Off Property Hotel Recommendation

Hi,

This is our first time to Disney and was wondering if anyone could recommend any nice resorts off property? We are going the first week in November and the value resorts that are on the property don%26#39;t look that great. We thought we could get a nicer resort for less than the deluxe hotels on the property if we didn%26#39;t stay on the property. We are traveling with two children ages 5 %26amp; 6. We would like the property to have clean rooms and a nice pool. We would prefer to spend around $150/night. Can anyone help? Also, is there any reason why you definitely would NOT stay off the property? We will not be renting a car so it is important the the hotel has a shuttle to Walt Disney.

Thanks,

mbac

Off Property Hotel Recommendation

you could always consider a condo/villa to give you a little more space than a hotel room (or two rooms) and at a cheaper price. For an example check out allstarvacationhomes.com as a starting point. I%26#39;m looking to book at Windsor Hills in the next few days and it%26#39;s close to WDW and I can get a 3 Br townhouse w splash-pool for around $100/night. Condos are even cheaper.

cheers

Alan

Off Property Hotel Recommendation

We%26#39;ve booked at WorldQuest resort. There are reviews and pictures here on TA. Everyone recommends getting a car, but they have recently added shuttles to Disney from what I understand.

The Suites look beautiful. I hope they live up to the pictures

Cindermom

oops, didn%26#39;t see the ';no car'; requirement:) But I couldn%26#39;t imagine having two kids and no car!

cheers, Alan

Thanks for the responses. We were trying to avoid the rental car because both of our children are still in car seats. But, I have to admit the properties recommended do look like a great option. There are so many choices - it%26#39;s overwhelming! Thanks again!

mbac

This is a total no-brainer. Rent a villa and rent a car. Without a car you are really limited in the Orlando area. A car gives you a thousand more choices, most of which are cheaper than those available to you if you have to walk down International Drive for everything you need. Especially with small children I would not be in Orlando without a car. You can check your carseats either with checked luggage or at the gate of the plane. We usually choose the gate check-in because if there is an extra seat the airline will let you use it for your lap child. Of course, if you are purchasing tickets for both children they would probably be more comfortable on the plane in their own car seats. Alternatively, there are some rental car companies who will provide car seats.

You can get a terrific private villa for very little money in November. There will be plenty so do not book early. Prices decline as dates get closer and villas are not rented.

You will not need anything larger than a 3 bedroom, but you might find something even larger for around $100/night or less. Your children will love it, and you will be happy that they have more room in which to expend energy. Plus, all these villas come with the option of heating your private pool.

One of the best things for us when traveling with our grandchildren is that all the villas have a washer and dryer. It makes it easier to pack if you know you can do a batch or two of laundry.

There is seldom daily maid service, so if you do not want to make your bed and hang up your towels, you may want to go to a resort. Usually the villas have ample linen so you always have fresh towels, if you wash a batch and have a batch to use.

We took our 2 year old and 4 year old for a week last December. The villa had a crib, high chair, stroller and even a little ice chest. They each had their owned ';themed'; bedroom. Our grandson got the ';Mickey Mouse'; room and granddaughter got ';Winne The Pooh';. The kids were in heaven. There were even huge boxes of toys, TV with DVD players in all bedrooms. They had so much fun in the villa that they did not always want to leave and go to WDW.

We also enjoyed wireless internet for our laptop and the villa computer so that we did not have to take turns with the laptop. We do not cook while on vacation. The family chef needs a vacation as well. However, we often whip up a little breakfast while people are getting dressed, and that saves us money. When we traveled with the little ones we did come back to the villa with take-out pizza or grocery store deli food because they were just too tired to do a meal at a sit-down restaurant. It is nice to have that option with wee ones.

The refrigerator was very handy as both of our grandchildren still drink copious amounts of milk, and it is so much cheaper to buy it by the gallon, and we all enjoyed a little snack of ice cream and fruit before bed.

I really do not know why anyone would stay in a resort if they plan to be in Orlando for a week. The villas are the best travel deals I know of anywhere. Be sure to rent directly with the owner of the villa. If you actually do plan to cook, take a few of your favorite spices. Villas come complete with everything you will need except coffee, sugar, salt, pepper and basil.

Thanks so much Busy-Retired. I appreciate your input. I have looked at some of the websites mentioned earlier for the villas but they appear to be rental companies. How do you find the owner of the villas so you can deal directly with them? Have you stayed at any that you would recommend? Thanks again!

mbac

Try Caribe Royale . Book through mousesavers.com much cheaper. All suites or villas resort. Wonderful pool with waterslide. Free Disney transport.

If you are only doing Disney and nothing else you%26#39;ll be fine. Try to get to other places, restaurants Universal Parks you could run into problems without a car. Make sure wahtever hotle you stay in has Universal shuttles if you want to go there. By the time you%26#39;ve paid for your taxi or shuttle to and from the airport for all 4 of you you may find a rental car cheaper.

I%26#39;d suggest Doubletree near DTD or any othe the other suite hotels there. Or CypressPointe condos where a 2 bed 2 bath with full kitchen is under a hundred per night. Has shuttles, is only just over a mile from DTD so cheap taxi fares, and is walking distance to restaurants (5).

I agree Windor Hills is nice- but you can%26#39;t really do it without a car. Yes, there are shuttles but you aren%26#39;t walking distance to shops or restaurants (apt from a small convenience store onsite). So, it%26#39;s a great place but if you like the looks of it try renting a car too. If you save $50 a night from you hotle budget that should take care of it.