Best hotel option for big family?

[mickeymom24]

Onsite or offsite? There are 7 of us that are planning to go in March 2008. 3 adults, a 2 yr. old, a 6 yr. old, a 7 yr. old and a 16 yr. old. The only reason I wanted to stay onsite is that I figured it would be more convient since we are traveling with my mom and the 2 year old and it might make it easier for us to go and take midday breaks. But as far as cost effective, I don't think so. We would need 2 rooms. I am looking into Windsor Hills right now but am not sure if it will end up being really inconvient when it comes to those midday breaks. Any advice? This will be our first time to DW as a family. I was there when I was little and then on my honeymoon so I would like to make it a memorable vacation.

Gaby

 

[spiceycat]

the only problem might be the 16 year old - on WDW property - he/she could go off on their own.

but yes you can easily leave WDW and go back to Windsor Hills it is around 10 minutes from AK, 20 minutes from Epcot and Studios, 30 minutes for MK - probably less - but this allowing for traffic.

you can see on this map how close it is
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm

 

[HeatherC]

Windsor Hills would be great. Another one to consider would be the new Bonnet Creek resort....pretty much next door to the Caribbean Beach Resort.

It is a Wyndham timeshare (used to be Fairfield). They have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom villas. You can even see the Epcot fireworks from some of the balconies. It gets awesome reviews on tripadvisor and is "practically" onsite but not owned by Disney. So you wouldn't get early entry, dining plan and would have to pay the $10 a day parking fee at the parks.

We are staying there next week for 12 days. I rented the points through an owner for less than $100 a day for a two bedroom deluxe. I think my total was under $1100. Pretty good deal for that close to the parks in a two bedroom.

You can do a google search to find out more about it.

The pool is supposed to be wonderful too and has a lazy river and one with a slide.

Hope this helps.

Heather

 

[Jill Schwartz]

I was just reading the Unoffical Guide section on home rentals. It indicated that homes were a great deal, just be certain you pick a neighborhood that is truly close. I think Windsor Hills was one they mentioned as a good location.
Another option might be the "time share" condos that are available to rent if you want more of resort feeling vs. private home. You can get 2 or 3 bedrooms plus living room, dining area, full kitchen, screened balcony and multiple bathrooms. Plus you sometimes get the "fancy" pools with waterfalls, slides, etc.
We've had good experiences with Vistana Villages and Marriott Horizons. If anyone asks if you interested in free tickets (or some other incentive), just say "no, thanks!" and they leave you alone.
This year we are going with the new Worldquest just a mile or two from Disney Maingate. One of the online booking sites had them with a 2-bedroom for $118 or a 3 bedroom for $149 (or something very close to that). They have rec'd excellent reviews.
We love having a rental car. No thoughts on timing bus pickups, etc.

 

[KayR]

Vacation home communities such as Windsor Palms, Windsor Hills, Emerald Island etc are all very close to Disney. Close enough to return home for a mid-day break if you want.


You could have a 4 bedroom home with a pool and your own kitchen, dining room and maybe even a games room. Worth looking into. You could technically fit into a 3 bedroom home/townhome, but you wouldn't have as much privacy or space as you would with a 4 bedroom

For properties on Windsor Palms http://www.windsor-palms-florida.net/

 

[kilee]

Renting a vacation home is a great way to have all the space you need. Personally, I like having the private pool, multiple bathrooms, and private laundry.
Now, the flip side, if you are the type that would be taking an afternoon break- there would be more traveling involved. Which, of course really chops up your day. There are some developments that are really close, but you still have to deal w/ parking and all that w/ leaving.
These are all things to take into consideration.

 

[spiceycat]

you could also consider Cypress Pointe

www.hotelkingdom.com

www.cypresspointe.net

their 3 bedroom has a king in the master for you and your wife, a queen sleeper sofa for the 16, 2 twin beds for the 6 & 7, a queen bed for your mom.

 

[detroitmama]

Our first time at Disney we rented a vacation home, at Indian Creek, which is about the same distance away as Windsor Hills. Truly, we took breaks every day, leaving the parks around lunch time and going home for naps and swim, then heading back to the parks around 4 or 5 oclock. It was such a wonderful way to travel, and I have to say that our favorite part was that we could be outside swimming while our toddler was napping in the afternoon. Our kids had plenty of time at Disney, and because we went right at park opening each day, we accomplished a huge amount of touring before the parks got hot and crowded. Then, after the kids were refreshed, we went back each evening for more fun. The two times we stayed for an afternoon parade, we seriously regretted it! The kids melted!

As far as driving to the parks, AK is only about 10 minutes, door to door. Epcot/MGM were probably 20 minutes door to door. MK was a bit longer - probably closer to 35 minutes door to door because of the monorail. We didn't find leaving the parks inconvenient at all. I would ask people how long it takes to get back to their on-site hotels from the parks to help you make the decision.

We are headed to Orlando next week and plan to stay in a vacation home again (third time). IT was such a wonderful way to travel, that I would seriously consider driving from Michigan to Orlando and renting a vacation home without ever going to a theme park! It is always our favorite part of the trip. Just make sure you get a hot tub too!