Which would you choose, Peabody or BC?

[mad4themouse]

After our last experience with hotels on I-Drive, we swore that we'd never stay there again.

Now, here it is 2 years later and the children have a karate tournament at the Orange County Convention Center; which is located (you guessed it) on I-Drive.

I initially booked BC concierge for 7 nights followed by 3 nights at PBH so that we can get FOTL at USF/IOA. Then, I got to thinking that we would need to commute for 2 mornings from BC to the convention center, deal with parking and commuting back to BC.

So, I checked the Peabody Hotel, which is directly across from the Convention Center. At first the rates were too high for just a room. But this week, the prices came down so far that we could stay at the Peabody (Club Level) for less than half of our current nightly rate at the BC Concierge.

So, I made a ressie for 2 nights at the Peabody but still have my 7 nights at BC booked (I can always drop the first couple of nights).
The advantages of staying at the Peabody are:

• Saves me more than $400 but is still a luxury hotel.
• Within walking distance of the Convention Center - just cross the pedestrian walkway over I-Drive.
• Get to sleep in a little later each morning due to proximity
• Easy to return to the hotel between events during competition.

The downside:

• No Disney 'magic'. There are a lot of ducks but none of them is named Donald.
• No hopping to the Disney parks those first two nights.
• Have to change hotels twice in 10 nights. (not something DH likes to do)
• Pool is not as awesome as SAB

So should I stay at all 3 hotels (2 nights Peabody, 5 nights BC and 3 nights PBH)? Or should I keep my original plans (7 night BC and 3 nights PBH) and cancel the Peabody ?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

How far is the drive from the BC to the convention center? And what is the cost to park once you get there?

Then I'll give you my opinion.

 

[mad4themouse]

Total Distance = 11 miles

Approx. Drive Time = 16 minutes (as per MapQuest)

 

[Byrd]

Hi,
I will be attending a conference at the convention center in March. I will be staying before that at BWI, and moving to the Peabody for the conference. The parking at the convention center is $10. for a passenger car. $15 for oversized vehicle a day. The convention center really looked spread out. That is why I chose to stay at the Peabody and then move back to Disney for my last day. As you said it also saved me about 500 dollars since I have 3 nights at the Peabody. I know that it will not be Disney, but it will be close if I want to go to my room for a break.

You have a difficult decision, I know. I wanted to share what I decided to do. When will you be there? Is heat a factor?
Good luck at the tournament!
Byrd

 

[mad4themouse]

We'll be there early- to mid-July.

To say that it will be hot is an understatement.

 

[ducklite]

I would choose the Peabody. It's a lovely, service oriented hotel.

Mapquest lies, unless you get really lucky it's more like half an hour from the Peabody to WDW. I-Drive traffic can be brutal especially if there is an event at the convention center.

Anne

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Ok... my vote is to split it up 2/5/3. I wouldn't want your vacation to be ruined by dealing with the traffic and driving back and forth. 5 nights at the BC is still really good!

 

[castlegazer]

I absolutely love the Peabody hotel - and your time estimates are very very far off for driving from BC to the convention center. You also will be driving with commuters (which have a funny way of appearing on I-4 even on weekends as the work week in Orlando extends to during the weekend) no doubt and that in and of itself is horrific in Orlando. I will go down to Downtown Disney a couple nights during a work stay at the Peabody and it takes me on average 45 minutes one way door to door. I have stayed at the Peabody for many conferences and I usually jump at the opportunity to go to any conference scheduled there. I love Dux (the hotel's restaurant) and I really love the pool. Believe it or not the pool is amazing and is really fun too. I am obviously and adult and I get such a kick out of the duck parade every day I actually love to follow them upstairs and watch as they go into their duck castle.

I also hate to pack up and move hotels during a vacation. That is a huge drawback. But in my mind it doesn't outweigh driving to I-Drive every day during rush hour. BLECCCHHHH.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

The Beach Club is my all time favorite resort and I am going to tell you to stay at the Peabody for the days you are busy at the convention center.

The avoidance of the crazy traffic will be reason enough. Moving once in ten days isn't so bad. Gives a new beginning to the vacation.

There is a bunch of stuff to do on I-Drive and two days will give you enough time to poke around and not miss Disney too badly.

Once you get to WDW you will be immersed so enjoy it.

I'm not a fan of US/IOA as they bore me to absolute tears, so can't help you much on the PBH and FOTL. Emeril's however is to die for!