Nick Hotel or 2 Value rooms for family of 7?

[kylerboys]

We are planning a trip to disney at the end of March for our family of seven (5 boys ages 8, 7, 5, 3, and 8mo). I'm trying to decided which is the better choice . . . the Nick Hotel (we actually stayed there in 2001 before it was renovated) or one of the Value Hotels on-site and getting two rooms (thinking of the sports one). The Nick Hotel looks nicer and funner, but I'm wondering if being on-site would be a better option for our family.

Any advice?

--jenn

 

[SquirtsMom]

We stayed in both the Nick hotel and a Disney value resort during our December trip. Our family of 6 enjoyed both. Some major points to consider.
The Nick hotel has a lot to do and is good if you are planning on spending some time in the hotel. The kids loved the pools, the nightly shows, the character breadfast, and the activities in the mall. Having a refrigerator, microwave and sink in the kitchen area was also a plus. We bought groceries at the Super Walmart to save on food costs. The only negatives were the food in the Nick restaurants was just average and we only had one bathroom in the suite.
Staying in 2 rooms at the Disney value resort provided us with 2 bathrooms that came in handy when getting ready in the morning and showering in the evening, we were close to Disney buses and the food court. The pool area was close by doesn't have the slides and water activities that the Nick pools have. The negative, we really missed having the kitchenette and spent more money in the food court.

 

[Reese]

We're staying at both in three weeks. My thoughts were for the days we were going to Disney it would make sense to be onsite- with five kids convenience is a big issue. We also got the dining plan for our time at Disney just to make it a little easier. Than we are spending the weekend at the Nick just to chill out. Our plan is to spend the whole time there enjoying the shows and pools.

 

[spiceycat]

how about a house offsite?

 

[SeattleMark]

For that many people, renting a house will be MUCH better, and much more affordale as well.

We've used http://www.villadirect.com and http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com . Both are highly recommended.

 

[Trena]

That is a tough call. I've stayed at both. Both are great for different reasons. You can't go wrong. You just have to decided what is more important to you. If you can't decide, try both!

When we stayed at Nick, we stayed at Nick. We didn't go to the parks, we enjoyed what the resort has to offer. Lots of fun. We really liked having a private bedroom with a King size bed. We don't share double beds very well.

When we stay at Disney, I'm only in the room long enough to sleep and shower. I spend as much time in the parks as possible. So the values are great. You can still eat breakfast in your room and save a little time and money, even without a little kitchenette.

 

[fran99999]

Dont forget with the 2 rooms you can still get a fridge for $10 and eat breakfast in the room. Have one adult room and one kids room for early sleepers. Have U thought of DVC rental as an alternative to 2 rooms.

Oh if you stay on Disney you get free transportation around disney property only. This is only good if you plan on staying on property. There is also Extra Magic hours-- only available to resort guests.

You could also, I am not sure how long U are staying for, split stay. Stay on property and at nick hotel for 1/2 or a few days to enjoy EMH and free transportation.

Just a suggestion. I agree Nick hotel looks great. I am planning on staying there to visit Seaworld this summer

 

[heart4dis]

and we've found the suite is better for us than adjoining rooms. DH and I love having some privacy and the money usually works out cheaper in the suite. Of course when we stayed at Nick it was HIFS and we had free breakfast, too.

If you don't have your own transportation, though, on-site is probably better.