Help - first time offsite!

[mcvixen]

Could I please ask for help and opinions of all the experienced DIS-ers here on this board?

We are planning our next trip to WDW and now have a better idea of what we are looking for:

a) a hotel very near Downtown Disney (walking distance would be really nice)
b) a hotel with a "suite" layout (i.e. the bedroom is divided from a sitting room area in some way)
c) the hotel room must have a fridge, a microwave would be nice, but we don't need a kitchenette

I hope our requirements aren't excessive. We had a great stay at POFQ but all of us in one room simply doesn't work. Our DD has a bedtime of 7:30 pm and my husband and I like staying up later, watching TV and relaxing.

Please, help me with your opinion and experience!

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Sheraton Safari. They have pool view suites with a seperate bedroom(2 queens), sep. living area with pull out dbl sofa , a micro, fridge and sink. A few cupbds with dishes, dishsoap. Cute safari theme. Has a balcony off of the bedroom which overlooks the pool. Pool is nice with a python waterslide, hot tub and kiddie pool. Poolside bar, and playground on site. Surrounded by many restaurants and restaurant also onsite. Can walk to DTD but it is a bit of a hike. I don't mind the walk just as long as it is not MEGA hot. My DD did it several times with me and did not mind the walk either.
We stayed here a few times. It is a nice place- not fancy by any stretch. But, great for families and theming is cute. Check out pics on the Sheraton websites if interested. We like the location. Also a Staybridge Suites near it that I would also recommend or Doubletree Guest Suites. However, we went to the Doubletree to check it out and the pool area was not as nice as the Sheraton and noise of cars on highway behind not appealing. So, that is why I pick Sheraton over it.

 

[veddermax]

My family is in a similar situation as yours. For our upcoming December trip we opted to stay offsite because DW and I want a separate room for the evening when DD2 goes to sleep (like yours around 7:30 pm).

We explored several options.

1. Rent a villa onsite from a DVC owner . We came close to doing this, but didn't like that we would need to pay a singificant amount of money 5 months out and be locked in.

2. Stay at the DTD Doubletree suites. You can get a good rate and free breakfast via mousesavers. We personally didn't like the fact that the suite is divided by a screen, meaning noise from the TV, might impact DD's sleep.

3. Caribe Royal. We found a good rate on a deluxe king suite (mousesavers offers one) and have this reserved for now. We found a good rental car rate as well and prefer having a car. It appears to be a real short drive to all theme parks.

4. We might switch our reservation to Bonnett Creek resort if we can find a good deal and availability as time approaches. We like the location (inside WDW), option of a 2 bedroom suite, full kitchen option, etc.

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree one night and it was really nice. I'm pretty sure it's close to DTD but you'd have to double check.