Who has stayed in a home/pool home during the holidays?

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

Hi all...I just started looking into this home rental / pool home stuff and the houses seem really nice. We are going Dec 23rd through Jan 3rd and I was just curious from those who have done the home rental thing during this time frame...is it that much harder to drive to the parks based on holiday crowds? How about getting home at night after parks close or taking an afternoon break? Are those things doable during this time period if you are off site?

I'd love some info also as to where I should look when renting - I am not familiar with the area at all.

Thanks for any info!

Dawn

 

[JANNYANS]

Can't help with the driving times as I haven't been at christmas for 5 years but this map will show you where the different communities are

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm

 

[minnie29uk]

I know Ive read that there are some new roads due for completion this year,that should help ease the driving diffiulties for all around Disney at busy times,

Lynn

 

[dgaston]

Have stayed twice at Windsor Palms, used the Sherberth Road route and didn't find driving times to be impacted at all, just the crowds in the parks!

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

Thanks! So you all would recommend a home / pool home versus staying on-site hotel Disney?

Will be myself, dh, ds(5) & dd (4)...also going are brother/sister-in-law with dd (13) dd (5) & dd (3) - but we aren't sure we "could" all stay together for 12 days...hee-hee

Dawn

 

[Mainebound]

Thanks! So you all would recommend a home / pool home versus staying on-site hotel Disney?

Will be myself, dh, ds(5) & dd (4)...also going are brother/sister-in-law with dd (13) dd (5) & dd (3) - but we aren't sure we "could" all stay together for 12 days...hee-hee

Dawn

You should look for the thread by djkeenan on "what magic we missed staying offsite", as well as do a search on pool homes using the search function to see the many comments o nthis topic. It works for our family, but is not necessarily for everyone. Good luck!

 

[tink2dw]

I'm interested too. We will be there Dec 1 to 10. For 10 days can you get a really really[we get lost] close house for $700.00 or should I stay with my quote?

AAA quote - 2 Adults POP 9 days + hoppers+ meal plan+insurance+airfare=$2606??

Ps wondering if I can stay in a value that long and not go crazy??

 

[cinamin27]

Thanks! So you all would recommend a home / pool home versus staying on-site hotel Disney?

Will be myself, dh, ds(5) & dd (4)...also going are brother/sister-in-law with dd (13) dd (5) & dd (3) - but we aren't sure we "could" all stay together for 12 days...hee-hee

Dawn

if you are worried about having that many people & being together for 12 days then I would recommend OFFSITE in something like a 6 or 7 bedroom house then most everyone could have their own rooms to retreat to when they need some alone time. In houses that big there are at least 2 master bedrooms so both you & your brother/sil could have your own master suites. Also, houses that size usually have a games room with pool table, air hockey, foosball & I've even saw one with arcade games as well. Also, you would probably be paying less in a big house than you would with 3 hotel rooms. And just think how nice it would be to have 4 bathrooms (one for the 13 year old for herself!)

Your original question was about transportation, my opinion would be that it would be easier to drive than take the busses as they would probably be overcrowded with onsite guests.

Just think, if you have your own big old house, you could even set up a christmas tree & have your own traditional holiday breakfast or big dinner and have your own New Years eve party if you needed to go back home early from the parks because of the young ones.

ETA: from what I've read Emerald Island and Windsor Hills are one of the closer communities with the larger homes, closer to the back way into the Animal Kingdom. Possibly also Formosa Gardens and Windsor Palms but not sure exactly where they are located.

 

[LauraAnn630]

This is the first time we are renting a villa. Im so excited! We always stayed on site. We have a large group going for Christmas 2006.
We are even taking a tree. Im making Christmas dinner and we might hit Downtown Disney if its open (I hear it is) Christmas Day. Im buying the kids pool toys, bubbles and other outdoor toys we wouldnt usually buy because its snowing in Ohio! They already get Disney Dollars for every holiday. Im buying and wrapping all the gifts before we leave...starting already! Making t-shirts.

We really loved staying onsite because of the late hours. We used them every night they were offered. I dont think we would of did all we wanted to in MK without the late hours.

This year we will get to the parks early! We will have lots of lil ones to get us up!

 

[winniedapooh]

We have gone to the same home for 2 Christmas's, the most recent stay was a few weeks ago. I loved staying at WP at Christmas and found the travel to be very easy. We loved coming home in the afternoon and going back at night. I am sending you a PM with more info. hope it helps...

 

[isla bonita]

LauraAnn630
Before you decide to pack a tree see if the owner or man/co provide one. This I know because we own and have bought a tree so our guests do not have to. I also provide xmas stockings so you would not need to pcak unless you wanted your own specific.
Also most homes provide pool toys for the pool so they are there as soon as you get to the home. You might want again specific ones for you use. Have a wonderful time on your vacation and let us know how it goes.
First trip we all took was for my moms 60th. I was a little unsure and told my husband to take a clean crdit card just in case things did not work out. It was the best vacation we had ever had. We loved it so much we bought our own and take friends and family with us at all times. My kids have so many great memories of fun with their aunts uncles and grandparents. Not to mention when their friends come down that is over the top for them. Have lots of fun and make lots of memories, that is truely what is magical! Deb