Planning a trip to Disney World, Staying Outside Disney...could use some help.

[srchavez1@aol.com]

Hello all,
My girlfriend and I are planning our first trip as a couple. We are heading to Disney in May. We are staying for 7 nights, and will be without a car (we are under 25 and can't rent one). From lots of research I believe the Quality Suites Maingate East to be a great hotel for our needs, just wondering if anyone has been there and would care to share their thoughts. We are both 22 and are looking for; spacious rooms, hotel bar, transportation to parks, near restaurants and shopping...what is within walking distance to the Quality Suites? An tips from people who have stayed there or any other hotels that meet our desires are welcome. Thanks everyone!
John

 

[binny]

I havent but just booked a client through there were great reviews of the hotel at www.tripadvisor.com

Good luck! From what I read it was nice!

 

[Planogirl]

Be sure to do a search and check on the Orlando board if you haven't yet. Good luck!

 

[Otimon]

Have you checked out the All Stars and Pop Century Resorts on Disney property? They are moderately priced and you would then have Disney transportation to the parks available to you, as well as to Downtown Disney for movies, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping.

Quality Suites Maingate East is located on Rt. 192 in Kissimmee and is not far from Disney. They do have a shuttle to the parks and is located in an area of restaurants and shops along the main strip (192).

Personally, if you have a choice, my opinion is you would do best to stay on Disney property, especiallly not having a car.

Whatever you choose, have a wonderful time and a safe journey to Orlando.

Best wishes

 

[GailT]

I agree with Otimon, I would stay on property without a car/ The all stars are cheap, not big but I don't think big is a big deal for 2 people. I am sure you will have fun no matter where you stay, look into all syars first, that would be easier getting around.

 

[Poohbear123]

And my advice is to STAY ON SITE! Check on All Star Sports, Music, Movies, and the latest one POP Century! You have free transportation anywhere in the theme park area, and you can even take Mears Transportation to other theme parks like Sea World, and IOA/Universal. Also, bring your ID as you cannot drink Alcohol without it. Have a great time!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the DIS, John!!!! I agree with others, staying onsite makes things much easier.

 

[momof2inPA]

I'm not a big fan of staying onsite, usually. However, if you don't have a car, I think staying onsite or in the downtown Disney area (they also have transportation to the parks throughout the day) is the only way to go.

 

[Dodie]

Please don't shortchange yourself. Especially if you won't have a car. You really need to stay on site to benefit from all of the Disney transportation and the ease of getting around.

I'd check out the All Stars and Pop Century. Although you won't find the "hotel bar" you mention, you can certainly buy drinks there. Besides, you can take Disney transportation to any of the Moderate/Deluxe resorts which WILL have a hotel bar.

 

[oogieboogie]

I'd have to agree with staying on-site, especially if you don't have a car.

As far as hotel bars, the All-Stars have a pool bar. Although it's outdoors and just has a basic bar setup, it does have some chairs and tables next to it too.

Not to mention, codes for the general public is out, so you can get a good rate at the All-Stars or POP.

 

[Belle1962]

Have you seen the codes for discount Disney rooms? The "bus transportation' from offsite can be HORRENDOUS--no ac/ one or two trips per day only, etc. I know when my DS stayed at a Sleep Inn in July they had one "scheduled" bus that just didn't show and so the next one had to leave people behind! Stay onsite if at all possible.

NEW DISCOUNT CODE!

Ask for Code BBY or ONZ and get special discounted rates at select Walt Disney World resorts for check-ins 4/18/04-7/4/04. So far the following rates have been reported:

Value Resorts - $74 standard, $84 preferred view
Moderates - $94 standard, $109 preferred view
Wilderness Lodge - $139 standard, $154 woods view
Animal Kingdom Lodge - $139 standard
Boardwalk, Beach/Yacht Club - $229 standard
Polynesian - $244 garden view, $340 garden view concierge
Other resorts, room types and views should be available at varying prices!

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Normally, I'm all for saving money by staying off-site, but would never, ever do it without a car. (Actually, I won't stay on-site without a car, either, but that's just my preference). I have yet to hear about an off-site hotel that offers reliable, convenient transportation to and from the parks.

I agree with other posters, if there is absolutely, positively no way you can rent a car, you'll probably enjoy your trip a whole lot more if you stay on-site. Disney transportation is really wonderful. Keep in mind that that will increase your food budget as well, though, since your only dining options will be on-site as well.

However, I just did a quickie search for renting a car if you are under 25 years of age; I found this site, which may be helpful: http://www.kcarrental.us/tips/underage.php .

Hope it helps.

BK