Staying offsite?

[mickeyholic]

Has anyone ever split part of their time with an offsite resort? If so, what offsite location do you recommend?

 

[Mickey&Donald]

I've stayed offsite twice -- the first time at the Sheraton Safari, and the second at the Hilton Garden Inn near Seaworld. Both were very nice, with lovely rooms and wonderful staffs, but I preferred the Sheraton simply for its theming. The gorgeous lobby and snake waterslide are worth a stay!

 

[mrg013]

The Sheraton Safari seems pretty neatly themed. I would also recommend staying at one of the hotels by Downtown Disney. They aren't Disney hotels, but they aren't truly offsite either. If you choose the Hilton, I believe you can still take advantage of extra magic hour. I would recommend starting the stay offsite, and then moving to the Disney resort. For me, it would be a huge letdown to go from the beauty and fun of a Disney resort to a more typical chain hotel offsite.

 

[Princess89]

I split my stay last year and this year. While staying offsite we did not do Disney, we stay onsite for the Disney portion of our trip. Our first hotel last year, we stayed at the Ramada Inn Maingate, and I would not recommend it, we also stayed at the Doubltree Universal which we absolutely loved. IMO, a lot of the offsite hotels are a little drab, but I would recommend staying at the Hotel Royal Plaza or the Hilton by DTD.

 

[powellrj]

we've done split stays before. A Universal split is wonderful. There are also lots of off-site condos and pool homes that are great!

 

[ccw]

I am a DVC member so usually stay on points but I have twice started my Disney trip with an overnight at the Doubletree SUITES in Downtown Disney (to save precious weekend points!) Most recently, I was there in March using Hilton Honors points. Loved our suite...very spacious and comfortable. My husband and I took the bedroom (i think it had 2 double beds but may have been a king) and the three teenage boys slept in the living area which is separted from the bedroom by big louvered doors. Great location just across from DTD and you can usually find a good rate (or us Honors points and stay FREE!!!!)

 

[spiceycat]

you can try Cypress pointe it is a timeshare - you can generally find a good rate on
www.hotelkingdom.com

 

[Timon4224]

We recently stayed at the Celebration Hotel and it was lovely. Definitely not one of the big box resorts, drab feeling or a 5 minute hike to your room. It was quaint and the staff were willing to help with anything I asked about. We were there for 3 nights and got to enjoy many of the nice restaurants that were within a block or 2 of the hotel. Only a few minutes from Disney, but felt like a world away. I highly recommend it.

 

[rkujay]

I have stayed at many hotels near Disney. I used to do that years ago when the Disney resorts were outrageously expensive compared to the local hotels. Used to stay at a Marriott Courtyard one block from DD for $39-$79 per night. Now, as a passholder, I can stay at Port Orleans or Coronado for $74. If you are determined to get another experience, Marriott World Center is a nice resort.

 

[rkujay]

I have stayed at many hotels near Disney. I used to do that years ago when the Disney resorts were outrageously expensive compared to the local hotels. Used to stay at a Marriott Courtyard one block from DD for $39-$79 per night. Now, as a passholder, I can stay at Port Orleans or Coronado for $74. That Marriott has been closed and sold to Holiday Inn. It is closed for renovation. If you are determined to get another experience, Marriott World Center is a nice resort.

 

[lovindonald]

Ok, nobody bash me but we had an awesome time at the Nick hotel last year and we can't wait to get back there. If only the kids knew we were going, they would be crazy by now - teehee!!

 

[winterman]

We have stayed several times at Comfort Suites Maingate East. It is very nice, only a few minutes from Disney and has a fabulous breakfast buffet.
When we stayed we were able to get very good rates (55-65).