Change in Plans, Need Help w/Lodging!!

[Sha259]

Deep Breaths! So my husband and I were originally planning an Oct 2019 trip to WDW and planned to stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek because it got great reviews here and was SOOOO close to the parks. Now our plans have changed and I need to plan for Feb 2019!

Because of the change in timing and other factors, costs had to be reshuffled and our allotted cost for lodging has gone down. Here are the Details:

DH, myself, and 2.5 year old (at time of travel) son
Traveling Sunday Feb 24th returning Sunday Mar 3rd (7 nights total) Firm dates as flights are booked!
Require a 2 BR villa/suite, or a true 1 BR villa/suite at minimum. We need to have a BR with a door!
Our cost max is $200/night all inclusive of fees (resort and parking) But we would prefer closer to $170/night.
Yes we will have a car.

We would love to stick with WBC, but the quotes I have received from VS were for $1700+ for a 2 BR Deluxe that week and I just cannot justify that price. So we would like to find a comparable property with:
similar amenities (though not having this is not a deal breaker)
similar property upkeep (very important to us, poor upkeep/shabby looking rooms are deal breakers)
and similar distance to the parks (for returns midday for quiet time or naps, too far a distance could be a deal breaker). We want to be parking the car and getting on the tram to the park ideally 10 mins after leaving the hotel.

Please do not recommend any of the Westgate Properties, as I have stayed in the Westgate Vacation Villas and though distance to the park was great, we had a beyond horrendous experience there. Will never return, so please no WG recommendations, no matter how nice it may have been when you went.

SO! Is that possible? Am I looking for something that does not exist? Am I just looking in the wrong places? Help me out oh fantastically knowledgeable DISers! And thank you!!!

 

[mjhtvchick]

Some suggestions - all about the same distance as Bonnet Creek from TTC according to Google Maps:

- Caribe Royale
- Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
- Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas
- Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark

I would say that the amenities at SVV are probably closest to what you are looking for. You can also often gt great discounts on SVV through Mousesavers.

 

[Rich M]

Sorry if this is Westgate property as I am not aware of which are or not but we stayed at Star Island for a night prior to checking into our Disney Hotel and had a 3 bedroom villa. We thought it was really nice and the pool area looked great. Its not to far from the parks and we only paid about $105 through Priceline for it. We had taken my sons girlfriend for the first time to Disney World and she commented that she felt that was better then Disney Hotels because we had so much room and it was so big there. It was just for one night so take it for what it is.

 

[Sha259]

Thank you Mel and Rich for your input! All of the resorts you mention are on my short list, its just there is not much talk of places like Caribe Royale or SVV in regards to closeness to the parks or how nice they are, and it's really hard to trust Trip Advisor reviews these days.

Mel, you have stayed at Caribe Royale? About how long did it take you to get to Epcot do you think?

I have never heard of Star Island, I will look it up.

 

[Sha259]

Yeah looking at it, Star Island seems really nice, but is much farther away than I am looking to stay. I'm looking for 10 mins door to door, where Star Island is more like 20 mins door to door in best traffic. I might look into something like that when we go when my son is much older.

Thank you though!

 

[sponica]

Thank you Mel and Rich for your input! All of the resorts you mention are on my short list, its just there is not much talk of places like Caribe Royale or SVV in regards to closeness to the parks or how nice they are, and it's really hard to trust Trip Advisor reviews these days.

Mel, you have stayed at Caribe Royale? About how long did it take you to get to Epcot do you think?

I have never heard of Star Island, I will look it up.

I've stayed at Caribe Royale. I honestly don't remember it being super far from property as far as travel time (but I also wasn't driving). Google maps is showing it about 10 minutes door to door to Epcot. The only "long" hauls were the kingdoms (AK/TTC)
We were in a tower room and the view was gorgeous. I loved the pool. We didn't spend a ton of time at the hotel though as it was basically a place for us to sleep when we weren't at various parks (US, WDW, Seaworld), so I can't really comment on the amenities.

We were in a one bedroom suite of sorts and it was huge.

 

[Sha259]

We have a toddler who sleeps really well in his own room at night, but gets easily distracted and cant fall asleep when he sees us in the room. Does the Caribe Royale and SVV 1 BR villa/suite have an area that is either closed off (like a true Bedroom) or easily can be separated by a curtain to create the illusion of a separate room for him? We recently cruised and were able to create the separation in the cabin with some hanging hooks and a curtain. That worked really well, so I would like to be able to have the same set up or better.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

When we stay off site, we either stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek or Vacation Village at Parkway. I think the condos at both places are equally as nice and very similar in size, decor, cleanliness, and activities. Both properties are very close to the parks. We often choose VV@P over WBC because it is a much cheaper option for us (we trade our timeshare for it through RCI & VV@P takes a lot fewer points). VV@P has several pools (some with child splash zones and one with zero entry) but does not have a pirate pool or lazy river (yet - they are building one). There are no restaurants or bars at VV@P, but there are several restaurants and a Publix right across the street from the resort. We have stayed at VV@P during the summer and the weeks before and after Easter. We always take mid day breaks. My DH and teens demand that mid day rest! Neither traffic nor parking has ever been a problem. We turn right out of the resort onto 192 and take the World Drive entrance into WDW - super quick! You should research VV@P and price it out.

