How do vacation rentals compare to FWcabins/DVC villas?

[vossjemi]

We are contemplating a trip next Oct for MNSSHP. My kids will be 4 and 6. There will just be 4 of us. I typically don't like just a hotel room when I go somewhere. I like having a kitchenette for quickie breakfasts/lunches and some space to mill about. Not to mention somewhere to go after the kids fall asleep. We've looked into the FWcabins and really like the atmosphere, but assuming we get at least a 10% AAA discount, it still averages around $250/night. I also priced out a BCV sun-thurs and the fri/sat at AKL (for 4 year old son), and it was very comparable to the FWcabin price at $257/night average.

Do nearby vacation rentals cost this much? I mean I know I could stay at the Pop or All Star Resorts a heck of lot cheaper even if we ate all our meals out. What is the average cost of a vacation rental? There will only be 4 of us. If we go with a vacation rental, we want something VERY VERY close to WDW. I don't want to spend all of my time in the car to and fro. Do you guys have anywhere you recommend that your or someone you know has used and is reputable?

 

[vhoffman]

Have you thought of renting a condo? Try www.redweek.com, and www.tug2.net. They have listings of timeshare weeks that people are trying to rent, often for a very good price. Also look at www.vrbo.com. There's a lot of posts on this website about houses for rent, close to WDW, very nice, some with pools, and a lot cheaper than a room at Disney. Just do a search for rent houses.

We gave up on the idea of all four of us crammed into one hotel room, too. Its just too much stress. At least two connecting rooms, preferably with a microwave and fridge.

 

[vhoffman]

Oh, here's another little tip. Go to www.westin.com. They have the Sheraton chain. Find the Sheraton Vistana Villas, Orlando. Indicate that you'd be interested in buying a timeshare there. We did that and got a call the next day with an offer we couldn't refuse. A one bedroom, one bath condo for 4 nights for $149 total (not per person/per night--total!), including tax. We can upgrade to a 2 bdr for about $60 more, which we are doing. The only catch is that you have to sit through a ts sales pitch, but I understand its not bad not high pressure. They even give you another $100 gift certificate for attending which can be applied to your bill. Our deal is good until Dec, 2006. However, I've heard of people getting slightly different deals, so I guess it changes often. Give it a try!

 

[mbb]

and we've rented villas, too

Check out the DVC Rent/Trade Boards, right here on the Dis...you can rent privately from a DVC owner, at a FRACTION of the cost from what WDW will quote you.

A studio at OKW would be the "cheapest"...

HTH! and if you have any questiosn, feel free

 

[spiceycat]

try

www.skyauction.com

you are looking for Cypress Pointe,Sheraton Vistana, Bryan's Spanish Cove, Embassy Vacation Resort at Grand Beach - these are close to DD.

also on the other side near AK - Silver Lake, Magic tree Resort, okay I dislike this one but it is close - Westgate

a little further around 4 miles instead of 2 - Celebration World resort (the only timeshare in RCI that allows pets)

also a little further maybe 7 miles from DD instead of 2 or 3 is Hilton Grand Vacation - there are two on International Drive and one also from Seaworld.

if you don't time paying more

www.condodirect.com

you use to get Marriott here - but Marriott say no. anyway still some nice resorts. no bidding.


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a studio at OKW (my favorite) has 2 queen beds, kitchennett, large bathroom (Disney standard), and a balcony.

you sound like you would enjoy a bigger room - there is also a 1 or 2 bedroom the 1-bedroom at OKW is great. one king bed in the master, master bath that includes a shower stall, whirlpool tub, a livingroom with a queen sleeper sofa, love seat (big enough for a small child), full kitchen, laundry room, dinning room, plus a BIG balcony.

however the price is alot more - during Oct you can probably get OKW studio for $80 (8 points @ $10) or the 1-bedroom for $160 (16 points at $10).
both sleep 4.

the value and moderate both have double beds and a small bathroom.

 

[torismom]

I sent you a pm.

We are DVC owners and own a vacation rental. Before we bought our home we rented villas and stayed in them. We also use our DVC as we can.

Take Care,
Jennifer

 

[vossjemi]

Thanks for the tips, links, and pm's guys! Sounds like I have some researching to do. I must admit I am a little nervous about renting from someone I don't know whether its through the point/DVC rent thing and trusting they'll make the res for me or through some person that I don't know for a condo/vac home (reading some of the horror stories on here about last minute cancellations or deposits not refunded). I originally was sold on Fort Wilderness but didn't figure it'd be as high as it is. We still have some time since its a year away, and I'm waiting for my daughter's school schedule to come out to be sure (I should have it by feb/march). Would that be too late to get a good condo over halloween?

 

[spiceycat]

no, especially if you are willing to go with OKW or SSR.

VWL (MK resort) will probably be gone - so will BWV and BCV (Epcot resort).

but OKW and SSR should still have villas.

definitely offsite will have some. the best offsite are only a few days (yes days) before arrival. like 10 days before - sometimes skyauction has a bunch.