logistical ??'s

[annebeth]

We, family of 5, will be going to WDW in March '05. My dh is attending a conference at the Orlando Convention Center, but now he said maybe Disney Convention Center (is there such a thing, lol) Because I don't know what he is talking about, this question will be hard to ask... If the convention is at the Orlando Convention Center and the rest of us are "doing" Disney... what would lodging options be? I want to stay on the property.. but I don't really want for dh to spend his whole time travelling.... If someone can help me get things in motion I would appreciate it.
Thanks, Beth

 

[yecats]

I don't know about a Disney convention center but I do know there are several Disney hotels that do have convention rooms. Grand Floridian, Contemporary and Coronado Springs are the ones that come to mind. Swan and Dolphin also have convention areas and are on Disney property but are not Disney owned hotels. I would think that if it was being held on Disney property, you should be able to get a good price on a room as well.

 

[tednvon]

Hi Beth, sounds like a fun trip and good idea to plan ahead.

A couple of comments.
1.With 5 of you, no matter how nice the hotel, you will be in a cramped room at Disney unless you look at one of the home away from home resorts that has 1 and 2 bedroom units. These are at Boardwalk, Old Key West, and I think that the Beach Club may have some suites. These will be very expensive, (300-500 a night) but if hubby's account will let you do it, go for it.
No matter where you stay on site, there will be at least a 15 minute trip to the convention center on International Drive and no trans other than a cab, or you drop off.

2. I know you are set on wanting on site accomodations and if the budget will stand it go for the 1 or 2 bedroom units above.
I have known so many folks who stayed in a Disney room at $125 to $300 a night and went nuts after a week crammed together. Before you decide "on site" for sure, check out the posts here about homes and condos for a week. Imagine a two or 3 bedroom luxury unit, with pvt bath for mom and dad and lots of room for the kids. Add a big pool and just a short 10 minute drive to Disney and it can make for a fun week.
I guarantee you if you stay in a Disney resort that is not on the monorail (Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary) and rely on Disney buses it will take 3 to 4 times longer to get from park to hotel than driving from Disney parking lots to your home or condo.

3.Be sure to check the ticket offers for convention goers if you stay at Disney. There is a special deal that will give a 2,3,4,5, or 6 day hopper just for the time you are in town and give you a little break on price but free admission to Quest. They are a good deal because they offer 2 and 3 day Hopper passed not available to the public.

4 Good Luck and keep asking questions.

Grandpa Ted

 

[wdisneelvr]

Not sure about this, but I think Disney's Coronado Resort has a convention center, maybe that is what your husband was referring to?

 

[disneysteve]

I've been in that boat myself a couple of times. Getting to and from the Orlando convention center is a short drive, really not a big deal. Your husband won't spend that much time commuting.

As for an onsite convention, yecats is correct that several Disney hotels have convention facilities.

I also agree with Ted that putting 5 people in an onsite room will make for a uncomfortable stay. There are lots of offsite options with much more space at much better prices. Just something to think about.

Steve