Suggestions Please for single dad with 4 kids

[sherry8253]

A single dad who works with my husband wants to come with us to Disney 11/28 to 12/05 this year. He is on a limited lodging budget and is looking for a nice, low price place that would have a small kitchenette or offer free breakfast. He has four kids - 3 girls ages 13, 12 and 8 plus a boy age 5. Any recommendations for places that can accomodate 5 in a room and approximate prices?

 

[CEDmom]

How about a vacation home. All Star Vacation Homes has a 2br/2bth condo between $800-900 for the time you'll be there plus they give a free rental car with a weekly rental. These homes are recommended by Deb at All Ear Net and maybe also by people here. There are lots of other vacation home rentals around Disney. I think this would be the best option because of having extra space, a kitchen and laundry facilities.

 

[MrsMud]

I think HIFS would be great for him! He will get three rooms: a King bed in his own bedroom, 3 girls can sleep in the kids room (make sure there is a pullout), and son can sleep on the pull-out in the living room. I believe those dates should fall in their low season, so he may be able to get an entertainment rate of $73, like I did. Free breakfast for everyone, and kids can eat free for other meals too. Plus, there is a kitchenette (mini fridge and microwave) if he wants to have snacks in the room, etc. This should save him a bundle! Also, super close to the parks and lots of activities for the kids. Here is the website, if he wants to check it out: http://hifamilysuites.com/

 

[DianeV]

I say a timeshare rental..email me at momof2girls@twmi.rr.com and I can check on availability through TUG or some other ways..(if interested!)

 

[emmy]

I agree with HIFS- we are a family of five and absolutely love it there!

 

[Robinrs]

All of these are wonderful ideas. I would just like to add the Buena Vistas Suites and the Summerfield Suites, both have breakfast buffets and two room suites.

He can also get a 3 or 4 bedroom vacation home for a reasonable rate on www.floridaleisure.com or www.closesttodisney.com. I've used them both and they're great.

 

[sherry8253]

My husbands coworker and I thank you for all of your info. I feel bad for the kids - mom decided about 4 years ago that she didn't want to be a mom anymore and would much rather find a wealthier DH so she moved out and got a divorce. Dad has custody and mom doesnt pay much attention to the kids at all. She doesn't even want to take them on her monthly weekend. So I want to help make sure that this is a great trip for them! thanks again!!!!!

 

[Robinrs]

Sherry, that's so sad. I know how rough it is being a single parent of one, I can't imagine how hard it is with four!

I hope the information we gave here helps your friend.

 

[sln88]

I got a 2 bedroom condo for $250 for a week. No extra fees or timeshare presentations.

 

[sherry8253]

I never heard of skyauction. Will take a look. Thanks again all! Sherry

 

[merryweather's twin]

I second the vote for skyauction!

 

[Katiebug]

We are staying at the Wellesley Inn & Suites Southpark in the Florida Mall area. They have free breakfast in the morning and a full kitchen. We got it on priceline for $30 a night. It is a newer hotel and near many restaurants and shopping - 10 mi from Disney & 4 mi from Universal.

 

[prncess674]

We stayed at the Quality Suites Maingate East in Kissimmee, FL and really loved it. There are two separate bedrooms. Each bedroom had a separate full bath which really helped in the morning. Small kitchenette with Fridge, Micro, and 2 burner stove. Rates were very reasonable and having a living room was nice.

From the hotels web page
Located just 1.7 miles to Disney's Maingate via our FREE shuttle to the parks. FREE Continental Breakfast and daily Manager's Reception with beer, wine, and soda. A Disney Good Neighbor Hotel. Suites overlook our five-story tropical atrium courtyard with huge heated pool, sundeck, hot tub, pool bar, and children's pool. Walking distance to restaurants, stores, grocery, pharmacy, amusement and waterparks. Each guest receives a FREE coupon booklet worth 300 dollars in savings at Old Town Shopping, dining, and entertainment complex next door to hotel! Old Town hrs of operation 10:00 am - 11:00 pm. Complimentary scheduled shuttle to Universal and Seaworld from 9:30 am - 6:30 pm. (Times subject to change).

We didn't use the shuttle because we had a car so I can't comment.

 

[sln88]

thanks

 

[prncess674]

I checked and you can book an internet rate of $107.95 a night for your dates for a two bedroom/two bath suite. Having free continental breakfast and cooking facilities makes this a really good deal. I stayed here several years ago and found it to be very adequate.

 

[maggiew]

I vote for the Holiday Inn Family Suites. There is so much for the kids to do there. Plus they will love the pool. It seems to me it would be more kid friendly and kid fun than an offsite vacation home. Not to mention how close it is to the parks. Kids eat free all day and everyone gets the full buffet. They also have the free pizza party deal if you can get one of the coupons from a previous guest.

Maggie

 

[prncess674]

The Holiday Inn Family Suites may be newer but they would be alot more cramped and have only one bathroom. The original poster stated that the single father would be traveling with 3 girls (2 of them teenagers) and a young boy. Trying to get that many people ready in one bathroom for an entire week would be tiring. Also in the HIFS someone would have to sleep on a pull out sofa to accomodate this family. If the family went with the QS everyone would be able to sleep in a real bed. They could even have a boys room and a girls room.

I have not stayed in the HIFS so I can't really comment but I would rather have 2 truely private rooms rather than one bedroom with a door and a bed separated by a curtain. Really the item that sells me on QS for this situation is the 2 bathrooms especially with two teenage girls in tow.