Planning for 2005: Which off-site do you recommend?

[c&m]

DH and I agreed on our vacation for next year to be at WDW with our 2 DDs (ages 6 and 9 by then)! I am so excited that I have officially started planning and saving. We are considering both options of on-site and off-site hotels. I am wondering what off-site hotel close to WDW that YOU would recommend based on these criteria:

1. An incredible pool, with waterslides and other fun waterplay activities (i.e. sand, grotto, waterfalls, and the such).

2. Clean rooms with clean bathrooms.

3. Good hotel restaurant with a good kids menu.

4. Good shuttle service to WDW.

The hotel is going to be a key part of our time at WDW because we don't want to spend our entire time at WDW. We want to have some R&R time just hanging out by the hotel pool.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[crazelion]

Hoilday Inn Family Suites. They will have a waterslide by 2005 and the hotel comes with a free full hot breakfeast. This hotel is kid friendly.

 

[undertheradar]

The time of year you are going will impact your decision. My kids, 5,7 and 13, like this space they get in the Marriott Vacation Villas(Grande Vista especially). We like the savings of having the full kitchen and the washer and dryer. You would want to rent a car when staying offsite, as many shuttles are on limited schedules.

 

[Lisa P.]

I'm having a hard time with recommendations because of your criteria. Most offsite hotels don't have ALL of them. The clean rooms, clean bathrooms part is not that hard, IMHO. But...

The first requirement, waterslides, will reduce your list dramatically and those that have them don't usually have additional waterfalls, grotto and sandy play areas. In fact, I'm finding it hard to come up with any beyond Marriott Orlando World Center and perhaps, Orange Lake Country Club.

Then the place has to have an onsite restaurant which is both good and kid-friendly. Hm. MOWC ought to have at least one like that, since they have several restaurants.

And lastly, shuttle service which is "good." The trouble is, outside of the DTD area hotels, offsite shuttle service is never more than a couple times a day, limiting your flexibility dramatically. If you don't want to use a rental car, then stay at one of the Disney hotels or next to DTD. I'm not sure if any of the DTD hotels has a waterslide and onsite restuarant, though DTD has several good restaurants nearby.

The Swan & Dolphin offer a great pool area, very popular. It's a nice place to enjoy the better part of the day and Entertainment discounts can be found. Check mousesavers.com. Great park transport, tons of restaurants within walking distance and a fun pool area. HTH.