getting ready to cry.. I really can't decide!!

[nicolem05]

Please please help!! I have read every thread I can find.. researched every disney site.. and I have it down to a few final choices.. but they are all so different!! I have done spread sheets and everything in between.. as you can see I am spinning out of control LOL
This is whats important to us
-King size bed
-separate bedroom
-ease of coming and going

Choices in our price range

1 bedroom Saratoga Springs

Executive King suite Royal plaza

2 bedroom Wyndham Bonnet Creek condo

4 bedroom house in Emereld with private pool


We have a one year old baby and a 6 year old so we do need to be able to unwind after they are in bed (since it's earlier than we like to hit the hay lol)
I have considered driving and parking and waiting for buses.. at this point I really can't make up my mind!! since we haven't been to WDW I just don't know what is the best choice.. at DLR we stayed off site once and REALLY regretted it!! it was awful waiting for the bus and making all those stops.. but DL can bee walked.. WDW just looks SOOO Huge!! I would love to hear what all you experienced disney lovers would do!

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I would do Saratoga Springs or Bonnet Creek if I were you. Your children are so small you need a resort that is close enough for naptime and breaks. Good Luck with your choice.

 

[DanenRox]

Oh I'll chime in....stay in one of the WDW resorts...you'll have no regrets. A one bedroom at Saratoga, or even BC/BW would be great. The BC/BW location gives you the option of walking or boating in and out of EPCOT and MGM if you so choose. If you think you'll spend the bulk of your stay in Magic Kingdom, maybe a one bedroom at VWL. Not to confuse you more, but I absolutely suggest IN THE PARK accomodations. Now just narrow down your 1 Bedroom choice based on your "most visited" theme park and you've got your answer. Your second choice accomodations are where you can go next time...

 

[momofdbsdc]

We like to rent a condo at Windsor Hills. We have 6 children and a 3 bedroom condo more than meets our needs.

Relax, no matter where you choose to stay Disney is magical.

Happy Planning!
Kim

 

[bellebuzzntink]

We stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek....about 4 years ago. Unless they have updated it, it was kinda funky.

I'd pick the 1BR at SSR.

 

[DLBDS]

I've never stayed at SSR but we did do the tour back in Oct. It's a really nice resort with pretty views but we didn't notice any of the Disney theming (that's found at the other resorts) while we were there. If this is your ONLY on site resort choice then I say go for it. Disney transportation is really pretty efficient....especially if you time it just right.

 

[princessgirl2238]

my family has been staying at SSR since it's opened in a one bedroom. I would recomend this completely. the children can sleep on the couch pull out and you can put the tv on for them to fall asleep to (if they aren't already passed out)- lots of disney channels. then the adults have a whole other room to relax in with another tv. the bathroom also has a shower and a whirlpool bath tub in a seperate room and a washer/dryer in the room. I think this place is amazing for families!

 

[TotoToo]

We stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek....about 4 years ago. Unless they have updated it, it was kinda funky.

I'd pick the 1BR at SSR.

??? Four years ago Bonnet Creek was just opened. Funky? How so? It was beautiful even then and has improved since.

The 1BR at SSR is tiny by comparison. Bonnet Creek is a much better choice for unit quality and size.

 

[nicolem05]

Thank you for such great replies!! I was wondering the same thing about BC since it looks beautiful and I thought it was pretty new too since a lot of the threads I found searching here were about it opening.
I appreciate all the responses thank you.. still a lot to think about

 

[Brian Noble]

If you are thinking DVC, go 1BR at OKW rather than SSR. The units are much larger, and with four it will make a difference.

I too would suggest either the BC or DVC. We personally find 1BRs with kids just a tad inconvenient, because we like having the living room and kitchen available to us after the kids go to bed. But, it's not the end of the world.

 

[Traveliz]

If you are thinking DVC, go 1BR at OKW rather than SSR. The units are much larger, and with four it will make a difference.

I too would suggest either the BC or DVC. We personally find 1BRs with kids just a tad inconvenient, because we like having the living room and kitchen available to us after the kids go to bed. But, it's not the end of the world.

I agree -- I would go with OKW -- it has to be in your price range if SSR.

