Resort after Floyd

[Hurricane Floyd]

My family visited last during Hurricane Floyd. My hubby vowed to never return. While we received free food for dinner, we did not receive any compensation on our room or ticket for the whole day we lost in the parks. We came home with one water park option still on the tickets. It has now been 8 years and I am trying to convince hubby to go again. Unfortunately the price has doubled since then and our income hasn't increased at all. We stayed at Port orleans last time. We would like to stay in a nice hotel this time-Coronado Springs, but find the price astronomical. Are there any hotels off site that would be comparable and half the price? I wasn't able to locate any under $100 per night that weren't clones of the value resorts. Should we just rent a house? Help!!!!

 

[fla4fun]

First of all, my sympathies for being at Disney during Floyd's near hit. I was at WL at the time, and I remember being kept in the room and no food (well, not much of anything edible), and no housekeeping. And that's all without a storm even coming ashore. I can understand your DH reluctance to try again.

I can say that their emergency plans have come a long way since then. They got a real test during the storms in 2004 and 2005. If you can avoid Orlando during hurricane season, it will go a long way toward convincing your DH to make another Orlando trip.

You are right to think that you will get more for your money if you stay off property. The first thing I would do is see if any of the DTD hotels or Swan/Dolphin are running specials. I would equate them with at least a moderate, and in most cases, deluxe level of Disney hotel, but sometimes you can find really good deals on them. Plus, you'll have regularly scheduled transportation in case you don't want to drive. It's really one of the best compromises between on and off property.

If that doesn't work for you, I would check into renting a condo or home. You can often get good weekly rates that work out cheaper per night than staying in a motel. You will have to have a car though, as there won't be any transportation to the parks (and Orlando's public transport is a joke). You will be able to save money on food as well, since you will have kitchen facilities.

 

[MinnieSummer]

The hotels in the DTD area are very nice hotels but they aren't Disney so don't expect the theming and transportation that you would get in a WDW resort hotel. That said, we have stayed at the Grovesnor for much less than what we paid at CSR even after our AP discount. The only thing I didn't like was the transportation -- waiting for a bus in the middle of the parking lot, on black pavement in 90 degree's just doesn't cut it for me. However, the rooms were huge, the restaurant was very good (they have a Disney Character Breakfast there), and, if you book a tower room, you may be lucky enough to get to see the fireworks from your room. Looking over DTD at night adds a touch of magic and makes you feel you really are in WDW.

We also stayed at the Hilton, which is the only DTD hotel that participates in the Extra Magic Hours. It was more expensive, had a nicer pool, and more eating options. If you are fortunate to get a view of DTD it too can add some magic.

WIth both ofthese hotels you can walk to DTD which is nice if you want to take a bus to one of the resorts for dining. However, there are no busses that run from DTD to the parks. Walking from the other hotels is considerably further.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi Hurricane ~
Welcome to the boards. I can totally understand how the week Floyd hit FL must have left a bad taste in your mouth.
Can you tell me which month your interested in coming ?
There is a site called www.hotelkingdom.com and I did a random search for the last week in August. They have a studio at Cypress Pointe showing for $70.80/night. A 2 bedroom is only a little more at $99.12/night. This resort is very nice and very close to WDW.
Bluetree resort has a 1 bedroom suite for just under $100.
Summerbay Resort (which is about 6 miles from wdw), has a standard room for $62+/night.

There are a few on these boards that have many more links (such as Spiceycat) who can help you too. Good luck finding a great deal and convincing you dh to go back. Hoping your next trip is 100X's better.