 

[HopperFan]

I agree that it's really hard to find a comp to WBC in terms of quality AND location. If I had my choice it would be the only place I stayed. In terms of WBC, one suggestion is that whatever you book make sure you can cancel if WBC becomes an option. Right now I can get a 2 Bedroom via SkyAuction with two January Sunday check ins for $920 TOTAL. But February check in options are not posted yet.

Check both Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Villages. Resort is literally a couple minutes out of Disney Springs and Villages is about 10 minutes past that up International. I would be fine with either. We have stayed in SVR many times. The villas themselves are just as nice at WBC inside and probably larger but outside is more like apartments. AND your door opens to the outside not a hallway. I have not stayed at Villages but they look very nice and wouldn't hesitate. Pools and amenities are nice.

http://www.sheratonvistanaresortvillas.com/gallery

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/photos/gallery.html?propertyID=5607


I have stayed at Caribe in their one bedroom. It is legit bedroom with a door and great for your option. They are built like an Embassy Suites if you have stayed in them. You can find discounts on Mousesavers. I liked it, the pool is beautiful but we never wandered to the dining or anything it's out of site. NOW the two bedrooms are apart and by the convention space by a lake with their own very basic pool. I had no interested in being that removed but it depends on your needs. If you decide then join Stash Rewards for points, works at lots of independents. Their sister resort next door Buena Vista Suites also has the one bedroom with minimal amenities. Smaller pool but a free breakfast. Also discounted on Mousesavers. These are no more than 10 minutes to Parks parking lots and easy because the road they are on goes straight on to property. Neither would I consider comparable to WBC.

http://caribe-royale.tophotelsorlando.com/en/

LBV Spa and Resort is a good option suggested above. Good location also about 10 minutes to parking lots, just south of SVR and Caribe/BVS. These are true villas with a nice pool area. You should be able to book in your budget here.

https://www.lbvorlandoresort.com/photo-gallery/

There are a couple Marriott properties that may fit your needs and there are quite a few hotels that offer real one and two bedroom options. Have stayed at a few, they are located all around Disney.

 

[writerguyfl]

Whatever you choose, I'd recommend a fully cancelable/refundable reservation. You're still 8 months out. Most "normal" (aka non-Disney) hotels will have rates drop between now than the end of this year. Periodically check and you may find something cheaper/better at some point later this fall.

 

[Wild4Walt]

I agree with writeguyfl - right now you're probably at the highest rate you will see for the property ( or pretty close until it get's to a sell out position ).

If it were me, I'd book what I'm comfortable with price-wise and check back regarding the Wyndham every few weeks. You may also want to check their website direct as sometimes they will release better rates faster on their sites.

 

[Sha259]

I agree with writeguyfl - right now you're probably at the highest rate you will see for the property ( or pretty close until it get's to a sell out position ).

If it were me, I'd book what I'm comfortable with price-wise and check back regarding the Wyndham every few weeks. You may also want to check their website direct as sometimes they will release better rates faster on their sites.

You are right. I was beginning to think the same the more I looked into it and basically suggested the same to my husband just this evening. I'm thinking I may book a refundable rate with Staybridge Suites for the trip and keep checking for price drops for WBC, SVR, and Caribe Royale. I'm just such a planner it pains me to have flights and tickets paid and booked but no hotel!! And my husband is pressuring me to book something so that the planning is over.

Thank you all for your input! It is truly invaluable.

One other question. Historically, should I be expecting the cost for WBC to be about $1000 or more for a 2BR Deluxe end of February? It just seems like so many people are mentioning rates that are 30% below even that, so the price of $1700 shocked me! I was thinking I could get it for no more than $1000 all in, but am I being too optimistic?

 

[Upatnoon]

You are right. I was beginning to think the same the more I looked into it and basically suggested the same to my husband just this evening. I'm thinking I may book a refundable rate with Staybridge Suites for the trip and keep checking for price drops for WBC, SVR, and Caribe Royale. I'm just such a planner it pains me to have flights and tickets paid and booked but no hotel!! And my husband is pressuring me to book something so that the planning is over.

Thank you all for your input! It is truly invaluable.