Liz

 

[TLSnell1981]

I would look into BCV or BWV for a one bedroom. We always choose a resort at the parks for the convience. You can walk/boat to Epcot or MGM....or walk through Epcot and take the monorail to MK. Ak is the only one you have to drive/bus to. It saves so much time and the kids don't get as worn out.

 

[nicolem05]

Thanks everyone! just having trouble finding open one bedrooms but fingers crossed!!

 

[TLSnell1981]

Thanks everyone! just having trouble finding open one bedrooms but fingers crossed!!

When are you wanting to travel? Are your dates flexible? It's hard to book on short notice during busy times.....especially DVC. You may also be able to book two adjoining rooms at the Swan or Dolphin for a reasonable rate. You would still have the convenience of the parks. Good luck!

 

[spiceycat]

This is whats important to us
-King size bed
-separate bedroom
-ease of coming and going

it was awful waiting for the bus and making all those stops.. but DL can bee walked.. WDW just looks SOOO Huge!! I would love to hear what all you experienced disney lovers would do!

you just picked it - SSR or I might suggest All Star Music Suites.

now you would have to give up the king bed - it has a queen bed.

Also really recommend OKW.

have you consider renting from a DVC member. it you give them 11 months notice they can get what you want. Even 7 months.

so what are you dates?

there is a board here - DVC rental/trades - that you can rent DVC reservation from.

read the FAQ on the board - before posting or pm or emailing anyone.

with your offsite choices would recommend a car. Wynham bonnet creek and Royal Plaza hotel both have buses. Royal Plaza definitely shares. WBC don't think it does - but like all offsite - it doesn't come when promise - either earlier or later. So you have to be there then - or have your own car. You would enjoy WDW more with your own car at any of your choices. even SSR.

SSR has several stops at SSR before it leaves to the parks, so does OKW.

with a 6year old and 1 year old - might go with VWL - even it cost a little more than SSR. - It is the closest DVC resort to MK and has either boat or bus to the MK.

because of the ages of your children you will be spending the majority of your time at the MK so would go with VWL. - BCV and BWV are wonderful for visits to Epcot and Studio - but not too great for the MK.

the MK for offsite is difficult to get too, for onsite even driving yourself it is difficult.

stay onsite and let WDW transport you to the parks.

oh forgot to explain about the MK.

if you drive yourself - first you wait in line to park the car, then you wait to ride the tram to take you to TTC (ticket and tranportation center), then you wait to ride the monrail or ferry - your choice, then when you finally get to see the MK there are still lines - security guard and tickets.

with offsite buses you get off at the TTC - then you pick monrail or ferry, then security guard and tickets.

with WDW transportation a bus takes you to the front - you walk off the bus to the security lines then to tickets and then to the MK.

a heck of a lot easier. my opinion.

 

[dgaston]

Spiceycat gave you a terrific summary of the hassles in driving to MK. I guess I'll muddy the waters by saying that booking Cypress Pointe thru Hotelkingdom is an excellent affordable choice, even if you have to pay the $11 to park each day.

In a 2 br for less than $100 per day, you'll have the king bed, surround sound, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer.

 

[lorilori]

IMO, Bonnet Creek wins hands down. The 2 bedroom is a true 2-bedroom which means no kids sleeping on pull out sofas. When they need to go down for the night, you can tuck them away in their own private bedroom and then you can relax in the lovely huge living room. Plus it is extremely close to the parks, on the same road as Downtown Disney, very convenient. Good luck!

 

[Gillian]

I was also going to suggest a 2 BR at Cypress pointe. They have king beds 2 baths and you will be able to use the kitchen and living room after the kids are asleep. We took family there and everyone really liked it. We had a 3 br.

It's a decent location, not a bad drive to MK. We have found it easy enough to go back for naps offsite.

What time of year are you planning to go? With kids that age I'd go in the off season (early May is our favorite!).

 

[GinnyFavers]

Our travel criteria is the same as yours when Miles is with us! And we've always been happier in an offsite condo or house than anything Disney can offer.

Miles appreciates having his own room with a door that closes, and not being on a sofabed.

Out of your choices, I'd go with the condo, so you don't have to worry about pool safety.