Need First Night Off-Site Advice

[GrammieMame]

My family is flying in from Colorado and getting there in mid- afternoon on Saturday the last week in March. I don't want to use Saturday night points for such a limited stay, so we are checking into WLV on Sunday. Can anyone advise me about where to stay off-site? The big thing I'm looking for is someplace with a great pool for the kids to enjoy and someplace close to WDW. I think I read a post one time that said the Marriott had a great pool. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[rbuzzotta]

We usually use priceline.com for stays like that. We usually arrive later on in the evening though and don't mind staying at a lesser resort just for the evening............we wake up early, head to 'our home' and relax at the pool there until our room is ready!!!

 

[IndyScott]

There are many Marriotts in the Orlando area (especially if you count the other "Marriott" properties like Courtyard, Fairfield, etc.). The Marriott Grande Lakes, while not the closest to Disney World, does have an absolutely amazing pool. It is not exactly a budget hotel though...

 

[spiceycat]

there are several in Kissimmee - not exactly great pools - but you can check in at 7:00am on Sunday morning - still need a great outside pool?

 

[lenshanem]

We always stay at a Holiday Inn the first and last nights to max our stay since we don't use Friday or Saturday night points. This trip I just booked Pop Century instead using Disney Visa rate. I got it for $77 a night with tax. I'm still watching for AP rates. Maybe it will be lower! LOL Have you thought about the values?

 

[roadtripper]

We've stayed at Wyndham at DTD and Marriott Orlando World Center (both cheap through Priceline), and Holiday Inn Family Suites on Sat nites. Next year, we're trying a Value resort like Pop Century though-- Priceline "bargains" have gone up a bit, and we can get Disney magic at Pop Century, hopefully with a discount. HIFS and World Center had the best pools for kids-- World Center had a great slide. Have fun!

 

[Dano1182]

Marriott World Center.
Good pool
some shopping,Nice resturant
good sports bar,
Activities for kids
If you are a member ask for AAA rate

 

[Disney Doll]

How about one of the hotels on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, near DD?

 

[Cruelladeville]

AP rates for that weekend are out now. I got Caribbean Beach for $114 per night. It's not a terrific rate, but it is on-site, and it's a lot nicer than All-Stars or the off-site hotels. There is a Marriott World Center at the northern edge of Disney property, that has a really amazing pool area. It's absolutely huge, with waterfalls, grotto, pool bars, and tons of hot tubs. It's not exactly a value hotel, but it is pretty special for one night. You can also get a cabin at Fort Wilderness campground for $169 with AP rates.

I arrive on Thursday, the 25th, and I don't want to spend the weekend using up all my points, either. I'm staying at Caribbean for Th, Fri, and Sat nights, so that I can spend Sun-Sun in a one bedroom at BWV boardwalk view. I can hardly wait!

 

[rwodonnell]

We stayed at the Sheraton Safari once for a couple days, it has a pretty decent water slide. It's next to the Crossroads Plaza, so it's very close. They their own website, which has some photos. I'd say the slide is better than the moderate resort slides at Disney (never been to CSR though).

 

[GrammieMame]

Thanks to all. Actually, I had a reservation at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal, thinking to spend the next day there. Have since decided that it would be too hectic, but might just keep the hotel after all since it's supposed to be pretty cool.