPG points)
• Walt Disney World Swan – currently 36,000 Marriott points (equivalent to 12,000 SPG points), will be 50,000 Marriott points (which would be equivalent to 16,666 SPG points)
• JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes – currently 40,000 Marriott points, will be 50,000 Marriott points
• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes – currently 40,000 Marriott points, will be 50,000 Marriott points
• Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando – currently 30,000 Marriott points (equivalent to 10,000 SPG points), will be 50,000 Marriott points (which would be equivalent to 16,666 SPG points)
• Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas, I-Drive/Orlando – currently 30,000 Marriott points (equivalent to 10,000 SPG points), will be 50,000 Marriott points (which would be equivalent to 16,666 SPG points)
• Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort – currently 12,000 Marriott points (equivalent to 4,000 SPG points!), will be 25,000 Marriott points (which would be equivalent to 8,333 SPG points)

I personally love the Sheraton Vista Villages Resort Villas and had a great stay there with my family. Although we actually did not use points since we were able to book a 2-bedroom villa for around $120 a night! So using points in Orlando might not always be the best value, but you’ll have to play around with paid vs. point rates to see what makes the most sense.

Now, if you do not care about staying at a resort property, there are actually some Fairfield Inns, Residence Inns, and Couryards that are decreasing in the number of points! While you might not have the fancy pools and shuttle service, the benefits of having a guaranteed suite or kitchen might actually make up for it! Really depends on what you are looking for.

Just make sure to book your upcoming stays during the next few weeks, especially if you are looking to go during peak time!