First night

[mvbuch]

We are arriving around 4pm. And would like to stay in a hotel offsite the first night.

I have a couple of ideas.

1) Book a night at a value resort so we can use magical express. Then transfer to the Caribeen Beach the next day. How hard is this to do?

2) Book a hotel near the airport and go back in the next day and use magical express. Is there anything for the kids to do at airport hotels? Swimming pools?

3) Other options?

Looking for some advice for some veteran travelers

 

[spiceycat]

either would work.

most of the airport hotels seems to be business hotels - but most kids like to watch planes. so they could be entertained by simply watching the planes take off or come in and land

that would be cheaper than a WDW value resort.

love POP!!!

 

[Coloradomom]

We've done both.
Pros of staying at a value resort that night
1. you get to Disney"magic" faster
2. do not need to hurry as much the next morning

Pros of staying at hotel by airport
1. Cost you can even hotwire or priceline for a good deal, it will be cheaper even if you do rack rate
2. Cost most have free breakfast so you save that cost in the morning (and most have a chain restaurant nearby you can walk to for dinner
3. Gives kids a chance to unwind before doing ME and getting to Disney

Good Luck!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Why not just add another night to your stay?

 

[mecllap]

If you're not able to add another night at the beginning of your CBR stay, going on ahead to a value resort would be better than staying out at the airport. You would waste a lot of time going back to catch the ME the next day. At a value, you could at least be enjoying some Disney magic at the pool, etc. Not sure about the logistics of getting to CBR the next day from whatever value you choose, but should be easier than trekking from the airport. You might be able to have Bell services transfer your luggage while you go to a park, and then go check-in to CBR later in the day (either way, hope you're travelling kind of light).

 

[Brian Noble]

Why not just add another night to your stay?

I'd do this too. If you're on a package, you can book a room-only reservation, and "link" them---you still have to check out and check back in, but you might not need to switch rooms. Even if you do, moving rooms in the same resort is easier than moving resorts, and the (good) chance that you won't have to move is worth quite a bit---at least it is to me.