Resort for Disney/Universal Trip

[40ariel]

Hi all,
I am looking for suggestions for a resort for a Universal/Disney trip, one week in duration.
-must have a balcony
-must have an kitchenette (full kitchen would be bonus)
-either a separate room, or lock off for MIL.
-must have a pool
-5 people total but 4 of us can sleep in a regular hotel room with 2 queen beds, it is only MIL who needs own space.
- we can rent a car

Thanks!

 

[gottalovepluto]

You need to
1. establish a budget
2. Decide on-site or off-site
3. Decide if you want want to switch hotels when you switch parks

 

[holden]

Some Disney Vacation Club Villas have full kitchens (1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and Grand Villas) and the larger units would have a separate space for MIL. Most have balconies. All Disney resorts have pools.

I'd suggest staying at a Universal resort when visiting those parks. Some resorts offer Express Passes included in the nightly rate.

 

[40ariel]

Some Disney Vacation Club Villas have full kitchens (1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and Grand Villas) and the larger units would have a separate space for MIL. Most have balconies. All Disney resorts have pools.

I'd suggest staying at a Universal resort when visiting those parks. Some resorts offer Express Passes included in the nightly rate.

Unfortunately I don't think we can afford a DVC 2 bedroom villa rental at the time we want to go.
I am looking at Marriott Grand Vistas - does anyone have experience with that resort and its proximity to Universal/Disney?

 

[Skippyboo]

Have you looked at Vrbo ? Renting a house or condo may work for you.

 

[elvispursley]

Wyndham Bonnet Creek?

 

[40ariel]

I just realized that 2 DVC studio might work for us, instead of a 2 bedroom.

 

[weather_lady]

Have you checked out VRBO rentals? There are a number of 2 and 3-bedroom townhouses close to Disney/Universal at very reasonable rates, with full kitchens and laundry facilities, often situated at resorts with their own restaurants, pool complexes, lazy rivers, mini-golf, etc.

A good alternative, if you want to be onsite, might be either 2 connecting rooms at a value resort (although you won't have a kitchenette, you'll still have a fridge and coffeemaker), a Family Suite at Art of Animation, or better yet, the vastly underrated (in my view) Family Suites at All-Star Music.

 

[jimmymc]

Does MIL's room need to be connected to yours? Two DVC studios would work for being on-property, but there isn't a way to book them connecting or guarantee they'll be close to each other.

Off-site rentals would probably be better if you have a car. Vacation clubs, like Marriott or Hilton, have villas you can rent by the night. You can also check Airbnb or VRBO.

 

[40ariel]

Does MIL's room need to be connected to yours? Two DVC studios would work for being on-property, but there isn't a way to book them connecting or guarantee they'll be close to each other.

Off-site rentals would probably be better if you have a car. Vacation clubs, like Marriott or Hilton, have villas you can rent by the night. You can also check Airbnb or VRBO.

No they don't need to be connected but it would be nice to be somewhat close. I see your point re DVC studios.

 

[CarolynFH]

No they don't need to be connected but it would be nice to be somewhat close. I see your point re DVC studios.

Most of the DVC studios at Poly do connect, so it’s easy to have that request filled, but it’s not guaranteed. Also, asking the owner(s) you rent from to put a “traveling with” notation on both reservations (they’ll need both confirmation numbers to do that) and making it your only request increases your chances of being close to each other. The same request can be placed with Disney reservations if you book two rooms at the same resort directly from Disney.