Completly Overwhelmed!!!

[alde]

As it states in my title .. I am completly overwhelmed trying to choose a hotel in orlando/kissimee .. etc.

My criteria - We're doing magic Kingdom, Unicversal / Islands of Adventure. Been to Epcot ... was OK, forget about Animal Kingdom (have the Bronx Zoo) and I think Universal covers the "Movie themed" rides just fine, but what do I know.

I'm looking for a hotel that's convenient to both parks, willing to pay somewhere between $60 - $80 per night and the hotel has to have a fairly decent pool. I seriously doubt I will be sweltering at those parks for more than (2) days.

I've tentatively booked "Springhill Suites" at Marriot Village simply because I have reached the end of my rope. There are just too many places to choose from.

Any suggestions besides telling me to stay home????

Thanks in advance

 

[DVC California]

We'll need a little more information to help you decide:

Who's traveling - just yourself, significant other, children?

When specifically will you be going? Sounds like summer but rates will be very different during first week of July vs. last week of August.

How long? Seven days, Sat to Sat or ... ?

What type of transportation needs do you have? Driving down from NYC, flying and renting a car, flying and shuttle? It makes a difference in trying to get around the parks, especially to Universal.

Finally, are you adventurous enough to use Priceline? You can get some fantastic deals through their online bidding but you won't be bidding for a specific hotel, just general location and quality level.

I know it may seem intimidating to try and pick from so many choices, but it's part of the fun for many of us bargain hunters. Hang in there, help is on the way!

Steve

 

[alde]

Sorry ... as long as my post was, I failed to give those details!!
I will be travelling with my wife and two children, both under the age of 11. Flying down on JetBlue ($700 total for 4). Arriving on Aug 15 - leaving Aug 22,,, (Yes .. it will be hotter than hell in Orlando) .. which is the reason why I want to stay at a decent hotel. I have a suspicion that the parks will killme after a few days and I might just end up spending time pool side than wandering through WDW or US. I plan on renting a car, but the
best rate I fould so far was about $139 through Orbitz (some no name car rental place at MCO)

As I said previously, my plan is to spend one day tops at Magic Kingdom and a few days at US/IOD simply because that was suggested by some freinds along with the fact that US 5-day pass is amazingly cheap as compared to WDW.. although .. this could be a case of "you get what you pay for" ..

Priceline is out unless I could be guaranteed that it was indeed a 4 or 5 star hotel I was choosing and getting it at some ridiculous rate. I hope this helps.

Once again, thanks in advance ..

 

[MiniMissMinnie]

Hi...

We'll be going at the same time - I've been told that the schools starts on the 12th of Augsut, so the crowds will not be so bad...( I hope )

Here's good hotels ( 4 stars ) with good rates and GREAT locations: ( all can be booked through www.hotelkingdom.com )

Crowne Plaza Universal ( just by Universal Studios ) : 77.90 a
further info: http://www.sixcontinentshotels.com/crowneplaza?_franchisee=MCOUV

Sheraton World Resort ( Walk to Seaworld ) : 67.90 a night
further info: http://www.starwood.com/sheraton/se...ilURL=/sheraton/search/pre_decider_prefs.html

Hyatt Hotel( close to Disney ) : 79,90 a night
Further info:
http://hyattorlando.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml;jsessionid=NGNTQENFMVJQIP5QSESCM4R54CISKJVC[/url]



Universal Studios and Island of Adventure is really worth a visit - Island of Adventure is one of my favourite parks - also I love Disney MGM studios.
But all parks are great - but as your kids are young, I would say Magic Kingdom is a must!!!

Well that was my ideas - hope you can use them!!


Marie

 

[alde]

Can I assume you have a timeshare at Vistana Village??

