NEWBIE HERE! I need your expertise!

[cfoursons4]

Hi all, glad to have found this site, its great! I am traveling to Disney in February. Looking for a place to stay. We are a family of six and would like to book 2/15-2/20/04 I would love to stay at a Disney resort but not sure I can afford it, I like the LBV area too. I would like to spend $5-$600.00 max on a room(suite). I was close to booking one of those vacation homes, and then thought maybe I could get something that includes breakfast and transportation to parks. I am considering the Sheraton Safari, Buena Vista Suites, or Summerfield Suites LBV. Any info or better choices?
I havent really started pricing the passes yet, thats my next project! But if anyone has suggestions for that , please let me know! Geez, so expensive!
PS. my boys are all between the ages of 10-17. (Do they ask for proof of nine yr old?!) Every penny helps!
Thanking you in advance,
Cheri

 

[disneysteve]

Welcome Cheri

A vacation home is a great way to go, but if you want breakfast, check out Homewood Suites in Kissimmee, Residence Inn LBV, Quality Suites Maingate East. They all include buffet breakfast and I'm sure all offer park transport.

Go to hotelkingdom.com to check rates. Also go to each hotel's website directly to check for specials. Qual Suites is www.thhotels.com. Res. Inn is www.marriott.com. Not sure of Homewood's site.

Steve

 

[cfoursons4]

Thanks so very much Steve. One more question, is their any benefit to booking park tickets with hotel?

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by cfoursons4
Thanks so very much Steve. One more question, is their any benefit to booking park tickets with hotel?

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that? Are you booking some kind of package deal that includes Disney tickets? It so, you need to compare the cost of doing everything individually and see which is the better deal. I've generally found that package deals don't save much and may actually cost more if they include perks that you won't get to use.

Many (if not all) non-Disney hotels in the area have a desk in the lobby where they sell park passes. I'm honestly not sure who runs those though they definitely make it look like Disney is running them. I always buy my passes direct from Disney at the park or Disney Store. I just feel safer that way. Maybe someone else can comment on other options.

Steve

 

[cfoursons4]

Safer? I just thought all the experts would know about things I haven't learned yet. Ya know like the best and cheapest ways to buy passes and book rooms. I found websites that say they sell cheaper, you make me wonder now if they are legit! I also saw pkg deals for hotels and pass pkg. Ok, so maybe I'm looking to hard for info. I've got a big family and the passes alone are killing me! Thanks, Cheri

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We usually stay onsite but I can comment to you on the Sheraton Safari. It is just a hop, skip and jump away from Disneys front door. We had 3 ds and they were littler at the time and the pool at the hotel was a big hit with them. The slide is in the shape of a snake, awesome they said. The rate was very reasonable for what we got. One room had the 2 double beds so there is 4 and the view was right out to the pool. Its only 2 stories, Just walk upstairs and park downstairs and the other room was connecting and in that room was a couch that turned into a bed and if I remember a huge sink. I am the gatorade queen and I think a microwave. We didnt eat on site so I can't comment on that. Its right next to the crossroads shopping center. I dont rember if it had a stove but it looked more of like a kitchen counter setup, also the other room looked like a little living room. I don't know about the ticket issue. I know you can cash hilton points in for park tickets. Do you belong to any porogram like that. Have you priced out the advanced ticket costs versus an annual pass, are you planning on using any options like water parks or disney quest. That will have to be figured into what kind of ticket you exactly want etc.

 

[cfoursons4]

Ok, I'm about to loose my mind! I have spent over 60 hours in the last few days trying to decide on a place to stay! I have been to many sites that were reccommended here, and everytime I think I have decided on a place I find another that looks good! PLEASE somebody HELP! I have narrowed it down to:
Courtyard mariotts at LBV@Vista and Mariott Village and Walt Disney World, also Homewood Suites (palm Pkwy), Hawthorn Suites LBV and Palm Pkwy, and maybe the Buena Vista Suites! Im sooo confused, I really don't think we are going to spend that much time there but its got to be CLEAN and big enough. It also has to have hot breakfast included! I'm trying to keep the total to under $600.00. Someone please help me decide on this! I need experience here!
I have AAA and the magic card for hotel discounts, I would book using hotwire or priceline but they dont let you put 6 travelers, only 4 and Im afraid I will not get a suite for 6, any ideas how to get around that? Thanks soo much! Cheri

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by cfoursons4
Ok, I'm about to loose my mind! I have spent over 60 hours in the last few days trying to decide on a place to stay! I have narrowed it down to:
Courtyard mariotts, also Homewood Suites (palm Pkwy), Hawthorn Suites, and maybe the Buena Vista Suites! Im sooo confused.

Hi Cheri - Sounds like some info overload. I understand completely. The problem is there are only a couple of cities in the US where the range of hotel options is so overwhelming. Most places you only have 3 or 4 hotels to pick from and price and location usually make the decision. In Disney area, there are hundreds of hotels in a very small area all with very competitive features and amenities.

Here's my advice. Everything on your list is a good choice. You won't be sorry with any of them. So... which is cheapest? Are all of the hotels true suites - that is, do they actually have separate bedrooms with doors? I know Homewood does but check on the others. If they don't, I would cross them off the list. Finally, location. Courtyard at LBV is the closest. The others are a bit farther. I think Buena Vista is the farthest if its where I think it is. I would weigh those 3 factors - price, layout of room and location and make a final decision based on that. Again, all of those are good choices and you'll be happy with any one of them.

Steve

 

[cfoursons4]

Thanks Steve,
Aside from 20 minutes for dinner I've been on this for 7 hours today! So I will take your advice and try to narrow it down tomorrow! Thanks and goodnight!
Cheri