Amerisuites Calypso Cay - Anyone stay recently???

[busy mom]

We have ressies in November, and have read much about this resort on these boards. Has anyone stayed recently, and if so, how were the rooms? Are some better than others? Did the pool meet your expectations?

Any info. would be appreciated!

[IowaGirl]

Not sure if this will help, but I stayed at CI&S next door this last May, and really loved it. I paid 39.50 for 2 double beds, standard room, entertainment rate. Next time I go, I might get two adjoining rooms at that rate and have two fridges, four beds, etc, but we were hardly in our room, so it was fine for us.
There is a shared pool area between AmeriSuites and Country Inn. The mini golf course is right outside of the door at AmeriSuites. I didn't play, but DH and DD liked it. It was a plain mini-course.
The pool had nice zero depth, two crabs that sprayed water, and a slide (medium size, some curves)Pool was ample size to accomodate all.
I don't know if Amerisuites has it's own hot tub, but there was a central hot tub for both properties outside (I thought it was small for the size of all the properties)
Country Inn had it's own rectangular pool right outside it's doors, among the shared property.
Towel bins were emptied quickly by the guest, but were filled very promptly.
There were two nights of our stay that the pool and the hot tub seemed cold, maintainence guy said someone broke into the gate to try to mess with the controls.
Our breakfast was great, and I heard that Amerisuites had a few more hot selections than we had, but still tons of selection.
There is a snack bar by the pool, but it was not open when we were there, and they said it would not be open for a long time. At best, you'd be able to get a soda and ahot dog at that litttle snack bar.
I was told that the Amerisuites had the same size fridge and microwaves that we had when I asked, and they were the small ones.
Never bothered for a timeshare tour, although i saw lots of people on them. I might take one next time for some free Universal tickets.
I just walked thru the lobby area of AMerisuites, but it was nice and new.

[busy mom]

Bumping for more replies!

[Disneyspells]

We stayed at the Amerisuites at Calypso Cay for 4 nights in May. I found it to be very nice. The morning breakfast was more than adequate (mostly cold items but had pre-made waffles & french toast that you could toast to heat up). The pool area was nice - not exactly what I pictured in my mind (from pictures I saw) but nice just the same. It was smaller than I thought, had a small water slide and a few crabs that sprayed water. It is zero depth entry which is nice for smaller kids. The mini golf course is plain & simple but fun. The biggest (I should say the only) complaint I would have is the location. Although it's only 3 miles or so from WDW, I have been spoiled by staying either on site or around Hotel Plaza Blvd which is Downtown Disney area.
There are 3 ways to get to the parks - depending on which area you want to go to.
1) Rte 535 which runs up to Hotel Plaza Blvd
2) Rte 192 which always seems too busy .
3) A toll road (50 cents) right outside the hotel.
Any of the 3 will take you 10 minutes tops to get onto Disney property. No full service restaurant on site but plenty within a minute by car. Out on Rte 192 there are tons (from fast food to streak houses), or up Rte 535 you can get to "Crossroads" in 5 minutes (Jungle Jims, Pebbles, etc.).
Overall I would recommend this property - just know there is nothing "MAGIC" about it.
By the way, I paid $44.50 with the entertainment card for a suite so how can you beat that.
Hope I helped.

[idontknow]

I have the entertainment book, but can not find Amerisuites phone number. I did a search for Calypso Cay Amerisuites, but still came up empty handed. Can someone post their phone number? We really need a cheap place to stay this Sept and love Amerisuites. (atleast in Flagstaff, AZ.LOL) If we can get this hotel for under $50, that would really help us out a lot! Thanks

[Disneyspells]

I have toll free numbers for both Amerisuites and Country Inn * Suites (which is at hte same location - they share amenitites) but they are at home & I am at work. If nobody else responds to this request I will post them tonight for you. Amerisuites was $44.50 and CI & S was $49.00 per night.

[idontknow]

Thank you! I am on the entertainment website and still can not find it. (might have something to do with sleep deprivation, though. LOL) I'll check back later today. If I find it, I will post it.

I found the actaul website and it has an overview of the property. The addy is: http://www.calypsocay.com/reserv/reservhome.html

It says the phone number is: 888-796-9700 I don't know if this is the number for regular ressies or for the timeshare part of it, though. I'll give them a call after while. I'll post if it is not the right number.

