Offsite to split WDW and Universal?

[PeanutButterMom]

I'm thinking about starting planning for our Anniversary trip (in May) since my December trip is just about 100% planned at this point

Adults-only trip. For our 5th anniversary in 2010 we booked through Universal (we went specifically for Harry Potter )and stayed at The Pointe (I think) and wasn't super impressed. Since then we've decided we LOVE WDW.

My idea is staying somewhere in between? I want to maybe start and end at WDW, with universal/IoA in the middle (probably a 4 night, 5 day trip). Is there any place that has transportation (I'd prefer not to rent a car, but I'd consider it). I'd like a "nice" hotel/resort - room MUST have a whirlpool tub (this was DH's biggest negative where we stayed before - they advertised them but our room did not and he was highly disappointed).

Does anything fit the bill? I'm not familiar with Offsite AT ALL.

 

[jsh1975]

Hyatt Grand Cypress

 

[Ametista]

Marriott Cypress Harbour has big whirlpool tubs in the master. Of all the places I have stayed (and we have been 13 times now) CH is my favorite. It is perfectly located, 10 mins to US, 10 mins to DW, 5 mins to Seaworld parks.

On our last trip I watched the clock a lot as we drove around and kept agreeing with myself that CH is in the best spot there is, esp if you don't like wasting the time on switching rooms, which I don't.

My parents have Interval so we can sometimes get CH through their getaways. If you know anybody who owns a time share you may be able to book that way so its less expensive.

 

[PeanutButterMom]

Marriott Cypress Harbour has big whirlpool tubs in the master. Of all the places I have stayed (and we have been 13 times now) CH is my favorite. It is perfectly located, 10 mins to US, 10 mins to DW, 5 mins to Seaworld parks.

On our last trip I watched the clock a lot as we drove around and kept agreeing with myself that CH is in the best spot there is, esp if you don't like wasting the time on switching rooms, which I don't.

My parents have Interval so we can sometimes get CH through their getaways. If you know anybody who owns a time share you may be able to book that way so its less expensive.

That sounds perfect, except, it'll just be my husband and I, which is a little silly for a 2BR.

There are so many choices! I'm completely overwhelmed.

 

[Ametista]

That sounds perfect, except, it'll just be my husband and I, which is a little silly for a 2BR.

There are so many choices! I'm completely overwhelmed.

Marriotts Grands Vista is right by CH and has one bedrooms and studios.

 

[LovesTimone]

For us we don't like staying offsite.

So my vote would be to stay at WDW, you get free transportation to their parks, you could take a cab, or hire a private car transportation to head over to Universal. You could check out the Orlando bus system for a schedule and close pickup point.

As far as the whirlpool tub - You will pay a premium for this where ever you go, and some times they are no more than a regular tub with a few jets. You can always use the hot tub at the resort. I know it's not as private and romantic. DH and I have used it later at night, and not had really to complete with a lot of people. We like to hit the pool mid day when most people are in the parks, then the hot tub and head back to the room, and rest, change and head out again.

 

[keishashadow]

I wouldn't want to stay offsite w/o a rental car. Shuttle service can be very limited from the resorts who offer it.

I don't recall staying in a room in the Hyatt Grand Cypress with a whirlpool tub, but we do book standard room and hope for upgrade.

nicest/largest whirlpool tub we've enjoyed in Orlando was in the Sheraton Vistana Cascades, one BR premium villa

 

[PeanutButterMom]

I wouldn't want to stay offsite w/o a rental car. Shuttle service can be very limited from the resorts who offer it.

I don't recall staying in a room in the Hyatt Grand Cypress with a whirlpool tub, but we do book standard room and hope for upgrade.

nicest/largest whirlpool tub we've enjoyed in Orlando was in the Sheraton Vistana Cascades, one BR premium villa

Yeah, after posting I decided we need a rental car, lol. I forget I get them practically free through work anyhow, so it's no big deal.

 

[PeanutButterMom]

As far as the whirlpool tub - You will pay a premium for this where ever you go, and some times they are no more than a regular tub with a few jets. You can always use the hot tub at the resort. I know it's not as private and romantic. DH and I have used it later at night, and not had really to complete with a lot of people. We like to hit the pool mid day when most people are in the parks, then the hot tub and head back to the room, and rest, change and head out again.

The tub is mostly for DH - he has some knee issues (multiple scopes, ACL and MCL tears and sprains). He was 6 weeks into rehab after a hockey injury on our trip in November, and the walking with his brace really took a toll on him - he's very active and fit, but the brace really chafes and he spent most of the nights sitting up with ice. It would be nice for him to be able to soak it sometimes (we were close to the "quiet pool" and he did go there, but at 2:00AM he feels like a creeper, lol).

 

[keishashadow]

Yeah, after posting I decided we need a rental car, lol. I forget I get them practically free through work anyhow, so it's no big deal.

lucky you!

 

[PeanutButterMom]

lucky you!

It's usually just a sedan (for use when visiting customers) so I forget about it since normally we have the kids and wouldn't all fit