Resort with Toddler on Budget?

[leighe]

DH and I are planning a huge family Magical Gathering this summer - my parents, his parents, my siblings - staying at the Beach Club/Poly, tons of character meals, dinner shows, the whole nine yards. We had been planning on just the two of us taking a trip over spring break and were planning on trying out POFQ. Well, now neither of us are sure that we can leave oldest DD home on spring break (she'll be two tomorrow and already loves all things Disney!) We had always said once the kids start going its monorail or Epcot resorts all the way. On the other hand, since we're going on the huge trip in July we would like to keep the spring break trip relatively inexpensive.

So I guess my question is - which non-deluxe resorts are best if you have a two-year old and a stroller? I'm guessing we'll spend a ton of time at MK and she loves to swim - which does make me lean towards a deluxe with a zero-entry pool.

Any advice?

 

[Jaymie]

We've stayed at ASMovies when our son was 5 mths & 18 mths, then the Poly when he was 2 1/2 and POR when he was 3. We loved them all for different reasons. ASMovies was great for the price. I really have no complaint. Plus they had a little kiddie pool, not zero entry, but we didn't pay Poly prices. I liked the Poly best with the monorail & beach, the room was great and so much easier, but the price!! My son loved the pool at POR cause he could go down the waterslide - he's fearless. I don't think you can go wrong. If money is your deciding factor, try the All Star. We liked it.

 

[alldiz]

I think you will like POFQ....

If you can deal with a double bed and no balcony.....it's a no brainer....

I am a deluxe snob.....DVC spoiled me.....but I am quite comfortable
staying at POFQ....small resort...no far walking.....
Awesome themed pool......great food court....
Happy planning
Kerri

 

[spiceycat]

add the Pop Century to your list. the kids love the oversized icons and you may actually recognize one or two....or more.

 

[mdurette]

We just did the "grand" trip in November with all the relatives - my daughter had such a blast we decided to take her back for her 2nd birthday at the end of this month. Normally we stay at DVC properties - love being able to put her to sleep in the bedroom and we can stay up in the living area. BUT, we were looking to keep this more cost effective.

My first suggestion is to rent points from a DVC holder. IF I had planned this enough in advance we could have at least got a studio that way for the same cost of a moderate. But, since I am planning this trip at this late time it doesn't seem like an option.

SOOOO, I chose the Port Orleans. We stayed there for a couple of nights a few years back and it was very nice. Can take a boat ride to Downtown and they have a kiddie pool area and playground. Another nice thing is the rooms come with refridgerators which is helpful with a toddler around.

The only down fall I can see so far is SOME of the buildings do not have elevators - my little "angel" won't fall asleep on her own when we are away and we walk her around in the stroller until she does.....that won't be fun if I have to carry the stroller with a sleeping child up 3 flights of stairs!! But, i will request something upon check-in. The other is I was told only double beds (not sure if they have king). That is a bit tight when she decides at 3am she doesn't want to be in the pack and play anymore!

 

[mdurette]

We just did the "grand" trip in November with all the relatives - my daughter had such a blast we decided to take her back for her 2nd birthday at the end of this month. Normally we stay at DVC properties - love being able to put her to sleep in the bedroom and we can stay up in the living area. BUT, we were looking to keep this more cost effective.

My first suggestion is to rent points from a DVC holder. IF I had planned this enough in advance we could have at least got a studio that way for the same cost of a moderate. But, since I am planning this trip at this late time it doesn't seem like an option.

SOOOO, I chose the Port Orleans. We stayed there for a couple of nights a few years back and it was very nice. Can take a boat ride to Downtown and they have a kiddie pool area and playground. Another nice thing is the rooms come with refridgerators which is helpful with a toddler around.

The only down fall I can see so far is SOME of the buildings do not have elevators - my little "angel" won't fall asleep on her own when we are away and we walk her around in the stroller until she does.....that won't be fun if I have to carry the stroller with a sleeping child up 3 flights of stairs!! But, i will request something upon check-in. The other is I was told only double beds (not sure if they have king). That is a bit tight when she decides at 3am she doesn't want to be in the pack and play anymore!