Hello too!!

[Goofy_Mom]

Oh that is a tough one. Which one is it easier to get to the parks from? That would weigh heavy for me. And I always worry with websites like priceline I won't get the hotel I really want. You know? I am a bird in the hand kind of gal.

I'm kinda the same way, it's like do I wanna take what I have or take what's behind door number two. Maybe I'll get lucky, maybe I won't

Have you been to WDW? If going to WDW is a major part of your trip there are huge advantages to staying on site. That is why so many people come to the DL boards and ask if they should stay offsite.

I think you might know this but if he can check in, he can reserve a room at Shades of Green. It's a WDW resort for military personel only and the rates slide depending on rank. It's a nice hotel 4 star but not disney themed, more calm and classy. He may be able to get this for less than $60 a night, like I said it depends on rank.

This will be our first trip. Lil bro was bragging that he could get a family suite on site for $55 a night. Yeah, I could give him the money for us to check in, but there's the chance that he may not be in FL when check in rolls around.

The only perks we would use for onsite would be the transportation and purchase transit. We have no use for the dinning plan and going to stay away from EMH. The value resorts cost as much per night as the suites I'm looking at. The suites have more sq footage, larger beds, a fridge, and free full breakfast every morning. (I've read equal report of good or bad for the quality of the breakfast). I'm 5'8" hubby is 6'2" and large, a double bed isn't going to fit the both of us. I had to sleep diagonal on my double bed when I was in high school. I'm not willing to pay an extra $1000 just so I can have a comfortable bed when I don't have to.

I appericiate the advise and input, though.

 

[Funball]

skiingfas has been to WDW...you seem to really know what your talking about skiingfast!

 

[kaoden39]

That's it. It's too much of a gamble for me. I have thought about using one of those websites but I just can't do it.

 

[Funball]

That's it. It's too much of a gamble for me. I have thought about using one of those websites but I just can't do it.

i dont use priceline or anything websites like that.. they just don't seem like they really give you the best possible price but i could be wrong.

 

[kaoden39]

i dont use priceline or anything websites like that.. they just don't seem like they really give you the best possible price but i could be wrong.

It's like playing craps to me. There is no guarantee that I am going to throw sevens.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

i dont use priceline or anything websites like that.. they just don't seem like they really give you the best possible price but i could be wrong.

I did some major price shopping. So far mousavers offers the best deal. Well that's not true, my lil bro has the best deal as a FL resident, just not quite sure I can use him. However, Travelocity does have the best deals on airfair.

 

[kaoden39]

I did some major price shopping. So far mousavers offers the best deal. Well that's not true, my lil bro has the best deal as a FL resident, just not quite sure I can use him. However, Travelocity does have the best deals on airfair.

Do you fly out of Oakland? Or does Stockton have a major airport now?

 

[Funball]

I did some major price shopping. So far mousavers offers the best deal. Well that's not true, my lil bro has the best deal as a FL resident, just not quite sure I can use him. However, Travelocity does have the best deals on airfair.

yes mousesaves has codes for hojo and stuff. i love mousesavers!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

Do you fly out of Oakland? Or does Stockton have a major airport now?

flying out of Sacramento. Stockton does have an airport, just not a major one. It services smaller jets and prop planes. It's the kind that you walk outside to the plane and climb in through the ladder/stairs. I did price flights out of Oakdale and SF, Sac is cheaper: $370 after fees and taxes per person round trip american airlines.

 

[kaoden39]

flying out of Sacramento. Stockton does have an airport, just not a major one. It services smaller jets and prop planes. It's the kind that you walk outside to the plane and climb in through the ladder/stairs. I did price flights out of Oakdale and SF, Sac is cheaper: $370 after fees and taxes per person round trip american airlines.

Oh I have no doubt that flying out of Sacramento is cheaper. Will you use and airport transport or park in long term parking? I always wonder about these things. I don't normally fly.

