Staying off-site with a family- no rental car, on a budget, would like to be close...

[MommyBryn]

Okay this post is probably going to make me sound like a picky snob but I figure if I don't lay out our wants/expectations then it's unlikely I'll find the info I'm looking for. So, that in mind...

We are devout POR fans (have tried CBR and DTD hotels but just keep returning to POR) and generally love the perks of staying on site and feel it's totally worth it. However, as I consider the possibility of going with no meal plan next time (we usually like having it, but I'm exploring my options) and the fact that we want to visit Sea World and Universal too, I am toying with the idea of staying off-site. (for us, that's a *GASP*!)

The thing is, we have some pretty specific things we'd be looking for. And because I'm not very familiar with the area outside of Disney, I'd love some help with this!

1) We'd want a hotel close enough that no car rental would be necessary. This just isn't something we're interested in at all (as I've mentioned in a transportation thread, we don't want to have the hassle of hauling down 4 carseats or having to rent a large vehicle). So we'd like something with shuttles, and one that offered them to SW/US would be awesome, too. On that same note, however, it would be REALLY nice it if wasn't a long ride to Disney. WDW is our main destination and it would be nice if the bus/shuttle ride there wasn't terribly long (to allow us the option of not having to rush- particularly with little ones- first thing in the morning, and maybe being able to go back mid-day if needed, without feeling like we've missed half a day in the parks due to transportation time).

2) Budget. There are 6 of us, possibly 4-6 more. (since we don't go frequently and come clear from the West coast, we generally travel as a group with extended family) So where we stay would have to allow that many of us, or have a very affordable option for two rooms (our family), etc. I know there are certainly some cheap options out there, but it doesn't really help us if they don't offer the other points we're looking for as well, you know?

3) Food...so for those of you who buy groceries while down there, any of you manage it without a car? I know you can have them delivered from some places, but IIRC the last time I looked at that option it was quite costly...?? Is there anywhere that has a store within walking distance, perhaps? I'm just thinking that if we're off-site, we're definitley going to want food in our room on a regular basis.

4) ...anything else that is important to consider when staying off-site? I figure 1-3 are the main points which determine whether off-site is really even an option for us, but if those CAN be met, I'd love any other tips!

So for you pros out there, is there an off-site option that might fit the bill?

I feel like since Disney trips don't come often for us, we can afford to be picky, and if my "conditions" cannot be met then we'll just stick with staying on-site.

 

[TwinkleKS]

I'd stay on site and just get the park tickets for fewer days. You could even do the meal plan and eat before you go to universal and after you get back with only a light meal during the day. That is my opinion if you don't want to rent a car.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I think transportation to parks is going to be your problem. I don't know that you will find a hotel that would have any shuttles to all three of the places you want to visit. The shuttles that most places do provide do not have very good reviews for shuttles and often make only a few set trips per day. Even staying on site at WDW, is going to present a problem getting to Sea World and Universal. I have not stayed off site in many years so maybe things have gotten better.

 

[MommyBryn]

I'd stay on site and just get the park tickets for fewer days. You could even do the meal plan and eat before you go to universal and after you get back with only a light meal during the day. That is my opinion if you don't want to rent a car.

Yes, this is our plan if we do stay on site- we won't get the full trips worth of WDW no matter what. And if we did the QS meal plan that is how we'd do it, as well. Off-site is just one of the options I'm considering if we choose to forego the meal plan all together, as staying on-site would no longer have most of it's incentives if we don't do them, you know?

 

[foxxxy83]

Would say try pricing up Hilton Bonnet Creek.. it's within the gates of Disney but isn't officially a Disney hotel so they don't charge as much (I mean, why would they? Everyone would just go to Disney! Lol!) They don't do shuttle to Seaworld or Universal parks but are happy to book Mears shuttle for you and have both cabs and house cars available 24/7. They have BEAUTIFUL restaurants and one of them (Harvest Bistro) one child eats free when an adult pays full adult price for their meal. Also, the staff there are truly WORLD CLASS and will go out of their way to ensure everything is perfect for your stay so I'm sure they will know of a good grocery store that will deliver to the hotel for you. They will also be able to put a Welcome Basket in your room prior to arrival (they charge for this service) if you request it. Hope this helps!

 

[MommyBryn]

Even staying on site at WDW, is going to present a problem getting to Sea World and Universal. I have not stayed off site in many years so maybe things have gotten better.

I do know there is a bus route that stops at/right near DTD that will take you to Sea World. We had members of our family group do this last time.

