Advice on where to stay

[KaT2009]

I am currently planning a trip with friends of ours and we will have 4 kids under 4 and 1 who is 6 plus 4 adults. I would love to hear opinions on where the best place to stay will be. I am open to Disney Resorts as well as off site resorts that offer transportation to the Disney parks. We would like the resort to be somewhere the kids can stay and play some days and be resonably priced.
Oh and we are going over NewYears!
Thanks

 

[HeatherC]

I am a total offsite person. HOWEVER...since you are going over New Year's....I would only suggest staying in a Disney resort.

The crowds will be unbelievable. Last year my MIL was there...staying offsite. They left Epcot a little after midnight and did not get out of the parking lot and home until something like 3:30 am.

The parks can also fill up by early morning for the day and then they stop letting people in. At least if you are a Disney guest I would imagine you would get in.

Have a great trip!

 

[J&J]

maybe you would like Old Key West the two bedroom has a lot of room, two bathrooms and a washer and dryer with a full kitchen. nothing like staying on site,

 

[KaT2009]

Thanks so far...please give me some more advise on little kid friendly resorts.
We don't plan on going to an actualy Disney park until after newyears because of the crowds!

 

[dougsmom98]

If you are counting on only using shuttle service, I would not stay off site. Most of us die-hard off siters would never consider staying off site without a car. The off site shuttle service just isn't flexible enough especially with children. To be honest though, with little ones who need strollers and a bag with snacks and a change of clothes and maybe diapers, I wouldn't take any public transportation because it is a hassle. The first time we went to Disney was Christmas week. Our boys were 4,2, and 2. We had a fantastic time except for people that would run in front of us and jump on the tram or the monorail even though we were first in line. One day we had to wait for three monorails. I was nearly in tears.

As far as off site kid-friendly resorts, many people really enjoy Bonnet Creek. They have condo-like accommodations and large pool complexes.

I prefer private homes with their own pools especially with young kids because it is easier to watch them when you have your own private pool in the back yard. DH and I grab a drink and put our feet up or play cards on the deck while the kids splash around. When one of the kids gets tired of swimming or needs a nap, we all don't have to pack up and go back to the room, they can get out and change and the rest of the kids can keep swimming. On our last 2-3 trips we only go to the parks 2-3 days and spend the rest relaxing at the villa. Many people on these boards rave about WH because it is one of the closest communities to Disney. It has a community pool with a water slide. I am guessing based on the ages of the kids, they would be too short to go on the water slide though. You can find this community and others in Kissimmee on www.vrbo.com or through www.windsorhillsrent.com

 

[HeatherC]

Since you mentioned that you aren't going to any parks until after New Year's, that makes a big difference.

Here are some resorts we've stayed at in the past that were wonderful with kids.

Bonnet Creek...www.wyndhambonnetcreek.com
Marriott Grande Vista...www.marriott.com - one of my faves!
Sheraton Vistana Villages..www.starwood.com
Orange Lake Resort...www.orangelake.com - beautiful but a little too big for me.
Windsor Hills Resort

I could list a ton more, but you would have a wonderful time with any of these. All have wonderful amenities and are an easy commute to the parks.

Hope this helps!!

 

[KaT2009]

You can find this community and others in Kissimmee on www.vrbo.com or through www.windsorhillsrent.com

Have you used vrbo to book a vacation home? If so is the process safe? What advise can you give me if we choose to go the private vacation route?

Thanks

 

[gsmag]

I have used vrbo to book a beach condo in Gulf Shores Alabama. The transaction went fine. You ultimately end up in direct contact with the owner and they sent me a contract etc. its was all legit.