Out of this year, already have airfair, need advice

[rutgers1]

We blew all of our points on a January cruise. We have airfare set for July for a return trip but don't want to borrow ahead because we are planning a 2-week trip the next summer.

So, I was hoping people could offer suggestions. Here are our goals:

1) We are going to be in Florida 5 full days. Most likely, we will only go to the Disney parks 2 of those days. The rest will be a mix of Sea World and just hanging around a hotel.
2) With that said, I don't HAVE to be on Disney property. I wouldn't mind staying 2 nights on Disney property, but I can spend anywhere from 3-5 off property.
3) If I stay off property, I just need a room for 4. But I want the hotel to be of Disney quality or better. I want it to be a destination type place where the kids wouldn't mind staying for 2 days without going to the parks. Pools, lazy rivers, and things like that would be great.
4) I'd rather not spend much more than $125 a night. I've heard that you can get great deals off-site. I wouldn't know, though, as I have never tried it!!!

Any suggestions?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Well since you are willing to settle for Disney Quality you actually have a lot of options. My first suggestion would be the Swan/Doplhin but they are a little high for your price point.

Actually for the $125 you are going to have problems with the "lazy river" part of the request. All the hotels that offer that are higher.

For a destination hotel you are probably going to have to raise your limit. Are you willing to do Priceline or Hotwire. (See www.betterbidding.com they have lots of good info on where you will get)

A couple of places to try. Gaylord Palms. Definitely Destination. Hyatt Cypress, Marriott World Center (good pools, not my favorite)

I generally recommend the hotels of the Marriott Village, but they don't have the "theme pool" you seem to be looking for. You might also try the Marriott and Hilton timeshare properties. I routinely see them in the price you want and you get much more space. Not sure about the pools as I haven't stayed there.

At Disney in teh summer for that price you are probably getting a value or MAYBE a Moderate IF you can get a deal. The quality at the above hotels is better IMHO, but the theme need may drive you to Disney.

 

[JimMIA]

You might look for a rental from an owner at Wyndham's Bonnet Creek Resort.

It's just offsite (just a little south of OKW), very nice, and offers many of the amenities you are looking for -- several large pools, lazy river, mini-golf, etc.

Check TUG and Redweek and see what you can find there from owners.

(And DON"T go to the sales pitches!)

 

[iloveokw]

The Residence Inn near Sea World is great....free dinners Sun - Thurs. Same with the Homewood Suites on International Drive. You can buy everyone a one day pass to SW and get in free another day within the week.

 

[dgaston]

I would also suggest www.vacationcentralFlorida.com for Windsor Hills townhouses, www.windsorhillsrent.com, and www.vacationupgrades.com for Bonnett Creek rentals. Over at allears.net they have some excellent rates at Sheraton Villages, and Vistana Villages.

HTH

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'd say Bonnet Creek as well.