Best Offsite Hotel for Family ...

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I hope that this is the right forum for this type of question.......

I am thinking of planning a surprise trip for my kids (12 & 8) to Disney. Two years ago we went and stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had a great trip but it cost us LOTS of money, I guess I didn't search too well for deals

I was just wondering what resorts outside of disney that people recommend for kids that has a special feel of "disney magic" to it. I know nothing will compare to being in Disney, but I want a hotel that won't feel like we are at a best western in New York

Thanks for any tips.

 

[powellrj]

we love Cypress point. We stayed there in June and booked through www.hotelkingdom.com It's not Disney, but its a condo with lots of room and its about a block from downtown Disney.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

Try one of the WDW value resorts. Much cheaper than a deluxe but still has that Disney feel!!

I think All Star Movie has the most WDW magic.

Jordans' mom

 

[utahkennedys]

I agree with the Disney Value Resorts. In low-season, they are like $79/night, and kids love them. I am not sure why people stay off-site and pay more for value hotels...sometimes I think people don't know how "cheap" Disney hotels can be. Or, rent points from a DVC member, and you can get great deals that way too at otherwise expensive WDW hotels.

 

[ellyn2000]

I, too, suggest that you look into a value resort. I really like the "look" of Pop Century and have stayed at all 3 of the AllStars numerous times. It's an excellent atmosphere for kids, a great value and you have Disney transportation. I stayed offsite 3x in the early years and will never do it again because the value of the "value" and moderates added to the total Disney exerience make it less attractive. I hope you find something that meets all of your needs and have a wonderful trip.

 

[MamaLema]

I am not sure why people stay off-site and pay more for value hotels...sometimes I think people don't know how "cheap" Disney hotels can be.

Not being defensive, just answering your question. You can find off-site hotels cheaper that the Value Resorts that include deluxe breakfasts for everyone. This was a nice savings for our family of 6. Plus we had a microwave and fridge that we needed for the baby at no extra charge. After a 2 week stay, things like that can add up.

I know I'm in the minority but I love off-site hotels. To me, Disney doens't cater to large families, unless you have big bucks.

 

[Momof4girls]

We stayed at the Ramada Inn Kidsuites our first trip for around $79 a night.
The bunk beds were Sponge Bob themed, we had a dorm sized fridge and microwave, and a king sized bed on the other side of the half wall.

They were clean and the housekeeping was good - we even had a little balcony.

They have sales all the time, usually listed on the specials page of mousesavers or on here.

 

[SammieG]

Personally I find the rooms at The value Disney resorts totally depressing! I could not spend more than a night there. They are dark and tiny! The thought of spending more than an hour in there with 2 kids is not a happy one!!

I need light and air.. and a balcony.. my own kitchen etc.

There are some fab places around.. (I thoroughly recommend Hilton Grand Vacation Club on I Drive... 2 bedrooms, two bathrooms and full kitchen plus living room with DVD player, internet access, a BOSE sound system - for about the same as a moderate at Disney.

There are other places around. You can get the 3 bedroom apartment at Embassy Vacation Resort at Grand Beach with three beds, three baths, full kitchen.. all rooms with tvs etc... for $140 a night.

it depends what you mean by magic... I have stayed onsite many times.. and yes, whilst the themeing was beautiful.. i didnt see any of the "magic" that people talk about staying on site. I saw small dark rooms, very limited space, no fridges, no kitchen facilities, no balconies, limited tv channels, no sounds system, no dvd player and a long walk to the parking lot! I know it depends on what youre looking for .. but for me most of those things are quite important (can live without the dvd player and sound system).


At HGVC there was even a place you could plug in your MP3 player and play your music.. soooo cool!