Good neighbor hotel for 5?

[WDWMama40]

First (and probably only) time visitor at WDW. I'm looking for a non-Disney hotel on a budget. But we will have two adults and three kids (ages 11, 9, 9). It is so hard to find a good place to sleep that will hold us all and is reasonable in price. Any suggestions?

Also, how many days are a good number of days to do this entire vacation? Want to see all Disney parks (don't care about the water parks). And we are doing Discovery Cove and Sea World for one day each. Are all of the Disney parks one day or more?

Thanks!

 

[ryansstitch]

Hi! I'm excited for you to take your first trip! If you think it may be your only trip, I'm going to suggest 9 or 10 days. The only park I might call a one day park is Ak. But to be honest with you, I've been probably 12 times to WDW, and still haven't seen everything. Between shows, rides, special event, etc. you really need a lot of time. My family didn't really do parades much growing up, but if yours might ( and they really are awesome), each takes about 20-30 minutes alone, not including arrival to get a good viewing location. I have never stayed in a wdw hotel, always offsite. If money is not a major concern, I would say swan or dolphin in a suite would be a great option for you. We last stayed at the doubletree near dtd, which was decent. My family also stayed at buena vista suites when I was a kid, and it was nice back then. Can't vouch for the accommodation quality now, but the price is still decent. My favorites are the hilton or Waldorf bonnet creek. Great pools, nice breakfast buffet, and good food available in the evening after a long day. You can get a good price on either depending on their current promotions. If this may be your only trip, you might like to soak up the magic a bit more by staying on site. I have a friens who swears by the all star resorts and pays under $100 a night often.

 

[ryansstitch]

Actually, one more accomodation suggestion. If you don't mind a bit of a trek, the hilton grand vacations at sea world is pretty and nicely priced. Put here is also a doubletree at universal that we enjoyed and was right off i4, making it an easy point to return to after a long day. The pool was nothing to write home about, but it was an attractive and spacious place. I mention all these Hilton's because I prefer that brand and after many years of budget travel, I find that they are usually a fair value In the orlando area for me specially if you need a suite. Try searching for promo codes in google to maximize your savings. Btw, make sure you factor in any resort fees and parking wherever you stay.

 

[Lavitz]

First, I would create another thread on the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board, everyone there is really great on their offsite knowledge.

The only thing I can suggest if to find some off sites you are considering, and then compare it to Port Orleans Riverside. POR has a 5 person room that is the cheapest way for a family of 5 to stay on property as it is comparable to regular 4 room moderates, and cheaper than getting 2 rooms at a Value or a suite at a Deluxe.

In terms of days, for that age I would suggest trying to make the trip as long as possible. I tried 4 days on the first trip and it was painfully short. Did 7 days on the next trip and still would have added on another 4 days if we could.

For parks, for me personally I rate AK and Epcot as lower tier, HS as mid tier and MK as top tier (though most people would swap Epcot and HS probably). Days depends on overall vacation time. MK is multiple days if at all possible. On our last trip we did 4 days MK (3 really since arrival/depart are half days), and 1 day in all the others. We would have added another full day at all 4 parks if we could.

 

[kmb584]

Have you looked into timeshare resorts? Wyndham Bonnet Creek and Sheraton Vistana Villas are both wonderful and offer 2 bedroom units for less than $130/night. WBC is on Disney property but isn't a Disney resort, SVV is our personal favorite and a short 10 minute drive. Both offer shuttle service to and from the parks but the schedules are really strange so I'd recommend a rental car.

If you're planning on this being a one time visit, I'd budget for 10 days. The parks are large and it can easily take 3 days to accomplish most of MK. Spend 2 days at Epcot, 1 day at each DHS and AK, and then one day each at Discovery Cove and Seaworld.

 

[jennib5426]

There are a few "Good Neighbor" hotels less then a mile from Disney I would suggest for a family of 5.

Double Tree suites next to DTD, sleeps 6 plus is studio with fridge, microwave and coffee pot. Rooms are big and I have seen it as low as $129 a night. Pool is decent and hotel was recently remodeled.
The Double Tree does charge for parking and a resort fee, but there is a Disney shuttle.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake Buena Vista on South Apopka Vineland.
This new hotel is less then a mile from entrance to DTD. It offers many room options for family of 5, suites and rooms with bunkbeds. I have gotten a suite for as low as $101 a night. Free parking and free breakfast included.
No free shuttle and pool is small and basic, hotel is in parking lot of shopping center but is super clean and staff is great. Also near many restaurants and grocery store.

Good luck