Would say try pricing up Hilton Bonnet Creek.. it's within the gates of Disney but isn't officially a Disney hotel so they don't charge as much (I mean, why would they? Everyone would just go to Disney! Lol!) They don't do shuttle to Seaworld or Universal parks but are happy to book Mears shuttle for you and have both cabs and house cars available 24/7. They have BEAUTIFUL restaurants and one of them (Harvest Bistro) one child eats free when an adult pays full adult price for their meal. Also, the staff there are truly WORLD CLASS and will go out of their way to ensure everything is perfect for your stay so I'm sure they will know of a good grocery store that will deliver to the hotel for you. They will also be able to put a Welcome Basket in your room prior to arrival (they charge for this service) if you request it. Hope this helps!

Thanks! I'll look into it!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I agree that transportation is going to be your biggest issue. If Bonnet Creek doesn't meet your needs/wants, you're going to have to reconsider something. And even there, you're going to be paying a lot to be driven around (shuttle to other parks, taxi to get groceries, etc.).

I would give consideration to staying offsite in a house in Windsor Hills, and renting a car (or two). Sometimes there are promotions that include a car seat free with a rental, other times you pay something like $10/car seat (for a week). We've rented both one minivan and two compact cars on separate trips--yes, you do have to pay parking, but offsite can get you much more space for less money, offsetting the cost of the rentals.

Keep in mind that a lot of hotels/resorts charge for shuttle service. $10 pp or whatever can really add up, and you frequently lack flexibility that you might need with children--I assume they're young, since you said 4 carseats. Ditto with getting to US/Seaworld--you used to be able to catch a bus from the TTC (possibly DTD as well), but you would have to get to there, then transfer to the bus--and check the schedule to see when the bus would bring you back. That's a LOT of travel with little ones, who probably won't get much payoff, as the rides at Universal are geared to a much older crowd generally.

You're going to have to make some tough choices--personally, I wouldn't attempt anything but WDW with 4 small children and no car. I have 4 kids, I know the logistics, I just don't think it would be worth it.

 

[MommyBryn]

Thank you!

We are planning on doing SW/US for sure (we like them, the kids like IOA, they like some of the characters they get to see there, different from Disney, and they can't wait to go to SW). Because this isn't a trip we get to make very often, and there's even a chance this might be the last one in the foreseeable future, we've got to fit them all in one. We planned on paying for a bus fare or a shuttle for each of those trips no matter what, so if we were to find a hotel with transportation to there that would just be a big perk. I was thinking of the hotels that mention they offer "free shuttle services" to parks.

Definitely don't want to rent carseats...I'm very picky and careful about carseats and renting a used one for a rental car is definitely not something we want to do. I'd go out and buy 4 cheap ones before I'd do that. But we don't really want the hassle of driving around Orlando either.

Again, this is just an option we're looking at. I realize I'm being picky, but I wanted to look at each option we had before making a decision. Disney property is always going to be our first choice but if there was a way to make something off-site work for significantly less $$ we definitely didn't want to overlook it while considering our options!

Thanks all!

 

[Lilliputian]

We stay offsite sometimes. I used to be someone who would never consider it, but once we had 4 children, we decided to give it a shot. Now we have 5, and while we still enjoy onsite, offsite has its advantages.

Our own "rule" for staying offsite is that we have to be getting something we can't get onsite, so we stay in a rental home with pool. We love having extra space, a washer and dryer, a full kitchen, a game room, and the pool. We've always stayed in Windsor Hills and have no desire to try other neighborhoods. I suppose we'd also consider offsite if we wanted to do a spectacular hotel, like the Waldorph, but we aren't going to stay offsite for a regular hotel room or even a condo that's still pretty tight and no private pool.

I know dragging the car seats through the air port isn't easy, but if you have extra adults traveling with you, you can get it done. Driving around the area is no problem at all. You can run into traffic on your way to and from the airport, but Windsor Hills to the parks is an easy trip with lots of signs and basically no way to get lost. It's also an easy trip to Super Target where you can pick up all the food and things you need for the house.

 

[MommyBryn]

Thank you!

Unfortunately we don't fly with the rest of the family so we don't have the extra hands. .

 

[happymommy]

I do agree with the others in that transportation is going to be your biggest obstacle. I also used to scoff at those who stayed offsite, then our kids got bigger (who said they could grow up?) and now love having a kitchen and especially a washer/dryer. But, I also love the convenience of hopping a monorail, or walking to Epcot, so it's a trade off.

I don't know if you would consider DTD again - technically, you can fit into a room at the Doubletree (two beds in the bedroom, plus a sofa sleeper in the separate living room, and you get a fridge and microwave). The DTD transportation is good for Disney parks. Or, the Swan and Dolphin are very nice, and right by the other Epcot resorts. There, however, you'd need a large suite or two rooms, so depending on the dates, it could be more expensive (still less than comparable Disney resort prices though).

