Need so much help! 12/25-12/30/04!!!

[bongocomm]

Hello all!

I am on information overload!! I have looked at so many sites and see so many conflicting reviews. And I need to book a hotel, pronto for 12/25-12/30....we just decided to go last week.

Anway, we are 2 adults, 3 kids, ages 3,7 and 9

Our hotel priorities are:

Free shuttle to WDW; we won't have a car
Suite since we are 5
Fairly updated
Great pools
About $100 a night range or better

Any advice you can provide to help me make a reservation ASAP is so appreciated!!!!!

Thanks
Kim

 

[Local_Girl]

Hi Bongocomm,

I totally understand the "information overload" problem...I've been trying to pull together a trip in April and it's been a challenge. We've been lucky to find great deals the past couple of years (mostly off season) through SkyAuction and the AFVC (for military) website, but there is currently zero to none available during April on either of those sites probably because it's a busier time of year.

I just checked the Hotelkingdom website for your dates and there wasn't much there, I'm afraid, but you could check for yourself and see if there's something there that works for you. Unfortunately, the priorities you listed are going to be harder to find in a hotel in the price range you want as it's the busiest time of year there. Most of the suite hotels I saw listed on HK were running at about $130+. Could you bump up the amount you're willing to pay for a hotel and perhaps save $$ in other areas, such as food? Priceline isn't a good option for you IMHO because you couldn't be assured of a suite or a shuttle. You could check Hotwire also, as well as travelzoo, expedia, etc.

Sorry I can't be more help...perhaps someone else has some better ideas for you!

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

We booked at Comfort Suites Maingate East in Jan. for 4 nights. I am not sure what the rates are for Dec., but we got a good rate. I have read pretty good things about this all-suite hotel and it also offers free breakfast. Here is a tip for Choice Hotels:
Go to www.choicehotels.com and book at their rates, then look around the internet and if you find a better rate, go back and fill out the form on choicehotels.com for their best rate guarentee. They will match the rate you found, plus give you an extra 10% off per night.
We originally booked for $71.99 per night, I found a lower rate on expedia, filled out the form, and wound up with a rate of $50.40 per night!
Hope this helps!

Jen

 

[Kitster]

From HotelKingdom.com:


MainStay Suites Disney Orlando
4786 U.S. Hwy. 192, Orlando, FL, 34746

Studio Family Suite $84.96 per night for your dates:

Studio Family Suite: Each 500 square foot Studio Family Suite offers two Full size beds, one Queen size sleeper sofa, private bath, individual climate controls, direct dial phone with data port, alarm clock, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, in-room safe and a remote controlled color cable TV. Studio Family Suites also offer a fully equipped kitchen with stove/oven, microwave, coffee/tea maker with complimentary coffee and tea, refrigerator, dishwasher, dishes, pots, pans and utensils. (Sleeps max. 6 people)

Please Note: There is a $5.55 resort fee per night, per room, which is not included in your room rate.

Amenities:

Heated Outdoor Pool with Sundeck
Guest Laundry Facilities
Children's Playground
Beach Picnic Area with Grills
FREE Grocery Shopping Service
Paddle Tennis Equipment
Water Sport Rentals
FREE Newspaper (Mon-Fri)
FREE Shuttle to/from Walt Disney World Resort
FREE Continental Breakfast Buffet
Jacuzzi
Game room
Fax/Copy Service
Two Fishing Docks
Basketball
Volleyball
Badminton
Guest Services Desk
Pool-Side Oasis Bar


Would this suit your needs?

 

[Kitster]

Hawthorn Suites Disney Orlando - Orlando Hotels
8303 Palm Parkway , Orlando, FL, 32836

12/25 $33.04
12/26 $145.14
12/27 $135.70
12/28 $38.94
12/29 $145.14

Average cost $ 99.53 per night

One-Bedroom Suite: Each One-Bedroom Suite features two Queen size beds in a private bedroom (one King size bed upon request if available), one Queen size sleeper sofa, reclining chair and a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, cooking and eating utensils. One-Bedroom Suites also have a private bath, individual climate control, phone with voicemail, AM/FM alarm clock radio, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, 25" remote controlled color cable TV with free HBO, CNN, ESPN, Disney Channel and on-command movies. Baby cribs are available upon request at no additional charge. Roll-away beds are available for a fee of $10 per night. (Sleeps max. 6 people)

The Hawthorn Suites Disney (built 2000) boasts a beautiful exterior that compliments its tastefully appointed, spacious One-Bedroom Suites. Each Suite in this modern all Suite hotel features a fully equipped kitchen as well as a sleeper sofa in the separate living room. This outstanding hotel also offers such thoughtful amenities as a large pool, jacuzzi, fitness center and a BBQ area with grills and picnic tables. For those visiting Disney, there is a convenient complimentary scheduled shuttle to and from Orlando's most famous attraction. But before you get on that shuttle, be sure to enjoy the hotel's complimentary Full American Hot Breakfast Buffet! Located at Disney's East Gate in upscale Lake Buena Vista just one mile from Downtown Disney, the Hawthorn Suites is in the perfect spot! Not only are you just minutes from Disney, but you are one mile from dining, movie theaters and a plethora of shops and boutiques including a well stocked 24 hour Supermarket! Staying at this new hotel ensures you will have the best in accommodations and amenities while staying in one of the best areas of Orlando!


