Best offsite resort closest to WDW?

[talulabelle]

What is everyones opinion on the best offsite resort? I realize everyones opinions will vary, but I welcome a list of ideas. We are planning our first offsite trip at the end of June and I have already looked into a condo a Windsor Hills. I just want to compare it to a resort with villas that is also really close to WDW or to a resort where we could get 2 connecting rooms and they serve a complimentary breakfast. We would be looking for nice pool too. I don't know anything about offsite places except what I have read on this board, but I don't know which ones are closest to the parks, which are top notch etc.

TIA for any info!

 

[yasuern]

Windsor Hills


Here is a link to a man who rents condos and a few townhomes - reasonable rates but only rents sat-sat

http://vacationcentralflorida.com/

closer to WDW parks than some WDW resorts


sue

 

[spiceycat]

do you care about price

if you don't then
gaylord palms
http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/index.html

something at times a little cheap
http://www.marriottworldcenter.com/

now if they are both beyond your budget - they are definitely beyond mind.

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/

 

[ColinCodyMom]

We had two AMAZING stays at Caribe Royale in their two bedroom villas. They were wonderful and we will definitely be returning. Every Wednesday their website offers great deals. This past week I think it was 30% off the 2 br. They are GREAT and close to disney. They offer shuttles as well.

 

[talulabelle]

We had two AMAZING stays at Caribe Royale in their two bedroom villas. They were wonderful and we will definitely be returning. Every Wednesday their website offers great deals. This past week I think it was 30% off the 2 br. They are GREAT and close to disney. They offer shuttles as well.

WOw, that looks gorgeous, but I do care about price...we are going during the but 4 get 3 special, and it woudl actually be cheaper for me to get two room in a deluxe on-site with that special than a villa here.

I can afford the cabins during the 4-3 special and with tickets for my family it comes to about $3000 . To get the same package of tickets for my fam and be off-site, it will cost $1500 just for tickets. SO, I guess I'm looking for something with a kitchen, off-site, more room than a cabin, that will be 1500 or under for the week. Don't need transportation as we will have our car. I've looked into Windsor hill, which is definately looking like a likely option for us, but was hoping to find a suite or villa that would include houskeeping. Or at least on house keeping visit, or at least I won't have to worry about washing the sheets and sanitizing the towels when I get there, like I would at WH.

I know that is a big order, does anyone have any ideas?

 

[jamdkvan]

We stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Resort that was very close to the main gate of Disney. It had a full kitchen and a Walmart supercenter was right down the road. It really helps to spend a little extra to get a kitchen then stock up on your own food instead of eating out everywhere. Some family of mine stayed at the Sheraton Villages that are a little bit further away but still close and they loved it. Also had some friends stay at The Fountains and really enjoyed. These are all within 5-8 minutes of the main gates to Disney. Good luck!!

 

[talulabelle]

We stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Resort that was very close to the main gate of Disney. It had a full kitchen and a Walmart supercenter was right down the road. It really helps to spend a little extra to get a kitchen then stock up on your own food instead of eating out everywhere. Some family of mine stayed at the Sheraton Villages that are a little bit further away but still close and they loved it. Also had some friends stay at The Fountains and really enjoyed. These are all within 5-8 minutes of the main gates to Disney. Good luck!!

I am looking at the Sheraton Vistana now...looks like the Cascades is the desired building? Is that right? I'm guessing with the Dreams Unlimited promo, that I wouldn't get that building.

 

[mousey]

Definately Bonnet Creek. We rented from Ken Price (Ken@vacationupgrades.com) Very trustworthy and accomodating. Bonnet is located right next to Caribbean Beach resort.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We did the Silver Lake Resort and loved it. It's right behind AK.

 

[spiceycat]

not the best but for a nice hotel that is cheap (having a sale) this one is pretty nice

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/541967

 

[MiaSRN62]

talulabelle : I am looking at the Sheraton Vistana now...looks like the Cascades is the desired building? Is that right? I'm guessing with the Dreams Unlimited promo, that I wouldn't get that building.

Not sure what DU is able to guarantee. My guess is that if you are getting a discounted room you could get an older section.

This resort is undergoing a major remodel (there are several threads on this board in regards to dates and differences in the sections). But the preferable sections right now are : Lakes, Cascades, Fountains I, Fountains II. If you won't go down before the end of June, then add the Springs and Falls to this list as they will be complete by June 30.

