Gaylord Palms or Caribe Royal? Distance to MK?

[rdevine10]

Hi,

We are adding a night on to our May trip for the Pirate and Princess Party! Intially we were going to stay onsite (at a deluxe) for the night of the party, but, having a hard time justifying the cost, since I cant find any discount codes that we can use! (and the offsite condo I got was only 200 for the week through skyauction- and 1 night at Disney would be about 400 for what we want )

So, DH and I have narrowed it down to 2 offsite hotels- Gaylord Palms and Caribe Royal. Which do you like better?

We are traveling with our 2 kids- 2 1/2 and 5. The 5 year old wants to try a waterslide this trip (a 1st) and I see both pools have one. It also seems like the Gaylord Palms would have a lot to explore- some alligators, while the Caribe does have a really cool kiddie pool.

I know Caribe would be about 135 plus taxes and Gaylord would be around 200 with the room ,resort fee and parking.

Which is closer to the Magic Kingdom? and how far is each from the MK?

OR, should we just stay on Disney property at a moderate? We love Pop, but like I said, want to try a hotel with a waterslide!

Help a confused mama!!!!!!

 

[meme51]

Hi-I don't know about the other resort, but the Gaylord Palms is reeeeeally nice!!! I have to say it's the nicest place I've ever stayed. The indoor atrium is beautiful with all the landscaping and waterfalls. The rooms are nicely decorated, and there is a lot to do there. The pools are great, there is an arcade, gift shops, restaurants, and child care. My kids loved the La Petite academy Kids Station-that was their favorite part!! Of course it's not free, but you can get a break from the kids while they are having fun. Try to get an atrium view if you go-the view is incredible! I'll see what photos I can find of our trip so you can see them. Anyway, we loved it and will be staying there again in December. If you are watching your budget, keep in mind that hotels this nice have other fees to be aware of. There is a $15 per night resort fee that included a newpaper, bottled water, free internet access in room, use of the fitness center, and shuttle service to Disney. (according to the hotel website, it is only 5 minutes away). There is also a parking fee of $12-18 per night depending on whether you self park or valet. Then you need tip money--if they valet your car, you should tip them when they retrieve it, and they wouldn't let us carry our own bags to the room so we had to tip them when they brought our bags up. I'm not a big spender, but, it was very nice being waited on like that. I really felt like I was pampered when we satyed there.

 

[JB2K]

...and shuttle service to Disney. (according to the hotel website, it is only 5 minutes away).

Very true - on my recent trip, the Mears shuttle made a stop at Gaylord Palms, and it is practically at Disney's doorstep!