experts on tickets/hotels needed

[mickey'sbud]

Bare with me - Just found out about this unique wonderful opportunity. DH will be working in the Orlando, Tampa, Bartow area from 6/24-7/31. Me, DS-12, and DD-14 will be w/ him at least 2 weeks. Our biggest problem is where to put our beloved darling-dog during this time. So if you have any input on our dog, suggestions are welcome.

This is where we stand:
Hotels are covered by the company up to $100/night anywhere DH makes a reservation.

We have Florida Residence status.

I saw that we can get a FL code at a WDW Mod for $74/night up thru 7/3. Would consider a few nights at a deluxe if a really good deal was available for less than $150.

We don't mind staying around the hotel pool for several days. I perfer a few days of really cheap activity. LOL ......Might consider a really good price at AKL and that would be entertainment enough. But POR would be even a cheaper place. See my delima?

We wouldn't mind going a few days to the WDW parks, but not the entire time. I know Fl res discount will help a little.

Last year we signed up for Loew's membership and should be able to get a Loew's discount, but I don't know what they are currently offering. (we know pets can stay there with us).

We have never been to US or IOA. I saw an annual pass for 2-park US for $149. And there was a 5 park pass for $210 includes SW and Busch Gardens. Since we may very well be in Tampa too- Busch gardens sounded good.

Would love to do a dolphin swim, haven't done this before. Is there another one besides at SW? Also we may be near Cypress Gardens and other places I'm unaware of.

Any hotel suggestions for Tampa and Bartow? What about St. Petersburg being close enough to Tampa?

I would love any suggestions you might have on how to mix and match all parks and keep expenses down as much as possible. My kids don't have to be in a park EVERYDAY! LOL ! Also, re hotels, we'd like to try to stay w/in the $100 budget unless we do a few nights somewhere special and then maybe not do a park on those days.

Also, one last consideration, my DH will most likely not be doing any parks w/ us because he may be working 9-12 hour days...we will have only "one" car...transportation to parks is a major consideration and therefore I'd probably perfer staying on-site.

I'd appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

If you are staying on site at Disney, your dog can also stay at one of the 3 kennel's for only $11 per night. I think I would go for a moderate & put my dog in the kennel. I have also head they will walk the dog for you for $2 per walk. (I like the Disney Hotels better than the Universal ones.)

 

[Mickey527]

You might want to think about a hotel with a kitchenette. I know two weeks in Disney sounds nice but will you want to eat out every meal? And what if it rains really hard one day or someone gets a summer cold? Will you really want to drag everyone out to eat?
A quick pot of pasta and a video would work great.
I would check into Old Key West. You might be able to book by buying some points from an owner who can't use them by checking the DVC rent and trade boards. Or call reservations directly and see what they would charge for renting for a few weeks there.
I said Old Key West because it is the least expensive of all the DVC resorts.
And if you can swing a two bedroom you will all be alot happier having your own space to retreat to when things don't seem to be "happy" in the happiest place on earth. I have kids too.......
Peggie

 

[hercamore]

You'd be more comfortable for that length of time in a condo or small house. You could get a nice one for less than $100 a nite.

www.vbro.com



herc.