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les
Citizen
Username: Les
Post Number: 37
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 10:01 pm: | 
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Planning our trip to Disneyworld - - Does anyone have any recommendations on where to stay, within the park? It would be four of us, two older kids. Any place to stay away from?
Many thanks! |
2shoes
Citizen
Username: 2shoes
Post Number: 12
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 7:23 am: |
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For staying on property, we found the 'moderate' resorts such as Dixie Landings/Riverside/Beaches to be good. Decent sized rooms and the food selections varied to suit most appetities and times.
At the higher end (Polynesian, etc) the food was higher end in price and style, but limiting for variety in type, price or time availability for us -- picking up a snack to take back to the room, simple breakfast without wait staff involved, etc. was available at the moderate resorts, no so much at the higher end. Of course at higher end the rooms are larger, the decor and pools more upscale.
We have not found anything to stay away from with our experiences. Depending on how pool oriented the kids are, that might also narrow your selection in a price range too.
Good luck! |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 15
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 8:28 am: |
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There are so many options it's hard to give a definitive recommendation. We considered going to Disney two years ago, and would have stayed in the hotel that overlooks the safari they have there. Giraffes right outside your balcony and what not. But we ended up staying at Disney's Vero Beach Resort for a week and making a day trip to the park. We plan on going to WDW for a week next year, now that our kids are older, but will also spend a couple of days on the beach at Vero.
Anyway, you really MUST visit these message boards:
http://www.disboards.com/
These people are disney die hards, and they were VERY helpful for us in deciding on Vero and on our strategy for a one-day visit to the park (it's like a science, if you want it to be).
Good luck.
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sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 690
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 9:12 am: |
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We stayed at the Contemporary Resort ... mainly for its accessibility to the parks. (It is on the Monorail and also is within easy walking distance of the Magic Kingdom.)
We learned that you can make a reservation at one of the lower cost "on site" resorts and then upgrade to the higher cost ones on a space available basis. As I checked in at the Contemporary, I watched someone do this. They came in with their confirmed reservation at one of the lowest cost resorts and were given accommodations at the Contemporary Resort for no additional charge.
We were there at SO/M Spring Break time a couple of years ago (when it was NOT adjacent to Easter), so it was a somewhat lower traffic time. This year's school schedule is similar, so I definitely recommend that as a possible time for scheduling a trip to Disney. In April, the weather in Florida is warm, but not oppressive, and most of the heavy Spring Break season is over by the time we have our break.
I did read about the upgrade approach (but was too chicken to try it) in "The Unofficial Guide to Disney World". If you buy only one book for planning your trip, I recommend this one. It has many great pointers for planning and preparing for a trip to Disney World. It is worth buying a new one rather than borrowing a copy since they are updated every year with current information on rates and policies, etc. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1430
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 9:20 am: |
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We went once over Yom Kippur long weekend when school had 2 days off. Nary a soul nor line. We had a fab time. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 219
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 9:44 am: |
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We stayed in one of the in-park "value" hotels (about $49/night), and would do it again. We were at the park from 9 in the morning till 8 at night, so the hotel was just a place to crash.
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us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 837
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 10:40 am: |
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Are you're saying the Jews clog up Disney World.  |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 838
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 10:42 am: |
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Oh, I forgot what I was going to post. We rented an entire three bedroom house, with heated swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen and laundry for under $100 a night. It was close to the park, and was the best thing was having anything you wanted (to buy) right there in refrigerator. This made eating breakfast before Disney a real snap. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1437
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 11:18 am: |
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My post did sound that way, us2!! oops. Maybe it's the timing of early Oct (off-peak) that made the place scarce! All I know is that when I say no lines, I mean that we did not have to get off rides - we could stay on and go round again cause no one was waiting! Awesome. |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1204
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 11:48 am: |
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We went around January 7th and it was GREAT. We had good weather, certainly not hot but warmer than we expected. Hardly any crowds during the week and since the WDW Marathon was that Sunday the crowd which arrived for the weekend was pretty cool. We had a lot of fun -- stayed at the All Star Movies Resort. The rooms are small but the price was right and we were fine eating/drinking at the food court and hanging in the arcade at night -- we were with a 3.5 year old and were all pretty worn out by the end of the day. We really had a ball -- the only problem was there wasn't much food my son wanted -- next timw I'll pack my own PB&J makings -- he is very picky and wouldn't touch the pre-made Smuckers PB&Js. Disney is a great deal if you don't get sucked into eating all there overpriced crap and buying their Disney stuff. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 224
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 1:51 pm: |
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We were just there 2 weeks ago -- much more quiet than in previous years - lines short at the rides! I understand that for Disney (in general) attendance is way down.