The above number is for the timeshares. She did give the number for Amerisuites, though. It is: 407-997-1300. If someone has a tollfree number, please post. ;)

[Disneyspells]

Here are the toll free numbers:

Amerisuites: 1-866-499-1300
Country Inn & Suaites: 1-866-656-5650

At least they were the numbers as of May. These are the numbers I used and I booked with the entertainment card discount - NO TIMESHARE TOUR. There were alot of tours going on during our stay but they never once even asked if we were interested so don't worry about that.
If I can be of any other help please let me know.

[IowaGirl]

Really nice property for the 39.50 at the Country Inn. I believe that rates for the Amerisuites are a little higher.

[Mike J]

My wife is going to a conference in August and we are tagging along. I called today and got the Amerisuites for $43.80 with Entertainment. I called the Amerisuites 800 reservations number for this rate. I can't wait, I have read many good things about this resort. I showed the kids the pictures on the website and they are really excited.

Mike

[Chance's Mom]

You got a great rate for the CI&S Calypso Cay. Is the entertainment logo on the back of my Disney Club Card enough to get that price, or would I have to buy an Entertainment Book? When I called the CI&S 800 number, the lady said they did not honor any Entertainment Discounts???? and the room for Jan was $99/night. Web site is the same price.


How would you compare CI&S to a stay at All Star Movies?

Thanks for any info.
:confused:

[IowaGirl]

call the hotel directly at the 1-866-656-5650. I used the general 800 for CI&S, and the reservationist seemed surprised that there was an entertainment rate for this property, becuase I guess not many CI&S honor it. From what I hear, you will have to have a seperate Entertainment card. In the Orlando area, I guess you cannot use your DC as your entertainment card. I had both anyway.
And both cards paid for themselves big time. You can get an entertainment card book from a local bookstore, order one from enteratinment.com, if you wait until september/october, then you will have a card good for the rest of 2002-2003.
I have stayed at the All Stars, and to each his own. Some people like it, I thought it was not much better than a Motel 6. Very small, no fridge, nothing. Carpet was worn, hiked awile to get to the bus. Never used the pool facilities there, so I'm clueless about that. I really hated All Stars.
I loved CI&S, loved that I paid 39.50 plus tax, loved we had a fridge and microwave, loved that they accomodated my room request(near elevator, ice machine, but not next too them, plus overlooking pool, not parking lot)Breakfast was great and when we left our hotel room at 8:20-8:30, we were able to be at the rope drop everyday!
If Mike J got the Amerisuites for 43.00, that is a good deal too if it is a suite, although I would still have to have two double beds, no pull-out would do for my kids(then I'd be sleeping on it!!!)

[Chance's Mom]

Thanks for the reply! You answered all of my questions! Also, thanks for the phone number- I will call the hotel directly!

I have stayed at the All-Stars several times. When I get a rate for $49, I can feel good about it, but you are right, there are no amenities! When we were there last Jan, the ASMo was at full capacity (MLK weekend). It was a ZOO:earseek:

We had a car, so we didn't have to face the long lines at the bus stop. But the laundry, food court, guest services, etc. always had lines. I have never seen it so busy in Jan (this was our 5th Jan visit).

I want to split my stay and stay 4 nights on the cheap and 4 nights at a deluxe (thinking about AKL). The CI&S sounds perfect for us. It would be great to have a separate sitting area and a fridge.

thanks!

[Chance's Mom]

Did you have the Orlando Entertainment Book for the discount at CI&S Calypso Cay, or the book from your home town?

Thanks:D

[Mike J]

You can use the book from any area, the card is the same. In my room will be King bed for me and my wife and the pullout sofa for my boys. By the end of the day they are exhausted and will sleep anywhere, so them sharing the pullout is no big deal.

I stayed at the All-Stars last year, and I agree with IowaGirl's assessment. I did however visit the pool at the Sports section, the pool was in the shape of a baseball diamond, a nice touch but nothing extraordinary. I would definitely stay at the Calypso Cay resort if you have the chance.

By the way, you don't need the card when making the reservation, you just need to show it at check in.


Hope this helps !

Mike

[Chance's Mom]

Thanks, Mike!:D

[Mike J]

By the way, check out the Budget Board for a link for a $10 entertainment book plus shipping.

