Am I going to regret this??...Holiday Inn Maingate East

[4mickeyfans]

Ok...first off...what a frustrating week

I have never in all my trips had so much trouble getting a room! Of course, I usually don't wait until 4 weeks out to plan it

Here's the deal...

I didn't (until now) consider myself a hotel snob because I've pretty much stayed all over the place at WDW and even though I've fully loved the deluxe resorts, I've concluded that ANY stay in the 407 area code works for me.

However, in the last 10 yrs. or so I've been spoiled and stayed strictly onsite to take advantage of EMH, etc. Not to mention, I love waking up and knowing I'm on official "Disney" property.

But...this time, it's not an option. (Ok...keep repeating to self ...NOT an option!!) WDW direct says my only availability is $285 at SSR or 2Br at AKL for $1250 a night...she said it without even pausing...like that 2nd choice was was REALLY an option

Ok...on an on...Swan/Dolphin BOOKED..most DD booked (although I could get really good rates at HRP and RSR) But...here's my new thought and here's where I'm aksing for unbiased reviews on whether or not I'VE LOST MY MIND

We have an 11 mo. old puppy whom we adore and realized we couldn't bear boarding for a week so we are now considering PET FRIENDLY HOTELS

We have never traveled with our pets (11 hour drive) much less stayed in hotel with them! We looked into Buena Vista Suites which seems pretty decent but booked at HOLIDAY INN MAINGATE EAST because I coldn't pass up the deal I got through bookit.com. - $89/night for kidsuite (reg room $69) - direct rate was $155 - but now I'm starting to have hives over whether or not we will regret the hotel...dog...etc.

Any reassurance? Anyone do the dog thing anywhere? More importantly, anyone have any reviews whatsoever on the NEW Holiday Inn MGE -after their "multimillion dollar renovations"

BTW, before you mention the hassle of dealing with the dog during the day, we like to park hop and come back to hotel during day (another reason we stay onsite!) so that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[IcePrincess467]

Well I can't help you, but I am wondering this myself!! DH & I are thinking about staying there as well in July, and I have read that they updated the hotel as of November 2007. I was reading some reviews on trip advisor and they all seem to be positive. Anyways, let me know if you do decide, I'd be interested in your review

 

[4mickeyfans]

...someone out there can review Holiday Inn MGE

 

[szymon]

I'll be staying there on Monday for 1 night - will post review upon my return.

Szymon

 

[DisDeac]

If you are talking about the Holiday Inn about a mile or so east of I-4 on 192-

Stayed at this HI about a month ago. I nice job was done on the renovation and updating at least from what I saw. Rooms have a balcony and the mattresses are new and very comfortable. I paid $63 AAA rate and it was a great deal. Rooms seemed to have good soundproofing, I don't know if anyone was staying in two rooms next to me but never heard a thing. Walking distance to several restaurants and shopping areas. Across the street from Old Town, worth a visit to experience something a little different.

DisDeac

 

[4mickeyfans]

Thanks, DisDeac, for the info...I do think it's the same place ...I know it's supposed to be right off I-4 and VERY close to the world

Did you drive to the parks or use hotel's shuttle? I'm trying to decide those plans now.

Szymon~ can't wait to hear your report...hope it's a good one

 

[DisDeac]

We drove, actually this HI in a good location, can get on Seralago Blvd which runs next to hotel and then take Osceola to WDW, or drive down a short way on 192 and then take International Drive to Osceola. Or can look at map and see other options.

FWIW I drove by this hotel a couple of days ago and noticed there are several green areas near/around the hotel where you could maybe walk your dog.

DisDeac

 

[4mickeyfans]

...i was really starting to get in panic mode

The 2 main reasons we chose this hotel were close location to WDW and the fact that it was the only hotel that advertised a dog walking area. I didn't want to get there and have to cross highways to find a grassy spot

We are planning on driving to the parks daily and probably dropping puppy off at one of the park kennels first - found out 2 board only and you have to visit during day to walk but 2 will walk your pet for nominal fee - we're going with option #2 They even give the option of ice cream breaks for the dogs and pending vet ok, I think we'll treat puppy to that as well..no reason she can't have a little magic, too

 

[MagicKingdom05]

Thanks, DisDeac, for the info...I do think it's the same place ...I know it's supposed to be right off I-4 and VERY close to the world

Did you drive to the parks or use hotel's shuttle? I'm trying to decide those plans now.

