Where should we stay??

[frenchiegurl2000]

Okay, I've posted on two other boards and have narrowed my question down to this:

Where should I stay (off-property) when I take my daughter (6) and niece (13) to WDW in the fall? I have seen the rates but that isn't worth "a hill 'o beans" if I don't know how the actual hotel is, quality-wise....


...be patient...I'm learning

 

[Lisa P.]

What matters most to you? Choose a couple and help us to narrow the choices... there are dozens & dozens!

--- cheapest price possible
--- breakfast included
--- proximity to WDW or other attractions
--- availability of limited shuttle services
--- separate bedrooms (how many)
--- full or partial kitchen
--- inroom jacuzzi tub & luxury touches
--- inroom laundry
--- organized kids activities at the hotel/resort
--- heated pool
--- pool w/zero-entry
--- pool w/features (waterfall, fountain, slide)
--- game room
--- tennis or golf at the hotel/resort
--- anything else you can think of

 

[frenchiegurl2000]

Okay, I know I am gonna have folks pulling hairs out with my answer, but here goes....

Well, price does matter, but I'm not necessarily looking for bargain basement prices...I'm just not a $200+ a night person either...I guess no more than like $90 a night is my style..

I want to be somewhere that i can get transpo to & fro the parks. I am driving down, but I don't want to have to deal with the car. (Does it cost to park at the parks??)

Things that would be nice but not necessary, breakfast...kitchen/ette (Although I can do with filling up the cooler....did that last year at Portofino Bay at Universal )

 

[Lewisc]

Most of the offsite hotels have a limited, scheduled shuttle service. You should look at the DTD hotels. I'd look at Hotel Royal. See what you can get either using the travelzoo promotion or even this website.

If you're willing to spend a little more you might try Swan/Dolphin. Try for an occupational or Entertainment discount rate.

NO WAY I'D STAY at a true offsite hotel AND rely on the bus service.

 

[frenchiegurl2000]

Originally posted by Lewisc
Most of the offsite hotels have a limited, scheduled shuttle service. You should look at the DTD hotels. I'd look at Hotel Royal. See what you can get either using the travelzoo promotion or even this website.

DTD????

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by frenchiegurl2000
DTD????

DTD = Downtown Disney. http://www.wdwinfo.com/downtown/index.htm

The DTD hotels have buses that run about every 20 minutes. DTD hotels are on Disney property but they are not Disney run and most people consider them offsite.

 

[frenchiegurl2000]

The DTD hotels have buses that run about every 20 minutes. DTD hotels are on Disney property but they are not Disney run and most people consider them offsite. [/B]

Ahhhhhhhhhh....gotcha! okay, off to search in that direction! Thanks!

 

[Lisa P.]

I agree with Lewisc: Wouldn't depend on most offsite hotels' limited shuttle services. DTD hotels or a Disney value hotel would be my choices within your price range, without a car.

You'll probably get a nicer, bigger room for the price at a DTD hotel but the theme at All Stars or Pop Century is popular with kids. The Doubletree has suites, if that interests you. Courtyard by Marriott has had a Sun-Thu $20/night special during many slower times in the last 2 years, making connecting rooms very affordable. During those special times, even Fri/Sat nights have been around your price range. A cheap room rate leaves more money for restaurant meals.

If you are travelling in September, after Labor Day weekend, the rates usually dip and good discounts are common, once the dates get closer, both onsite and offsite. Remember to ask about AAA or Teachers/Nurses/Gov't rates or Entertainment discounts too. Have fun, whatever you decide!

 

[mal0808]

Did you book directly with Courtyard to get this rate?

 

[yecats]

Have you thought about bidding for a room on Priceline. I have done this a few times. Check out a site called biddingfortravel.com (scroll down first page til you see Hotels, Florida, Orlando/WDW and click on it). It is really great. I have personally won the DTD Hilton and Wyndham hotels and had very nice rooms/stays there. They frequently sell rooms through Priceline in the WDW vicinity area as a resort hotel for $60 to $70 a night. You actually have two bus option choices here. There is a hotel bus that takes you the park (this is shared between the DTD hotels) and you may have a few other stops at those hotels before delivering you to a park. The other option is very easy, just walk across the street to DTD and catch Disney's bus. Neither of these walks were very long from Wyndham or Hilton. I have not had a problem with Priceline either and will continue to use them in the future. Be advised though, that once you purchase the room from Priceline, the sale is final no matter what. No refunds, exchanges, whatsoever.

Other than that, you may want to checkout prices at Pop Century for the time your going. It is Disney's newest value resort and of course you will get to use Disney's transportation system. Also staying on Disney property gives you free parking all over the property just in case you decide to drive to the parks instead of busing. Just one more option to consider.