So, I think we are renting a Class A

[mickeysaver]

Now, I just need a clue as to which model would be best for us.

Air conditioning, indoor shower, & indoor potty......all MUST haves.

We are both Pooh sized. We need a queen bed at least.

Having a fridge, microwave & a coffee maker in the kitchen are the only things that we see as MUST haves. I am not going on vacation to be the chief cook & bottle washer....that's Mickey's job!

We will have 4 Chihuahuas with us. They have a Great Dane sized wire crate that they will share during our trip, so we need some floor space.

Being able to do laundry would be a plus, but not a deal breaker.

We will be renting from a company in Orlando that someone here was very sweet to refer us to. The company will do the set up and breakdown at the end of the trip.

We are planning to spend at least one day out of the 8 day stay out of the parks and basically just vegging.

I will also be renting an ECV for our next trip. After having blisters in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006, I finally have given up hope of ever avoiding the Disney blister curse. So, we need to have some way of safely storing the ECV also.

Can you see why I am so freakin' lost? There are lots of factors to this and I am basically just glad that I have a year or so to make up my mind.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate the input. Maggie

 

[John VN]

Now, I just need a clue as to which model would be best for us.

Air conditioning, indoor shower, & indoor potty......all MUST haves. Every class A has this as standard equipment

We are both Pooh sized. We need a queen bed at least. Virtually every class A has a Queen or King bed

Having a fridge, microwave & a coffee maker in the kitchen are the only things that we see as MUST haves. I am not going on vacation to be the chief cook & bottle washer....that's Mickey's job! All class A MHs have the fridge and micro and most come with a coffee maker

We will have 4 Chihuahuas with us. They have a Great Dane sized wire crate that they will share during our trip, so we need some floor space. Glad you found a rental place that allows pets, just remember that even a 40 foot MH with slides will still take some getting use to as far as interior space

Being able to do laundry would be a plus, but not a deal breaker. The washer/dryer combo is not like a home appliance, small load capacity

We will be renting from a company in Orlando that someone here was very sweet to refer us to. The company will do the set up and breakdown at the end of the trip. If you are not familiar with the workings of a MH, it might be advantageous to video their run-through when they explain all the operations of the MH

We are planning to spend at least one day out of the 8 day stay out of the parks and basically just vegging.

I will also be renting an ECV for our next trip. After having blisters in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006, I finally have given up hope of ever avoiding the Disney blister curse. So, we need to have some way of safely storing the ECV also. It should be safe at FW, but you might want to have a cover for it just in case it rains

Can you see why I am so freakin' lost? There are lots of factors to this and I am basically just glad that I have a year or so to make up my mind.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate the input. Maggie

If you haven't spent time in a MH it might be a good idea to rent one for a weekend

 

[annakris1973]

Most all Class A's have the ammenities you mentioned, with the exception of the washer/dryer...you will have to ask the dealer about that one. As far as the crate, I would make sure that the Class A you rent has a slide out, so you have more space and aren't tripping over the crate. As for the ECV ....maybe a bicycle chain???

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

Now, I just need a clue as to which model would be best for us.

Air conditioning, indoor shower, & indoor potty......all MUST haves.

We are both Pooh sized. We need a queen bed at least.

Having a fridge, microwave & a coffee maker in the kitchen are the only things that we see as MUST haves. I am not going on vacation to be the chief cook & bottle washer....that's Mickey's job!

We will have 4 Chihuahuas with us. They have a Great Dane sized wire crate that they will share during our trip, so we need some floor space.

Being able to do laundry would be a plus, but not a deal breaker.

We will be renting from a company in Orlando that someone here was very sweet to refer us to. The company will do the set up and breakdown at the end of the trip.

We are planning to spend at least one day out of the 8 day stay out of the parks and basically just vegging.

I will also be renting an ECV for our next trip. After having blisters in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006, I finally have given up hope of ever avoiding the Disney blister curse. So, we need to have some way of safely storing the ECV also.

Can you see why I am so freakin' lost? There are lots of factors to this and I am basically just glad that I have a year or so to make up my mind.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate the input. Maggie

You're gonna love it! First, a motohome with a slide is a must. Your dog crate won't fit comfortably without one.

Most motorhomes have queen size beds but they can be a "camper queen". I'm not sure exactly what this is other than just a smaller bed. The motorhome will have another bed though, usually a pull-out sofa. If you find that you are really cramped for space in your bed, that is an option.

I would not recommend a washer/dryer combo in the motorhome. I've tried two different kinds, neither was as effective and no more convinient than just using the comfort stations.

Depending on how you are traveling to Orlando and how much room you have for other things, I have some suggestions of things you might want to bring.

One way of getting a pretty good idea of what could work for you might be to "window shop". Most RV dealers are happy to show you several models with different options on the chance that you just might get hooked and come back and buy. If you can find out the models the rental agency has to offer, you can at least get a peak at one pretty similar.

One last note, after your RV has been set up for you and the rental rep is ready to give you the "how to" orientation.... write it all down! The first time or two can take some getting used to how everything works.

Good Luck! I think you're gonna love it!