Szymon~ can't wait to hear your report...hope it's a good one

My only word of warning about using the shuttle instead of your own car is that the shuttles don't always have late evening hour pick ups or drop off/ pick up times that work. My first time down, the last shuttle of the day picked up from Magic Kingdom at 5 pm so I was always back at the hotel around 5:30 to 5:45. This was during a time where the parks were open until 11 pm or so.

 

[4mickeyfans]

I had read that (about the shuttle) somewhere on the boards...we like to come back to the hotel in the afternoon(or at least we did when we were onsite) and then go to a different park for the evening. The other plus to this is that we usually go in February - hot days/cool evenings - so we can dress accordingly without bringing a set of luggage to the parks

After reading a few other posts, we concluded that depending on the shuttle for our park hopping vacation style would cost us SOOO much time so we have decided to drive each day to parks or TTC and take monorail, etc. for sentimental reasons.

Also, thanks to the boards, i found out that the kennels now offer dog walking and ice cream treats so we wil probably bring Beignet to the kennel each day on way to parks and then pick her up when we're ready to go back to hotel. That way I won't worry about housekeeping, etc. coming in and letting her out.

I also found out that parking is only $11.00 for in/out all day park hopping, included so we are going to get our money's worth on that one!

It never fails to amaze me how much I learn from these boards despite the fact that I've been so many times and live the WDW-obsessed lifestyle

 

[szymon]

Well, I'm back with my mini review of this hotel.

The hotel is very conveniently located - just a few minutes from Disney, next to a McDonalds and across the street from Old Town.

I had booked the room on Priceline for $42. At check-in, the friendly night clerk informed us that room and taxes were paid for by Priceline but we were responsible for the $5.xx per night resort fee. We were given a key to a room in the second tower - and we asked if it was a king room. It was 2 queens (as booked by Priceline) but the clerk found us a king room in the first tower. We were on the second floor - the room overlooking a roof.

The rooms and hallways are freshly painted with new carpeting. The room we received had a huge kitchenette area when you entered - with a microwave, really long counter with many cabinets, and a fullsize fridge/freezer. The room was huge with a bed, couch, and TV. There was plenty of free space in the room as well and a small closet with the in-room safe, iron, and ironing board. The sink was outside the bathroom - the bathroom itself was very small but the shower had the new showerhead and curved curtain rod.

Despite a review I read on TripAdvisor, the room was very quiet. The heating system worked very well. No issues with water pressure.

The only complaint I had was the parking - the lot in front was full and I had to park in the lot behind the hotel. This is quite a walk as you have to pass both towers to get back to the front. The back entrance to the second tower was closed off due to construction.

There is a small pond behind the hotel with a lot of grass - this should be good to walk your dog

Have a good stay!

Szymon

 

[4mickeyfans]

I really appreciate the review

It sounds pretty much like what I've read (I had heard of the $5/day "resort" fee) but I'm glad you warned me about parking. We plan to come and go a lot each day and I hope that doesn't become a pain...oh well, that will be DH's issue as I'm sure I will convince him to drop kids/dog/and me off closer before he parks

Thanks, also, for letting me know about the grassy area...that was my main reason for booking - knowing I'd have a safe area to walk without having to cross a highway, etc. - so that's good to go...guess I'd better stock up on baggies

Did you happen to eat at the breakfast buffet? I haven't heard the best reports on that.

Do you know if it's better to request 1st or 2nd tower? Is one closer to that grassy area you mentioned? I'm going to contact hotel close to our trip and ask for ground floor and close to walking but we really don't care about view since we won't be there much except for sleeping.

Thanks,again

 

[szymon]

I did not eat at the hotel, so can't comment.

The second (rear) tower is closer, but the back exit seemed to be closed off when I was there. You may want to drive around and confirm prior to checking in...

Szymon

 

[estherhead]

I'm pretty sure this is where my sister stayed last time, unless there is another Holiday Inn Maingate near DD. Her report was very good but she did say the breakfast was just OK. But if you have a little kitchenette, you can just eat whatever you want & let the kiddos have the hot breakfast.