Where would you suggest staying?

[Figment*Fan]

If you weren't staying at Disney, where would you stay if you wanted to visit Sea World, Universal Studios, and hopefully WDW?

I booked our airline tickets for Dec 1-8, but then realized that in my excitement at a decent Delta fair, I had booked during Pop Warner week After the experience we had at WDW last year over DS's birthday during the cheerleading competitions, we are not looking to relive that. So, since dh already has his work vacation approved, he wants to stay elsewhere -- maybe even skipping WDW He wants a relaxing vacation -- will the other attractions be in their slow season?

Where would you suggest staying outside of Disney?

I have never been to anywhere in Florida other than the MCO airport and WDW property, so I am clueless as to where to even begin.

Thanks for any tips or ideas

 

[powellrj]

universal is wonderful. The hotels are deluxe and you get front of the line access when you stay there!

We find our Universal vacations very relaxing because you are so close to the parks that you can come and go with little effort and with front of the line you don't spend your time waiting in line.

 

[Darcy03231]

If its in the budget I would stay on site at Universal. If not, there are a lot of nice hotels on International Drive that are close to US/IOA and Seaworld (we're staying at the Sheraton Studio City). We're not doing WDW this year (except for Pirates & Princesses Party) and bought the 5 park flex pass, which I think is a great value. It offers 14 day unlimited admission to US/IOA/SW/BG/WNW. There's also a 4 park flex pass which has all of the other parks except Busch Gardens.

 

[HeatherC]

If you want to stay in the Orlando area, here are a couple of suggestions.

The Marriott Grande Vista, Cypress Harbour ( little older) and Horizons Resorts are wonderful.

Hilton Grand Vacation Club resorts.

Orange Lake Resort
Omni Resort at Championsgate
Bonnet Creek Resort

These are just a few that I can think of now. They all offer different size units which means you can spread out if you want and have a kitchen for snacks and such as well as most of them having a washer/dryer.
They also all have wonderful pool areas with bars/restaurants for relaxing. And...they are all within an easy commute of anything in Orlando.

Hope this helps give you a few ideas.

HeatherC

 

[KayR]

We usually stay around the Formosa Gardens area (Windsor Palms or Emerald Island). The commute is not bad to either Seaworld or Universal. I allow 15 mins for Seaworld or 25 mins for Universal. If you wanted to rent a pool home for the extra space and convenience of having your own pool, look into that.

--Kay

 

[deejay-55]

We agree with KR - we are relaxing in a pool home (with its own spa) at Windsor Hills right now. It's really quiet, everyone else is out doing the parks!

 

[Figment*Fan]

Thanks for the great ideas I am going to google them all, and see which would be best. I like the idea of having more space, and more quiet (dh will be happy). Who knows, my boo-boo may turn out for the best after all

I never heard of the Flex-Pass -- it sounds like a great idea for us. Thanks for mentioning that as well

Thanks again

 

[earthfaries]

Last year was our first year off Disney and our best! We had a three bedroom condo and it was so wonderful! You can usually get one for about $100.00 a night.
As for hotels, my first choice would be Universal because of the priority you get on rides. That would definately make it worth it. There are plenty of nice hotels around Universal area and WDW for great prices also, esp. that time of year. We ALWAYS stay at Sleep Inns (except at WDW) when traveling they are always nice.
Also, have you thought about just doing MVMCP one night that way it doesn't cost as much as a full day and doesn't take up your whole day and it is so fun!

 

[CoralCayTownhome]

We love staying in a home rather than hotel (anything bigger than a hotel room with 2 kids is fab ).

Why not have a look at the Kissimmee area where you are only 15 mins from Seaworld and about 25 mins from Universal. Check out VRBO Kissimmee Listings - there are loads of pool homes and townhomes to browse through.

Tracey

 

[mungo]

I personally would stay around the 27 area as you have access to I4 and the 192, making it easy for either WDW or Universal.