 

[mickeysaver]

If you haven't spent time in a MH it might be a good idea to rent one for a weekend

I guess we could try to rent one for a weekend sometime next year....I have no clue where I would rent one here though. hmmm....more research
Thank you for the helpful input. Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

Most all Class A's have the ammenities you mentioned, with the exception of the washer/dryer...you will have to ask the dealer about that one. As far as the crate, I would make sure that the Class A you rent has a slide out, so you have more space and aren't tripping over the crate. As for the ECV ....maybe a bicycle chain???

Luckily, most ECV's breakdown and can be stored. I thought about it last night and realized that we can store that in the trunk of my Focus at night. Thanks! Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

You're gonna love it! First, a motohome with a slide is a must. Your dog crate won't fit comfortably without one.

Most motorhomes have queen size beds but they can be a "camper queen". I'm not sure exactly what this is other than just a smaller bed. The motorhome will have another bed though, usually a pull-out sofa. If you find that you are really cramped for space in your bed, that is an option.

I would not recommend a washer/dryer combo in the motorhome. I've tried two different kinds, neither was as effective and no more convinient than just using the comfort stations.

Depending on how you are traveling to Orlando and how much room you have for other things, I have some suggestions of things you might want to bring.

One way of getting a pretty good idea of what could work for you might be to "window shop". Most RV dealers are happy to show you several models with different options on the chance that you just might get hooked and come back and buy. If you can find out the models the rental agency has to offer, you can at least get a peak at one pretty similar.

One last note, after your RV has been set up for you and the rental rep is ready to give you the "how to" orientation.... write it all down! The first time or two can take some getting used to how everything works.

Good Luck! I think you're gonna love it!

Oh you so totally rock! I would be glad to hear whatever you want to tell me about this stuff. I feel like such a fish out of water.

The window shopping idea sounds like a good one. How much stuff will I need to know about an RV that I do not have to set up or breakdown? I will not be driving it. They bring it out, set it up, and when we are ready to leave, they tear it down for us. Do you have to do stuff to it on a daily basis or what? TIA Maggie

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

Oh you so totally rock! I would be glad to hear whatever you want to tell me about this stuff. I feel like such a fish out of water.

The window shopping idea sounds like a good one. How much stuff will I need to know about an RV that I do not have to set up or breakdown? I will not be driving it. They bring it out, set it up, and when we are ready to leave, they tear it down for us. Do you have to do stuff to it on a daily basis or what? TIA Maggie

Well, in a motorhome you have functional plumbing and electricity on wheels.... Some of these things won't apply to you as someone else will set up the rig but these are some examples... when you are plugged in to an electrical hook up... your lights, frig, TV, water pump and AC use elec. If the elec goes out, or you are traveling, your frig and hot water use LP gas which only runs your stove and oven when you are plugged in. (the list goes on and they usually have a generator as well, but you get the general idea) It really comes down to "what button do I push when" and I'm certain the rental agency will make sure you know everything you need to know before they leave you.

The other consideration is that this kind of vacation can be sooooo much more than just "staying" in a motorhome as opposed to a hotel. For us, it's the evening I enjoy the most. We sit out beneath the awning in some comfy lounge chairs, small table between us with an evening cocktail and a snack. The kids and the dog are not confined to a single room. Sometimes we use the outside entertainment feature which allows us to listen to CDs or even plug in a TV. Other times, we bring our portable fire pit.... I could stare into a fire for hours at the end of a long day.

The other big plus for us is mealtime. The kids want PB&J and Mac-n-cheese, no problem, I've got that. Mom and dad want grilled salmon, salad and a bottle of wine, no problem, I've got that. Half the family is hungry at 4, no problem. The other half gets hungry around 7, no problem. The savings on food and drink could be huge if you bring it with you.

If space for stuff while you are traveling is cramped, grocery shop after you get there. You can always ship a box or two of stuff to FW ahead of time.

I know this kind of vacation isn't everyones idea of fun but it can be so much more enjoyable than feeling like there is nothing to return to at the end of the day but a bed and TV. You can make it your home away from home.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Hi Mickeysaver!
Looking at what you are doing has made me brave enough to switch from a cabin to a tent for my little upcoming 3 night mini-trip in 2 weeks. My family is all laughing because usually I really AM a room service princess!!! I'm renting a tent and am bringing an inflatable mattress, sleeping bag, tarps, and sundry other camping type things things with me. I assured the family I don't plan to cook or anything really radical like that. (Well maybe I might make a mouseketeer mom cocktail or two )
Hopefully, I don't get drowned out and I'll try to post a trip report covering the experience. .

 

[tiggger1]

my only concern would be finding a place that would rent one that allows pets. We had a hard enough finding one that didnt change extra for EVERYTHING ( sheets, towels, dishes, pots, pans, cleaning supplies, trailer supplies..ect) and that didnt include milage or gas... it was actually cheaper for us to buy a used 5th wheel than to rent one for less than a week...

 

[mickeysaver]

I know this kind of vacation isn't everyones idea of fun but it can be so much more enjoyable than feeling like there is nothing to return to at the end of the day but a bed and TV. You can make it your home away from home.

