Accomodation

[Niki T]

Hi everyone, How scary...my first time here as more than a lurker! Just wanted some advice really. We are going to Orlando next summer with some of my DH family (there will be 7 all together from ages 10-70!) and I was looking for advice on where to stay. Although this is nothing like my first time to disney (actually my 8th) I just can't decide where is best for all of us. Our first option is a villa in Kissimee, but my DH is the only one that drives (everyone else too scared), so he would be ferrying people all over the show if we stayed in a villa. However, we love Kissimee and I have nearly always stayed there. We missed on some of our fav restaurants last time when we stayed at AKL for part of our Disney honeymoon. I know that there are some hotels in Kissimee which offer transport to disney free, but obviously the trips are limited, so people could not come and go from the parks as they please as they would in a Disney hotel. We have also considered Pop Century, but I'm a little concerned since we stayed at AKL last year that we have been spoilt as it was so amazing and we were treated like royalty since it was our honeymoon! Obviously the other thing that draws us to Pop is that we can use the magic hours! They were invaluable last year and meant we could do all our favs again and again! So what does everyone reckon? Villa? Kissimee Hotel? Pop?
Thanks
Nik

 

[I'mNoPrince]

With that age range and amount of people I would stay on-sight for sure.

POP or maybe even one of the Mods (love POFQ). This way you could come and go as you need. If staying at POFQ you can boat down to DTD for more dining options and use all the stuff at it's sister resort POR.


Welcome to the DIS

 

[eliza61]

I'm going for on-site as well.
1) you have a lot of people going. On site allows every one to do their own thing if they choose.
2) Only 1 driver. What happens if the older folk want to go back? Or some one gets a little quesy after EE and wants to go back a lay down for a bit.
On site this is not a huge inconvinence for everyone.
3) Magic hours in the summer are great! Remember summers in Florida are beyond hot. Magic hours lets you get in a lot of touring in the cooler morning or evening hours.
I think with 7 people, the Pop is the way to go or have you looked into the family suites at All stars?

 

[NotPeach]

Sorry to be so stupid... are magic hours the times when only resort guests can get into the park? Thanks!

 

[FlashScout]

Sorry to be so stupid... are magic hours the times when only resort guests can get into the park? Thanks!

Not a stupid question. You're right: Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are the extra hour in the morning and 2-3 hours at night that resort guests have exclusive access to the most popular rides in a park. One park has a morning EMH and a different one has evening EMH each day of the week.


Niki T: Regarding where to stay - with the transportation issues you have, staying on-site is probably your best option. Once you're sure about that, then decide what type of accommodation you need and what is most important to you. Either 2 rooms or a family suite or possibly a 2-bedroom DVC villa. Is price more important than the amenities available at a deluxe resort?

It sounds like you want more dining options so maybe a 2-room Boardwalk Villas. You could rent DVC points and have the convenience of everyone together, easy transportation to EPCOT and Disney/MGM, a variety of restaurants at those parks as well as around the boardwalk, and options for entertainment for varying ages.

Good luck and WELCOME to the DIS!

 

[MEK]

I would definately stay on site if transportation is an issue. Who've already stayed on site once and it would be hard to go back to off site. I think you and your group just need to decide what level of resort you want to stay at. I do think the mods are nice because they offer the quiet pools and the refrig. You could also consider the family suites at ASMu depending on who's staying with who in your group.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[Niki T]

Thanks everyone, I think you have just confirmed what I knew all along! Pop is the way to go. We don't want to stay at one of the more expensive hotels as when we wnet last year for our honeymoon we hardly spent any time at the hotel and since DG is treating us to the accomadation we don't want it to be too expensive. We are AA members though, so we might upgrade depending on the discount. I can't wait sooo excited, still going to DLP before WDW, so I can have my mouse fix soone!