 

[debbie655]

As someone who's been to Orlando over twenty times -- the last eight summers straight and going again this summer, *I* am even overwhelmed by the number of choices there are for hotels. I chose the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal this year because we've always wanted to stay at a Universal hotel (FOTL!), it's brand new and we got a pretty good rate. That said, I would highly recommend the Holiday Inn Family Suites. We've stayed there every summer since it's opening and love it. The rates may be a little more than you want to spend but there's free breakfast every morning ( a very large variety too) and kids eat free up until 5 pm (?) I think. Karaoke, family bingo and magic shows at night, a beautiful pool area, mini golf and kids suites which I think your children would love. My 8 eight year old (and the rest of my family) is even upset this year because she wanted to stay there again. I may have to split our stay better RP and HIFS. I don't know how to link a website here but maybe someone could send it to you. You wouldn't be disappointed in this hotel.

 

[debbie655]

that this Holiday Inn is near Disney but a distance from Universal Studios. We've always stayed in the Disney area and driven to Universal. You did mention you will be renting a car so this shouldn't be a problem. Just take I-4 about 3-4 exits I think it is? Maybe 15 minutes, it was never a problem for us. Good luck.

 

[MiniMissMinnie]

No........ I don't have a timeshare at vistana villages.....But it's just such a nice resort!!! And it's cheap through www.hotelkingdom.com . So if you want to save on food by making it in a 2-bedroom villa, it's also a possibility!!
Our rate was 138.90 a night with the 7th night free.

Have a nice trip!!

Marie

 

[Jane E.]

Since you are going to be there a week, have you thought about a condo? I have never stayed in one before but our next vacation to Orlando we are planning on trying one. There are many companies around which offer condos: vrbo, closesttodisney etc. I think you can get a condo starting at about $500 for a week.

By the way, with Priceline you can specify rating & area. You just don't know which hotel you'll get until your bid is won. Also, with Priceline there is no cancelling for any reason. In addition, you are only guaranteed sleeping for two adults. Because Orlando is family oriented most hotels do have at least 2 queen beds. However at the Wyndham Palace we ended up with one king and a pullout couch. Some of the resort & 4* hotels charge a recreation fee of up to $10 a day. Biddingfortravel has extensive information on Priceline bidding. We've used it about 7 times and haven't had any problems.

 

[iluvtig2]

The big plus at HIFS is the pool is fabulous, breakfast buffet is free, and kids under 12 eat free when accompanied by a paying adult for lunch & dinner. (Lunch is food court style with a Pizza Hut and an A & W. 3 of us ate lunch for $8. At dinner time the kids eat free from the buffet. The kids buffet at dinner was pretty good. I would suggest mom & dad order off the menu at dinner. The buffet was ok, but the menu items were better.)

The hotel is geared for kids. There are family activities in the evening - Family Karaoke, Family Bingo, face painting for the kids, a small game room, plus around the pool area is ping pong, shuffleboard, a small mini golf, playground, etc.

The suites have a bedroom for mom & dad, an alcove with a curtain has a bedroom for the kids. Usually bunk beds, their own TV, VCR, and Nintendo. Plus you get a small refrigerator, wet bar, coffee maker, and microwave. There is a TV in the bedroom, plus a TV & VCR in the living room. Small kitchen table, too. It is easy to get on I-4, and we got to Sea World in under minutes. Universal would just be another few minutes.

From what I understand, Vistana gives you a lot more space in the room, but much in the way of eating. The pool is nice, as well, but I (& my son) loved the pool area at HIFS. And, just on breakfast alone you can save a fortune.

Have a great time! Yes, it will be hot, but we have gone in mid-late August many times and find that the crowds are not as bad as earlier in the summer, and if you drink fluids, utilize the A/C shows, stores, rides and restaurants you will be ok.

iluvtig

 

[ditzoyd]

Priceline can be a bit daunting, but it really does give the best deals! (In my opinion).

You can bid specificly for a 4* or Resort level hotel, I personally have a winning bid on a 3* hotel for $35 a night at a very good hotel.

Here is a website that I use to help me with my bids, if you check out availability at the high end hotels for your dates, (read the FAQ for the site for what info they would need) and the moderators will be happy to help you with a bidding stradegy.
Also they list all of the hotels at each star level that come up. It is a very helpful and complete site. So you know which hotels you will likely get before you bid.

http://pub109.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding


I have gone to Disney in August and yes it was hotter than blazes, but I suggest you get a misty mate to help you keep cool and I had no problems with the heat. (and I am definately a wimp)

If priceline is not an option, The Vistana resorts are a great option, very nice... but probably out of the price range you mentioned.

