Where to stop close to Orlando?

[TandLMommy28]

If I have it my way, we will be arriving in the Orlando area on Saturday evening. our Disney vacation does not begin until Sunday. Where is a good place to sleep Saturday night? Should we get as close to the park as possible? Is it cheaper if we stop about an hour out? Any recommendations for where to quit for the night? Thanks!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would get close. You can preregister at your WDW resort as early as 7 AM; the closer you wake up in the morning, the earlier you can start your Walt Disney World vacation! Personally, I'd never hesitate to stay at any Marriott-family property, but I'd also stay at any part of the Choice group, or Hampton Inn, or MicroTel.

 

[bradisgoofy]

Keep in mind you can check in just about any time in the morning, but there is no guarantee you will get into your room until the resorts stated check in time. But, you can leave your luggage at bell service and they will deliver it to your room when it is ready. Plus, if you bought a package, or have your park tickets, you can head right to the parks.

 

[wings91]

When I drove down, I was on I75. It seemed that between Ocala and WDW, there isn't much so we stopped there.

I just mapped it, and it's about 1-1/2 hrs to WDW. Not so bad, and far enough away to find something decent and cheap.

 

[Alexander]

Go to tripadvisor and do a search there. I would personally get as close as possible to WDW. There are tons of hotels along I-Drive and all around WDW. On tripadvisor you can search availability, prices, and reviews. The rates at the Disney value resorts for Aug/Sept were about $57/night.

 

[jasko5990]

It depends on how much you want to spend and about what time you're guessing you'll arrive. If you stay at one of the Downtown Disney resorts and arrive early enough you could start your Disney experience that night at one of the DD restaurants and/or shops. The Hilton at WDW Resort is literally just across the street from Downtown Disney Marketplace. The AAA rate is $184/night for 2 adults & 2 children on Sat, 09-25-2010. The Regal Sun Resort is also across the street, and their AAA rate is $63/night. There's also an Embassy Suites very close to Downtown Disney, but it may be too far to walk, at about $100/night. I've never stayed at any of them so I can't comment on how good or bad they are. Check out www.downtowndisneyhotels.com .

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

If you tell us where you're coming from (i.e. coming down I-95 or I-75) we may be able to post other options.

BobK/Orlando

 

[kirby428]

I picked Hampton Inn Main Gate South (Davenport). Free Breakfast. Easy on - easy off I-4 two exits south of World Drive. Might be newest one of that chain. OK I tried to book the other 2 Hamptons for December which are much closer but they are not available.

 

[clkelley]

Even though Disney resorts are on the expensive side, staying outside of Disney, even right outside the gates, is VERY reasonable.

It is really easy to find a decent hotel in Kissimmee on 192 in the $50 a night range.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

There are good options in Kissimee and also near the Crossroads Shopping Center just down the road from DtD.