Where to stay offsite?

[java]

I am thinking offsite for an additional surprise trip - (cheaper obviously is a plus)
BUT DH is a deluxe snob. So I need a very nice offsite place- private pool is a plus and we have 4 kids so size is important too.
Anyplace I should start. I see lots about the Windsor properties but any other places I should be looking at?

 

[webray]

Off site..have you tried looking at Swan or Dolphin (onsite, but not offcial disney resorts). If your hubby is a resort snob, once he tries these, he won't ever go back to a disney resort, that's how nice they are.

Also, Gaylord Palms, again, a true deluxe resort, minutes from everything disney. We stay there quite often, great rates, activities, restaurants..and the rooms are fabulous. He probably won't want to stay at a disney resort after staying here either.

 

[java]

Off site..have you tried looking at Swan or Dolphin (onsite, but not offcial disney resorts). If your hubby is a resort snob, once he tries these, he won't ever go back to a disney resort, that's how nice they are.

Also, Gaylord Palms, again, a true deluxe resort, minutes from everything disney. We stay there quite often, great rates, activities, restaurants..and the rooms are fabulous. He probably won't want to stay at a disney resort after staying here either.

Gaylord Palms won't accomodate our family size. I tried them already because I thought that would suite dh perfectly. I hadn't thought about the swan and dolphin though. hmmm. Maybe I'll check that out. (but I am assuming the price will be high for our party of 6)

 

[SammieG]

i would recommend the hilton grand vacations on I drive...
its stunning.. and you could have a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment with lots of room....

we are currently in Silver Lakes Resort... not anywhere near as nice as HGVC but clean, big and close to Disney...

 

[Brian Noble]

You can contact many owners at once at www.windsorhillsrent.com

 

[deejay-55]

Go for it - OK, you will not get room service but nothing beats your 'own' pool.

 

[choochmac]

I haven't stayed there myself yet, but I have heard good things about the Caribe Royale. It has suites that will work for six and looks nice, yet close.

http://www.cariberoyale.com/

 

[EpcotBeauty]

How is the room size and pool/pools at Gaylord Palms?

 

[davinakb]

Agree with either a townhouse/condo/villa rental in Windsor Hills or someplace; many units have the "deluxe" touches like pillowtop mattresses, wifi, flat screen TVs, all the way up to private pools/hot tubs. You just have to check out all the websites, do a little research.

If you want a little more hotel style (but still willing to forego full service) many of the vacation club places (Hilton, Marriott) offer large rooms in nice resorts (pools, activities). We've lucked into deals through friends, had plenty of space for six. FWIW.

 

[tom66]

Paradise Palms Resort is close to Disney and seems like a very upscale resort (http://www.paradisepalmsresort.com). They have 4BR and 5BR with private pool.

Have not tried it myself yet, but we are going in November.....

I would love to hear from you if you liked it

 

[zackiedawg]

The Buena Vista Palace is in a very convenient location - it's right across the street from Marketplace, and quite convenient to even use the Marketplace bus stop to get around Disney without a car. I've stayed there twice, most recently a few years ago, and they were quite nice - good luxury touches, nice facilities and restaurants, pool, etc - and they offer rooms, junior suites, 1-bedroom suites, and family suites both in the tower and the poolside island building. Couldn't tell you about the family suites though...I stayed last time in a regular tower room with an awesome 19th floor view of Downtown Disney.

 

[calgarygary]

2 Bedrooms are on special at Worldquest until Oct. 4th for $99, 3 bedrooms are $119. I stayed there last year, loved the resort.

 

[HeatherC]

There is a new resort right near the Convention Center that looks wonderful. It's called Vista Cay. I saw some private listings on cyberrentals and vrbo.com. Very affordable.

You could do a google search for it to see pictures.

Good luck!

 

[spiceycat]

these are fairly new and close to WDW - blue Heron

they are on
www.hotelkingdom.com

also like these
http://www.lbvorlandoresort.com/

further away than blue Heron - but they are next door to one of my favorite outlet malls.

www.lbvfs.com

also would see what dreams unlimited can come up with for you
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/#wdw-top-Dreams

 

[cheerky]

Just stayed in a condo at Windsor Hills in April. The grounds were well kept. The pool was nice too. The location is fabulous, probably as close as AKL. Oakwater is a new property located near Windsor Hills. It looks very nice too. You really can't beat the prices at Windsor Hills- we paid $550 for a whole week in April.
Also, if you are interested in the upscale hotel feel- the Swan and Dolphin are beautiful and offer great discounts. The views from there are spectacular.

 

[anabella]

There is a new resort right near the Convention Center that looks wonderful. It's called Vista Cay. I saw some private listings on cyberrentals and vrbo.com. Very affordable.

You could do a google search for it to see pictures.

Good luck!

here some pictures
http://www.vistacayrent.com/vistacay.html

 

[Purseval]

The Omni Championsgate has nice rooms, a nice pool/river and also rents out villas if you want more room.

 

[NaplesRI]

We are a family of 5 adults and a 6 yr old.
We are staying (March 2009) at Lighthouse Key Resort.
http://www.lighthousekeyresortorlando.com/

One type of 3 bedroom/3 bath unit has twin beds in the 3rd bedroom (other type has trundle beds).

Looks really nice and gets high ratings on Trip Advisor. The 3rd bathroom drove our final pick since most 3 bedroom units have 2 baths.

They offer many types of discounts. We are paying $169/night. I am happy with that price!

 

[dunkie7557]

I have stayed here many times. The room sizes are a bit more than average hotel room. But truthfully it's not really a hotel for the kids. I just was there again and all you see is conventions there all with adults. the restuarants are expensive deluxe version. But I-192 is right down the street with lots of good chain food offerings. The pools are nice but i have seen so much better. I am telling you that you will be crowded in their rooms just like a regular hotel room. there is no kitchen but a micro fridge. the interior of the place is very tropical themed with big beautiful lush plants and palms etc..You should take the suggestions of the other people and find a nice condo complex or a hilton or Marriot vacation club villa. they are great and the kids will have so much more room.
Gaylord charges $12.00 to park each day and a 15.00 resort fee per day. Also it's always a hike from the self park to your room. very annoying especially when you have been out all day in the parks. you feel like you walk a mile to your room.

 

[CarolA]

Have you tried the JW Marriott?

Not "cheap" but cheaper then a Disney "Deluxe" and it will spoil your DH forever... Much nicer all the way around.

Great Pool, great service etc.... Pool has a lazy river. It's not private ,but boy was it nice!

(The Ritz is good too, but it's a little more. Still often cheaper then Disney!)