 

[skiingfast]

This will be our first trip. Lil bro was bragging that he could get a family suite on site for $55 a night. Yeah, I could give him the money for us to check in, but there's the chance that he may not be in FL when check in rolls around.

The only perks we would use for onsite would be the transportation and purchase transit. We have no use for the dinning plan and going to stay away from EMH. The value resorts cost as much per night as the suites I'm looking at. The suites have more sq footage, larger beds, a fridge, and free full breakfast every morning. (I've read equal report of good or bad for the quality of the breakfast). I'm 5'8" hubby is 6'2" and large, a double bed isn't going to fit the both of us. I had to sleep diagonal on my double bed when I was in high school. I'm not willing to pay an extra $1000 just so I can have a comfortable bed when I don't have to.

I appericiate the advise and input, though.

I would guess that if he makes a Shade of Green reservation and then is transfered or deployed they can drop the reservation and the only problem will be finding another room.

I wouldn't sear of EMH as that is a huge part of prime park time. Too many people are confused and don't suggest it including written or internet guides. It's just to tough to make a general opinion of it. If you stay onsite they are great. If you stay offsite you avoid them. No explanation it's just that simple.

Add in $15 for parking if you go offsite and the rental cost. A shuttle from outside resorts will probably run $12 per person per day.

I know the suites aren't a great deal, all the disney resorts are high priced. I really don't like double beds in hotels, it is almost a scam of the indsutry which WDW is guilty of. If you need a big bed also consider Coronado Springs for queens or Port Orleans French quarter(It's in rehab and the updated room are getting queens).

If you are looking offsite, consider the Swan or Dolphin if you can get a deal, they are quasiWDW resorts. Also Bonnet Creek, it's an inholding within WDW with some nice hotels.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2114303&highlight=bonnet+creek
I would also look at the hotels near DTD on Hotel Plaza BLVD, they range from really nice to ok.

Finally consider renting points for one of the villas.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

Oh I have no doubt that flying out of Sacramento is cheaper. Will you use and airport transport or park in long term parking? I always wonder about these things. I don't normally fly.

I found out today about the transportation to the airport from home. We are going to drive and use the long term parking. I haven't flown in a looong time and I was always dropped off.

I would guess that if he makes a Shade of Green reservation and then is transfered or deployed they can drop the reservation and the only problem will be finding another room.

I wouldn't sear of EMH as that is a huge part of prime park time. Too many people are confused and don't suggest it including written or internet guides. It's just to tough to make a general opinion of it. If you stay onsite they are great. If you stay offsite you avoid them. No explanation it's just that simple.

Add in $15 for parking if you go offsite and the rental cost. A shuttle from outside resorts will probably run $12 per person per day.

I know the suites aren't a great deal, all the disney resorts are high priced. I really don't like double beds in hotels, it is almost a scam of the indsutry which WDW is guilty of. If you need a big bed also consider Coronado Springs for queens or Port Orleans French quarter(It's in rehab and the updated room are getting queens).

If you are looking offsite, consider the Swan or Dolphin if you can get a deal, they are quasiWDW resorts. Also Bonnet Creek, it's an inholding within WDW with some nice hotels.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2114303&highlight=bonnet+creek
I would also look at the hotels near DTD on Hotel Plaza BLVD, they range from really nice to ok.

Finally consider renting points for one of the villas.

I was actullay looking at Bonnet Creek today, it's in the running. Another in the running is BW Lake Buena Vista in DTD. The suite I'm looking at (recomended by Mousesavers) is Buena Vista Suites. The suites have a complementry shuttle, free car parking. We we're planning on renting a car, but if bro and his family is still around they are going to let us use one of thier cars and one of their strollers (was originaly going to rent through Orlando Stroller Rental) One of the "spluges" I was going to do was Happy Limo. Nothing fancy, just something large enough to hold us and our gear.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

yay Michele, you hit the 18000!!!

