Skyauction, HRP, and the beach without a car?

[Mickey'snewestfan]

We were down at Disney last summer for the first time and loved it! I'm eager to go back. However, last year we budgeted for the trip as a "once in a lifetime" thing, so now I need to figure out how to do it much more cheaply. Also, last time we went with friends but this time it would be just DS(will be 7) and I. So, I have a few questions:

1) We'd like to combine a few days at Disney with a few days at the beach. But, I don't drive. Is there a way to get from Disney (or from airport -- we could DME there if it would make it cheaper) to say Cocoa Beach? Would a taxi be completely unreasonable? Does anyone know a place to stay there that's doable without a car, and not too expensive?

2) I had been thinking of doing POP or the Allstars for the first part, but I've seen really good deals for Hotel Royal Plaza on Skyauction. Is HRP a good choice? Would it be doable without a car? Also what are people's thoughts on Skyauction? Is it a safe choice?

3) If we go it would be the first week in August -- last year we went the second week. Can I expect the crowds and heat to be similar?

Thanks!

 

[kilee]

As for the time of year--the first and second week of August will be pretty much the same for heat and crowds.

As for the hotel choice. I would just go w/ onsite if you are not going to have a car. I am a huge fan of staying off-site to save money, but only w/ transportation. The shuttles all run very sporadicly at hotels. Also, you will need to use DME to get from the airport to the hotels- which would be free. As opposed to using a taxi or shuttle service you have to pay for.

As for going all the way to the beach w/ a taxi-- I cannot really imagine doing that. I would think that would really start racking up the money. I had to idea's pop to mind when you mentioned this. Both may seem far fetched-- but-- #1 while I know it cannot replace the beach in any way shape or form-- I'd consider spending a day or two at Typhoon Lagoon. Personally, I'd take this waterpark over a beach anyday. It's so much cleaner. However, if you've never been to the ocean (or your DS hasn't) I can see a desire to go. #2- did you possibly consider booking a land/sea package. Then you'd have all your shuttling done for free and you'd get the best of both worlds. Now, the thing w/ this would be flexible dates. If you could move your dates further into fall-- you can usually find some incredible deals. Which might actually fall into your budget. Especially for 2.

 

[spiceycat]

During WDW then the beach would cost you several hundred dollars....I think the taxis are $2.50 a miles (might be more now) - so multiply that by 90 miles....

so unless you drive forget the ocean.

If you aren't going to drive - or don't - then I would also stay on site. you can get away with out driving on WDW property. but offsite it can be a big disadvantage....

I love Pop Century it is the cheapest (lower taxes in its county).

skyauction is nice - but lately it has been very short of timeshares in Orlando. It is playing games....putting the one I want with only plane tickets...Since I hate to fly - this is not winning skyauction any points in my books....

Since as Kilee has pointed out you don't need a car at all on WDW property. that might be your best plan.

DME - disney's magical express will take you and your DS back and forth to the airport for FREE...

there is a dinning plan - so for around $37 per person per day all your meals will be pay for - but you have to do it according to their rules - so read the details...

for your time - I would consider Thanksgiving. It will be crowded - but it want be so hot and humdity....