please help a newbie-off site hotel/rental rec

[julie1218]

this is our first trip to disney, and i'm already a little stressed. we are planning on going may 10-17 with kids ages 9 and 7, flying from dfw. our budget is flexible--just trying to get a good value for our dollar regardless of how many dollars we spend. i'm not a commando/ocd kind of traveler and these choices and decisions are too much for me. can someone please have pity on me and recommend lodging? i've been reviewing the boards, my guide books, my smallworld travel agent quote until my head is swimming.

my priority is lack of hassle, such as ease of getting to/from parks. it seems like renting a car and staying off site would actually be less hassle than staying for big bucks on site and relying on disney transport with long walks to bus stops and long waits for monorails/boats/etc. feel free to comment on this.

for off site, i am looking at the heavily recommended wyndham bonnet creek. we have a pool at home so a splash pool is not a priority to me. my priorities for lodging are:
ease of getting to/from parks
yummy restaurant (kid friendly) on site
small grocery/convenience store on site
kids activities (face painting, crafts, etc.) on site would be a plus
prefer a more "resort" or "hotel" feel--not a "just like home" feel
i really don't need a full kitchen or washer/dryer in room.
not sure if elaborate themed pool is necessary. not sure how much we'll swim since we swim a lot at home.

are there any choices i should consider besides wyndham bonnet creek that would have the above?

thank you for any help!

 

[bankr63]

Two other nearby resorts come to mind. Sheraton Vistana Resort has a lot of amenities and great access to the parks. Bonnet Creek is closer, but slower due to congested roads. Not sure how to define a "yummy" restaurant, but Vistana has a food court with KFC, Pizza Hut, etc as well as a couple of other restaurants. Service is a bit leisurely.

Also, Hilton Grand Vacation Club on I-Drive (right around the corner from Vistana). Not as many amenities on site but a direct connection to an Outlet Mall with dining, and across the street from a great Publix supermarket.

Both properties have plenty of room for a family of four. Don't underestimate how great it is to put the kids to bed in their own room, allowing you to relax in the living room without disturbing them, or hop in a jacuzzi tub once they are asleep

Have a great trip!

 

[kathy884]

Two other nearby resorts come to mind. Sheraton Vistana Resort has a lot of amenities and great access to the parks. Bonnet Creek is closer, but slower due to congested roads. Not sure how to define a "yummy" restaurant, but Vistana has a food court with KFC, Pizza Hut, etc as well as a couple of other restaurants. Service is a bit leisurely.

Also, Hilton Grand Vacation Club on I-Drive (right around the corner from Vistana). Not as many amenities on site but a direct connection to an Outlet Mall with dining, and across the street from a great Publix supermarket.

Both properties have plenty of room for a family of four. Don't underestimate how great it is to put the kids to bed in their own room, allowing you to relax in the living room without disturbing them, or hop in a jacuzzi tub once they are asleep

Have a great trip!

The Sheraton Vistana resort -- recently remodeled is the resort we've stayed at that most closely matches your description. That to me, sounds like a great fit for you.

You might want to look at Cypress Pointe and Cypress Pointe Grand Villas too -- These don't have many organized activities and much in the way of dining options onsite as the Vistana, but the location is walking distance to lots of resturants and very close to Downtown Disney. Both these resorts do retail rentals. You can also do owner rental for a seven day stay. I often rent from owners on TUG2.net classified ads section and Redweek.com. The owner rental makes the stay a great value / very economical.

 

[julie1218]

is there another way to book vistana besides sheraton's site? bonnet creek is $100/night for my dates, and i'm leaning towards it but want to check out vistana too. how do you find deals for vistana? my dates are may 10-17 approx.

also, there are a lot of bad reviews on tripadvisor for vistana. i'm assuming these are for non-renovated rooms, but how would we ensure getting a renovated one?

thanks!