It's been a while....

[Snow8882]

.... over 2 years to be exact but I'm baaaaccckkk!

We had an amazing time in August 2012 and have had my heart break a little each time someone has said they're going (so hence why I've avoided the boards since coming home; all very distressing; known to burst into tears) but after my 3 year old niece was watching some documentary footage at the end of a DVD about the new Fantasyland area (I've brainwashed her into Disney worship ) and decided she wants to "meet The Mouse", I think I've managed to talk folks into going in 2016

The big caveat is that it needs to be the best price possible and this is where you lot come in. When it was just hubby and I, we stayed at (what was then known as) The Peabody but this time I think we're better doing self-catering at an apartment or villa. I need something with 3 bedrms (me and hubby; brother and SIL with neice; and mum).

I think we've narrowed down that we want to stay somewhere between Seaworld and Disney, I-Drive South area. Does anyone have any recommendations, advice on what sites to look at? It might be the case that we book accommodation, flights and tickets separately so again, any advice on this would be appreciated (last time, we booked the whole lot through Cosmos).

Thanks in advance
Snow x

 

[Snow8882]

Really? No one can offer any recommendations?

 

[Pegasus928]

Have you looked at any of the villa community location maps. This will, at the very least, help you narrow down the possibilities. There are probably tens of thousands - if not more - of villas, so finding one that suits you and your family is no easy task. We have our own list of requirements when it comes to what we want, but these may be different to yours.
You will also need to look into hiring a car - maybe two depending on how you plan your days. There are lots of threads currently ongoing with regards to flights and car hire. Have you checked these out?

 

[queendisney]

Hi Snow8882 welcome back

TBH I don't have any idea on villa's outside of Disney. But have you thought of maybe staying on resort at OKW or SSR with free dining? Obviously not sure the free dining offer will be around when you are going for sure.
Or even renting some DVC points.

I am sure somebody will be along soon re Villas off resort.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I'm not sure about apartments in that area, would have to be something like Sheraton Vistana or Villages resort, Caribe Royal and there are any more.... Also on SW boulevard and around Lake Bryan there are

As pp mentioned, a lot of the villa communities (private rentals) are off the 192 or 27. We have stayed at Windsor Hills, Emerald Island and Windsor Palms which are all near to the AKL entrance and not that far to drive to WDW IMO. For example, a 3br condo at WH can cost around £60 per night, which for 6 people is a brilliant rate. You would have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, washer, dryer etc. You can pay extra to have a midstay clean.

If you take a look at Florida Sun Vacation Homes you will get a feel for the range and prices available

 

[Portugal1000]

We love Wyndham Bonnet Creek. 6th visit in August. Fantastic resort. 5 pools, 2 lazy rivers, loads of activities. Rooms are from 1 to 4 bedrooms with big living area, full kitchen, laundry, jacuzzi etc. right next door to Caribbean Beach so great location. Can't recommend highly enough.

 

[Snow8882]

Thanks folks; not looking to stay on site (waaaay above budget - needs to be as cheap and cheerful as poss).

Pegasus and Mrs Doubtfire - can you let me know a good website to start looking at villas? Google search throws up a mass of results but not sure where to start for a good deal and a site that's reputable! Terrified of being ripped off!

 

[disneyholic family]

Thanks folks; not looking to stay on site (waaaay above budget - needs to be as cheap and cheerful as poss).

Pegasus and Mrs Doubtfire - can you let me know a good website to start looking at villas? Google search throws up a mass of results but not sure where to start for a good deal and a site that's reputable! Terrified of being ripped off!

i believe this is the website Mrs Doubtfire was referring to
http://www.floridasunvacationhomes.com/

.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

i believe this is the website Mrs Doubtfire was referring to
http://www.floridasunvacationhomes.com/

.

Thanks, it was

 

[london75]

We had a similar start to you, the Peabody before kids then I drive apartments like Sheraton Vistana Villages which was great and now generally a villa. This is the one we stayed in last year and going to again in 9 weeks and 6 days!

http://www.eaglewoodluxuryvilla.co.uk

I can't recommend it enough, great location, lovely house and pool. Good internet!

 

[Snow8882]

Thanks, I'll take a look!

Any recommendations on sites to look at for discounts on park tickets? Last time our tickets were booked through Cosmos along with the flights and accommodation so, again, bit fearful of getting caught in a hoax of some kind (paranoid *** it's not just my money I'd be losing!)

 

[MissPrincess101]

Can I also suggest www.kingdomstate.com? Friend of mine at work's parents run it. Give it the once over

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Elise79]

Thanks, I'll take a look! Any recommendations on sites to look at for discounts on park tickets? Last time our tickets were booked through Cosmos along with the flights and accommodation so, again, bit fearful of getting caught in a hoax of some kind (paranoid *** it's not just my money I'd be losing!)

Depending on what type of tickets you want - undercover tourist are excellent and will send actual tickets however they are only best for MYW tickets.

For UK Ultimate tickets I would look at Orlando attractions or similar and again check for one that sends real tickets. There has been issues with linking UK Tickets that are on will call collection or e-vouchers.