 

[kaoden39]

yay Michele, you hit the 18000!!!

Oh thank you. Yes, I was over reading Flamegirls wonderful trip report nad commented a couple of times.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

Oh thank you. Yes, I was over reading Flamegirls wonderful trip report nad commented a couple of times.

I've got just over 50 till my next mile stone.

 

[kaoden39]

I've got just over 50 till my next mile stone.

Ooh we need to build up that post count!!

 

[skiingfast]

I found out today about the transportation to the airport from home. We are going to drive and use the long term parking. I haven't flown in a looong time and I was always dropped off.



I was actullay looking at Bonnet Creek today, it's in the running. Another in the running is BW Lake Buena Vista in DTD. The suite I'm looking at (recomended by Mousesavers) is Buena Vista Suites. The suites have a complementry shuttle, free car parking. We we're planning on renting a car, but if bro and his family is still around they are going to let us use one of thier cars and one of their strollers (was originaly going to rent through Orlando Stroller Rental) One of the "spluges" I was going to do was Happy Limo. Nothing fancy, just something large enough to hold us and our gear.

One thing about strollers, if you have gone through this driving to parking at DL you'll understand. Getting on buses at WDW is marked as a drawback if you have a stroller. People forget to mention that if you drive you do the same thing for the parking lot trams. Take the baby out and fold up the stroller. So you might consider renting at the gates too.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

One thing about strollers, if you have gone through this driving to parking at DL you'll understand. Getting on buses at WDW is marked as a drawback if you have a stroller. People forget to mention that if you drive you do the same thing for the parking lot trams. Take the baby out and fold up the stroller. So you might consider renting at the gates too.

Honestly, I gave this serious consideration. Here's what changed my mind to a not WDW stroller 1) no reclining or place to hold gear 2) after we're done at the park for the night, not only do we have to hold all the gear, but then add on a very tired possible sleeping 40lbs of monkey. We won't have a ton of gear, like a little baby would need, but there will be some monkey stuff. A jogger type stroller is lightwieght, reclince for tired babies, hold gear, and with a little practice before hand it shouldn't take up too much time at the bus stop. If we're thinking properly, we may even be nice about it. When we see the bus coming and are fairly certain we're going to get on it, we could be unloaded and folded by the time it's our turn to get on.

 

[kaoden39]

Honestly, I gave this serious consideration. Here's what changed my mind to a not WDW stroller 1) no reclining or place to hold gear 2) after we're done at the park for the night, not only do we have to hold all the gear, but then add on a very tired possible sleeping 40lbs of monkey. We won't have a ton of gear, like a little baby would need, but there will be some monkey stuff. A jogger type stroller is lightwieght, reclince for tired babies, hold gear, and with a little practice before hand it shouldn't take up too much time at the bus stop. If we're thinking properly, we may even be nice about it. When we see the bus coming and are fairly certain we're going to get on it, we could be unloaded and folded by the time it's our turn to get on.

And like either Kelly or Nicole told you there are threads on here about doing stroller swaps and things like that here on the boards.

 

[skiingfast]

Honestly, I gave this serious consideration. Here's what changed my mind to a not WDW stroller 1) no reclining or place to hold gear 2) after we're done at the park for the night, not only do we have to hold all the gear, but then add on a very tired possible sleeping 40lbs of monkey. We won't have a ton of gear, like a little baby would need, but there will be some monkey stuff. A jogger type stroller is lightwieght, reclince for tired babies, hold gear, and with a little practice before hand it shouldn't take up too much time at the bus stop. If we're thinking properly, we may even be nice about it. When we see the bus coming and are fairly certain we're going to get on it, we could be unloaded and folded by the time it's our turn to get on.

The other thing about not renting a stroller is finding in the hoards of strollers that are parked that look almost alike.

Plus since you have a walking kid you can leave the stroller somewhere central, ditch it for a few attractions, then move to another area of the park.