Or this one.

 

[Kitster]

Baymont Inn Disney Orlando (Kissimmee)
5196 W. Irlo Bronson Highway, Orlando (Kissimmee), FL, 34746

Standard Room $54.96 per night for you dates

At Baymont Inn Orlando, one will discover affordable but modern accommodations, just three miles from the magic of Walt Disney World! This hotel offers bright, comfortable guest rooms with two Queen size beds, a coffeemaker, a large work desk and 25-inch color cable TV with remote. Wake each sunny Florida morning to a free deluxe continental breakfast buffet, featuring cereal, muffins, toast, danish, french toast, beverages and fresh, hot, make-your-own waffles! You may pick up a free copy of USA Today each weekday in the lobby, bask in the sunshine by the outdoor pool, take a refreshing swim or relax in the hot bubbles of the Jacuzzi. For your convenience, Baymont Inn Orlando offers free wireless highspeed Internet access and free scheduled shuttle service to Walt Disney World (3 mi.), Universal Orlando (15 mi.) and Sea World (10 mi.)! Also nearby are the Orange County Convention Center (15 mi.) and the Orlando International Airport (20 mi.).

Standard Room: Each Baymont Inn Orlando Standard Room features an open floor plan with two Queen size beds (sorry, King size bed not available), a private bath, individual climate control, a coffee/tea maker, direct dial data port speakerphone with voicemail, AM/FM alarm clock radio, large work desk with task lamp and ergonomic chair, 25-inch color cable TV with remote, iron/ironing board and a hair dryer. You may request a baby crib at no additional charge if available. A roll-away bed may be rented for $10 per night plus tax if available (approx. 312 sf; max 4 adults; children 18 and under stay free in adult's room when no additional bedding is required).

Amenities:

Outdoor Pool
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Wake Up Service
Valet Laundry Service
Guest Laundry Facilities
Free Wireless Highspeed Internet
Free scheduled shuttle to Walt Disney World, Universal & Sea World
Free Weekday USA Today
Free Hot breakfast including "Make Your Own Hot Waffle!"

 

[hercamore]

My best advice is to rent a car when staying offsite. Well worth it in terms of less aggravation waiting for shuttles and time wasted.

Hawthorn Suites, Summerfield Suites, Reisence Inn are all on Palm Parkways aa few blocks north of downtown disney. All excellenthotels with breakfast.

herc

 

[AJKMOM]

First, let me say that "Kitster" should have a job as a trip-planner.

Second thought is that "bongocomm" needs to jump on any of these offers quickly because the time around Christmas and New Years is perhaps the busiest or 2nd busiest time at WDW. Just so you know, the parks will probably all be crowded, so you need to check these boards for helpful hints on how to save time and cope with the crowds.

 

[Kitster]

AJKMOM...........First, let me say that "Kitster" should have a job as a trip-planner.

I am a trip planner.........I just don't get paid for it

So far, in the past 2 years I've planned at least 10 trip for myself and DBF to WDW. I found references to most of my information here on the DIS boards and I have no problem with 'paying it forward', so to speak. These boards helped me when I was first learning about trip planning, so why not help other's who have questions.

I just wish I knew all the secrets I know now back when I was planning our first trip on 2000. We would have saved a TON of $$$$ on that trip. It stands to reason that I found the DISboards in 2001, just after we returned

 

[bongocomm]

thanks so much for all your hard efforts. I really appreciate what you found out for me and will let you know what we will do. I am sure it is one of these choices you presented!

 

[Gillian]

we really like having a car offsite, too. Maybe one of the cheaper options plus a car would work for you! I would just worry that shuttles would be crowded and a pain in the neck during a busy time. But I am a control freak sometimes!

Happy planning!

 

[Kitster]

Bongocomm,

Just make sure you go to the Hotelkingdom.com website to book your room. They are the ones to quote the prices I posted and I seriously doubt that if you will get those prices if you call the hotels directly. While I haven't stayed at any of the above hotels, I HAVE booked thru HotelKingdom and we had absolutely no problems at check-in.

 

[crazelion]

I have tried some the Downtown Disney hotels. The DoubleTree Suites in Downtown Disney hotel and sleeps offer transportation to the parks.

Do offsite with a car.

 

[klynn]

bongocomm, I sent you an email.