You may be able to get a deal on Hotwire. There they will tell you the star level of the hotel and price before you buy. Like Priceline, you get the name of the hotel only after purchase...

The Wyndham on I drive was wonderful. Roomie, good pools.
Although it is considered a 3* by priceline. I stayed there through a priceline bid for $30.



Good Luck!


Laura

 

[LISALISA36]

I TOO, HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT I AM NOW DOWN TO 2.
HOLIDAY INN FAMILY SUITES & COUNTRY INN FAMILY SUITES BY CARLSON.
I BELIEVE IT WILL BE THE HIFS FOR 120.40 A NIGHT FOR A WK.
TO MANY AMMENITIES TO PASS UP.
WWW.HIFAMILYSUITES.COM
WWW.CALYPSOCAY.COM

 

[nwdisgal]

Not to confuse you anymore... but, would it be worth is to try and stay on site at Universal (Royal Pacific had a $99 rate with Entertainment Card) to get the front of the line access for a night or two, at the beginning or end of your stay? I think the condo is a great idea for your overall stay. My understanding is that even if you just stay a night at a Universal resort, you get to use your room key for FOTL on both the day you check in and the day you check out. In that August humidity, having FOTL access would be really nice. We did this last April and were able to see both Universal parks with almost all the rides (and several repeats) over a two day period. Just a thought....

 

[alde]

the more input .. the better ..

I keep hearing about "entertainment cards" .. what are they? Where do I get one? Do I need one?

Thanks

 

[susy]

I found this deal at mousesavers.com.
Mary Waring is very picky about the properties that she recommends!

check out this resort to see if it's for you:
radissonparkway.com

I know that it was just completely rennovated recently.You can get this for $69 a night for your dates by using the following info:

1. call 1-800-333-3333
or 1-407-396-7000
ask for the "mousesavers rate"

or book online at their website (radisson parkway.com) by :
click on reservatiosn page
click on link for group rates
enter hotel id: 640
password: MSAVE


I do suggest renting a car, so you can go at your own pace. Relax and remember that this is a vacation!!!

 

[nwdisgal]

On the Entertainment Card, I think Mary's mousesavers.com site has a link to it. Right now the Orlando 2002 card is sold out, but you can order other cities (i.e. your own) and still use the card for the discount. I think the 2002 is on sale now for $10.

 

[debbie655]

because I haven't heard this mentioned here before. You can join Travelers Advantage for $1.00 for a 3 month trial membership which also gets you The Entertainment Card. Not sure what the yearly rate is but you can cancel anytime before the 3 months are up if you are not happy with it.

 

[susy]

Another GREAT deal is the Marriott Courtyard in Downtwon Disney. We stayed there in Nov and this is an amazing rate for this property. $20.02 a night! It is good 8/11-10/3, sun- thurs (I don't know the rate for Fri and Sat). Call the hotel directly at 1-800-223-9930 and ask for the "100 years of Magic Special".

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says.................................How about Courtyard by Marriott at Downtown Disney?? They are giving away rooms at $20 a night Sunday to Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Going fast! Stayed there last November. Large clean rooms, decent pool, definitely a three star place.
This year we will do two time share presentations, since we have been three times we can afford to give up a couple of hours. For less than fifty bucks we get two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, great pools and all I have to do is say no after their two hours are up!! Actually had a place for $25 with all the stuff mentioned but had to change dates and the prices rose.

 

[DNSDisney]

The best prices for hotels i have seen anywhere have been on WWW.hotelkingdom.com . I have used this service the last two yrs for a one night arrival stay hotel and gotten really great deals. Saw one on there looked pretty good called Holiday inn Nikki Bird hotel, was really kid friendly and was cheaper than HI sunspree Kid suites. They also have Kid suites themed princesses for girls or action heros for boys. Haven't stayed there but looks neat at a reasonable price.
Hope you find a great deal.
Sharon