We've had great luck renting a condo -- Holiday Villas, Brightstar recently. 2 weeks ago we paid about $90 a night for a 3 BR (they do charge a cleaning fee at the end of the week). They have their own web sites or you can make reservations through Expedia on the web.
My kids particulatly appreciate the extra space -- there is a full kitchen, pool on site, washer dryer in the unit.
For us, its great in the morning -- I'm up early and can make coffee, then as the kids wake up we have an easy breakfast (cereal or FRESH Krispy Cremes! yumm).
No restaurants on site but a small store that sells snacks, hamburgers, etc.
Have a great time!
Pete |
twig
Citizen
Username: Twig
Post Number: 84
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 1:30 pm: |
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les - I apologize if you already know all this but in case you don't...
WDW offers four primary types of resorts, each varying in price. The value resorts (All-Star Sports, Music, Movies) are cheapest but also include the smallest rooms, basic accommodations, and limited amenities. The Moderate Resorts (Carribean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside/French Quarter, and Coronado Springs) offer slightly larger rooms, more restaurant choices, better landscaping, and multiple pool options. The Deluxe resorts are expensive but offer excellent amenities. A couple are right on the monorail line) The "home away from home" resorts are essentially condos.
As others have noted, you usually can stay off-site for less money (e.g. at Disney affiliate hotels such as the Swan or Dolphin or at Downtown Disney, local hotels, or rent a vacation home). But the commute can be more difficult, you miss the early access offered only to resort guests some mornings, and won't (which may or may not be positive) be immersed in the Disney mode 24/7. As you may already know, Disney has three "seasons" (Peak, Regular and Value) and the resort prices vary significantly depending on the season.
It all comes down to money and vacation preference. If you don't need much room and plan to spend as little time at the resort as possible, then the All-Stars or off-site are fine...but be prepared for a tight squeeze if you only get one room and have 2 older children. However, if you do want to spend some time relaxing at a resort and would like a few extras (quiet pools, landscaped walkways and paths, stores) then the moderates are great. And if you want luxury, check out the Grand Floridian or Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Having stayed off and on-site for various trips, I am absolutely in favor of being on-site. For us, it makes the vacation seem longer, more complete, and more relaxing. I commute daily into the city so the last thing I want to do is spend vacation time in traffic at the gate to WDW.
Sorry to run on and on but we have greatly enjoyed trips to WDW.
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naborly
Citizen
Username: Naborly
Post Number: 237
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 2:37 pm: |
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We liked Dixie Landings. It looks like they've now combined that with Port Orleans which is next door. We also stayed at The Contemporary and would recommend it or any resort on the monorail route. Stay away from Swan and Dolphin resorts which were expensive and more for conventioneers. |
les
Citizen
Username: Les
Post Number: 38
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 10:51 pm: |
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I greatly appreciate everyone's input. I did go out and get a book which, along with your posts, helped tremendously! We have decided to stay in the park and even extended our stay by a day. The last time I was there was nearly 25 years ago, and I can see that things have definitely changed!! Thanks again! |
twig
Citizen
Username: Twig
Post Number: 85
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 9:28 am: |
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les - one final thought. Check out the following website. It is widely recognized as a comprehensive source of up to date info on Disney World. http://www.wdwig.com/index.html
Enjoy your trip! |
oots
Citizen
Username: Oots
Post Number: 90
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 15, 2003 - 10:31 am: |
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peteglider:
did you ride mission space @ epcot?
if so how was it!
oots |
Barbara
Citizen
Username: Blh
Post Number: 179
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 15, 2003 - 2:22 pm: |
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We were there the week before school began -- perhaps the same time as peteglider? Oots - Mission Space was wonderful -- our 8-year old was laughing away and our 12-year old was totally absorbed. It was #1, well ahead of Test Trak!
Barbara |
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