One other question. Historically, should I be expecting the cost for WBC to be about $1000 or more for a 2BR Deluxe end of February? It just seems like so many people are mentioning rates that are 30% below even that, so the price of $1700 shocked me! I was thinking I could get it for no more than $1000 all in, but am I being too optimistic?

Prices at WBC are higher than the used to be, but the reason the cost is so high is because you are trying to book so far out. You pay a hefty premium to book early. Planners pay more.

Also, to get a good price you have to shop around. There are many places to buy WBC. Look on Ebay, Redweek and Tugbbs.

If you can't handle the stress of booking a hotel a couple of months out from your trip, I would do as you are thinking and book a backup you can cancel.

 

[RangerPooh]

Not sure if it will play a part, but that time frame is also cheer leading competition time at WDW. So yo never know how availability could be impacted by that.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Thank you Mel and Rich for your input! All of the resorts you mention are on my short list, its just there is not much talk of places like Caribe Royale or SVV in regards to closeness to the parks or how nice they are, and it's really hard to trust Trip Advisor reviews these days.

Mel, you have stayed at Caribe Royale? About how long did it take you to get to Epcot do you think?

I have never heard of Star Island, I will look it up.

I haven't stayed at Caribe Royale myself but The DIS just added them as a sponsor, so that means a lot to me - http://www.wdwinfo.com/orlando-hotels-near-disney-world/discounts.htm

I have stayed at Sheraton Vistana Villages (quite nice!) but that is probably a little further away than you want - its a little less than twice as far away from Epcot as Sheraton Vistana Resort, as HopperFan mentioned.

 

[greenclan67]

How about Orange Lake? I have stayed at WBC, liked it, but fell in love with Orange Lake resort. Tons to do, 2 bd villas, full kitchens, patio, 2 queens in one room a king in the other, 2 bathrooms. 7 pools, hot tubs, lazy river. Well under your $200 budget if you rent from an owner. If you have any questions feel free to pm me.

 

[writerguyfl]

I agree with writeguyfl - right now you're probably at the highest rate you will see for the property ( or pretty close until it get's to a sell out position ).

Most of the (non-Disney) hotels in Orlando seem to offer discounts for the current and subsequent season. Right now, you'll see discounts for summer and into fall. For February 2019, I wouldn't expect discounts to start showing up until August or September.

With the exception of Christmas, New Year's, and Spring Break, booking early usually isn't the best way to get a discounted rate. It's kind of the opposite of the way Disney does discounts for their resorts.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I would consider Hilton properties - Hilton Grand Vacations - Park Soleil, I drive South, Seaworld for a resort feel but there are daily resort charges when considering the cost or even Homewood Suites - which includes breakfast and other small meals, and drinks but is more of a hotel - less of a resort. Also there are many villas, vacation homes with a pool on many websites. I don't think you will have difficulty finding what you need. Also Towneplace Suites at Flamingo Crossing might be an option.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Another vote for Sheraton Vistana Resort. The location is fantastic, close to not only the Disney parks but also the SeaWorld parks. Universal is a very easy drive as well.

The villas are modern, spacious and well-appointed, and the resort amenities are really lovely. There are 7 pools (3 of which have poolside bar and grills, and are open until 1 am daily), 6 hot tubs, 13 tennis courts, 2 sand volleyball courts, 2 basketball courts, shuffleboard, an onsite mini golf course, full-service market with deli and Starbucks coffee, and a multitude of daily scheduled activities (dive-in movies, poolside games, crafts, recreation classes, etc.).

Parking is free and right outside your building. There are no charges for basic wifi (which has always served us well) and no resort fees. They have beautiful outdoor grills if you want to cook in your villa, and fully equipped kitchens (full size fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and breakfast bar).

The proximity to Disney Springs is awesome!! And you're just a couple of minutes drive to all the great restaurants at the Crossroads or on I-Drive.

Be sure to check Skyauction as you are searching for rates. We have had great success in picking up deeply discounted weeks there, as low as $321 all-in for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa. Mousesavers often has good prices for SVR as well. I just added a night to our ownership week in October via the Mousesavers offers and only paid $145 plus tax for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa.

 

[HopperFan]

Be sure to check Skyauction as you are searching for rates. We have had great success in picking up deeply discounted weeks there, as low as $321 all-in for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa. Mousesavers often has good prices for SVR as well. I just added a night to our ownership week in October via the Mousesavers offers and only paid $145 plus tax for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa.

When you do this, will they try to keep you in the same unit? I've done WBC and SVR .... and I book hotels for my before or after dates. Sometimes it's fine to try a new hotel / pool - that is why we tried Hilton Orlando and loved it! but it would be nice to stay in one place.