How long are you staying for?

It does cost more to order groceries, but it would be convenient as well. Or, you could rent a car just for a day, and one of you go out and load up on groceries (may be cheaper than taking a cab back and forth to the store, and you wouldn't worry about car seats and all, just get the cheapest car). If it were me, I'd rent a car for a day and go to a super Walmart.

Hope you can get it all planned out!

 

[luvmy2babies]

There is a Holiday inn linked below that has good reviews and shuttle service to Disney every 30 minutes. I’m considering it for our next trip. It is also within walking distance of Downtown Disney according to the reviews so if there is a bus stop there that you know would take you to the International drive parks could help.

http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us...=rt&qLat=28.3933&qLng=-81.5389&qFRA=1&srb_u=1


I think if you stay onsite, or off, there is a bus line that goes from the TTC to the Universal/Sea World area. One other option I can think of and I know this is going to sound frightening, but I’m not sure of the length of your trip. Can you consider a split stay? You could do your Disney portion on site or a close off-site place and then move to a Sea World hotel for the rest. The one thing I’ve heard is that hotels that have shuttle service to both areas is usually not reliable in one area or the other. Like a hotel near Disney might have good shuttle service to Disney, but unreliable service to the International drive area and vice versa.

I have stayed at the Springhill Suites at Sea World with my children. There is a free breakfast and scheduled shuttle service to Sea World, Aquatica, and Universal/IOA. The schedule is printed and in my experience it ran right on schedule. You can book a local shuttle service to move your family between hotels...that is if you trust them to have the car seats.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/mcoss-springhill-suites-orlando-at-seaworld/

I hope things work out. I'm considering a combo trip next time as well including Sea World along with Disney, but we live in NC and I'll more than likely be driving down so will have my van.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

I know of a neighbor that stayed at Summer bay resort near Claremont and she used their shuttle service and was very happy with it.

 

[MommyBryn]

I do agree with the others in that transportation is going to be your biggest obstacle. I also used to scoff at those who stayed offsite, then our kids got bigger (who said they could grow up?) and now love having a kitchen and especially a washer/dryer. But, I also love the convenience of hopping a monorail, or walking to Epcot, so it's a trade off.

I don't know if you would consider DTD again - technically, you can fit into a room at the Doubletree (two beds in the bedroom, plus a sofa sleeper in the separate living room, and you get a fridge and microwave). The DTD transportation is good for Disney parks. Or, the Swan and Dolphin are very nice, and right by the other Epcot resorts. There, however, you'd need a large suite or two rooms, so depending on the dates, it could be more expensive (still less than comparable Disney resort prices though).

How long are you staying for?

It does cost more to order groceries, but it would be convenient as well. Or, you could rent a car just for a day, and one of you go out and load up on groceries (may be cheaper than taking a cab back and forth to the store, and you wouldn't worry about car seats and all, just get the cheapest car). If it were me, I'd rent a car for a day and go to a super Walmart.

Hope you can get it all planned out!

We will do 8-10 nights.

Funny, I looked at a Doubletree last night....was about 1 mile from DTD? It showed a 2 dbl suite for only $139/night which looks like a pretty good deal. After a couple hours of searching it looked like our best option (as far as being close to Disney) if we go this route.

There is a Holiday inn linked below that has good reviews and shuttle service to Disney every 30 minutes. I’m considering it for our next trip. It is also within walking distance of Downtown Disney according to the reviews so if there is a bus stop there that you know would take you to the International drive parks could help.

http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us...=rt&qLat=28.3933&qLng=-81.5389&qFRA=1&srb_u=1


I think if you stay onsite, or off, there is a bus line that goes from the TTC to the Universal/Sea World area. One other option I can think of and I know this is going to sound frightening, but I’m not sure of the length of your trip. Can you consider a split stay? You could do your Disney portion on site or a close off-site place and then move to a Sea World hotel for the rest. The one thing I’ve heard is that hotels that have shuttle service to both areas is usually not reliable in one area or the other. Like a hotel near Disney might have good shuttle service to Disney, but unreliable service to the International drive area and vice versa.

I have stayed at the Springhill Suites at Sea World with my children. There is a free breakfast and scheduled shuttle service to Sea World, Aquatica, and Universal/IOA. The schedule is printed and in my experience it ran right on schedule. You can book a local shuttle service to move your family between hotels...that is if you trust them to have the car seats.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/mcoss-springhill-suites-orlando-at-seaworld/

I hope things work out. I'm considering a combo trip next time as well including Sea World along with Disney, but we live in NC and I'll more than likely be driving down so will have my van.

