Where to stay?

[dor1]

Hi-im currently planning our second trip to florida and could do with some help.We are going as a group of four adults and five kids-the dilemma is where to stay.We originally were going to book a villa but then to eat and drink out at night somebodys always having to drive-am now looking at i-drive as shops ,bars and restaurants all seem to be within walking distance.Can anyone sway me either way?
Many thanks

 

[allie5]

It depends on your priorites, budget and tastes as a family. Since we had our kids, we have ditched hotels in favour of villas, but you are absolutely right, it IS a drag driving miles for dinner!

With a large party such as yours then you will need to budget for 2 or maybe even 3 hotel rooms...even at the budget end of the market you are looking at quite a hefty sum. Costwise, the villa seems more appealling. Have you considered a Condo or townhouse instead? A lot of the timeshare resorts rent out at really favourable rates (Orange Lakes, Summer Bay Resort etc). You have the advantage of being a little nearer to the "action", but not having to pay out for more than one "unit"...you can rent 1,2 or 3 bed condos / units. They also come with the advantage of villa like facilities (fridges, microwaves, kettles). This may be an option to consider.

Even with the hassle of not being that close to restaurants, we still prefer the freedom and flexibilty of a villa. You cant beat your own pool, and the space to just chill out with all the comforts of home!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Allie

 

[chucklechops]

Hi,Im afraid we are villa addicts .
Yes it is a personal thing, but I really feel especially with a group of your size that a villa has more to offer.
Our last 3 trips have been in a villa and the freedoom , space, pool etc cant sell it enough.
Also If you shop around , I would reccomend doing it yourself way cheaper than from a T.A. /brochure. you really can get a bargin.
For us with a young family we have found it a godsend ,in general there are always plenty of towels, etc less to pack ,washing machine tumble dryer, get home from the parks put a load on no hassle, also because of them again you don't need to pack so much.
I know your on holiday but at the end of the day you always end up in the Laundrette.
As far as driving is concerned, I don't know what your plans are but in general your in the parks most of the day and if your like us will have eaten at them or made a quick stop on the way back to grab a pizza etc. with the kids generally crashed out in the back. The other way to look at it is after a long day at the park, you drive home to your lovely villa, go to the fridge get a nice drink, possibly have a dip in the pool, cook something or order chinese, Indian you name it they will deliver it, Light up the bar-b-que the options are endless.
If the kids are tired you can put them in their own room and then you adults can sit out around the pool and catch up over a drink or two of course !!
We like to have 3 week's if possible so you can do a park and have what we call a rest day, lounging around the pool, going to the shops etc and its usually on those days that we go out in the evenings for a nice meal, Most places in florida have to be driven to so perhaps you and another adult could take in turns to drive .
Im sorry I have waffled on a bit it's just that after staying in a villa i think it adds to your holiday, You feel that your home from home and not living out of a suitcase.
We have always been lucky and have had really well equiped places, ie videos, pool toys, games books etc, which you never no you might want to use again it's that option.
There is enough space for everyone without anybody getting on top of one another plenty of bathrooms, and privacy but lots and lots of fun,
Well you can see what i would choose !!
Good luck and let us know what you have chosen to do .

chucklechops