Stay in Disney or at Outside Resort

[LynneG]

Hi- My family of 5 is planning on going to theme parks in Orlando for 4 days and then heading to Clearwater (in May). We are not sure what parks we want to go to yet (whether exclusively Disney) but would rather not rent a car during the first part of the trip. Does anyone have any opinion on whether we should stay at a Disney park such as Riverside or stay in Downtown Disney at the Regal Sun or stay completely out of Disney at someplace like the Sheraton Vista. I haven't been there since I was a kid, so I feel like I am blindly trying to do this. My kids are 7, 6 and 4.

Any opinions on the 3 listed resorts would be great.

Thanks!

[ADisneyQueen]

If it is your first trip and you are only doing Disney parks, I would stay on site.

[Koda]

If you would rather not rent a car, and are only planning on going to WDW parks, I would definitely stay at a WDW resort. The Disney transportation system is very good.

[Mysteria]

Without transportation I have to agree. Stay at a Disney resort.

[MiaSRN62]

Riverside or stay in Downtown Disney at the Regal Sun or stay completely out of Disney at someplace like the Sheraton Vista. I haven't been there since I was a kid, so I feel like I am blindly trying to do this. My kids are 7, 6 and 4.



Hi Lynn....with the size of your family and ages of your children, I'd lean towards Riverside (the Alligator Bayou side has the trundle bed which would be great for the 4 yo). Not having a car, you'll have disney busses/boats at your disposal, as well as a food court and small dorm-sized frig in the room for meal options. You could also try the All Star Music Family suites, but I think they cost more I believe.

The Sheraton Vistana is great for space and proximity to WDW, but their shuttle service is VERY limited and it's not free. With young children, you'll have much more flexibility with disney. More space and a full kitchen with Vistana, but transportation is the issue with that resort. YOu definitely need a car.

The Regal Sun is very close to Downtown Disney/Marketplace as u probably know. I know they have a free shuttle, but not sure how often it runs ? Maybe someone can help u out there ? You would not get Extra Magic Hour privleges there, but on the flip side, it's probably less expensive. So depending on how well the busses run, this might be an option.

At Disney, you can count on busses every 10-20 min on average.

Welcome to the DIS too ! :welcome:

[Brian Noble]

If you can't rent/aren't interested in renting a car, you're going to be a lot happier in a Disney resort.

A close second would be the Downtown Disney resorts---though they aren't quite as convenient. I want to say every half hour, but could be wrong. In addition to the places on your list, you may want to look at the Doubletree DTD:

http://www.mousesavers.com/dtguestsuites.html

As well as the Ft. Wilderness cabins. Either would give you a little more elbow room.

[mooneyda]

I agree if you are planning on only doing Disney parks stay on property if for some chance you need a car you can always rent one on the property

[spiceycat]

assume you are flying since won't have a car.

then definitly save with Disney.

DME (disney's magical express) will save you money.

DTD or any non-WDW resorts - can not participate in Disney's airport transportation.

it is free. any other way you will have to pay.

Only if you have a car, will offsite work well for you.

[JnC0508]

I would stay a Disney resort. With all the sales going on now, it could be affordable and no stress!

[BSMITH621]

I agree staying on grounds at Disney just complete the whole magical experience :)