We have actually considered a split stay. I have a couple threads in other places on the board in regards to that very thing. My concern was getting from SW/US (wherever we chose to stay closer too) to Disney, but it looks like that's workable.

I know of a neighbor that stayed at Summer bay resort near Claremont and she used their shuttle service and was very happy with it.

Thank you!!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I just wanted to add, we rented several times at Windsor Hills and loved it. My 4 kids are over an 11-year span, and couldn't agree that the sky was blue. One thing they did agree on, though, was that having a private pool on vacation was the BEST THING EVER!!! They especially loved swimming at night, with the pool lights on--this was the height of decadence and sophistication to my little guys.

OP--A split stay might be your best bet--stay several night close to WDW, then move to U/S for a few nights. Looking at it that way, you could get the best of the hotel shuttles for each park. As a PP stated, shuttles tend to be good for one set of parks, but then not the other. If you can find a deal on a hotel near the Crossings, you would have groceries and a few restaurants within walking distance (Unofficial Guide recommended one, I don't have my copy handy). Also, my kids just loved Seaworld, and we made it a 2-day park.

And just another thought on driving--I honestly didn't think it was bad, driving in Orlando. Unless, of course, you miss the big, read flashing sign saying "This exit to Universal", and then have to drive around some seedier parts of Orlando to get back to the parks. Speaking in the hypothetical, of course Also, one trip we went to the Orlando Science Center (children's museum)--that drive wasn't my favorite.

 

[happymommy]

For the Disney parks, it sounds like the Doubletree may be a good option! It would be super easy to get to DTD from there (it's on the one end of the DTD hotels, short walk to the Crossroads shopping center so you have other food options there). I would, however, suggest NOT shopping at the Gooding's grocery store there (I am surprised it's still open) for much, since it's way overpriced and doesn't carry a large selection.

To get to the other parks, US and Sea World, I don't have experience other than driving (or we did stay at the US resort once, to me it was just "meh" but you do get front of the line access, so may even look into a night or two at one of their hotels for convenience?). Sea World, we stayed at Marriott's Harbour Lake - loved it and it's super close (we've stayed there for Disney trips as well).

 

[mm1971]

OK, here is my suggestion. Why not book your stay at each place for the number of days you are there (split stay)? This would give you benefits at each place and allow you to avoid the transportation issues.

By booking at a Universal resort, you can just walk to the parks and get the benefit of "front of the line pass" by being a resort guest. Same thing at SeaWorld. SeaWorld also offers a meal plan while there. The hotel again is directly across the street and easily a short walk. Disney is...well, you know. It would require you to move each time, but if you want the best vacation possible since it may be your last one for a while, that is what I would do. You could just grab a taxi on moving days.

That would allow you to have the DP at Disney and SeaWorld (US also if they offer), get the benefits of each parks fast pass type system and be close enough to walk or use the provided transportation. I'm not sure this would be the most economical as the on site hotels are more expensive, but it would be one awesome vacation!

 

[Darcy03231]

As others have pointed out transportation is going to be the hardest thing to work around if you don't want to rent a car.

Since you want to do 3 parks in one trip I would do a split stay. Stay on-site at US/IOA for that portion of your trip. SeaWorld is fairly close to US/IOA so you could take a taxi there pretty easily from US/IOA. Another option would be to stay at a hotel on I-Drive and use a taxi service to get to and from US/IOA and SeaWorld.

I'd then move to on-site at WDW for that portion of the trip. Without a car a grocery store run is going to be hard. Again, you could take a taxi to and from, but it would probably be the same as having groceries delivered.

 

[4kids4karen]

I have no idea how good their transportation is but I always suggest for larger families to look into Westgate Lakes or Floridays.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I think the transportation is going to such a headache it will greatly influence the true vacation fun. Take the four car seats, if you can use boosters they are inexpensive at Walmart nd consignment shops. Check them at oversize baggage for free until you are headed to he rental.
There are little folding trolley, no weight you can tie their plastic bag to.

If you don't have access to a car off site it's is really miserable. I know some young daughters of a fiend stayed at the West Gate Blue Tree resort as the mothers time share and took the limited shuttle or walked to DTD.
They were all about 20' years old and it was January.

Budget the vehicle in. I am not sure how much Carl's vans are anymore, but he picked you up outside the baggage and dropped you back off. Then you have wheels to get about.
We once had a child with a dental emerg and needed to get to a pediatric dentist in Orlando, thank goodness we had a car,