So I have a few more details on my Orlando adventure, and a few questions as well.

During the conference I'll be at the Orlando World Center Marriott - which appears rather close to Epcot. Now I managed to add an extra day to my stay (Monday 10/20), so now I get to decide if I stay there for another night, or move someplace else. The Marriott clocks in at $230+ a night, which seems excessive for my needs, so I wonder if I should go to the resort for a night at the Pop whatever, for half that - or really go on the cheap and find someplace elsewhere in Orlando - or take the same Money and live the boyhood fantasy and book a room in the Contemporary for a night. Any opinions from seasoned WDW visitors?

I know I'll at least want to hit Epcot while I'm there - any advice on the various ticket media available? it seems my hotel sells half day tickets to the park, but I need to check park hours to see what really will be open when my conference shuts down for the night, but I think you have to buy those in advance and I know I'll be stuck with coworkers for most of those evenings.

Which leads me to inquire about dinning recommendations outside the parks in the Orlando area - I should at least be able to leverage a good meal or two out of my colleagues.

Check hotels on US192 near WDW . Past the I4 and before and right after Old town there is nice hotels for really cheap prices . From US192 ther is Lynx Buses from there to WDW or you can rent a Car in MCO and stay on US192 this would be way cheap than the World Center Mariott .

I think i know which one it is . It is the one surround by Intl drive and Apopka Vineland . Next year is you plan on going back in Orlando area i would say go to Universal Studios and check out the new Harry Potter stuff .

Right now I'm being tempted to spend a night at the Animal Lodge for $180 - not cheap but $50 less than the Marriott - and thanks to Mouse Planet and magic Your Way tickets- I can probably do a morning visit to Animal Kingdom and ride Everest before heading home.

That sounds like a great plan if you can swing it. (It also puts Boma right into your path.)

I'm familiar with the Marriott you speak of. It's very tall and out in the middle of not-much-else, but hard to miss. It has nifty glass elevators on the outside of the building, so try to get a room waaayyy up high if you can.

Restaurants within any reasonable distance of your hotel are without exception going to be chains. (There's a Sizzler and a Cici's Pizza at the nearest intersection.)

Friendly spirits may be able to transport you to slightly swankier dining options away from the tourist artery.

Registration for MouseAdventure: WDW closes this Friday.

I'll be there November 11-16.

We'll be there 11-16 November, too! We'll be in the Orlando area the 9th through the 17th, but are spending part of the time with family.

Went to Epcot today - will likely go again tomorrow

Olivia and I are going the beginning of December.

Chris, I wish I would have seen this thread earlier, I would have had quite a few hotel suggestions (and great deals) right around WDW.

I think I may have seen Swanie leaving the snack bar in the Animal Kingdom Lodge on my last day there, but by the time I got my sandwich, she was gone.