WANTED: Your advice for a first time Disney Planner

[Liz Vogel]

Hi, I'm currently planning my first trip down to Disney with 3 of my friends. I'm the one who is good about planning things and the one that is Disney obsessed. I want your advice and opinion on the best hotels in the Orlando area for people on a budget. We are all in college and will have a car with us but want to stay fairly close to both Disney and Universal. What are your suggestions? Many thank you's in advance!

 

[ShinyRedGloss]

We stayed at a Rodeway Inn in Kissimmee. It wasn't horrible and it was dirt cheap under $40 a night. I would recommend searching for hotels on booking . com that's where I found our hotel. There was the Howard Johnson Express Inn - Suites Lake Front Park Kissimmee that we were going to stay at on our upcoming trip but decided to stay at WDW instead. I think it is around 60 a night. Hope this helps.

 

[starvenger]

I guess some of this depends on your food plan. If you're planning on eating out hotels like ShinyRedGloss mentioned would probably work out well for you. If you think you're going to eat in for some dinners then a place like Bonnet Creek or a rental apt from vrbo or airbnb might work better for you. They will not be as cheap as a Rodeway or Super 8 (I've seen some for $80-90 a night) but you'd save on food expenses.

 

[HeatherC]

I second Bonnet Creek Resort...try renting through an owner at myresortnetwork.com.

also check out travelzoo.com for Orland hotel specials and mousesavers.com for recommended hotels.

I also would recommend trying The Residence Inn at SeaWorld...free breakfast and each unit has either a studio, one or two bedrooms and full kitchen.

Hope this helps!

 

[bankr63]

Just be aware to check the resort/hotel rules. Many have a minimum renter age of 24/25, and you mention you are all in college. Still trying to find an adult chaperone willing to go with my college age DD and few of her GF's this year for a graduation treat at our timeshare. Got to find a "cool mom" who won't be a drag on the party.

 

[HopperFan]

- How old is your oldest? Some hotels are 18, some 21 and some 25 and older?
- How much do you want to spend each night for your room?
- What are your approximate dates?

All this will help give you suggestions.

 

[Liz Vogel]

All of us will be 21 at the time of the trip. I'd like to not go over $80 a night. It will be July 1-7, 2015. We are planning to eat mostly at or around the parks.

 

[HopperFan]

- Good place to window shop and get a good idea is Orbitz. You at least can get some resort ballparks.
- It's a holiday week so will be harder to get any bargains.
- Optimal would be between the two but it's not far if you go closer to one than the other.
- Look at the Rosen Inns, they are on International. Rosen has several upscale hotels in the area and supports the Rosen College of Hospitality. They bought up a bunch of older hotels on International, renovated them and offer them for a great price point. You can also walk to many places in the area. These would be a great option for you and close to your price point. http://roseninn7600.com/ DS has stayed here and going back this fall.
- Check out Maingate Resort and Spa. West of Disney but still not a bad commute to Universal. DD stayed there and said it was nice for the price. http://www.maingateresortandspa.com/.
- Some hotels, like DTD ones may look like great rates, always check for resort fees and parking fees. You already have to park at the theme parks.
- Don't book anything non-refundable in case you find a better rate but I would book as soon as you can in case rates go up.

 

[ilovefh]

I'm a big Priceline/Hotwire person when I am looking for a bargain. The downside is that it's nonrefundable and they only guarantee accommodations for 2 people. I've never had a problem getting a room with 2 beds, but it is a risk, especially since it is a busy time.

I think the Lake Buena Vista area would be a good choice. It's close to I-4 (or even the back way to Universal) and close to Disney. Plus you can get some pretty good rates around there. You can book the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista for $59 per night on Bookit.com, but it is nonrefundable. You can book it on Tripadvisor for $81 which includes breakfast and is refundable.

 

[HopperFan]

Clarion is also a good option, another hotel bought by Rosen. It's location also allows you a complete back way route to Universal.

http://www.clarionlbv.com/

 

[JasonMouse]

You can find the Disney value resorts for under $80 which includes parking. All Stars is next to a McDonalds. To get the best rates for Disney resorts, check when they have the room only discounts. July discounts come out around Jan(?), so check then. Orbitz has been the best rate lately. Free cancellations, same as booking with Disney, except you can cancel online with Orbitz!

 

[Skjhjb]

I know you asked for hotels off-site - but I'll throw this into the mix.

My oldest DD (will be 20 in November) and 2 friends are off to Disney on their own from October 31st to November 6th. I called Disney ahead of time to make sure, but minimum age for booking rooms at Disney is 18.

They are staying at Pop Century with the free dining promotion. For room & tickets it wound up costing them approximately $750 each for the entire week (with park hopper option) although the Canadian/US exchange rate has bumped that up a bit! They are also flying, and paid $350 for their return flights.

They won't have a car, and won't need one as they are staying on property. But it worked out to $110/day for both hotel & park tickets.

Just something else to ponder!