One night off propery--thoughts?

[TandLMommy28]

Last time we drove, we checked in to a Holiday Inn Express for the night before our onsite package began in the morning. I don't remember which one it was, but it was extremely close to Downtown Disney, just outside of the gates and it was walking distance to both Pizza Hut and Cici's.

We are planning to drive again this year. So we are again looking for a good deal on a non-Disney hotel room for that one night. SOmething close by Downtown Disney. Something with food choices super close (walking distance is a definite bonus after 1100 miles of driving!). Something with a free breakfast is preferable (My kids can eat scrambled eggs like there's no tomorrow!).

We could just do that Holiday Inn Express again. It was clean, the rooms were HUGE and the pool was nice. But there are just SO MANY options in that area, I think it's worthwhile to try something new.

THoughts?

 

[princess4life]

That's our plan this year as well. I'd love information on inexpensive places to stay near DTD, too. I'm wondering how your experience was checking in first thing in the morning? Did you leave your luggage for later or have it stored until your room was ready? And, if you had it stored did resort staff put it in your room for you?

Thanks! Hope you're trip is a good one!

 

[4Beans]

We are also driving again this year. Last year we checked into our Disney hotel and just had a hang out day there. When you stay off site that first night, do you check into your Disney hotel then got to the parks? Or just have a hotel day? Please tell me why you stay off site that night, I'd like you opinion and reasoning. That could be a possibility for us too - my goal is to maximize our Disney time and money

 

[princess4life]

We've had disney vacations in 05, 08, 10 & 12 and never done this before. We usually arrive very close to check-in and head to a park or DTD for the evening. This trip is going to be a bit shorter, so I just asked about early check-in and when they told us any time after 8:00 a.m., we just started thinking about how we could save some $ by staying our first night off-site. (We're also spending more to stay on site than we usually do - CR). We're a party of 9 with Grandma & Grandpa & Aunt traveling with a family of 6!

We plan to arrive around check-in time and swim in the hotel pool, eat, and drive to dtd for the evening. Then, the next morning we'll be dressed and ready for the Animal Kingdom park as soon as we check-in. We considered doing this when we went in 2012, but we got a great rate at POR and it didn't seem worth the shuffling around of our stuff. Since we're staying at CR this time, it did!

 

[TamaraQT]

Our first trip was 2007, we stayed off-site due to a free week from a friend who couldn't use their timeshare. Our stay was from Saturday to Saturday. We arrived 2pm that afternoon and noticed plenty of people had already checked in. Being a newbie at it, we didn't know you could check in early even if room wasn't ready. So the next year, we were staying at a timeshare resort again. So we flew in the night before and stayed in a motel for one night (Seralago Hotel). We got up at 7am, went to breakfast and headed to our resort by 830. We checked in and we got our room requests honored since we were so early they had plenty of rooms to choose from. That was a great experience so we did that each year. Then one year we decided instead of arriving 1 day ahead, why not 3 days ahead and spend 4days and 3 nights at a different hotel/resort. That is what we have been doing for the past few years and we love the early arrival. Last year we spent our 4days/3 nights on site at Disney. Our family goes to Orlando for vacation, not just Disney so this worked out GREAT. We are timeshare owners and we enjoy Disney for PART of our vacation. I know DISNEY is some peoples entire vacation but for us its not. Orlando area has so much to offer. Looks like this year is 3days/3nights of Disney, the 8days/7nights off-site. Disney first part of vacation, then Bush Gardens Tampa, Clearwater Beach, Sea World and Wet n Wild. I am also considering Go-Karts in Kissimmee, and OLD Town we always wanted to do but run out of time. We love the way we vacation with the extra days. And ours started out just by adding in the one extra night too!!! You will be surprised how much the area has to offer. Especially having your own car. We always rent a car for our vacation so we can get around. Try to venture out a little for your one night. I am sure you will have a GREAT time!!!

 

[princess4life]

We were just planning on doing DTD & pool time on our first afternoon/evening, then, we have 4 days/4 nights at CR. After our check-out at CR, we were planning to go to Kennedy Space Center for the day. We've always just done disney. I saw your list . . . have you ever done KSC & if so did it take the full day? We also really considered Sea World, but we have more space fans then water fans.

Thanks for any info!

 

[ldhr2005]

We stayed at Springhill Suites for one night to take advantage of a Seaworld "kids free promo" that they were running at the time. While I am not sure that we will do Seaworld again for numerous reasons, the hotel itself was nice. It was extremely clean, rooms were spacious, pet free, and affordable. The kids loved the pool with the killer whale sprinkler in it, and it was very kid friendly with a long, shallow walk in. An added benefit was that there was a bar at the pool for a glass of wine or munchies, and a free buffet style breakfast that ranks above one of the best I have ever had an an amenity. Also, there is a mini Starbucks on property as well. It is across the street from Seaworld, so it is a bit from DD, but if you rented a car I would totally suggest staying here!!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Baymont Inn in Celebration is 5 minutes from the AKL and there are a ton of places to eat that you can walk to. Price is usually $69 a night.