Help required with hotels etc

[eeyorefanuk]

Hello

We are thinking of staying at disney next august (free dining).

I know everyone has their own personal favourites but is there a moderate and a deluxe hotel that seems to be very popular?

Also we had a price for saratona springs (eight of us going so works out cheaper this way) - has anyone any thoughts on this?

This will probably be our one and only time to orlando so if we do book want to get it right

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,
You are right in that everyone has their own favourites, these are normally because of price or location.
Over the years we have mainly stayed in villas but I (not necessarily Julie & Joshua) have had a desire to stay on-site more.
Hence we have only actually stayed on WDW property once at the Boardwalk in 2006.

Our main requirements are some sort of cooking facilities which leans us more to towards DVC type accomodation, however, having recently had a good tour around the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, which are both located on the monorail route close to Magic Kingdom area - I would suggest either of those as 2 of the best. To be honest I cannot explain why we have never looked round either of them before, I guess it's Joshua's preference for the freedom and privacy of an off-site villa.
The new Bay Lake Towers is nearby too, having three great resorts so close to each other and close to MK has to be a great option.

At a time when we considered buying into DVC we had a 'full' tour around Saratoga Springs and overall liked it there. The pool areas especially we felt were good for children.
The downside (in my opinion) was the limited dining and bar facilities. None of which really appealed to our tastes.
I am not saying that's a negative as it's a lovely resort. Do you fancy a Downtown Disney location? That could be the key for you perhaps.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

To be honest do not know what I want !

When we first thought of going to orlando we were going to hire a villa outside of disney since there was eight of us.

Now that the free dining is on, if we go for Saratona it looks to be cheaper than the villa plus the cost of eating out each day (on holiday naught I know but we never do meals just snacks on holiday)

 

[JohnnySharp2]

To be honest do not know what I want !

When we first thought of going to orlando we were going to hire a villa outside of disney since there was eight of us.

Now that the free dining is on, if we go for Saratona it looks to be cheaper than the villa plus the cost of eating out each day (on holiday naught I know but we never do meals just snacks on holiday)

Yes I think that's a good point, I assume a lot are tempted with the Saratoga price. An off-site villa to staying on-site at DVC is a totally different experience.

Could you not do a week at each?