7AM Flight - Stay near Airport?

[MEredhead]

I was hoping to get some advise since you all are so helpful around here. We have a 7am flight and I am trying to decide if we should stay near the airport our last night. We are booked a pool home for 5 days and had originally planned to stay at the Nick Hotel our last night since our DD3 loves Dora and Spongebob. Also I thought the pools would be very fun (and could handle the chaos for only a night) - however they are only accepting a min of 2 night reservations for March, so thats out now. My debate is between staying in a fun hotel with pool slides and such or staying near the airport since we are leaving so early. What would you do -there are five of us - Me, DH, DD3, DD1 and DN14.

 

[spiceycat]

definitely near or at the airport.

you don't want to get up your kids at 4am in the morning....

if you can afford it - I would stay at the airport.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

When we arrive from the UK next August we are staying the first night at the Hyatt Regency hotel at the airport.

 

[MEredhead]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am leaning towards staying at the airport. Just curious on the airport shuttles. Do the kids need a carseat on a hotel shuttle to the airport? We are renting a minivan for the 5 days but I was wondering if we could drop it off the night before to save a little time in the morning.

 

[spiceycat]

if you stay in the Hyatt (at the airport) - no you don't need your van.

the other close to the airport - if they have a shuttle you certainly won't need your van.

most of the ones close to the airport have a shuttle.

the only that doesn't is the Hyatt (it is at the airport and doesn't need one)

 

[kilee]

You could even research some rates for the hotel in the airport. The Hyatt is right in the aiport essentially. There would be no need for a shuttle.

 

[mbb]

squinky thing about the airport shuttles is that they are usually shared by a few hotels.. and that can add up to some additional stress if you're running a little behind.

Not sure about the car seat thing.

If it's in the budget, spring for the Hyatt - like the others suggested. Elevator ride to the security line I've read of posters grabbing it off priceline and the like for less than posted rates - but March might be iffy for price reductions

If you do decide to do the shuttle/off airport hotel, I'd think about keeping your rental, especially if you've rented the van from one of the onsite rental agencies. You literally pull into the parking garage, head for the agencie's space, the attendant scans your vehicle, checks your paperwork, and you're done. Down the stairs you go, and into the airport.

HTH!

 

[dgaston]

I have always had good luck for 3* hotels at MCO on Priceline. That may be too risky for you with a party of 5. You could take a look at www.biddingfortravel.com Sheryl is a stickler for complete filling out of her form if you need bidding advice.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

You might be able to find a happy medium. Im sure there are some MCO area hotels that have nice pools and maybe slides. I found that the Embassy Suites MCO is a nice hotel. They are all suite rooms, free cooked to order breakfast, and a nice splash pool and a large regular pool.