Help! First timer and we have kids - need hotel!

[wynka]

Well, the title says it all. We have a 5 & 7 year old and we're heading to Disney in Feb 09. We don't want to stay on-site this time around and I am looking for some advice on good hotels off site. I've been looking on the internet, but some of those hotel sites are just not user friendly.

What we are looking for is a room that gives the kids a separate sleeping area (or the sleeping area for all of us is separate). Our kids just do not go to sleep if they can see us or see/hear activity going on. We really need private sleeping areas and don't want to pay for adjoining rooms so that there are 4 beds and only 2 get used.

Can any of you seasoned visitors help us?

 

[aanderson5]

We usually stay at our timeshare but last year we went last minute and wasn't able to get a room so we stayed at The Bluetree Resort. We had a 1 bedroom with a full kitchen, living and dining area. It was not huge but was more than adequate. The resort was very nice, 4 pools, tennis, playground ++ and it was super close to Disney. We paid $99/night but that was April so you should get it a bit cheaper in Feb.

Here is a link to their site. http://www.bluetreeorlando.comWhen you check availability put in 'internet only rates' (or anything else that would apply) and you rate will improve.

I would also recommend our timeshare, Sheridan Vistana, but it would be more expensive. I can give you more info if you want.

 

[Debbie]

Years ago, we stayed at what is now Nickelodian Family Suites. It was (and I know remains) really kid friendly. Check it out to see if it is what you are looking for.

 

[sympatico]

Well, the title says it all. We have a 5 & 7 year old and we're heading to Disney in Feb 09. We don't want to stay on-site this time around and I am looking for some advice on good hotels off site. I've been looking on the internet, but some of those hotel sites are just not user friendly.

What we are looking for is a room that gives the kids a separate sleeping area (or the sleeping area for all of us is separate). Our kids just do not go to sleep if they can see us or see/hear activity going on. We really need private sleeping areas and don't want to pay for adjoining rooms so that there are 4 beds and only 2 get used.

Can any of you seasoned visitors help us?

Only if you have a vehicle:
You could try a 3 bedroom condo or townhouse at Windsor Hills. They are individually owned and you rent them from the owner. We've stayed in a couple of townhouses with private splash pools and loved it. There's a huge clubhouse and pool with water slide also. It's only 5 min. from AK.
www.windsorhillsrent.com
You can also find lots of homes here:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/central-disney-orlando/kissimmee
Here is a map to show where Windsor Hills and some of the other areas are:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...8.272032,-81.608849&spn=0.068335,0.11055&z=13

 

[siobhan1997]

Check www.gtahotels.com they have Cypress Pointe Grandevillas 2 bedrooms for $86/night or 3 bedrooms for $100/night.

 

[grantclaire]

We like the Vistana Villages and Vistana Resort. Both are close to WDW and are kid friendly!

 

[laura001]

What about trying the All Star Family Suites right on property? They have everything you are asking for, plus you get the added bonus of staying right in WDW!

 

[mommylo]

Hi OP, i noticed you mentioned you don't want to stay onsite. Personally, it's probably easier to stay onsite the first time. The special Disney is running is excellent (buy 4 nights and get 3 nights for free, plus $200 gift card if traveling before the end of March). You can book directly with Disney or any travel agents. That way Magical Express is included to/from the airport and Disney transportation will look after you every taking you to the parks.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Yeah, Mommylo and laura001 have it right. We always say that" Friends don't let friends stay off-site". Staying on-site is so much more convenient. If price is a significant issue, then the Family Suites at All Star Music resort ought to fit the bill, while if your budget is more generous, one of the DVC resorts might be nice. Disney's Old Key West and Disney's Saratoga Springs have to best deals directly thru Disney, but using the DVC Rent/Trade Board here on the DIS can also yield good deals at great resorts.

Like Moomylo, we are DVC members too, and generally get a 1BR for the four of us, or a 2BR if friends or Grandparents join us. It is wonderful to have access to a full kitchen and laundry while you are situated right in the middle of the "Magic".

Seriously, there might be some fine places to stay off-site, but it's not Disney.

 

[mommylo]

Yeah, Mommylo and laura001 have it right. We always say that" Friends don't let friends stay off-site". Staying on-site is so much more convenient. If price is a significant issue, then the Family Suites at All Star Music resort ought to fit the bill, while if your budget is more generous, one of the DVC resorts might be nice. Disney's Old Key West and Disney's Saratoga Springs have to best deals directly thru Disney, but using the DVC Rent/Trade Board here on the DIS can also yield good deals at great resorts.

Like Moomylo, we are DVC members too, and generally get a 1BR for the four of us, or a 2BR if friends or Grandparents join us. It is wonderful to have access to a full kitchen and laundry while you are situated right in the middle of the "Magic".

Seriously, there might be some fine places to stay off-site, but it's not Disney.

Pumpkinboy, you couldn't have said it better. We stayed at AMu our first trip, but visited DVC and the rest is history...

 

[Jackie Psarianos]

We loved staying off site because we could get one or two bedrooms for the price of a regular room at a Disney deluxe resort.

Here are some great places that we've stayed at and since have become Hilton vacation club owners.

-Hilton Grand Vacation Club on Idrive or SeaWorld,
-Sheraton Vistana Villages,
-Sheraton Vistana Resort,
-Bonnet Creek,
-Marriot Grand Vista

All these are very close to Disney (within ten minutes from the main Disney gate), and you can find good deals with expedia.ca, or exit.ca or travelocity.ca.

If you want to stay on property, you can rent a one or two bedroom from a Disney Vacation club member right here on disboards. It's much more economical.

Good luck.