Large family accomodations (on a budget!!)

[MommyBryn]

I'm planning a trip to WDW with my family and my parents for Jan/Feb 2007. We've been there many times before, but not in the 3 years I've been married...so we've never had to find accomodations for this many people.

We've got 6 adults (1 is 14...she'll have to be considered an adult, right?) and then my baby who'll be 1 yr old. We don't mention her when making reservations because she'll just sleep in the same bed as my husband and I, an is usually "free" for everything anyway. There's a chance my 18 yr old brother may not come, but we're planning on him anyway.

We're on a pretty tight budget, so we can't afford 2 rooms at any of the resort hotels unless it's a Value resort. I've looked at some of the area hotels and there isn't really anything in our price range that allows a 6 adult occupancy (even though the 14 yr old will sleep on the floor).

We're hoping to have something with a complimentary continental breakfast so we have one less meal to worry about. We'd also like complimentary transportation to the parks if we stay off Disney property. Basically something that will be the most cost effective.

Any ideas...preferrably for something well under $200/night (for ONE place- for all 6 adults) or well under $100/night??

 

[las3888]

All Stars Music just built family suites that I think are open now. This link has more info as well as a room diagram so you can judge whether it will work or not for you. The range is $169-$259 I think depending on what season. I was curious about them and I checked on expedia for availability. I think they showed them as available at a reasonable rate for the dates we were interested in, but we didn't end up going that route. Good luck!

http://www.mousesavers.com/allstarmusicsuites.html

 

[4lilpoohs]

We are a family of 6. We booked two rooms at Pop Century. Our total for 14 nights is $2466. It is $176 for two rooms. We are goiong to get AAA and that will knock off $500. All Star Music now has family suites for $169 during value season. We couldn't get them because they were already booked.

 

[brymolmom]

We stayed at what I believe is now the Palms Hotel and Villas (used to be Homewood Suites) at, I think, 3100 parkway. It has a GREAT location (only like 2 min to entrance to WDW, a nice pool, a cont. breakfast and I BELIEVE they have 2 bedroom suites that will accomodate your size. My sister stayed there in Feb but stayed in a 1 BR and got it for like $70 per night.

Now, it's not a 4 star place, but it was decent and had a frig and micro, so you could do a grocery run to help your budget and bring your lunch to the parks with you.

The only negative is the transportation. I don't even know if they offer it and if they do - I've heard only negative things about offsite shuttles. But - with the savings you might find on this hotel AND having a kitchen to do some meals from the grocery store - you maybe could rent a vehicle?

I would (and likely will) stay there again.

 

[MommyBryn]

We stayed at what I believe is now the Palms Hotel and Villas (used to be Homewood Suites) at, I think, 3100 parkway. It has a GREAT location (only like 2 min to entrance to WDW, a nice pool, a cont. breakfast and I BELIEVE they have 2 bedroom suites that will accomodate your size. My sister stayed there in Feb but stayed in a 1 BR and got it for like $70 per night.

Now, it's not a 4 star place, but it was decent and had a frig and micro, so you could do a grocery run to help your budget and bring your lunch to the parks with you.

The only negative is the transportation. I don't even know if they offer it and if they do - I've heard only negative things about offsite shuttles. But - with the savings you might find on this hotel AND having a kitchen to do some meals from the grocery store - you maybe could rent a vehicle?

I would (and likely will) stay there again.

Thank you! I'll check that out!

We're trying to avoid renting a car so that we don't have to pack DD's carseat down too. We're clear on the other side of the US so packing is something we try to minimize on.

 

[MommyBryn]

Oh, I just googled The Palms Hotel and Villas and they DO have scheduled shuttles to WDW!

 

[jj1403]

If you are up to staying in a villa we've stayed at both of these places.....

www.gracevilla.com was $1000 for a week inculding pool and spa heat (that works out to 142.85 a day for a 6 bedroom house) It is cost effect as you'll be able to prepare alot of your own meals. You'll have to rent a car but it's still cheaper than staying on site.

www.roysdisneyvillas.com
A little more expensive but still an awesome deal.

We bought groceries and were able to prepare our breakfasts and some suppers. This saved us a lot of money as we only had to buy one meal a day at the parks. If you eat all of your meals at the parks you are looking at spending an additional 100 (if not more) a day.

 

[trennr]

If you go to orlandovacation.com and click on the Orlando Vacation Homes link on the Right side of the page.

On the resulting page enter in the Dates you want and click the Search Hotels button.

Look for the listing for Exceptional Pool Villas...click on the Big Green "Reserve Your Stay" Button then follow the links to the House type that best suits your group.

We (mine and my wifes family) have been there before...and we are going June 3-11 with My side of the Family. The Houses are great for large groups...and very affordable.

This year we are getting a 4 BR that sleeps 10 for $115/night...they have a 5 BR for about $125/night that sleeps 12. ...these rates are for early June...since this is so far off you may have to call to get prices and reservation.

 

[MommyBryn]

Cool, thanks!

 

[jj1403]

I found a couple more.... I hope you don't mind!

http://www.yourfloridaholiday.com/johns/index.htm
This one is much cheaper at 780 which includes pool and spa heat (111.42 a night for six adults... isn't too shabby!)

p.s. I haven't stayed at this one but a coworker did and he said it was a beautiful villa. And he would stay there again in a heart beat!

 

[jj1403]

All Stars Music just built family suites that I think are open now. This link has more info as well as a room diagram so you can judge whether it will work or not for you. The range is $169-$259
http://www.mousesavers.com/allstarmusicsuites.html

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_asuites.htm Allears has a link with pictures and prices....

 

[MommyBryn]

Wow, thank you all so much! I never would've ended up looking at half of these places w/out your help!

 

[Deb & Bill]

How about the Ft Wilderness cabins? They sleep six and have a small kitchen area.

 

[powellrj]

you might want to check out cypress point throught hotel kingdom. We stayed there last year in a 2 bedroom condo and it would be big enough for all of you. There are many fans of this place on the Orlando boards so you can check out over there for reviews.

 

[Jrabbit910]

Mommybryn, Check out the hawthorne suites in Orlando..It might be better for you just to stay onsite becuase you wouldnt have to pay for a car for transportation. Also, if you belong to Costco or one of those "lot" places, they offer great deals as well.
Good Luck w/ ur search and let us know if you found anything!