I would email the DU staff and ask them about the discounted rate and which sections they apply to.

Maria

 

[kathie859]

I've stayed at both Bonnet Creek and Windsor Hills (and another so-so condo that I can't remember the name of) and would recommend either one; however, neither has an on-site complimentary breakfast.
Both have washer and dryer in the condo or home so washing isn't a chore that involves lugging laundry all over the place. It's nice to be able to pack very lightly knowing that mid week you can throw a load or two of clothes in the wash.

I may be wrong but I think you could inquire about additional housekeeping--but I found that even traveling with a small horde, it was easy to keep things orderly and clean--both locations were spotless upon check in and everyone pitched in to put dirty dishes in the dishwasher and towels hung after using.

I don't know if you've ever stayed in the WDW cabins before but they are miserable compared to WH or BC.

 

[CRI]

I rarely post, but always read these boards for wonderful advice before a trip to Florida. I have been searching for a special for Comfort Inn LBV, and best was $48.00 night. Your post was perfectly timed, thank you !
Chris

 

[MiaSRN62]

kathie859 : I don't know if you've ever stayed in the WDW cabins before but they are miserable compared to WH or BC.

Well I think comparing the FW Cabins to BC or WH is like comparing apples and oranges.

The WDW Cabins are themed to be rustic. They are cabins in the woods. BC and WH are like upscale homes in FL. The cabins offer a different type of experience entirely----a petting farm....woods setting.....boating on the lake.....alot like a Tom Sawyer theme for lack of better analogy. BC and WH are very nice, modern, upscale homes with granite countertops and all. Some people just prefer a different experience.

So I think it's just a different taste or preference for what one wants in a vacation experience. There's valid reasons for people to book at both these types of resorts depending on what they like and want. My in-laws stayed in the cabins about 4 years ago and really enjoyed them. And they have stayed with us at our Vistana resort before so they could compare them to a timeshare resort.

 

[greenclan67]

We stayed at Bonnet Creek Feb 5th to the 13th, in a 3 bdrm, 8 nights total, for under a $1000.00 U.S. We also rented from Ken Price, and he was wonderful to deal with, and will deal with him again!
Beautiful resort, rooms were very spacious, and we had an awesome view of the Epcot ball, fireworks, and MK fireworks! Somenights at the same time, sometimes an hour apart. There is so much to do at this resort, it is actually nice to spend a day just there. Good luck with your decision, I am sure anything you decide will be wonderful!

 

[eldres]

I have rented a townhouse a couple of times from Holidays Villas,recommend Lucaya Village very quiet,and newer than there other locations.They have there own website that you can see there property.I would have stayed there again in May but I got such a good deal at Windsor Hills.

 

[spiceycat]

I rarely post, but always read these boards for wonderful advice before a trip to Florida. I have been searching for a special for Comfort Inn LBV, and best was $48.00 night. Your post was perfectly timed, thank you !
Chris

glad it helped you.

 

[lulugirl]

Regarding Bonnet Creek.....how is the transportation to/from the parks?

We currently have two rooms booked at POR but a 1 or 2 bedroom at Bonnet Creek is very appealing. My main concern would be transportation, we will have a car but generally use it for grocery store runs and to go to Downtown Disney, we like the Disney buses for everything else.

Any thoughts?

 

[kathie859]

Regarding Bonnet Creek.....how is the transportation to/from the parks?

We currently have two rooms booked at POR but a 1 or 2 bedroom at Bonnet Creek is very appealing. My main concern would be transportation, we will have a car but generally use it for grocery store runs and to go to Downtown Disney, we like the Disney buses for everything else.

Any thoughts?

Since Bonnet Creek is not a WDW facility, you would have to either drive to a park and take WDW transportation from there to get around OR there's some sort of shuttle bus that services BC to WDW park or venue and take WDW transportation from there. I remember seeing it (the bus) near the check in area. FWIW--BC is a lovely facility. I've stayed at POR, too. I'd go with BC over POR. But then, I like to drive myself and am not overly fond of internal WDW transportation (with the exception of the monorail and the water launches).

 

[DWFan4Life]

Windsor Hills


Here is a link to a man who rents condos and a few townhomes - reasonable rates but only rents sat-sat

http://vacationcentralflorida.com/

closer to WDW parks than some WDW resorts


sue

I agree with this. It's a great place. My kids loved the pool and playground, they really enjoyed it. Also there's a laundry facilities which is good.