Best timeshare for 3 small kids plus grandma?

[TerriGW]

I'm new here and planning our family's first trip to Disney World. I've been lurking and reading some great information here, but could use some more input on lodging options. Here's our situation:

There are 6 of us going: my husband and I; our 3 kids ages 6, 4, and 2; and my mother. We are driving down, so we will have our own transportation. We are planning to visit the parks in the morning, then come back to the resort for lunch. After lunch my 2-year-old naps and my 4 and 6-year-olds will need something to keep them occupied, like swimming or children's programs. We will then go back to the parks and plan to eat dinner there. We also plan to take at least one day off from the parks during the week.

So the ideal lodging option would have at least 3 bedrooms (parents, kids, and grandma), have a kitchen or kitchenette where we could prepare breakfast and lunch, be close to the parks since we plan to leave and return during the day, have a nice kids' pool, have some children's activities or programming, and be affordable (around $1500 or less).

I was looking at HIFS, but the 3 BR suite looks pricey, and from what I've read here, with the increased prices and no free breakfast, it isn't quite the bargain it used to be. The timeshare rental option is looking attractive. The Sheraton Vistana and Marriott Horizons both look very kid-friendly, but it appears they don't have any 3 BR units. Is that right? The other options I've noted are Marriott Imperial Palm Villas, Orange Lake Country Club, EVR Grand Beach, Fairfield Star Island, Cypress Pointe - LBV and Grand Villas, and Amerisuites Vacation Club Calypso Cay.

Can anyone help me figure out which of those options meet my criteria and if there are any other options I should consider? I plan to narrow the list to 2 or 3 good options and then see what I can find available for rental.

 

[Mudd77]

Have you thought about renting a home? The best vacation we had was when rented a 4-bedroom house in Windsor Palms. The house even had it's own little pool and jacuzzi. Perfect for kids. Here is the home we stayed in (She even has a 3-bedroom townhouse):

http://www.pixeydust.com/feature_home.html

Here are all the homes for rent in the neighborhood:

http://www.windsor-palms-florida.net/

 

[Local_Girl]

We're doing Cypress Pointe in April, which seems to meet most of your criteria. We have a DS11 and DD8 and we'll be taking Grandma this trip, so we have similar needs! We haven't stayed there before, but we have stayed nearby and are familiar with the location. It is close to the DTD area. We are paying $1206+ total for 12 nights in a 3 bdrm, which seems pretty reasonable. CP has almost completed extensive interior renovations too, and the units look nice per the pictures. I don't know if they have scheduled kids' activities though.

We have also stayed at Orange Lake (2003) and enjoyed it there, but we spend most of our time in the parks and doing other activities and rarely hang out at the resort. It did look like there was plenty to do! It was quite a bit further away from WDW than CP though. Good luck with your decision!

 

[bajanswife]

Just a point to consider .... a 2 bedroom lockoff (vs a plain 2 bedroom) has 2 bedrooms and 2 living rooms, and often both living room couches are sofa beds. It's really 2 1-bedrooms put together. Your kids could have a bedroom in the lockoff, you and DH could use the living room in the lockoff as your bedroom, grandma could have the other bedroom, and the other living room could be your living area. Some 2-br lockoffs have 2 kitchens as well (or a kitchen and a kitchenette) - handy for middle-of-the-night foraging or glasses of water - no waking grandma and vice versa.

Anyway, just a thought. Might work out cheaper than a 3-br, and would give you the option of Vistana if you like it.

