resort recommendation for travel with grandparents?

[stacecakes]

I've done Disney a few times and done a pretty good job of researching where to go and what to do. However, with this trip the stakes are a little higher as I've been given the trust of planning for my dad and stepmom as well.

I will be traveling to WDW in November to run the wine and dine half marathon. The race is on Nov 9 ( vets weekend) and we plan to arrive on the 8th and stay through friday afterwards (15th). I ran it last year with a couple of friends, and want the family this time. The race has "host resorts" that provide convenient, free transporatation to race events. Staying elsewhere would mean arranging for cabs, etc. (not something I want to worry about on race day.

Host resorts include:
value: the three all stars and pop
Mods: caribbean beach , POFQ and POR
Villas: Saratoga Springs and Boardwalk Villas
Deluxe: BEach Club, Boardwalk, polynesian, Wilderness lodge, Yacht club

I'm looking for help in figuring out what accommodations would be best for our stay. My family is 4 people, ME, DH, DD (5) and DD (3). My dad and stepmom will be joining us for vacation and to watch the kids while we run. In an ideal world I'd like to do one of the beach club villas with separate bedrooms for the two adult couples. Cost may make that prohibitive, though. The other idea is to look for adjoining rooms but from what Ive seen Disney wouldn't guarantee it. Hard to ask my dad and stepmom to be stuck in a standard room for a whole night with the girls while we're running if they wouldn't have any personal space/ privacy.

In the past, we've stayed at pop (just DH and, pre kids)
we stayed at Caribbean with DD before DD#2
and we stayed a fort wilderness cabin with both girls.
We tend to try to do things as cheaply as we can and still be comfortable (making oatmeal from packets we packed using hot water brewed in the coffeemaker for breakfast is a typical plan for DH).
I'm willing to spend a little more for a memorable and comfortable family vacation.

I'm seeking advice/ ideas on the following:
Where do you think my family will be most comfortable?
If the villas, book thru disney or rent points? Is it worth dealing with a middleman?
ANy other ideas to consider with two linked families?
Would it be worth it to switch hotels after the weekends to open up more choices?
if so, What other resorts should I consider?

any thoughts or suggestions (or links to threads where this has been discussed) will be appreciated.

 

[Sue M]

The most convenient would be BC/YC. They may not guarantee adjoining rooms, but they try real hard. Both times I've had that request noted on my reservation, I've gotten it.

The Epcot area would be easy for Grandparents to easily access parks with your kids, go to the Boardwalk, etc.

Im not sure how much a 2 bedroom villa would be, but my guess is lots.

Another good place is WL, beautiful resort, and boat to MK.

If you want to explore renting points, which would be cheaper then WDW, is Davids rentals. He has a chart that will tell you the cost based on your dates.
Would you still get the race perks if you don't book directly with WDW?

 

[stacecakes]

The biggest "perk" with the host resorts is the access to transportation. The race starts at ESPN at 10:00pm (have to get there 8ish)and finishes at Epcot. The after party at Epcot goes until 4am. Because much oft he race is on the disney highways from ESPN to AK, AK to HS, then thru resorts to finish at Epcot, some of the access roads are closed in the evening leaving detours etc. I'd worry about getting a cab to ESPN at the start, and don't know much about how available they'd be to get me back to the resort at 4am. Last year we just waited at the main resort bus stop for the "special" bus. they didn't check ID or anything to get on so I don't think points or WDW reservation matters. As long as you're on site.

I have looked a little at points but my concern is that so much of the reservation work would have to go through a middleman. I'm used to doing everything myself- a little nervous about giving up control and trusting the universe.

 

[Disney grandma]

Would you consider the Dolphin? It has family suites which consist of a regular two queen bedroom connected to a king bedroom with a sitting area. It is great for grandparents who want to have their own space, but can open up for all of the family to get together. The location is perfect. There is a resort fee and no free transportation from the airport, but is priced about the same as the Disney moderates. You do get the EMH at the parks.

 

[JennyDrake]

You already know this, but you DEFINITELY want to stay at a host resort.

_I_ would go with 2 rooms at a moderate. So much to do w/ the kiddies that you needn't worry about them being trapped in the room. POR & POFQ have the great boat ride to DTD--they could do that the evening that you run.

