Hotel vs Condo

[alrightythen]

For our first disney trip for a week in January, we are trying to decide whether it would be more cost efficient to stay in a condo or hotel. There are 3 adults and 3 children going.

The hotel suite we are looking at is a 2br/2ba that sleeps 6. It has a free breakfast and shuttle to WDS.

The condo has 3br/2ba and a full laundry and kitchen and costs about $100 less than the hotel suite.

We will have our own car. Since this is our first disney trip, I'm sure most of our time will be spent at the park, not at the hotel or condo.

WWYD?

 

[4Seasons]

We almost always do the condo route, especially now that our kids are teenagers. Sometimes that extra "space" can be priceless.........

 

[dyna]

I'd go with condo an would consider eating breakfast there QUICK breakfast some can be eating while others dressing will get you out the door faster than stoping for breakfast along the way or even grabbing breakfast in the parks.

It is nice to have 3 dressers an 3 closets also takes no time to throw load of laundry in washer allows for less packing. Wash everything on cold during stay whites to med light in 1 load then the darker colors in with jeans works well for us. Usually we up long enough at night to throw load of laundry in washer then dryer I fold the next morning we loose no park time doing laundry but come home with clean clothes.

 

[neonurse]

My first time to disney I wanted to stay on property but my sister had a timeshare that she couldn't use so we compromised and stayed 3 days on property POFQ and 7 days at sheraton vistana villages. Even though I am a disney nut... I can't pass up the space and convience with the condos. Full kitchen, bathrooms, tv. We had a much better time with more space. When we have stayed on property since (got a great 3/4 deal last march) I used disney transportation only once. I prefer to use my car at least I am guaranteed a seat. LOL

Good luck. But remember what ever you decide it really doesn't matter because at least you are in florida and not at home!

 

[sb4k]

We're in a similar situation and I would love to know what places you are looking at.

 

[mecllap]

I'd go for the 3 BR condo, even if it cost more, esp if they're both off-property. Hotel shuttles are often not at the most convenient times -- be sure to check what kind of shuttle service it actually is if that might affect your decision. That 3rd bedroom, and the laundry and kitchen will be wonderful to have.

If you are looking for some cost saving ideas (pretty much every thing about going to WDW is expensive), be sure to read the Budget threads on here. One of best things you can do is to have a kitchen and use it (it's even handy to have to warm up leftovers from restaurant meals -- pack some ziplock bags when you are eating out -- they take up much less space than the styro containers).

 

[dd50]

A condo makes more sense to me. More room. When my kids were small we always stayed at a condo or house because we were a family of five and it was just easier because we had more room. I would buy breakfast stuff (I didn't cook tho) and they would eat cereal, donuts, etc.

 

[kksmom92]

For me it would hands down be the condo, of course we always rent a home due to that way the kids have room to move around and I don't have to worry about them being to loud. Let alone you get a kitchen & washer and dryer. Kitchen can save you money, plus with the washer & dryer you don't have to bring as many clothes.

 

[sjanus]

Since you have a car anyway, I'd definitely go for the condo. We always chose a condo over a hotel whenever we can, and even if it is just the two of us. The kitchen and the laundry facilities, the space, more privacy. For your group, more televisions, more bedrooms (3 will be better for 6 people, than 2), less noise level and congestion (more cupboard space, more drawer space, laudry area for dirty clothes, etc.).

The living area also will give you a place to wind down when the kids go to bed, without making noise for them to sleep, etc.

Of course, you will have a parking fee daily, but you should easily make this up with having the kitchen to pack snacks for the park, etc. It may be a break even, not sure financially what the breakdown will be because of the free breakfast you are offered at the hotel. But definitely will have more freedom driving to the parks and more leisurely time in the morning to enjoy your coffee, breakfast, etc.

You may even want to consider a 3 bedroom townhome with a splash pool and lanai such as they have Windsor Hills and I think Windsor Palms and some others nearby Disney. I'm sure lots on here can give you recommendations.

Whatever you decide, it's Disney, you are going to have a great time!!!

Sandy