 

[hilltopfamily]

How is it possible to "rent" a stay at these timeshare places? I feel really stupid for asking---but I'm probably just not "getting" it. (we live in Nebraska-no timeshares here!) We have 5 in our family, and I "googled" Sheraton Vistana to look at the rooms. A 2 bedroom looks fabulous, but how would a non-owner be able to rent accomodations there? I'm completely clueless and appreciate any info you can give. (Sorry, I don't mean to hijack OP's question & hope my additional question is ok)

 

[39CINDERELLA]

How is it possible to "rent" a stay at these timeshare places? I feel really stupid for asking---but I'm probably just not "getting" it. (we live in Nebraska-no timeshares here!) We have 5 in our family, and I "googled" Sheraton Vistana to look at the rooms. A 2 bedroom looks fabulous, but how would a non-owner be able to rent accomodations there? I'm completely clueless and appreciate any info you can give. (Sorry, I don't mean to hijack OP's question & hope my additional question is ok)

I found info on Allearsnet.com regarding Sheraton Vistana Resort got the res. phone# called and got a 2bd/2bath for June. They also have their own web site @ Starwoodvo.com. I have never rented from a time share either, I was told when you check in they will ask you if you would be interested in a promo session just say no thanks and they will not give you a hard time. From what I have seen for the money and space this is the way to go. Good Luck

 

[isla bonita]

The pool homes are the way to go! You can put your little one down and let the sibs play in the pool right in your own back yard. Most have games, books vcr's, dvd's, and so on to entertain. Check out this web site. http://www.floridadisneyhomes.com/
they are the bomb. Good luck with your undertaking.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Those of you that have done this before..... Did you miss early entry? How do you plan your park days? I just can't decide what is better for us. We have always been on site during the 1st week of Dec. Very slow time, no lines but also no late hours so we really used ee to add to the time we had in the parks. This year we are going in June but with a bigger group. Is off site a better option? Will I really want to add the extra hours when they are open so late anyway? Or will I wish I had the extra hours because that is the only time to get on the rides without lines? I have been going though this in my head forever and really do not know! But my head is spinning!!!

To the OP consider the cabins at Ft. Wilderness. They sleep 6 and there are lots of activities for your younger ones while the little one naps. Only a short boat ride to MK too.

 

[spiceycat]

I cheat - I stay off site - but the morning or night that I really want Early entry- I stay at WDW - the ID (room key) is good until midnight the day you check out - so you can do 2 days for one.

anyway - there are several places you can rent timeshares

www.tug2.net
you look at the classified ads and participate in the BBS board - where the 'last minute rentals' are located.

www.redweek.com
you have to pay a fee for this - be careful - some of this is not good bargins - look over everything and I mean everything!!!

if you still want to stay on-site but need more room then go to on this board
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

the dvc rental/trade board - it is cheaper than going through CRO (WDTC or WDW) - but staying onsite is not cheap!!!

if you aren't afraid of auctions
www.skyauction.com
click on USA/Canada
click on Florida (right side)
click on hotels only (right bottom)

you are looking ONLY for 7 days rental - these are timeshares remember to add the $195 + $15 (the extra fees) to anything you are looking at. remembering you are looking at weeks rental - something there are great buys otherwise (like lately) there is nothing really good.

Don't worth about the company coming through - this is a branch of RCI (the exchange company) - they don't own this stuff - but it is (their words) excess inventory.

if you don't like the ideal of an auction - then go the II (Interval International)
www.condodirect.com
you stand a better chance of getting a Marriott at a reasonable price here. remember that the prices go down between 60 days and 45 days before your stay.

both skyauction and condodirect - their stuff change on a daily basis - so if you don't find what you want then just kept looking.

if you don't have the flexibility - you can only go at a certain time - then go to
www.tug2.net
and try to find an owner to deal with - it will probably cost more - but if you can only at a certain time you probably don't have a choice.

the tug board will not let you advertise - you can on the last minute rentals - but if you really want one you probably need to ask in the state (florida) - so instead of asking to rent one here - you ask for any owners of whatever timeshare you really want to please contact you - that is not against the rules.

 

[TerriGW]

Thanks for the replies!

Mudd77 - thanks for the suggestion. I checked out the websites you posted and it looks a strong possibility! I noted that you had also stayed at HIFS and Vistana and still thought a pool home was the way to go. Can you be more specific on why you thought that was better?

