Arriving at midnite...what do we do?

[clnational]

We are arriving at around midnite and looking for suggestions...we are currently booked for 5 nites at SSR. We are coming in a day early and now wondering if we should bite the bullet and pay for another nite at SSR, or just find a cheap hotel close by....what have the experts done...what are my options.

Thanks in advance

 

[Chuck S]

Will you have a rental car, or be using a shuttle/taxi service?

If I had a rental, I'd stay offsite, somewhere on US 192. If I was using a shuttle, I think I'd just go ahead and try to book SSR.

 

[WDWguruDH]

We just did this and have done it often. We usually just look for the best deal by the airport. There are bunch of hotels there and a good deal is easier to find than by Disney. The good thing is, after a flight, it is a quick trip to the hotel and bed. Then you get up at a decent time, and head to Disney. This also puts you first on the list during check-in for your preferences on your DVC room.

 

[clnational]

will have rental.....thank you for the response

 

[DebbieB]

What size room? If you are talking 10 or 12 points for a studio, I would add another night but if you are talking about 30 or 40 points for a 2 bedroom, I would stay elsewhere.

I arrived the evening before once for a trip because we could not find decent airfare for the scheduled day, we stayed at a Sheraton by the airport that had a shuttle service (we had a great rate for a car but it was for the next day). We got up early and checked in at CSR at about 8:30am.

 

[tjkraz]

I would stay offsite for two reasons:

1. You won't even be able to enjoy that day at the resort. I don't see the value in paying Disney prices (or spending the points) when all you really want is a place to crash for the night.

We once arrived around 8-9pm, and stayed offsite. Our party was 3 adults and a 2yo child. Got a room at Sierra Suites with 2 beds plus sofabed for about $59, and it even included a continental breakfast. Everyone was aware of the plans, so we put our toiletries and a change of clothes in a separate bag and the rest of the luggage stayed in the car.

2. Most CMs that I've encountered go out of their way to find you a room that's to your liking when you check in. Whether you want something that's immediately available, particular part of the resort, particular view...they aim to please. But, if you check-in at midnight, you're probably going to get the last room of your class that's available. Could be a smoking room (or worse, a non-smoking room if you are a smoker.) Could be a handicapped room.

If you wait until the next morning, you are likely to be one of the first to check-in for the day and will have pick of the litter.

It would certainly be easier to plant your roots at Disney and not have to worry about moving. Guess it just depends on your personal preference.

Good luck.

 

[bom_noite]

If you have kids I would suggest the Raddison Parkway on 192. You can find many deals and room upgrades on the net (and I think on this site). Total cost about 75.00.

We have stayed there before and really like it. They have a very nice pool complex that our kids enjoy.

This may be important if you have to waste time getting in to a room the next day.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Save the points, stay off site in a lower price room and get to SSR bright and early the next morning for a full day. If we arrive late, we always stay off site the first night.

HBC

 

[rbuzzotta]

We ussually arrive around 10-11 PM andstay offsite. We always get a rental car and I use priceline to get a room for one night..... We pack our stuff for the next day in one bag and head out early to our "home" and then go grocery shopping.............

Have a great time...........

 

[momsully]

I would stay offsite at the airport. We always arrive late (after midnight) and stay at a hotel near the airport. Our last trip we took the hotel shuttle to the hotel then Happy Limo picked us up bright and early the next morning to bring us to Disney. We did our grocery stop and we were still at the resort before 9. You can get great rates on Hotwire or Priceline for that first night.

Our December trip we don't land until 1:30 am so I am even considering the Hyatt at the airport just so we can bring the kids up the elevator to bed. I keep watching Hotwire hoping it might show up for a good rate.

 

[AMcaptured]

We have arrived late into Orlando in the past and have stayed at the Hyatt in the airport several times.

You can usually find it for about $129 a night.

Remember, you won't need your rental car until the next day and between the savings on the rental and what another hotel would cost for the night, it amounts to about the same amount of money. At that time of night, we find it just easier to grab our luggage and go up to the hotel.

Heidi

 

[FLYNZ4]

Originally posted by AMcaptured
We have arrived late into Orlando in the past and have stayed at the Hyatt in the airport several times.

You can usually find it for about $129 a night.

Remember, you won't need your rental car until the next day and between the savings on the rental and what another hotel would cost for the night, it amounts to about the same amount of money. At that time of night, we find it just easier to grab our luggage and go up to the hotel.

Heidi

Most car companies charge the daily and weekly rates on a multiple of 24 hr periods... so it may not matter if you pick up the car at 10PM, or 8am the following morning... unless you are going to be returning the car between those same hours when you return the car.

For the vast majority of people, you do not save money by waiting overnight to begin your car rental unless you have a very early flight on your day of departure.

/Jim

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Another vote for staying at the airport! We plan on doing that our first and last nights during our upcoming October visit. Not only will it cut down on the number of points we are using, but it also makes the rental car a weekly rental vs. eight days. I am hoping to secure a decent hotel through Priceline but haven't placed any bids yet.

 

[clnational]

Thanks for the idea's....i guess I need to find a hotel around the airport.

 

[MarylandPizzaman]

We are arriving a day early and have reservations at the Holiday Inn Sunspree 1/2 mile from Disney!!!!$80/ room...