Off Site Hotels

[OnceUponADream07]

I have read most of these reviews and it seems like everyone is staying "on-site". Bubba's Mom has convinced me that I need to make a trip to US/IOA, so I am thinking of adding a nite and staying at Universal since I don't want to rent a car. I know it seems as though staying "on-site" is the best way to go, but since I am running low on "vacation funds", I see there are lots of options for "Partner Hotels". They are name brands (Holiday Inn, Double Tree) and I believe they offer shuttles, which isn't as convenient, but the prices are really good. Has anyone stayed at any of these properties and have any advice to offer???? We are going right after Thanksgiving, but it looks like AAA doesn't have the really great rates for on-site properties that some people got??? Perhaps they will offer better rates as it gets closer.

 

[ky07]

we stayed at the doubletree in june and it wasn't a bad hotel and my kids and wife loved it there and the staff was very helpful and yes it has a shuttel service which is shared with other hotels but the doubletree is the first stop and if you are staying at the other hotels that share it then after the doubletree it is standing room only but if you can it is only a 10 minute walk to the park and some say its a long walk but we did almost everyday except for the last day and took taxis back when we had enough of the parks for the day.

 

[OnceUponADream07]

Thanks for the feedback. I called Universal and got the prices. Seems like it was only $30.00 pp difference to just stay on-site (RPR) - might be worth that. Of course, that is using the AAA discount (of which I am no longer a member - need to thing this one through a little more.............lol).

 

[bubba's mom]

If you have AAA, you also get discounts on shopping at dining at UO....comes in handy for more than the room.

ky07--love your "tag"

 

[NurseW2Kiddies]

If you can afford it...definatly stay on site. The Express passes are at least $30 per day per person. That makes up for the price diffrence right there. Plus you will LOVE this feature.

 

[OnceUponADream07]

Bubba's Mom, you are a storehouse of knowledge. Maybe you or someone else knows - I no longer have AAA - if I "borrow" someone else's card, do they need to be present for check-in and does the name need to match the reservation??? I would definitely go for the difference and stay on-site, but my DBF (is this right for best-friend??) is running tight on $$. I am kinda pushing it by adding US/IOA but want her to get the full "Orlando experience"

KY07 - sounds like Doubletree might be a good back-up plan.

Thanks.

 

[OnceUponADream07]

I may be sorry, but since I am trying to save $$, I booked at the Fairfield Inn. This was recommended by someone I commute with. Last week when I checked, it was $99/night, but on Sunday it was $65/night. this is quite a substantial savings. This includes a continental breakfast, too!! Of course, we don't get the on-site perks, but I am hoping that we won't encounter long lines and make me sorry I don't have the FOTL pass. I am a big wuss anyway and don't "do" the scary stuff. They have a shuttle - hopefully, it will not kill too much time.