Where to stay for family of 6???

[HeatherT]

We're headed down for the WDW marathon in Jan. with my dh, dd and ds (both 2 1/2 yrs. old), my mom and my dad. We've never stayed off site before but my parents don't want to spend the money to stay onsite. They made reservations at HIFS for one queen suite (queen bed, 2 twins, pull out sofa) for all 6 of us at a rate of $102/night incl. taxes (fl resident rate). Great rate, but I'm a little nervous about all of us fitting in one room. Kids are both still in cribs and I'm in no hurry to get them into a twin bed by January. Is there room on the floor for a blow up bed? Will a 6 ft. 2 in. guy fit in the twin beds or will they be too small? I read they aren't made for children over 5 ft. I'm not all that excited about spending $50/night to sleep on a pull out sofa before running a marathon (as I'm sure you can tell). Does anyone have any other suggestions about where to stay that would be able to fit all of us comfortably? We'll have a rental car so transportation isn't that big of a deal, however dh and I love being in the middle of all the Disney action so I don't want to stay too far away (we're having a hard time adjusting to the fact we won't be onsite).

Thanks!
Heather

 

[zurgswife]

I would look into pricing of places such as Cypress Pointe, Wyndham Palm Resort or Summerfield Suites (this one is a bit smaller then the previous 2)...With each of these villas you get a kitchen (don't have to use ) Living room and 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms...

Hotel Kingdom and other discounters won't get rates (which usually are very good) for these hotels until Sept. I'd take a look at them at the Hotel Kingdom website. Even if you put in your dates and there aren't any prices you can take a look at the accomodations...

I'm staying at the Wyndham Palm 2 bdrm 1 night Dec 20th for $88 plus tax....It is huge...All the reviews from these boards are positive...I can't wait...

 

[BonnieA]

You can do a search on VRBO.com for private owners.

 

[sln88]

you can get a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo for around $250 on Skyauction.

 

[FLeisure]

Have to agree with Bonnie in regard to vacation homes. Not quite so sure about the link she posted as I have never heard of them and I sincerely hope they are not just another booking agency as per Families First. We all know what happened there !

Would appreciate more information on them if you have it Bonnie. They claim to have 200 homes on their web site and a quick search under the Dept. of Corporations shows they have only been in business since 7 August 2001. I don't know any management business that grows that quickly in such a short time and without people in the industry knowing about it.

Again, do your homework, check out the company / homeowner involved and you'll be fine. It simply has to be the best way for 6 people to vacation together....you get at least 1500 sq. ft and a bedroom betwen two people.

 

[C.Ann]

You might want to try Tropical Palms Fun Resort for a 2 bedroom cottage.. Don't know what the January rates are, but I just called the 1-800# about the beginning of December and they quoted me $59 a night (even though their on-line web site says $79 a night).. Great place!! We stayed there in Sept. of 2001 and LOVED it!!

Oh - here's the # 1-800-64-PALMS

web site: tropicalpalms.com

 

[disneysteve]

Check out http://www.vrbo.com. They list all the rental communities in the WDW area. You can rent a house or condo for what you are paying for a room at HIFS. You should be able to get a 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo at a place like Windsor Palms for under $100/nite.

Steve