Villa prices versus Disney Resort hotel prices

[2BoysMum&Dad]

We're staying in Orlando for three weeks in August next year. Want to know if there is a big price difference between staying in a moderate Disney resort compared with the smallest villa we can get.

There are a group of us (several US families and us from UK) who would like to stay in the same place, so in fact, if we could get a good group rate for block booking several rooms or several villas in the same place, that would be brilliant.

Any ideas anyone?

[JohnnySharp2]

Overall I would say it depends on how many villas you need, bearing in mind you can get 3/4/5/6 and 7 bedroomed homes.
I would say a villa would be cheaper, you can get discounts with certain owners too if you are staying for longer periods.

We have generally paid between £400 - £550 per week for a villa, generally a 3 or 4 bedroomed one, you might bot be able to get a Disney room for that price.

In addition you would need several rooms, villa(s) seem the easiest option to me.

[isla bonita]

I think a villa can save you a lot of money in the long run and also your sanity. With all the room you can enjoy your company and still have some private area to retreat from and not have your company sitting on a bed to chat.

It allows you to have a relaxing vacation with all the amenites.

[spiceycat]

I think you might be better off with a house.

most of the great deals on villa - timeshare are with
www.skyauction.com

but generally only one or two of the same timeshare (villa) at a time.

to get several would require alot of luck.

how many are you talking about?

here are some places to look for condo (villa)
www.skyauctions.com
www.rciholidaynetwork.com
http://www.cheapusagetaway.com/
http://www.11thhourvacations.com/index_home.php
www.rciholidaynetwork.com/HN/CDA/Functional/HN_index?body=HN_home&appcode=HN
http://www.discounthotels.cc/
http://www.doorlando.com/

for houses - here is a map so you know what you are looking at
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm
houses for rent
www.vrbo.com
http://www.floridavilla4us.com/
http://www.lastminutevillas.net/
http://www.premierdisneyhomes.com/

these are or were owned by dis posters
http://www.jansfloridavilla.co.uk/
http://www.mickeyscondo.com/
http://www.mickeysluxuryfloridavilla.com/
http://www.windsorhillsrent.com/

[mareed]

For 3 weeks, I wouldn't even consider any hotel (not even Disney). That's just too long to spend in cramped hotel room conditions w/ no kitchen. You can get a 2-3 bedroom condo for less than a Disney moderate (maybe considerably less!). It looks like standard non-discounted Disney moderate rates for August are $149/night + tax.

It sounds like you're wanting your own individual 2-3 bedroom condo/villa for each family instead of a larger home to share between families, so I'll answer based on that assumption.

You can rent directly from owners (2-4 bedroom condos/townhomes) at places in great locations like Windsor Palms, Windsor Hills, & Emerald Island, but it takes a bit of research. It would probably also be difficult to get places located closely together if that's important. I've found prices around $80 - $100/night including tax, and you're likely to get a discount for a longer 3-week booking.

Another condo that would be easier to reserve that's also in another great location is Cypress Pointe. You can book through Hotelkingdom.com for under $100/night + tax for a 2 bedroom. I think you'd have a good chance of getting rooms assigned fairly close together here, also as they would assign your units when you checked in.

Good luck with your decision!

[FLParadisevilla]

You can also try:
www.indiancreekflorida.com
www.fabvillas.com
www.villas2000.com
www.villas4all.com
I would suggest a home as well, when you have a big group. I agree with Deb, everyone can still have some private space!

OH have a great time planing your trip! :goodvibes

[HeatherC]

I'd suggest checking out Regal Palms resort. You can rent a 4 bedroom townhome with 3 1/2 bathrooms, washer, dryer and full kitchen for around $100 a night including taxes!!

This resort also has a fabulous pool area with hot tub, slide and lazy river. The pool area is as nice or nicer than most of the Disney pools. There is also a restaurant right at the pool and you can get 1/2 price gift certificates for it on www.restaurant.com.

It is about a 15 minute drive to Disney, but if you are there for 3 weeks, I don't see this being a problem.

There is also a Publix supermarket and shopping center practically next to the resort to get anything you may need.

These are individually owned homes which are self-catering. So that means no room service or daily cleaning. But for the price, it is a lovely resort where you can't beat the price. We have stayed here 3 times and think it really is one of the best deals around.

If you are interested, I would be happy to PM you with the name of the owner we have rented from in the past. He is also from the U.K.....which is where half the people at this resort come from.

Best of luck to you.
HeatherC

[Brian Noble]

We travel during Peak Season, when Disney rooms are near their highest prices, but this February we are renting a 5BR/5BA in Windsor Hills, no more than 12 minutes to any theme park parking lot, for less than the cost of a single rack rate Moderate Disney room.

Unless you are planning to arrive on or after August 12, you are likely to do much better in a Villa. If you are arriving then, you may be able to book Disney packages for everyone under the Free Dining promotion offered to UK residents:

http://www.mousesavers.com/packages.html#uk

and that might work out better for you.

[Darcy03231]

I just rented a 5 bedroom 3.5 bath house for August 2007 for $550/wk including the taxes. Its in Davenport which is about 15 miles from Disney's main gate. I found it at vacationrentals. I also saw some homes with good prices at vactionhomes. Since we're planning to do things on the western side of Florida I wanted to be slightly west of the Orlando area.

[ducklite]

Keep a few things in mind.

With a home rental you'll get no housekeeping. You'll have to make your own beds, clean your own linens, etc. You'll probably want to clean your bathrooms--I can't imagine going three weeks without at least cleaning those a couple times. Same with mopping and vacuuming in general. You can most likely arrange a housekeeper to come in once or twice through the owner for an additional fee.

You'll have to have a rental (hire) car. Be sure to factor that cost into your budget. If you stay on site at WDW you can use Magical Express for free from the airport. You'll also have to pay $10 per day for each car to park at WDW or Universal.

The missing factor is how many are in each party? If it's six or more, then a villa will likely be less expensive, unless you go during a free dining period.

Keep in mind that depending on how many families you are talking about, it could be difficult to book homes nearby each other. If this is the route you choose, I would book asap.

Anne

[spiceycat]

now this is not a renter from owner site.

these deals are probably with the real estate place who rents someone places.

http://www.floridakiss.com/deals/results.php?submitted=Yes&deal_day=30&dealResponse=&deal_month=10&deal_year=2006&dealCategory=general&submit=Search

but some are definitely worth looking at.

[castanea1985]

Hi,
Just wondering if you'd decided what to do..
Like a previous Dis'er said..3 weeks without a fridge is way too long. It all depends what you want. If you want to do Disney everyday for the full three weeks - you need to be 'on site', but if not... split your stay.. a villa for two weeks, and a week on site, or why not try a Disney villa, in one of the DVC resorts or a Wilderness Log Cabin??
There is so much choice!!
Good luck with your descision.
T.