Off-Site Novice

[NYEmomma]

Hello! Our next family WDW is looking to be completely different from every other WDW vacation I've planned. Our daughters are getting older and the oldest one is obsessed with Harry Potter and all three eat, sleep, drink Lego. DH & I have also decided to drive this trip so that the kids can see a bit of the country. Our WDW vacations have always been direct flights -- onsite -- all Disney all the time but THIS trip we're going to be driving down -- staying offsite -- few days at WDW with days at Legoland & Universal as well. I have no clue what I'm doing here, lol. I love, love, love planning for Disney but this is throwing me for a loop. Anyone have awesome insider tips, advice, things not to do, suggestions of where to stay, where to eat, where to go, etc? I'm starting from scratch!

(Thank god DH & I are going down next year and doing our normal 24/7 Disney thing for our anniversary.... we don't get to vacation very often and having one of our every-5-year Disney trips being so UN-Disney compared to the norm just seems wrong, lol)

 

[bankr63]

Well unless you are going for a month, where you are going is pretty much a given. Universal is a minimum 2 day visit, and LEGOLAND is another day. You will probably still want to do Disney, so that's a week right there. You really want to plan for a down day or too as well to enjoy the pools and sun wherever you are staying. Yes, there are innumerable options for things to do and see in Central Florida, but don't overdo it your first time!

Before you pick 'where" to stay, perhaps you should define what you want out of your offsite accommodation. Get ready to open yourself to a world of opportunity, and perhaps pampering yourself beyond what Disney offers. Of course you can still get the standard little hotel rooms that Disney offers from any major chain from economy to luxury. But many of those who stay offsite prefer larger more luxurious accommodation. Here you have two options, timeshare resorts that offer 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas that are basically luxurious apartments. Look to the high end hotel names like Sheraton, Marriott or Hilton. It is great to be able to put the kids to bed and enjoy the evening with DH in a great space. Other benefits include full kitchen and laundry; even if you don't want to cook meals, it is a great relief to be able to keep some quick breakfast items in the fridge. Resorts generally offer amenities like multiple pools, restaurants, gyms, etc. You might also consider renting a vacation home. These are full townhomes or homes with multiple bedrooms and full facilities mostly in planned communities with pools and other common amenities. Every option has benefits and negatives, think about what you want out of your accommodations, and ask away.

Finally, for the where to eat, there are more options in the Orlando area than anywhere else. Many threads here on what/where to eat, but it mostly depends on what you like and what your budget is (but most options are much less expensive than eating onsite).

Welcome to the offsite world; hope you enjoy stay. Beware of being hooked on ALL that the area has to offer.

 

[Upatnoon]

Hello! Our next family WDW is looking to be completely different from every other WDW vacation I've planned. Our daughters are getting older and the oldest one is obsessed with Harry Potter and all three eat, sleep, drink Lego. DH & I have also decided to drive this trip so that the kids can see a bit of the country. Our WDW vacations have always been direct flights -- onsite -- all Disney all the time but THIS trip we're going to be driving down -- staying offsite -- few days at WDW with days at Legoland & Universal as well. I have no clue what I'm doing here, lol. I love, love, love planning for Disney but this is throwing me for a loop. Anyone have awesome insider tips, advice, things not to do, suggestions of where to stay, where to eat, where to go, etc? I'm starting from scratch!

(Thank god DH & I are going down next year and doing our normal 24/7 Disney thing for our anniversary.... we don't get to vacation very often and having one of our every-5-year Disney trips being so UN-Disney compared to the norm just seems wrong, lol)

Universal has great resorts and Citywalk so I would likely plan my stay around staying there if at all possible. There isn't much around Legoland, so I probably stay in the Orlando area and just drive there for the day. After 3 or four nights at a Universal resort, I would move somewhere closer to Disney for the rest.

There is also a universal board on here to help you plan.

 

[mjhtvchick]

I would ditto what bankr63 had to say - there are almost too many options.

After doing a few different combinations of stays, I find that I like a combination of off- and on-site the best. During our trip this year, we stayed entirely off-site in a townhome and while we still had a great vacation and its hard to knock the extra space, I will admit the driving got to me a bit by the end of it.

As bankr63 said, once you have a better idea of whether you are looking at off-site hotels, resorts or vacation homes, I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I would look at the timeshare villa resorts mentioned above. They might be a good middle ground between onsite and offsite, since they are resorts, but will give you the extra space. We like the Marriotts a lot and have stayed in almost all of them and have never had a bad experience. Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a very popular one as well.

 

[LSLS]

I'd look into a home rental. They are usually pretty cheap and would give you all your own space, a place to make some meals (especially breakfast), and they often times have a pool. We are actually considering that for our next trip just to give us a bit more space.

 

[Woodview]

Here is an idea.

Drive down & Rent a Villa ....... Where ? ..... Well along Hwy 27

From the junction of Hwy 192 & Hwy I-4

Which Communities ? Try Hampton Lakes, Solana, Highlands Reserve etc.

All these are within 15 miles via Hwy 192 to Disney & 25 miles via I-4 to Universal .

LEGOLAND is about a 40 min Drive on Hwy 27 South & then Thomson Rd .

Try IPG Florida Vacation Homes for a villa .

................................
If that will not work look at The Omni Hotel just off Hwy 27 ( Near Champions Gate )

or any of The Motels /Hotels at the junction of Hwy 27 & I-4

 

[writerguyfl]

If you've always stayed at Disney resorts, prepare to be (pleasantly) surprised at prices. I agree that you probably don't want to spend the night near Legoland. Not that there's anything wrong with that area...there's just not much else there besides the park.

I know there are a lot of folks that like doing the home rental thing. Personally, I've never been 100% comfortable with that idea. In a hotel, if something goes wrong, all you need to do is pick up the phone or walk to the Front Desk. In a chain hotel, if anything goes really wrong, you can always call the chain's corporate office for help. Plus, many hotels will be able to provide on-site or walkable dining options. If you're making a long drive to Florida, you may not want to have to get back into your car each time you want to eat out.

As noted, if you provide a little more detail about your expectations/needs, some of us will gladly offer up suggestions.

 

[BeerMe]

We are here now - staying for a long time, We will do Disney (AP holders), Legoland (to see the gardens, and three days at Universal. We are staying in 4 timeshare condos, offsite of course.

As for villas, there are tons of them, Bonnet Creek is probably the most talked about on the DIS. Look on Trip Advisor for likely candidates. The reviews are a good guide IMO. Have a good trip.

 

[wdw&sonny]

I recommend Bonnet Creek. It's a timeshare, but don't let that deter you. We have stayed there twice. Love it.
Very close to WDW and still an easy drive to USF. Can get 3 BR villa with full kitchen, multiple bathrooms for less than WDW resort.
Consider a throw-away room at USF for early entry/front of line. Or, stay one night at USF for 2 days of privileges.