Florida residents save big money on Disney hotels through Oct. 2

Walt Disney World is offering 42 percent off its resort hotels for Florida residents through Oct. 2. Here is a way to have a fun, inexpensive weekend, even if you don't have Disney tickets.

Stay at the resort and spend your time at the themed pools and on-site activities at the hotel. Disney hotel guests can take a bus to other resorts and use those facilities as well. For $100 or less, families can spend a weekend at a Disney hotel enjoying the pool, taking a ride on the monorail or participating at the Sing-A-Long at Fort Wilderness. Bring your own food -- some hotels have microwaves and refrigerators -- and pretend you're on vacation.

You can also spend the day at the Disney Village Marketplace, also free.

For non-residents, value season begins Oct. 2.