Need condo help for December trip

[sentner]

It looks like we might be going to Disney during the Christmas holidays and I am looking for a 2 bedroom condo for myself, my H, my stepson and his fiancee and our 18 yr old daughter (and possibly a friend). I have the opportunity to get places at the following resorts, but not sure which would be the best one?

Cypress Pointe Villas
Celebration World Resort
Celebrity Resorts - Lake Buena Vista
Wyndham Cypress Palms
Barefoot at the Keys - Old Town

Or is there somewhere else that you'd recommend? These places were probably anywhere from $150 to $180 a night for a 2 bedroom.

 

[spiceycat]

does it have to be christmas week?

that is one of the time would not suggest staying offsite - if you want to visit Disney.

disney can and does close the parks when the parking lot gets full. this can happen as early as 9 am.

so if you go and stay offsite - remember to get there early!!! and no breaks until you don't intend to return.

now earlier like Dec 5 or 6 - there are some in the skyauction cerfs.

 

[tednvon]

Hi, go Hawkeyes or Cyclones!!

Wow, from a fellow Iowan, I am going to suggest you expand your search and look at minimum 3/4 bedroom condo just based on the number of adults and the fact that 3-4 bedrooms can be darn near as inexpensive as 2 bedrooms...
Christmas will be a little more expensive, but now is a good time to shop as owners want to get units filled.

http://www.vrbo.com/66164
http://www.vrbo.com/139478
http://www.vrbo.com/126810

Here are three 4br/3bath by owner that I found in just 5 minutes of looking at Emerald Island, all for under $100/night. EI is a beautiful gated and as close to Disney as it gets. About the same distance as Celebration Time share resort.

There are many others but these are large 2 story condos and the price is right and December looks pretty open...Just my bias but for under a $100/night the peace and quiet and your own bath cannot be beat...good luck...
Heck for $150/night go to the 3-4 bedroom homes with private pools...You can find really nice ones that will include heated pool and tax for maximum $150....
http://www.vrbo.com/77216
http://www.vrbo.com/65075
http://www.vrbo.com/98175
Here are 3 homes with Christmas open...

If you go the timeshare route by the week or night you will pay a very high price for 2 bedrooms that could get you much much more in a private condo or home....Most of us who frequent here and have gone many times off site rent direct from owners for by far the best deal and great units.....Let us know if you have more questions....Ted from Iowa City

 

[dougsmom98]

I am going to suggest you expand your search and look at minimum 3/4 bedroom condo just based on the number of adults and the fact that 3-4 bedrooms can be darn near as inexpensive as 2 bedrooms...
Christmas will be a little more expensive, but now is a good time to shop as owners want to get units filled.

I totally agree with this. Definitely get more bedrooms with all those adults. Even with kids, we try to avoid the pullout sofa. It is so much more enjoyable/relaxing if everyone can retreat to their own space.

 

[tednvon]

Hi, I really agree with Spicy Pat...if anyway you can swing your trip between Nov 26 and Dec 21 you will catch all the Disney Christmas stuff plus low crowds, low airfares, and great deals on condos and home...I know it is not always possible, but Christmas week is really busy!

Good Luck and keep us posted...Ted

 

[englishteacha]

We always stay at Grand Palms, in the Lindfield Development in Kissimmee. We have gotten a 3 br. condo there for $65 a night or less! Check vacationrentals.com and vrbo.com.

 

[mareed]

I'd recommend what several others have which is to look for at least a 3 bedroom with that many people and rent from a private owner or a condo or townhome. I think even XMAS week you should be able to find something around or likely even less than the price you listed.

And while XMAS week will be extremely busy, as long as you know what you're doing and plan to be at the parks early each morning, don't be scared off from staying offsite. We've done XMAS offsite twice before and will be back again this year! And with good planning, we've never been turned away from a closed park. (Hint - join TourGuideMike if you haven't already.)

 

[LoriNSC]

We rented a condo in Davenport (exit 58 off I-4) the end of June. It was 3 bedrooms & very beautiful. The couple who own it live in England. I spoke with him on the phone & through e-mail. Very nice people. I highly recommend this condo. Not sure if I can post the link here, So I'll PM it to you. It's on the luxury side but reasonably priced. Hope this helps.

 

[*disgal*]

Hey Ted,

every time I post direct links to condos/homes, I get my post deleted and get a warning. Well, I've actually only gotten a warning once.........I think the first time they just deleted my post.

What gives? (this is not against you, I just wonder why some can post it and others can't) Do you happen to know?