Coco - thanks for explaining what a lockoff is. I had seen that term, but didn't know what it meant.

Penny - you've already received several answers, but the other one I would add is eBay. My neighbor got a great deal on a timeshare on eBay.

Spiceycat - thanks for all the links.

Anyone else care to offer an opinion on pool home vs. condo? I can see how a pool in the backyard would be really convenient, but do you miss having children's activities?

Anyone else have input on the children's programs at the other resorts listed in the original message? It's hard to know what "children's activities" means when they list it as a bullet item on the website.

Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

sometimes the information is on the home page.

I know the children's activites at the Marriott Imperial are not at the timeshare but the Orlando world center - the giant hotel in the middle.
http://www.orlandoworldcenter.com/

here is sheraton vistana - I know it is not on own your list - but it has probably the best activites list for children around

http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/guests.jsp?resortID=5

this is orange lake
http://www.myorangelake.com/tour_our_resort/daytime_playtime.html

I couldn't find the activities list on the other timeshares you mention - I can send you to their websites if you want?

 

[jeff968]

Thanks for the replies!


Anyone else have input on the children's programs at the other resorts listed in the original message? It's hard to know what "children's activities" means when they list it as a bullet item on the website.

Thanks!

Terri,
We have stayed at many of the resorts and I, like you plan to, took advantage of the children's program. All of the major timeshares have some activities but I think some do a better job with the little ones. The Hilton grand vacation club had a good program including a "behind the scenes" trip to seaworld. there is a small fee for some of these. The Marriott had many programs which we took advantage of. My kids met many friends and begged us to return there this year so we are. the Marriott had some great programs like tamiya racing cars which my son loved. You purchase the car for $15 and they had scheduled races twice a day. Lots of activities for teens and the little ones as well.

As for your three bedroom request, that will be harder to fill. There are resorts that have them. The Hilton did. But most will rent you a two bedroom with a lockoff single bedroom next door with a door connecting them. Watch eBay for great rental deals as well.

Good luck.

 

[Mudd77]

TerriGW,

We just enjoyed the overall experience of staying in a pool home. We had three families staying, so the extra space was very nice. And having your own pool a few steps out the back door is very nice. The kids loved the pool while us adults soaked it up in the hot tub. We never even went to the pool at the clubhouse. The two king suites also had really comfortable beds and their own bathrooms. It was kind of like a home away from home. Very enjoyable. Do a search on these boards and you will see many people share the same feelings I do.

HIFS was also nice, however I must say we got a pretty good deal to stay there. How about FREE! Through her work, my wife was able to book a week at HIFS for no cost every year. Great deal uh? With that being said, I would not pay full price to stay here. The place has a great pool and some good activities for kids (face painting, balloons, Karaoke) but the rooms are just too small. And with the projected increase in price, a much better deal can be found.

As for the Vistana, I would not stay here for the simple fact that you don’t know what your getting. There is an old and a new section that are quite different from each other. If you can be assured that you will be placed in a newer section (Cascades, Lakes or Fountains) then I would suggest it. However, if you can’t, I don’t think it is worth the risk of ending up in one of the older sections (Courts or Falls) To me, they are definitely not worth what you are paying for. Below is a link to a thread where I went in to a little more detailed about the unit. Also has pics.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=665938

 

[TerriGW]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond to my questions! What a helpful bunch of people you are here. We decided on a 3 BR at the Cypress Pointe Resort. The pool homes were tempting, but the price of Cypress Pointe really sold us. I think it meets all my criteria--3 BR, kitchen, commute times to the parks ranging from 9:30 - 14:15 according to the Unofficial Guide, several pools including a volcano pool, mini-golf, and some scheduled children's activities, all for less than $100 per night at hotelkingdom.com. I just showed some pictures to my kids and we are all excited. Thanks again!!!!!!!