Help! Where do I stay?

[kguenther8]

We are doing a Disney trip in March 2012. This trip we are going to the parks for 5 days, staying at Animal Kingdom Villas.

Well, we are also going to go back in June 2012 for a 7 night visit, but only doing the parks 3 days, and then maybe some water parks, local stuff.

I have been looking at a million condos and townhouses at Windsor Hills. I can get a townhome with a splash pool for those dates for around $700 all inclusive. Is this resort nice? It seems close to Disney, a major plus for us.

My other option is to rent through the Armed Forces Vacation Club (we are military). We can stay at Grand Lakes for $400 all inclusive for the week. I don't think it will be as nice, and it has some good reviews, and some bad ones.

I have looked at Bonnet Creek, and it looks like to book now it will cost me $160/night, which is too much. Is there some way to book for less than that?

And, any other suggestions? The only drawback of me renting one of these townhomes now is that we might have to cancel....my DH's work is just one of those things, and I hate losing my deposit. So, if there are any suite-hotels/resorts that can be had for around $100/night (inclusive of taxes) let me know....since those can often be cancelled with no penalty. Anyeone know how soon I need to book for June?

We want a nice, clean place where the kids can have their own sleeping area, and that is close to Disney.

Thanks. We have always stayed on Disney, and this is a whole new world of options!

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Sorry I can't help with condos/villas. I did the same search last year & couldn't find any places acceptable to us that did not require a nonrefundable deposit.

We ended up at the Country Inn & Suites on Apopka Vineland - now it's changed to Fairfield Inn (look under marriott.com). This Nov/Dec we are paying $71 nite for king bed with microwave & fridge. Has comp breakfast & free internet. Has heated pool. They have family suites with king bed in separate room (with interior door) & then double or maybe queen sofa pull out bed in living area & 1 bath with microwave & fridge. It's not luxurious, but it's clean, safe, free parking, & great location.

If you book their lowest special rate, the deposit is not refundable. However, I book a AAA rate & deposit is refundable. If you like it & price is right, might be worth paying one annual AAA rate to get the refundable deposit if you can't find anything else.

Good luck.

 

[Orlando Vic]

Being a military family, have you considered Shades of Green? I can't comment on the rate because that varies with the military member's rank. It is, however, a nice place with an excellent location.

 

[zigzagzerr]

For our trip this past August, we booked the Floridays Resort (near Sea World) -- a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, for $111/night. We booked directly through the resort and did not pay any deposit. I think you could cancel with no penalty up to 24 hours prior.

 

[kguenther8]

I found a Townhouse in Windsor Hills with a splash pool (my kids will love this). It is far less than staying at Shades.

When we go in March, we are staying half at Shades and half at Kidani (AKV) so we will get that experience. However, I can rent a townhouse for an entire week, for about $200 less than Shades, plus I wanted a little different experience....We will have more non-park days, so I wanted some space for the kids this time, plus our own bedroom! My DH likes that.
I was able to find a homeowner that understood my situation, and agreed in writing to refund my deposit in full as long as I cancel more than 60 days out, which should work great for us. We will know all our military details by that point.
So, it never hurts to ask...people were so nice!

Hopefully it will be a good experience for us. I was considering Bonnet Creek also, but it costs a bit more, and I think my kids will really like having thier own little pool to play in!

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Sounds great; glad you found what you wanted. After your trip, be sure to come back & let us know how it worked out.

Enjoy.