 

[spiceycat]

Hey Ted,

every time I post direct links to condos/homes, I get my post deleted and get a warning. Well, I've actually only gotten a warning once.........I think the first time they just deleted my post.

What gives? (this is not against you, I just wonder why some can post it and others can't) Do you happen to know?

not ted

owners of homes can not post their links.

but if you are not an owner - would ask.

or is some cases there have been certain complaints about some websites.

maybe that is it?

you would think they would give you a reason.

 

[tednvon]

Good question...if I have time, I do a random search mostly vrbo and just put up a couple of ideas if the calendars are clear for the dates...mostly just to show how the homes are marketed and displayed on the by owner sites...
I do not know the owners or use the same sites twice...Since I am no longer an owner maybe that makes a difference...
Peace...Ted

 

[NaplesRI]

We have made plans to visit in March 09 and have reserved a 3 bed/3 bath suite at Lighthouse Key resort. Approx $189 a night incl all. I was specifically looking for a place with 3 bathrooms as we are 5 adults and 1 child.
Check out their website and Trip Advisor. It was between there and Lake Buena Vista Resort- I went with Lighthouse Key simply because it had the 3rd bathroom and very good reviews. (includes living room, dining room, full kitchen, washer/dryer)
They allow most kinds of discounts- AAA, Magicard, etc. I have not stayed there yet-but do look forward to it! Hope this helps.

 

[*disgal*]

Good question...if I have time, I do a random search mostly vrbo and just put up a couple of ideas if the calendars are clear for the dates...mostly just to show how the homes are marketed and displayed on the by owner sites...
I do not know the owners or use the same sites twice...Since I am no longer an owner maybe that makes a difference...
Peace...Ted

I am not and never have been an owner..............but when I put links to a house on vrbo.com, they delete and say that's a no-no.

eta: and it's always a different place. Sometimes a 2 bed. condo, sometimes a 6 bed. house.

I just want to know..............can I do what you have been able to do? Sometimes it's nice to give an example of what can be found on vrbo because the site is SO vast. How am I supposed to prove I'm not an owner? (never thought it would be an advantage NOT to own a vacation home )

 

[tednvon]

Hi, wish I had an answer for the apparant difference...I am sure it is not my charm and good looks...
Maybe it's old pixy dust I never quite got out of my system!

Peace...Ted

 

[reyasmommy]

We have made plans to visit in March 09 and have reserved a 3 bed/3 bath suite at Lighthouse Key resort. Approx $189 a night incl all. I was specifically looking for a place with 3 bathrooms as we are 5 adults and 1 child.
Check out their website and Trip Advisor. It was between there and Lake Buena Vista Resort- I went with Lighthouse Key simply because it had the 3rd bathroom and very good reviews. (includes living room, dining room, full kitchen, washer/dryer)
They allow most kinds of discounts- AAA, Magicard, etc. I have not stayed there yet-but do look forward to it! Hope this helps.

I HIGHLY recommend this place. We stayed there last September in a 3 bed/3bath for around $170.00 a night. ((don't remember the exact price right now)) Here's a few pictures of our room. If you have any questions, let me know.

~floor plan of the room we stayed in

 

[spiceycat]

I am not and never have been an owner..............but when I put links to a house on vrbo.com, they delete and say that's a no-no.

eta: and it's always a different place. Sometimes a 2 bed. condo, sometimes a 6 bed. house.

I just want to know..............can I do what you have been able to do? Sometimes it's nice to give an example of what can be found on vrbo because the site is SO vast. How am I supposed to prove I'm not an owner? (never thought it would be an advantage NOT to own a vacation home )

boy that is not fair.

certain don't know why you are not allowed to post link.

maybe they think you are someone else that owns?

if they do it again can you ask what's the problem? and see if they answer you.

might be complaints against that person or website?

 

[Koda]

This is an awesome thread! We will be in the WDW area 12/27/08-1/07/09. We are looking to stay off-site until New Year's day, and then check into a Disney resort. We have never stayed off-site before, and were a bit overwhelmed with the options available. We are definitely leaning towards a condo or time-share for our family of five. Thanks for all of the great info!

 

[DSNY4ever]

I recommend Sheraton Vistana or Dream Villas of Orlando- Click on the Dreams Unlimited Travel link on this site for good deals. Both are nice and affordable- at the Sheraton Vistana you can opt to skip housekeeping to save $. But the pictures of the place above look beautiful- I think I'd like to move in there!