Would LOVE to hear your budget minded ideas

[AllthingsPiglet]

Hi All!
I am still planning a trip 10 days in January and would really appreciate your opinions. This will be the first trip for us as a family to Disney (I was lucky to go often as a kid). It is a surprise trip for my kids (9 and 2). We will literally be waking them up the morning of our trip and putting mouse ears on their sweet little heads and yelling "Surprise! Let's get in the car!".
For the time that we are staying at Disney we have our plans pretty much covered (no ressies yet but exploring several options.) For this part of the trip we have opted to pay more for quality and convience.
However there will be 3 nights at the arrival part of our trip where we want to explore things outside of Disney. This is where you experts come in!
We would love to know your thoughts and personal experiences on a place to stay.
I would like it to be near some outlets maybe.. some yummy restaurants.. maybe a dinner show e.t.c. This part of the trip will have to be VERY budget minded as far as accomadations so that we can stay within our vacation dollars while we are in the world on our last 5 days.
We're looking for clean and cozy. Nothing fancy at all as we won't be in the room much. A pool that doesn't frighten me to put my children in as well would be nice.
A few thoughts I had were things like red roof inn or travel lodges (we live in Niagara falls and here they are very basic but clean and decent places to stay).
Any ideas? I have searched and searched but reviews vary so widely i thought i would ask you guys.
Thanks in advance

 

[kilee]

First, I'm going to remove this from the reviews board and move it to the Orlando Hotels & Attractions Board.

For budget minded I'd look into the La Quinta Inn or possibly the Comfort Inn's in the area. Quite a few of them can be found for the $35-40 rate per night and get decent reviews.

I just wanted to add- we live about 30 minutes outside of Niagara Falls so Hey neighboor !!

 

[spiceycat]

I like www.skyauction.com for my budget trips.

like mousesavers email for tickets

I have food allergies so I eat alot in my villa (skyauction). I really enjoy having a kitchen. no housekeeping these are timeshares.

if you want to stay onsite at WDW and don't want a value resort (although I do love Pop Century) then you rent points from a DVC member - no housekeeping & you can't contact MS yourself (new rule)

 

[susan1]

hi
quality inn maingate west. has complimentary cold buffet breakfast. clean comfortable. small but pleasant pool. many chain and non chain diners in area.