Thanks for all the info! This is such a different concept in vacationing for me....for us. I still feel a bit overwhelmed. It's totally going to change EVERYTHING about how we vacation at WDW.

I am totally ok with staying in a hotel, getting up at 7am and going until midnight, falling into bed, sleeping until the next morning, and then doing the same thing all over again. Now, we have to work in walking dogs and making sure that they get time outside of their crates....which means that I have to totally rework our park touring style.

There is a selfish part of me that is not too thrilled about that idea of letting everyday reality creep into my pixie dust bubble. I know that this choice is what is best for Beanie & Deuce, so that makes it easier to accept. The babies come first, they didn't ask us to take them in, but we did and we have to be responsible about it.

It's a long time until late October, 2007. So, I can figure it all out along the way, but it's just a lot to think about all at once. Thanks again for the info. Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

Hi Mickeysaver!
Looking at what you are doing has made me brave enough to switch from a cabin to a tent for my little upcoming 3 night mini-trip in 2 weeks. My family is all laughing because usually I really AM a room service princess!!! I'm renting a tent and am bringing an inflatable mattress, sleeping bag, tarps, and sundry other camping type things things with me. I assured the family I don't plan to cook or anything really radical like that. (Well maybe I might make a mouseketeer mom cocktail or two )
Hopefully, I don't get drowned out and I'll try to post a trip report covering the experience. .

Oh dear God! I totally did not see this coming. I will be waiting for that trip report. Wow! Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

my only concern would be finding a place that would rent one that allows pets. We had a hard enough finding one that didnt change extra for EVERYTHING ( sheets, towels, dishes, pots, pans, cleaning supplies, trailer supplies..ect) and that didnt include milage or gas... it was actually cheaper for us to buy a used 5th wheel than to rent one for less than a week...

I have found two different RV rental companies in FL, that will gladly rent to us with the dogs. They of course charge a fee, but it's not a deal breaker. I have used GardenGrocer and they deliver darn near everthing that you could ever want for a kitchen set up. I have no trouble bringing my own sheets, pillows, & quilts.

I would love to have the ability to purchase my own Class A, but when they cost almost as much as my house for a several years old used model, I just don't see it happening. Maybe one day.....
Maggie

 

[christinou]

If they are setting it up for you, you might not need a class A, but just a travel camper, it would be a lot cheaper.

 

[mickeysaver]

If they are setting it up for you, you might not need a class A, but just a travel camper, it would be a lot cheaper.

I can't imagine spending more than one night in a travel camper with 4 Chihuahuas. I love all of them. They range from 2 lbs to 16 lbs. that is just too much dog in too little space for me. Couldn't imagine having a long day of playing in the park and having no room in my "room" without a dog on top of me. Not what I call a fun vacation. With the Class A, we will have room. I will be able to keep a little sanity for myself....hopefully. Thanks for the input. Maggie

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

mickeysaver, you really need to go and look at a few models of travel trailers (not pop-ups) versus a class A motorhome. We have a class A motorhome (our second one) and travel frequently with family that have a 32 ft travel trailer. They have loads more living space than we do in a 34ft Winnebago. The travel trailer will offer all the same amenities at a much lower cost. The true advantage of a class A is not space or amenities but rather the ability to travel comfortably. We are a family of 5 plus Belle (mid size austrailan shepherd), if we didn't own a motorhome we would rent a travel trailer, hands down, more space.

I really encourage you to do a little window shopping or even just browsing interior photos on the net. When you mentioned renting a class A, I assumed you simply couldn't find a TT available for your dates.

 

[mickeysaver]

We window shopped some today. It was a lot of fun. The place that we went to was devoid of RV's for rental because they are all rented out for the race over in Talledegha. But, they showed us through some of their new and used merchandise. We were really impressed by some of the Class C's that we looked at. We were actually kinda shocked at the prices on some of the used units. There were 31' Class C units with one slide for only about $50,000 with less than 3000 miles. I thought that they would be much higher, but I haven't done a whole lot of pricing out for purchase either. I think that we have decided to see how things go with this rental and then work toward buying one. I told Gabby that I would give up the DVC push, if we were to buy an RV. She was happy to hear that. I think we would visit WDW more with an RV than with DVC anyway......but I neglected to tell her that. Anyway, I am not as sold on the Class A's anymore. Some of the nicer Class C's look like they could/would do just fine. However, I want to do more research. So, there are more RV places to check out over the coming weeks/months. Maggie

 

[John VN]

Just got back home a few minutes ago from FW and must say that there were more TTs and 5th Wheelers than ever before.

Looks like people are realizing that with the price of gas and diesel we have had recently and will undoubtably have again in the near future that it might make more fiscal sense to have the vehicle with the engine and trans being able to be used as a daily commuter. Plus you get alot more living space in them compared to a Class A, B or C.

 

[mickeysaver]

We have a Ford F150 that certainly can tow a lot, but the travel trailers that we looked at were all too closed in and tiny inside, not air conditioned, and had a toilet/shower combo.....none of these things appeal to me. Maggie

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

huh??? are you sure you don't mean a pop-up or hybrid? I've never seen a travel trailer, any model, without a complete bathroom and AC.