Where is your favorite place to stay offsite

[Whistle]

Hello there ...

I am thinking about heading to Disney for Spring Break. We went in December and last summer, and so I will need this trip to be as affordable as possible. Last time we flew and stayed on site with quick service dining.

This time I would be looking at staying offsite and driving (from Virginia).

We have annual passes so won't have to pay for parking or tickets.

What is your favorite place to stay offsite? We stayed at Pop and Coronado Springs and enjoyed both. I would love to stay someplace CLOSE to Disney that has a "Disney" feel to it.

What would you recommend?

For those that have stayed onsite and then went "offsite", was it still wonderful? With driving, I am hoping to have a bit more flexibilty and head to Seaworld as well. Thanks for any advice you can offer!!!

 

[MissAndrea]

How many people in your party?

 

[Whistle]

Sorry- it is me and my 2 sons (10 and 12)--- I know the pool will be a "plus" for them. My bf might go ....

 

[MissAndrea]

This might not work for you guys, but we went in May and stayed here- http://www.storytimeorlandorental.com/

We had 4 adults and 1 child so a standard room wouldn't work for us. This was 3 bed, 3 bath, and the kids room (2 twin beds) were Disney themed! The place was fantastic. Super clean and comfortable. It had a full size pool but each unit had it's own individual splash pool. It was very close to WDW too. We stayed at All Star Sports the year before and it was actually quicker getting to the parks from the condo than it was when we stayed on site! Like I said, it may be bigger than what you wanted. I'm pretty sure you can get super cheap hotels outside of Disney. We stayed at one in 2008 right by DTD but I can't remember the name of it. The reason I mentioned the condo though is because it's super close and has a Disney themed room. As far as worrying about the Disney experience, don't. You will still have a wonderful time!

 

[Whistle]

Thank you! Looks like the Story Time one is booked.

 

[angelat]

We stayed at Windsor Hills through Vacation Central Florida's website. We loved it. Our condo was decked out in Disney and had all the conveniences we needed. We were 2 adults and 2 older children. We'll be staying there again the next time we go down which may be this summer. They have 2 BR and 3 BR condos and also townhomes.
HTH!!

 

[loveysbydesign]

Windsor Hills and Indian Creek!

 

[Whistle]

Do you have a link for either of the above? Thank you!

 

[angelat]

www.vacationcentralflorida.com
This is for Windsor Hills. You can use other places like VRBO, etc, however we used these people because we dealt directly with the owners. Signed contracts with them and didn't have to pay the typical security deposit that you don't get back until you're home. Good luck! Hope you find something you love!

Angela

 

[Cheshire Figment]

For the last year or two before moving down here, unless we were at a special event, we would stay at the World Center Marriott. Very close to WDW, wonderful themed pool, multiple restaurants, and, if on a high floor on the right side you could see all of WDW from DTD to AK.

And, if you are a Federral empoloyee you can ask about government rates, which automatically includes their full buffet breakfast. Just tell them that you are not on official business and they will give you the special rates anyway.

 

[buzz2400]

we stay at the country inn and suite, lake buena vista. Not really a disney feel but it is very close to downtown disney. has free internet, free breakfast, a little pool. Near a lot of places to eat. inexpensive.

 

[HeatherC]

Check out Bonnet Creek Resort through Ken Price at vacationupgrades.com.

Beautiful resort next door to the Caribbean Beach Club. Multiple pools and lazy rivers and free mini golf for the kids.

 

[ljcraw555]

I have to agree with Vacation Central Florida (http://www.vacationcentralflorida.com)

The owners are GREAT to deal with and the condo was very nice and clean. The only negative thing I could say is that the mattress was a bit hard for me, however, my DH was fine with it.

The condo is decorated in a Disney theme, so that was nice. Very close to the parks!

We did miss the Disney "magic", so we have decided that off-site is not for us. But it was still a fantastic vacation!!

Good luck!

 

[4forMe]

We love to stay at Windsor Hills! We usually book through www.floridasunvacationhomes.com We rent a 4 BR pool home but they also have 2 and 3 BR condos available. Our home looked exactly like what was shown in the pictures and was very clean as well.

If you are staying for 7 nights or longer, Florida Sun will give you an additional 15% discount.

Good luck with your trip planning.

 

[LeslieG]

Hilton Bonnet Creek. About as close to Disney property as you can get. My kids love their pool/lazy river. Kids eat free at breakfast and dinner.

 

[pantherlj]

Another vote for Vacation Central Florida

My girls were 7 and 10. We got one with a pool. It was SO nice to have all that room to spread out in. 10 yr old got sick one afternoon so she was able to go to a bedroom and sleep while the rest of us were able to watch TV, swim, etc.

Great having the washer/dryer right there in the unit too.

 

[brymolmom]

We have stayed on and offsite and we love both equally, although they are different experiences.

What we love about offsite is being able to have 'downtime'. I like driving back to the hotel from the park and going through a drive-thru and then vegging near the pool or one person being able to relax in the bedroom while others play a game or other in another.

We stayed offsite and LOVED it back in Dec - and had an inexpensive 5 night trip. We got an AWESOME deal on Staybridge Suites LBV on travelzoo for $75 per night for a 2 bedroom suite. This includes a full hot breakfast - with sons those ages I would guess this would save a ton of cash right there. The location is ideal - we were from parking lot at EPCOT to our room there in about 8 minutes one night.

The pool is basic but very nice.

A kitchen gives you the opportunity to do as many meals as you want there to save money!

 

[disneycarrie]

We have always stayed on-site usually deluxe, but for part of our trip last year we stayed at Buena Vista Suites and loved it! It was very clean, rooms recently renovated and free hot breakfast. Parking at the hotel was free and convenient. It was pretty close to Disney Property. I would highly recommend!

 

[disneybirds]

We stayed at Windsor Hills in December and would stay there again. We booked through Florida Sun Vacations. If we are only staying a night or two, we stay in one of the suites on Palm Parkway.

 

[WheelCEO]

buena vista suites hands down