need some advice...counting on your expertise

[firecracker]

Well, I'm taking 30 high school seniors to Orlando for their senior trip in late May. We had planned to stay at the Rosen Plaza, but found out today that they are all booked b/c of a medical convention. Grrr....

So, I'm looking for a good (no, GREAT) hotel on I-Drive that would have a great pool and would be good for teens. We were only paying $65 at the Rosen, so I can't go too crazy.

Is the HI Family Suites on I-Drive? Would that be good?

I've only been to Orlando 3 or 4 times and we always stay on Disney property....so I'm in need of serious help!

Thanks!!!

Carmen

 

[momof2inPA]

Yes, the HIFS is on I-Drive and would probably be perfect for you. The only other places on I-Drive are either too expensive or don't have great pools. You could maybe book two-bedroom accomodations at Vistana or Vistana Villages. Both have great pools but no free breakfasts. The Vistana sleeps six in a two bedroom and V V sleeps eight. They are both about $150 a night, so a bit more than twice the price of the Rosen. The seniors would probably love to run around the Vistana property, though, because it's so spread out, yet gated.

Other thought, couldn't you get rooms at the All-Stars for around $70?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Westgate is very near WDW. Check their prices. It is an extensive resort, too.

There is a Marriott complex with Fairfield Inn and other Marriott hotels in the area too. They could probably accomodate you.

Check out Pop Century too. They have neat pools. Last I heard they were referring 'groups' to the All Stars, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Homewood Suites and Embassy Suites are just at the end of Palm Parkway (before it turns into Turkey Lake Rd.) which makes their proximity to WDW fairly close. They frequently run specials as does the Comfort Inn in the same area (although I wouldn't categorize the Comfort in as Great).

 

[teachingmykids]

TEENAGERS? I would definitely look for something with a free breakfast. That could end up costing the price of a room upgrade.
~~g.

 

[zaxmom]

The Country Inn and Suites and Amerisuites at Calypso Cay do not have a huge pool, but they have three small ones right next to each other and the middle one has a smaller water slide and is zero-entry. There is also a mini-golf in that same area. There is a conitinental breakfast buffet. Not as extensive as HIFS, but there are waffles and fruit and pastries and boiled eggs? (never seen that one before). You could find rates around $70, but may be able to better with entertainment card or www.valuetrips.com.
The rooms have two double beds and a pull out sofa if the kids will sleep on that.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Carmen, you should either be congratulated for what you are doing or have your head examined. Just kidding. The responsibility for 30 seniors on a senior trip is tremendous. You will have signed and notarized medical releases for each of them just in case they have to have medical treatment, won't you?

How many other parents are coming on the trip to help you supervise the group? That, of course, shapes the decision on where to stay. Also, a major determining factor is going to be how to move the group around. Another factor is going to be whether you plan on going to Universal, Sea World or other places in addition to WDW. That would have a major impact on where you want to be.

Due to the fact that you were going to stay at the Rosen Plaza, I would assume that you were going to go to Universal and perhaps Sea World. If that is the fact, then the choice of places to stay would be impacted by that decision.

Give more details, and I'll bet the posters on the DIS Boards will come up with good suggestions.

 

[sln88]

I agree with the Amerisuites. They have a separate bedroom area with 2 beds and a sleeper sofa. I small fridge and micro for snacks and soda.

Check rates on Hotelkingdom.