Looking for good deal on possible condo??

[raysnkaysmom]

I've always stayed in a regular hotel, onsite or resort and have had transportation to the parks...
Now we are having my parents come along, so am trying to find the best solution that won't break the bank!! Should we do adjoining hotel rooms in a Disney friendly hotel with shuttle.. OR...try one of those condos or homes to rent??
Where should we look and what can I expect to pay? Also...I like the idea of shuttles/buses...but this will be my first time traveling with 2 babies and strollers... I hear people frown at those on the busses....so..am I stuck paying parking now too?? LOL

Advice?

 

[Freyja]

We´re doing a split stay. 2 weeks 3 bedroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort and Spa and 1 week in a 4 bedroom villa with private pool in Indian Creek.

The two weeks in the townhouse cost $1120 (the second week is Thanksgiving week) and the one week at the villa costs us $1100 (pool heat included). Both prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees (resort fees at Regal Palms).

This might give you and idea of what to expect

 

[Freaky]

With 2 babies and 2 strollers if you decide to stay off-site I would highly recommend having a hire car. Shuttle services can be very irregular and do not always get you to the parks for opening as they have a number of pick-up points. The only time we didn't hire a car was when we stayed on site - only had 1 toddler/1 stroller but that was plenty.

There are many, many places to rent from and it will really come down to what your preferences are (condo/townhome, 2/3/4 bedrooms, gated resort etc), and what little extras you are looking for (internet, gamesroom etc). Prices will vary from home to home depending a lot on the facilities and depending on what month you take your vacation - overall though it should be cheaper than getting 2 hotel rooms. Plus a lot more room (and a washer/dryer - a must with kids ) meaning a more relaxing vacation

Tracey

 

[kilee]

I'm going to have to agree with others. If you stay offsite definetly get a car. The little extra expense will go miles. The area is actually really easy to naviagate.

We've done both off and onsite. Our first offsite trip we used the shuttle a few day's and then gave up. Thankfully we had a car. Often times 1 shuttle bus will be responsible for multiple hotels. The problem we found was when they're full- they're full. They actually told people to find other ways to the park. Also, they have vey odd schedules that don't run in coordination w/ the park hours and are not always convienent.

Now, for the offiste lodging. We've done hotels, suites, and rental pool homes. The pool home was by far my favorite. Even compared to being onsite. The amenities were incredible. The house was newer, like most of them. It was absolutely huge. We had our own heated pool. Our own washer and dryer and our own kitchen. We didn't cook big meals or anything, but it made it nice for breakfast before we went to the parks and it made it nice for in the evening.

Now the pool home we rented was w/ my parents and my sister and her family. We are planning on doing it again next fall. With the cost split between 3 families, it was really cheap. We paid $990 for 8 days. This was for a 5 bedroom 3 bath home included any taxes and pool heat. So, for our 8 day's my cost was $330. I probably wouldn't go that route though if I had to foot the whole expense, because we're always looking for a deal.

If you want to go w/ a condo there are a lot of deals to be had on www.vrbo.com. Also, Cypress Pointe gets pretty good reviews and sometimes a good deal can be had there too.