Plan our Trip

[kdobson99]

Been lurking here all day trying to get educated and frankly am just going to have to throw the whole trip planning out to the forum community for suggestions. I am a big fan of message boards and know the old faithfuls around here are going to be able to give me better advice than what I can gather through all of the posts here in a day or two. There is always some common wisdom a board devolops.. so please share it with me in planning out trip. Here's what we are doing.

1. Looking for an Orlando area hotel for 2-3 nights. Have two small kids (2,5) and will not be doing Disney this stay. Probably Seaworld, but purpose of the trip is to educate ourselves on Orlando for a more memorable Disney stay next year. But... we want as much as we can get for the money. Prefer a resort style hotel with great pool area, kids activities, playgrounds etc. rather than a basic hotel. Wife likes enjoying 5 star on a 3 star budget. So, give her the great pool, clean rooms with a few extras and a resort atmosphere and she will be happy. Right now she is looking at Vistana and I see some posts about great rates with timeshare presentations. How do I book these? Any other resorts I can do this at that aren't extremely high pressure? I can say "no" with the best of them, but just don't want to get into a shouting match. What is considered the best overall value or "trick" for someone in our position?

2. After 2-3 days will head toard Tampa area for some beach and Busch Gardens. What area has the best beach atmosphere over there? Probably looking for a Hilton on the beach since some family can get us a discount with Hilton (don't want to bother them for Orlando discount too) Again, somewhere with a resort atmosphere and newer is better.

3. Any tricks on Orlando rental cars?

Thanks.

 

[kdobson99]

Almost forgot... while in Olando would like a suite or more apartment styled room with Kitchen area so we aren't eating out all the time... particularly lunches.

 

[spiceycat]

I know you say you didn't want a Hilton - but across the street from Seaworld and next door to Discovery Cove is Hilton Grand Vacation CLub...

this will give you an owner referral to this place
http://www.tug2.net/ads/mpromo.shtml

here is its's website
http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/ownership/resorts/seaworld.html

 

[kdobson99]

Thanks spiceycat. looks good. Only question is, what do you do with the kids during the timeshare presentation. My wife isn't a fan of leaving them behind with an activity person etc. My 2 yr old would throw a fit. Any suggestions? Bring them to the presentation and have them get rowdy so we have an excuse to leave? LOL.

 

[spiceycat]

what do you do with the kids during the timeshare presentation. My wife isn't a fan of leaving them behind with an activity person etc. My 2 yr old would throw a fit. Any suggestions? Bring them to the presentation and have them get rowdy so we have an excuse to leave? LOL.

your method sound pretty good to me....

 

[kdobson99]

Anyone tried one of the HGVC promo deals for the presentation? Just want to make sure it isn't very high pressure. My wife is afraid people will be bothering us the entire stay.

 

[spiceycat]

make your appointment the last day of your stay. you definitely need to go because you will pay extra if you don't.

but don't let it ruin your trip - just make it for the last day....(this tip came from a tugger....)

 

[kdobson99]

SpiceyCat... gotta say, you won the award. Took my wife about 10 mins of research to agree that HGVC at Seaworld was the winner. Congratulations, I can't seem to please her that quick.. its a feat. Actually thinking we might need to spend longer than planned there for kids to enjoy it enough before heading to the coast... but we will decide.

Now her only decision is whether to pay a normal rate or do the presentation. Your suggestion about the presentation just before checkout is a good one.