We are planning our next trip in April 2009 (yep - those crazy two weeks around Easter). Anyway, we were thinking of staying offsite this time but there seem to be so many options - we're not sure where to start! Ideally, we would like room for 2 adults, 3 kids with a kitchen and if at all possible a washer and dryer. We will already have our own car as we are driving next year but we don't want to spend all our time in the car getting to and from the parks. We have 10 day park hopper passes so we will only be doing Disney (no Universal, etc.). Any thoughts? Also, we don't want to spend a fortune. If we decide onsite - it will be Pop Century!
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree in Lake Buena Vista years ago. I too rented a car. It was about 5 minute drive to and from the parks. I used approx 1/2 tank of gas the entire week, going back and forth to parks about 2 times per day.
They are all suites. Standard suite has a partition between "kids" room and adults (wall was about 1 foot from ceiling). There is a microwave, fridge, coffee maker. Kids room has own TV, DVD player, game system, bunk beds and a single bed. Adult room looked like your standard hotel room with small sitting area.
I got the 2 bedroom suite (in 2001 was $95 per night!!) It was enormous, had same as above on a larger scale.
Kids ate free (up to 2 kids per adult). They have a mini mart on site, restaurant and lounge. 1 large pool, which was my only itty bitty complaint. I loved the pool, but the way the hotel is situate around it, its mostly shaded by the buildings..I love to sun bathe! They have movie night (movie theatre held about 15 people!!), bingo, ice cream parties and some other small activities daily and nightly. It is also within walking distance to several restaurants.
There is no spa, no turn down service, no valet parking etc..For the price its fabulous..clean, family friendly and the location is great.
Good luck!