 

[kkbutterfly]

I did the W&D 2 years ago and didn't stay at a host resort and it wasn't the end of the world. While I can't really suggest a resort, if you end up at a non host resort, its a bit annonying but doable. Mostly, I would just recommend TAKE A CAB HOME AFTER THE RACE. It probably won't be more than 15 bucks and it'll save you a huge headache. Getting to the expo or race won't be nearly as annonying and you'll likely have more time and be in less of a hurry.

 

[LONES]

Obviously, being in the boardwalk area would be nice, but if price is a concern I would go with Port Orleans. Either French Quarter or Riverside would be nice. The nice thing about FQ is the small size (don't know how active Grandma and Grandpa are), but my parents prefer FQ for the short walks and ease of getting around. If walking isn't an issue, there is maybe more to do at Riverside. There is also a nice walking path along the river that goes between the 2 resorts, so in many respects it doesn't matter which one you actually stay at. We've stayed multiple times with my parents, and have always been able to get connecting rooms. Good luck deciding!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I agree with you that the idea resort would be BCV, BC, or YC, with the villas being perfect. I ran the Disney 1/2 marathon in a year when the race ended at the MK parking lot, close to the Poly. We were staying at the Poly and it was wonderful to be able to walk over there after I was finished with the race. Sitting on a bus waiting for a ride back to my resort would have been a lot less convenient.

I was wondering if you were not able to get two connecting rooms, then would the grandparents be willing to have the kids stay in their resort room for the night, kind of like a sleep over? I know my husband wouldn't care for it, but I'm sure there are other grandparents who wouldn't mind it.

When we were at WL with our daughter's family, I stayed in their room to babysit the 3 and 5 year old one night while they went out on a date night. I slept in one of the beds with the granddaughter until the parents came in, then wandered back to my room four doors away to go back to sleep. It was only midnight, not 4 am, but it was fine. My husband got to sleep by himself for awhile that night.

 

[stacecakes]

Well, I submitted a rental request thru davids for one of the 2br villas but they didn't have one available until the 10th, which is the day after my race, making this not so useful.

the Saratoga villas may be avaiable but I don't love the location as much for my family's needs.

Any other ideas out there?

 

[spiceycat]

for a 5 and 3 year old - think SSR would be pretty good.

they have 2 pools with zero entry - and the kids love them - also 2 more pools (might be 3) - they have a community hall they could visit if the kids want something else to do. that say kids that age generally have to be dragged from the pool.

you have DD next door - so they could walk, bus or boat. Now the SSR would never be my resort of choice (that is BLT) - but for what you are doing - think it would work.

SSR also has a nice video choice - so the kids can watch movies - or play games. SSR has as many play areas as pool.

that say really think your kids would love that pool. Your chances of getting a dedicated 2-bedroom villa - vs a lock - 1-bedroom and studio is also greater.

the problem with a lock out is the studio is a studio - so instead of 2 queen beds you would have a queen bed and double sleeper sofa.

there is plenty of room for the kids to run off their energy.

now being close to disney's shopping area might not work with your budget - but there is several places over there for the kids - think lego is still there.

really think that might be your best choice.

that say would look at Disney as well as a DVC rental thru David or directly thru a member. with Disney both OKW and SSR are the same price because they are in the same area. OKW is alot older than SSR - so the point costs is very different - just make sure you are getting the best deal for you.

sure you know this - but if you rent directly from Disney you get daily housekeeping - if you go through a DVC rental with a member (or David) - you don't get housekeeping - you get trash and towel on day 4 and a full cleaning on day 8 - you can change this

 

[daisymomof4]

My initial thought is to suggest you look in to 2 rooms at POFQ. If you don't end up with connecting rooms, the resort is small enough that you will likely be a quick walk from one another. If you'll be out with after party I'm guessing the kids will spend the night with the grandparents - right? And probably the next morning too? The boat to DTD is a great option, or your parents could take the kids to POR for a swim, or for a carriage ride.

Another option though might be ASMusic - a family suite for you,your DH and your kids for the race nights, and a preferred room for your parents. You won't have connecting rooms, but if they book a preferred location it probably wouldn't be far from your suite. The night of the race they can switch rooms with you, watching the kids in the suite. That way they will have a separate, adult space when the kids go to bed You and your DH can roll back to their room after the race and party. Your family could check out of the family suite (and in to a preferred room there at ASMu) after the race/weekend to save some money (and your parents wouldn't have to move).