Mike :p

[OhMickey]

Just returned from Disney and we spent our first night at the Amerisuites. I highly recommend this hotel. The staff was very accomodating and friendly. We did not eat the breakfast because we had PS for CRT. However, the kids enjoyed the pool and the rooms were comfortable.

[IowaGirl]

Chance's Mom
My room was just a standard room with two double beds for 39.50. We has a small table with two chairs, and a counter area with the fridge and micro.
They do have kids suites, but I don't recommend them. They were exactly the same size as my room, just one double bed was taken out and a bunk bed area was in it's place. The bunk beds had these little foam mattresses, and my 5 year old barely fit. I asked to see one, just so I had an idea of what they were like.

FYI--if you want a sitting area you might have to spend more or get Mike's rate of 43.80 at Amerisuites(also part of Calypso Cay) We were just never in our room, so it suited us fine as far as space is concerned.

[Chance's Mom]

Thanks Iowa Girl!:D

I was considering the kids suite--sounds like a pretty cramped set-up. The 2 queens would work well for us, too. My DH is a park commando-we use the room very little.

Thanks again for all of the helpful info!

[Chance's Mom]

You guys are not going to believe this--I have been hot on the trail for Jan. rates for The CI&s or Amerisuites Calypso Cay. I've had no luck with CI&S-even when I called the hotel direct. The girl that answered said-we don't know if we'll take that Entertainment Card then.
Well, I checked the Amerisuites web site and (Drum roll please...) the rate for my dates in Jan with a AAA card is $36.12!!!! Okay, I think this is too good to be true, so I call the #800. When the girl quotes me $110 a night , I say how about with a AAA discount. All I heard was "Oh my". She couldn't believe in either. Not one to believe that I have actually happened upon a great deal, I look on Orbitz.com. The AAA rate is there for $36.12 a night.
I made my resssie over the Amerisuites web site and already have the confirmation e-mail.

If you need a room in Jan or Feb-jump on this rate.
:p :p :p :p :p :p

(My DH thinks I have way too much time on my hands!)

[singitalto]

Any one know how many will fit in the Amerisuites room? I need a room for 6 in Feb and we might be on a very tight budget.

[Florida Princess]

We stayed at the Amerisuites in May for 3 nights. Our suite had 2 double beds in one room and a pull out sofa in the living area.

6 can fit--but remember it has only 1 bathroom!!!!!

Florida Princess

DVC---OKW since 1992

[IowaGirl]

You rock Chance's Mom, I'm such a bargain hunter that I am just thrilled when money is saved, CHA-CHING!

This deserves a seperate post!!!!

[sweetp0618]

We were in WDW June 10-15. We spent our first night at CI&S, then moved to ASMo for the last 4 nights. Although not the Amerisuites, we thought the property was very nice--excellent for the price. We paid $49 for a suite--it was as others in this thread described. The room was much nicer and bigger than ASMo, and breakfast was free. That said, we were celebrating DD's 10th birthday and staying on WDW property was important to her. We belong to the Disney Vacation Club, so we are used to staying in luxury suites at WDW, but we had used our point allotment for the year and were paying cash--which means we didn't want to spend alot of $$. Although the rooms and property at ASMo are heavily themed, there are ususally lots of kids--including unruly school groups and cheerleaders practicing for competitions (and acting like they own the place). If theming is not important to you, or you are trying to stay within a budget, I think the Calypso Cay properties are a wonderful option. Our CI&S suite was much nicer than rooms we've had at Fairfields, Hampton Inns, Holiday Inns, (and truthfully, ASMo), etc.

There are a million ways to better spend the money you'll save staying off-site.

Another downside to staying on WDW property if you are trying to economize is that if you decide not to go to the Disney parks one day (or several) it is much easier to avoid the temptation when you're not faced with everything Disney, particularly if you have kids.

Note--we had a car, so we didn't use the hotel transportation to Disney.

Happy planning,
sweetp0618
Patti

[mar3990]

Has anyone stayed at or seen the Runaway Bay apartments at Calypso Cay? We are booked there for August because there are six of us and it is bigger than the suites at the hotels. Still worried about staying there because I have not heard much about them. Any replies would ease my mind!