Where To Stay On First Night?

[Madi100]

I'm planning for our January trip. I believe that I have found decent airfare prices. I have a couple different options, and I needs some opinions.

People Traveling: Me: 28, DH: 33, Mom: 53, Step-Dad: 51, DD: 6, and DD: 2 (one month away from three).

Option One: We fly out of MCI at 8:22 a.m. on Saturday. We arrive at MCO at 1:34 p.m. We will hire a towncar to pick us up (or van) and be at our resort within an hour an a half, hopefully Then the rest of the day is for visiting resorts. That evening, DH and I have reservations for Hoop Dee Doo Review. Mom and step dad are watching the girls. The BAD thing about this plan is that our flight leaves at 8:22 a.m. We are 45 minutes from the airport. Plus, we need to be to the airport about 1 1/2 hours early. So, that pretty much has us leaving for the airport at 6. That means I get up at 5 go to the airport. Not bad if it's just me and DH, but we will have all of the above family.

Option Two: We fly out of MCI on FRIDAY instead of Saturday. The flight leaves at 11:45 a.m. and we would get to MCO at 5 p.m. We arrive at our hotel at around 7, eat a quick bite and then head to bed at a decent time. Maybe time for a quick swim before we head to bed, depending on moods and weather. The drawback to this plan is that we are pretty much paying for a night in a hotel/resort, and we will just be sleeping. Right now there are no special deals out (I know, early). DH and I are paying for this whole trip. So, we will be paying for an extra $200 in hotel rooms if we go with this option. We would still take all of Saturday to visit the resorts and all that jazz.

Option Three: We fly out of MCI on Friday as described above, but instead of going to Disney, we find a cheap hotel that has a free shuttle from the airport. We all share a room that first night. Then first thing Saturday (around 9-10), we have a towncare pick us up at this hotel and take us to Disney. The only drawback to this plan is finding a hotel that is cheap and clean and has a free shuttle. Plus, we would need to find a room that would accommodate all of our family.

Anyone care to share an opinion with me???

Thanks.

 

[sherry8253]

My vote is 3. There is a hotel right at the airport and you wouldnt need to worry about a shuttle but I don't know the cost or if there would be a room for six people. That way everyone would be well rested on the first day of you vacation.

 

[Goofy'sFriend]

We stayed at the Hyatt right inside the airport. It was very NICE!! They had an internet special right on the Hyatt website last year for around $110. It was so convenient.....well worth it. The towncar picked us up the next morning from there.

 

[AspiringCindy]

You didn't mention where you'll being staying during your trip. If your staying at an AS resort, then I would do option #3. If your staying at a moderate or deluxe resort, I would choose option #2 and stay at one of the AS resorts. We ran into a similar problem with our upcoming trip in early December. Because we are not arriving into Orlando until 8:30PM, I couldn't see paying $361 for AKL concierge for the first night. Instead, we decided to stay at ASMo for the first night-our price $66!

 

[Madi100]

I'll have to see what I can find IN the airport. I really want to find a good deal, though.

We are staying at the All Star Movies. I know that the rates should get better, but who knows. I've never paid over $49 a night. If that was the deal, I'd stay at All Star Movies.

 

[AspiringCindy]

WOW" $49/ night would be pretty incredible!

 

[disneyag]

The Hyatt inside the airport is not that cheap and one room will not fit your family. The rooms only have 2 beds. We've paid anywhere from $150 to $220 a night for that Hyatt. You might consider another night at the AS hotel. Plus, you could sleep surrounded by Disney magic and then you don't have to wake quite as early in the morning to get started.

 

[Lewisc]

For 6 people you really can't use PL (without bidding for 2 rooms). You probably going to have to plan on paying $75-$100 for a hotel big enough for your party (may be less as you look).

I'd go with option 2. You're getting to the hotel early enough to enjoy it and staying by the airport won't (IMHO) save you enough $$$ to be worth the trouble. I've stayed by the airport once but my flight didn't get in until 11:00p and I saved $150 (POLY vs Hilton Garden by airport)

Option 4 would be go get a hotel near MCI for Friday night. Try to get one that lets you park your car there at no extra charge.

Check mousesavers to see if you can get any better discounts on the All-stars.