Best Two Bedroom Ideas

[DisneyTeacher2]

Hi Everyone,

My family of 6 is traveling to Disney for Spring Break and our time is running out quickly to make a reservation! WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! I keep looking through all of the different options and we are struggling to find the best fit.

We had a reservation at Art of Animation in a Family Suite but are needing to change due to wanting to save money. This will be our first time staying off site, and our children's first visit to Disney... so we want it to be special.

I've looked at Bonnet Creek (Ebay) and have been chatting with a travel agent. Quite honestly, she hasn't been the most friendly and I would rather give my money to someone nicer! PLUS - A bit nervous about the whole thing honestly...

Anyway - What are your best ideas for a two bedroom option close to Disney? Bonnet Creek looks lovely, but we would also like some different options. THANK YOU EVERYONE!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We love the Sheraton Vistana Resort. Its super close to Downtown Disney.

The two bedrooms are super spacious (most around 1100-1200 square feet) and offer full kitchens with a breakfast bar, dining area, king bed in the master bedroom, two doubles or two twins in the 2nd bedroom, two full baths (one with a Jacuzzi tub), a pull-out sofa in the living room, 3 flat-screen TVs, and a screened in balcony or patio.

The resort itself offers 7 pools (two with waterfalls, one with kid sprinklers, one with a slide, two with in-water volleyball nets, etc.), 6 hot tubs, mini golf, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, and daily scheduled activities including poolside movies, karaoke, bingo, pool parties, and more.

Dreams Unlimited offers a special "no housekeeping" rate:

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/sheraton/vistana/svr-res.cfm

Or you could try listings on Redweek, My Resort Network, Timeshare Users Group, or Ebay to rent direct from an owner.

These two threads have some great SVR info with lots of pictures (particularly the first thread, which is the most current):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3148502

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2088957

 

[Ametista]

I would not limit yourself to 2 bedroom places. Most of the 2 bedrooms will be expensive chain resorts. If you get on Homeaway, VRBO, or FlipKey you can search Emerald Island, Windsor Hills, Paradise Palms, Encantada, Indian Creek, and you will often find a 3 or 4 bedroom home with a private pool for less than a 2 bedroom at a Marriott Resort. And I love Marriott Resorts but they are expensive by comparison with fewer amenities. All of the home communities I listed are within 5 minutes of Disney property, and all are gated except Indian Creek.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I would not limit yourself to 2 bedroom places. Most of the 2 bedrooms will be expensive chain resorts. If you get on Homeaway, VRBO, or FlipKey you can search Emerald Island, Windsor Hills, Paradise Palms, Encantada, Indian Creek, and you will often find a 3 or 4 bedroom home with a private pool for less than a 2 bedroom at a Marriott Resort. And I love Marriott Resorts but they are expensive by comparison with fewer amenities. All of the home communities I listed are within 5 minutes of Disney property, and all are gated except Indian Creek.

A lot will depend on what the OP wants out of her accommodations. Gated communities will offer a quieter, more residential-like accommodations with fewer resort amenities (though you may have your own private splash pool...which you won't get at a resort). Actual resorts will have a larger variety of pools, more amenities (things like multiple playgrounds, poolside movies, onsite mini golf), a dedicated staff that schedules specific daily activities like bingo, karaoke, tye-dye t-shirts and other crafts, etc., and a completely different vibe vs. a pool home.

Both are great options, depending on what you are looking for....but definitely a consideration when comparing options and picking a place to stay.

 

[4forMe]

Try looking at vacation upgrades and vacation strategy for prices on Bonnet Creek. Many people on these boards use these 2 websites to book Bonnet Creek.

I would not limit yourself to 2 bedroom places. Most of the 2 bedrooms will be expensive chain resorts. If you get on Homeaway, VRBO, or FlipKey you can search Emerald Island, Windsor Hills, Paradise Palms, Encantada, Indian Creek, and you will often find a 3 or 4 bedroom home with a private pool for less than a 2 bedroom at a Marriott Resort. And I love Marriott Resorts but they are expensive by comparison with fewer amenities. All of the home communities I listed are within 5 minutes of Disney property, and all are gated except Indian Creek.

I agree to check out VRBO for one of the above communities (we prefer Windsor Hills). Our family of 6 always books a 4 BR home. It is so relaxing with everyone having their own space, and my kids love to use the pool while DH and I use the spa/hot tub. Windsor Hills also offers 2 and 3 bedroom condos and 3 BR townhomes which also have a small splash pool.

The other communities mentioned above have 4 BR homes with pools at very good prices. In terms of a vacation home, add Sunset Lakes to the above list as well (they have 3 and 4 BR homes).

Good luck with your search.

 

[4forMe]

OP, I forgot to add that if you do not plan to get a rental car, then Bonnet Creek would be your best bet as they are closest and offer shuttle services (for a fee, I believe).

 

[haPevraftr]

I prefer WBC b/c of the location and the pools/amenities. If I was judging on rooms alone, I would pick Sheraton Vistana Resort. Both are great

 

[DisneyTeacher2]

WOW! Thanks everyone for the ideas! This was SO MUCH HELP! We were only leaning towards Bonnet Creek because of their awesome looking pools! I know... silly.... but true

Thank you for the different links to check out!

 

[Bete]

I vote for Residence Inn in Lake Buena Vista. It's not too far from Downtown Disney. You can get a 2 bedroom as 2 queens each and a pullout sofa in the living room. There's a full kitchen. There are 3 phones and 3 Flat screen TVs. They serve a full breakfast buffet that we just love. With a hearty breakfast we only needed to do one more meal each day. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday they provide an evening reception that serves as another meal similar to a quick service meal at the Disney park. You can even get beer or wine to drink. The pool is regular, but nice. They have a free shuttle to the park, but hours are somewhat limited; it's not like Disney transportation. If you use the shuttle you will save the $15 parking fee at the parks.

We have stayed with them for the last 4 years. We like it.

Keep in mind, as an offsite guest you don't get extra magic hours and it's a little bit iffy still on how well fastpass plus will work for you. We don't have a commando style with Disney and we do more shows than rides; so, staying offsite isn't too bad for us.

 

[Ametista]

A lot will depend on what the OP wants out of her accommodations. Gated communities will offer a quieter, more residential-like accommodations with fewer resort amenities (though you may have your own private splash pool...which you won't get at a resort). Actual resorts will have a larger variety of pools, more amenities (things like multiple playgrounds, poolside movies, onsite mini golf), a dedicated staff that schedules specific daily activities like bingo, karaoke, tye-dye t-shirts and other crafts, etc., and a completely different vibe vs. a pool home.

Both are great options, depending on what you are looking for....but definitely a consideration when comparing options and picking a place to stay.

Well by amenities I meant # of tvs and bathrooms in addition to pools and outdoor stuff.
Those are important amenities for me!