Hotel W/ Nice Pool, Bar Near WDW?

[PSUGuy]

Next March we're doing a non-Disney trip to Fla but we'll probably settle in the Orlando area, maybe hitting Epcot for one day. Our priority is a hotel near WDW with a very nice pool and one or more good bars/lounges. We'd hope to pay less than a WDW moderate for the week of 3/2 - 3/9. Thanks for any info offered, and any suggestions for non-Disney things to do. We're seasoned Disney vets but have never wandered off the reservation before.

Bill From PA

 

[tednvon]

Hi, just a thought as 'great pool" and "great bars" can mean different things to different folks, but you might check out the hotel in Celebration. In addition to the really cute little intimate bar in the lobby, there are a multiple bars within walking distance all the way from a little Irish place next door to the mahogany bar in Town Tavern. The pool is not big but overlooks the lake and I assume is nicely heated in March...a must for that time of year.

http://www.celebrationhotel.com/

I am not sure it would be the best with kids...kind of an adult only place, I think...

By the way, if you know ANYBODY who works at Disney, they can get you a rate here of about $80/night. I would also check rates on travel sites as I know they are cheaper than rates on this website...

Ted

 

[rmoore7]

Check out the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The pool there is one of my favorites, and lately they have had amazing rates listed on the AAA site. There are a few bars on the property, but I don't have any experience with any of them. The hotel is close to downtown Disney and there are lots of dining and drinking opportunities available not only in DTD, but on the way along Hotel Plaza Blvd. I always recommend La Nouba as a top notch entertainment choice if you have the time and money. Have fun.

 

[Dizholic]

I don't know Bill. I can't see you that close to Epcot, and only going one day!!!

 

[Lewisc]

Use PL. Bid for a resort. The cost is frequently less then a moderate, even after you include parking and a resort fee.

I wouldn't bid this far in advance. www.Biddingtraveler.com is a great way to automate the bidding. THEY SUGGEST START BIDDING TOO HIGH.

Recent winning hotels include the Omni, Gaylord Palms, Hilton Bonnet Creek, Hyatt Regency..... Wins range from around $50 to around $100.

 

[PSUGuy]

I don't know Bill. I can't see you that close to Epcot, and only going one day!!!

There will be a magnetic pull there, I can hear the bagpipes already! Actually, this whole trip is wifey's idea, that we'd see the Florida we've not seen in more than 12 WDW vacations and she threw in the 'one day at Epcot' thing. I wouldn't be surprised if this evolves into more of Disney and less of Florida. She's already asking if there's such a thing as a 2-day hopper, my prediction is that we'll end up with 4 days at WDW and three elsewhere.

Thanks to all for your suggestions, we're examining them all.

Bill From PA