Non park trip....help?!

[princessap]

My daughter has qualified for a dance convention in orlando this july...we just found out so are trying to find a place to stay...would be just her and I possibly or possibly all of us....I have a pin code for our dates from disney but wondering if I am crazy for considering it when we won't be doing the parks at all (maybe only 1 day if I can squeeze it in)....the convention hotel is sold out and crazy expensive anyways....what would anyone suggest in my suggestion?? good hotel to try with no parks???

 

[Babsy]

Animal Kingdom Lodge

 

[KendallR]

Port Orleans Riverside is really wonderful!

 

[bryanb]

Are you definitely interested in soaking up some Disney at your hotel? It does depend on your price range of course, but either of the Port Orleans are great for the atmosphere. A hotel near the Boardwalk will also put you in the middle of great theming.

Personally, if it came down the the value resorts I would suggest going offsite to somewhere like Sheraton Lake Buena Vista instead. It regularly has rates of that are cheaper than the Disney Value hotels. It's obviously not Disney themed, but has lots of amenities like a really nice pool, health club, outdoor atmosphere, etc. It is close to WDW if you decide to sneak in a day there. Very friendly service. The hotel is a little older even after the renovation, but it's clean, comfortable, and nicely located.

If your budget lets you buy deluxe, those are obviously really nice hotels to hang out and around on a non-park trip.

 

[AJA]

We have taken two trips, stopping in Orlando for a few nights, and stayed onsite at Disney without going to the parks. There really is a lot to do outside the parks. You could explore Disney Springs and the newly opened areas or watch the fireworks from a resort beach.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Definitely worth staying on site. Lots to do. Biking, great pools, fun restaurants, beautiful walking paths on resort grounds, horseback riding, outdoor movies- just to name a few.

 

[jimmytammy]

If you want a nice place but not the expense of a deluxe, for a moderate, we like Coronado Springs. It has a lot of amenities that a deluxe does(because its a convention type resort). Maya Grill is a great, relaxing meal, after 6 or 7 a guitarist plays. The QS there is a bit better IMO than most QS at other resorts. And they have a wonderful pool, among the best themed pools on property. And you also have several type rooms to choose from which allows for several price ranges. Its a big resort, but it doesnt have the feel of being crowded.

 

[Ensusieasm]

My daughter has qualified for a dance convention in orlando this july...we just found out so are trying to find a place to stay...would be just her and I possibly or possibly all of us....I have a pin code for our dates from disney but wondering if I am crazy for considering it when we won't be doing the parks at all (maybe only 1 day if I can squeeze it in)....the convention hotel is sold out and crazy expensive anyways....what would anyone suggest in my suggestion?? good hotel to try with no parks???

Disney's Port Orleans Riverside is the type of resort to spend quality no park time. Gorgeous grounds, elegant quiet pools, and a boat to Disney Springs.

 

[princessap]

Thanks everyone

 

[Skywise]

I'm trying to do this with Poly this summer. (Well we're doing a half day at DHS to see Fantasmic but likely that will be no rides). The plan is to be lazy and swim and then hit Disney Springs for one of the days while eating lunch/dinner at the various resorts.

I'd shoot for the Poly, CR, GF or BC/YC - Even though you wouldn't be in the parks proper you'd still get to take advantage of the evening fireworks displays and scenery.
POR would be good for the connection to Disney Springs.

 

[RustManFan]

I have stayed at both CBR and POR when I was sent to Orlando on business. Much Disney atmosphere whether visiting parks or not. I rode the monorails, visited DTD (now DS) via boat from POR, ate at TE at FW. It was lots of fun and I wasn't disappointed at all.