anyone tagged along before???

[mollyseven]

Sooooo...my husband has convinced his boss that he NEEDS to attend Lotusphere in January (21-15) which just happens to take place at Disneyworld....swan/dolphin conference facility to be exact. Sooooo I have decided to take the 2 kids along. We actually just went in May for our first ever family trip to the world and stayed at POP and loved it.
Now for this one.
He gets good rates at a few properties but we don't wanna stay at swan/dolpin because I am worried about the mould issues I've read about and our son has a condition which could make that a lethal trip for him if it was in fact a true fact. blah blah I know but we are heading in the direction of Port Orleans or Caribbean Beach unless they come up with rates at POP again. Of course we could stay at pop anyhow but I thought Port Orleans would be nice.
My real question here is this.
Should I worry about a meal plan. Last time we had hotel/passes/meals etc but this time I was planning on just getting the kids and I 4 day passes without the park hopping option and keeping it at about 600.00 for the passes for 4 days then with our flights on top that's another 1200.00.
My husband is going to be totally outta this so I am thinking the kids and I will just wing-it for our meals and not worry about a meal plan....sound like what you'd do?
We plan on 2 days hanging at the hotel or going to downtown disney that sort of thing. I am hoping for decent weather and hitting the pool.
So....1. meal plan or no meal plan
2. which hotel has the best options for pools in January (swan/dolphin/cbr/por/pop)
3.....any other thoughts?
Help

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

save the $$ stick with POP and don't do the meal plan. Esp. if you just want to go with the flow of your trip. have fun!

 

[disnut8]

I wouldn't blow off the Swan/Dolphin. Especially since that's where the conference will be. It would make your husband's trip much better not to have to commute. Make sure your son's allergies are fully addressed, though. As far as pools are concerned, the Swan and Dolphin share a great one. For two adults, we loved it. It's big and there are a bunch of hot tubs right next to the pools so you can relax and still keep an eye on the kids. In fact, there's a tub next to the slide.

I wouldn't do a meal plan since you want to wing it. In the Epcot resort area, you have several places to choose and don't need ADRs. Boardwalk pizza window (we love it - outside seating only). ESPN Club (noisy but great for sports and they have an arcade) and Big River Grille (indoor and outdoor seating). There's also Hurricane Hannah's over at the Beach Club. The Yacht Club Galley does take ADRs but you probably don't need them.

That's my two cents.

 

[Eljay]

I have to agree with the suggestion to stay with the Swan or Dolphin. I've stayed in both several times, never a mold problem. On the other hand, I did have a huge mold/mildew problem at POFQ. I was quite sick with it. I believe that has been fixed with the renovations, though.
Back to the S & D, the food options are fantastic and the access to Epcot and MGM are awesome. The evenings on the Boardwalk, which is a quick stroll away, are really nice.
I hate to rain on your parade, but it gets pretty chilly in Orlando in January. The pool might not be a great idea anyway!

BTW, what is Lotusphere?

http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/brdwlk.htm

 

[justwinnie]

Hi! I love tagging along on conferences!

I'd say no to the meal plan. Since you can only buy them as a
package (room + tickets+ DDP), and everyone staying in the room has to buy the same tix and meal plan. If your husband isn't planning on joining you most of the time, it'd be wasted on him.

January weather varies-- can dip L-O-W. But generally it is a bit too cold to swim. Average high is 72, average temp is 61, average low is 50. I know the Disney resort pools are heated, but you probably won't want to spend that much time in the pool.

I'd agree with the other people suggesting the Swan or Dolphin. Many conferences start early and transport between resorts is difficult-- unless you have a rental car or use a taxi.

I've stayed at the Boardwalk a few times for conferences and I love that area.