What Would You Do?

[Bowen9475]

Our family of 5: 2A, 3C - 15, 13 and 9, are going to a convention this summer at the Marriott World Center. We already have our room reserved - 2D beds and a rollaway. The World Center is now booked up so they are offering rooms at Caribe Royale at a convention rate. We are thinking of changing. The Caribe Royale offers 2 room suites with a microwave and small fridge and free parking. You pay for parking at the World Center. They will be offering a shuttle to the World Center for convention activities and we will have a rental car. We have also thought about booking a room at Buena Vista Suites which would be even a little less money and include the breakfast. We could walk over to Caribe Royale to catch the shuttle. The convention rates for the World Center and Caribe Royale are very similar but I have seen a discounted rate for both the Caribe Royale and Buena Vista Suites on Mousesavers. What would you do? This is probably our only chance to try any of these hotels. We own DVC and usually stay on Disney property when we visit. Thanks for your opinions

 

[happymommy]

I would definitely take a suite at minimum for a family of 5! I can't imagine getting any decent sleep, much less being able to all get ready in one bathroom in the morning.

Have you looked into the Marriott Vacation Club properties right there at the World Center? I don't know if they'd have any availability for your dates, but a condo is so much nicer than a room (or even a suite) - with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and two bedrooms and bathrooms.

 

[Bowen9475]

We are so torn. We don't want to miss out on anything by being away from the "action" of the convention but we would love more room. I have heard/read some great things about the Marriott World Center hotel, especially the pool. When we first heard where the convention was going to be held I looked into the condos on property but the only discount I can find is AAA and it would still be more than twice the cost of the World Center hotel room or now, the suites at Caribe Royale.

 

[Echo queen]

If those are the only options (great options btw) the suite for sure. More room and some privacy is all ways good.. Have a great vacation.

 

[HeatherC]

It has a couple years since we stayed at the Caribe. I do remember, however, not being that impressed. Maybe you could check recent reviews on TripAdvisor to compare?

Best of luck!

 

[papertraveller]

I would stay at the Marriott. We've been there numerous times, and also at the Vacation Club property too. Great pool, more fun for the kids.

 

[happymommy]

What about checking for rentals on redweek for a condo at the Marriott property? I've rented from owners there, and I've had good transactions. It's always more affordable than booking directly with Marriott.

 

[Brian Noble]

What about checking for rentals on redweek for a condo at the Marriott property?

This is what I would do too. Might be a few extra bucks, but will be well worth it.

 

[tkldisney]

I'd also check on vacation club rental at Marriott. We've stayed there several times and very nice. Plus washer/dryer and full kitchens. You still get to use the fantastic pool at the hotel and no charge to park if renting from them.
We've stayed at Carible too and it was nice, pool was really good to, but I like Marriott better.

 

[Bowen9475]

I have looked into Redweek before but never rented through them. How does it work? I seem to remember that you need to join Redweek in order to get contact information. Is this correct? Also, do you have to rent a full week? We will need a place from Wednesday through Monday. I would love to find an affordable way to stay at one of the on site properties. Thanks for the continuing help

 

[MattM]

In terms of resorts, Marriott World Center > Caribe Royale. I'd just stay at the Marriott and not have to worry about the hassle of transportation to and from all the time. Often times if you are a Marriott Rewards member (free to sign up), they will waive parking fees.

If you dont want to join Marriott Rewards, call the hotel directly and say, "I want to stay at your hotel, but the other doesn't charge for parking, would you be willing to waive that fee if we choose your hotel?" Companies are competing for your dollar right now, use that to your advantage.