Offsite hotels with "magic?"

[bagsmom]

Hey everyone -- we are trying to come up with a do-able budget for 2013 and are exploring some options. I know an offsite non-Disney hotel won't have much "magic." But I'm wondering if you know of any close to the parks that are really fun and special, appealing to kids. (Great pool, etc.) Preferably one with a frig and microwave. Just exploring some options to see if we can make this happen!

Thanks!

 

[Kimberle]

There is a board with off-site hotels, etc. You'll probably find what you need over there.

 

[dvcHammer]

you might want to consider renting DVC points from one of the reputable points brokers for a studio at one of the DVC resorts.

that gives you the kitchenette and you are still on property. saves you the cost of a rental car as well. check to offsite boards for the best tips, we only stay offsite once in a great while.

 

[daannzzz]

Check out The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Pool is awesome.

Gaylord Palms is a fun place as well.

 

[*Fantasia*]

If you don't want to be too far from Disney.. You might want to try the Downtown Disney Hotels. Downtown Disney Hotels I hope it is okay to post the link here.. These hotels are just across the DD. Hilton is the closest and it is a walking distance. I think if I would go off-site, this would be it, if I want to feel the "magic".

 

[bagsmom]

Thanks everyone! I sure don't WANT to go offsite, but more than anything, I want to GO!!!!!!

It is so great to have options to explore.

I appreciate the input very much!

 

[Sue M]

I've heard good things about Bonnett Creek. It is classified "off site" because it's not a Disney hotel, or have any of the perks of an on site hotel, but it is actually on property, we pass the entrance signs all the time. I think it's near POR.

 

[ols386]

We stayed at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek a couple of years ago, and loved it.

We had a two bedroom villa and it was very nice, clean, and had been somewhat refurbished.

We had a rental car, but I believe they also have bus service to and from the parks (not Disney service though).

They do have pizza delivery service and a small place to get sandwiches, salads, and a small variety of breakfast foods.

They also have a bar/lounge.

The pools there are lovely with lazy rivers.

There is also miniature golf and I believe, some type of kids' program.

I would stay there again, but it isn't quite the same as staying at a Disney resort. It's not Disney-ish, but still a great place to stay.

I believe there are a couple other resorts at the Bonnet Creek location, a Hilton, and some other one, can't think of the name right now.

 

[MinnieMommy07]

Good question. I wonder if offsite hotels that cater to families are trained to be as servicing as Disney employees.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Hilton Bonnet Creek is basically "on property" and has a lazy river - if you stay at the Hilton you have access to the Hilton pool - lazy river and the Waldorf Astoria pool which is a bit more adult friendly. There is a fairly convenient shuttle service shared by the two hotels to Disney. I was visiting the Waldorf pool for some "adult" time and a family there with young kids were begging to go to the Hilton lazy river pool. LOL kids don't know how much their parents probably paid to stay at the Waldorf but they loaded up the stroller and trucked it over to the Hilton for a day at the pool.

Adding Dis link -
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2262762&highlight=hilton+bonnet+creek

Unfortunately no fridge or microwave at the Hilton -

but the Wyndham Bonnet Creek nearby has a full kitchen - may be a good option as I think they have a great pool area as well!

 

[Lynne M]

I'm going to move this over to the Orlando Hotels board....

 

[Seahunt]

Gaylord Palms is a fun place as well.

FYI Gaylord Palms recently opened "Cypress Springs" a new onsite waterpark just for their guests:

Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park

Enjoy an Everglades-inspired water wonderland designed especially for families!
New family pool area includes multi-level water playground "tree house" with zero-entry beach-style design, four water slides, an active lagoon, plunge pool, water basketball play area, and dedicated toddler pool.
Poolside cabanas provide a private spot to relax and unwind.
View a full-length feature at our Splash 'N' Screen movie. (All films are child-friendly.)
Join in the Crack-A-Lackin' Pool Party, where you can dance, play games and win fun prizes with your favorite DreamWorks characters.
Grab a bite or enjoy a chilled beverage at the new poolside SandBar.

More info
http://www.visitflorida.com/insiders/family/action.blog/7115-cypress-springs-family-fun-water-park-a

 

[Brian Noble]

I wonder if offsite hotels that cater to families are trained to be as servicing as Disney employees.

Most of the top resort-class hotels are as good or better. For example, we just got back from a week at Sea World and Universal. We stayed at HGVC Sea World, and service there was a small notch above what we've experienced at the DVC resorts---for example, we had a full clean mid-week, instead of DVC's trash-and-towel service. We also booked a throwaway night at Royal Pacific for two days' Universal Express, and the service there was significantly better. For example, the pool area featured wait staff providing restaurant/drink service among the pool chairs, and they even brought around sample smoothies to try. Of course, those drinks were a little more expensive than Disney's, and they included an 18% service charge, but still.

Disney's "legendary" service isn't really all that when compared to the better Orlando area properties---Disney is competent, but not exceptional in any way.