OT: Disney World

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finsgirl

Cathlete
My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Disney World/Sea World in July with our kids. Four girls, youngest is 10 and the oldest is 15. We've bought the airline tickets but I'm driving my bf crazy trying to decide where to stay. The only WDW resort that will encompass all 6 of us is the DoubleTree Guest Suites near Downtown Disney. I'm also looking at hotels outside Disney. We need transportation provided to the parks since we are not renting a car. Does anyone have any recommendations??

Many thanks,
Angie
 
There are hotels off the Disney property that offer free shuttle service to and from the parks if you stay there...you just have to find them. I was supposed to go to Disney last year (it never happened but that's a whole other story! lol) and was checking out off site options at expedia.com. I'm not saying you should book through there but if you do a search you can find out info about hotels in the area...that's where I came across hotels that offer the shuttle service...

HTH.:)

Have a great work out!

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?WENDYMIN

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]
 
Thanks, Wendy!

I was on a few sites last night researching options - I think I visited Expedia but I'm not sure! There are almost TOO many options to choose from. I think I'm driving myself crazy trying to pick out the "perfect" hotel for everyone but also keeping the cost down as much as possible. Some of the hotels outside Disney even provide a free shuttle to Sea World - which is big plus, but I'm concerned that their their shuttles don't run as frequently as the Disney buses and we will be spending a lot of time waiting - which for 4 girls could be painful! I'm starting to think I should line all the choices up on a wall and throw a dart!

Angie
 
LOL Angie, I know the feeling...There are sooo many options to choose from when planning a Disney vaca, you could potentially go INSANE! lol

I have one suggestion though...have you looked into the ALL STAR resorts at Disney? I have stayed there 2x. They are not fancy but offer all of your basic needs, are very nice and are quite affordable. Plus you will then get the benefit of the Disney shuttle service....Possibly you can get adjoining rooms to accomodate the family? Just a thought...:)

ETA: Check out www.mousesavers.com My aunt showed me this site. There are many ways to save money on a disney trip but most don't know about them. This site details all of the things you can do to save money on hotels, food, the parks...all of it!

Best of luck planning! Hope you find something that works well for you!

Have a great work out!

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?WENDYMIN

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]
 
Hi there. We are going to Disney in June!

I'd check out www.disboards.com. They should be able to give you suggestions on places. I thought a lot of resort hotels have suites or adjacent rooms.

If you stay at a WDW resort they have shuttles that run throughout the day. If you are staying at a WDW resort you can drive to the parks and park for free. I hear different things about the shuttles, wait times, etc. We are staying on-site and we will have a rental car so we have the freedom of the car and the shuttle.

If you stay off-site, most of the hotels have shuttles, but they don't run all day, so you will have to find out what that particular hotel does. If you drive to the parks, parking is $8/day.
 
Hi Angie,

I have been to Disney World more times than I can name and my best advice would be to stay on Disney property if you can manage it. I have stayed off property, in a time share, and in Disney resorts.

It is so worth it to stay on property. The shuttles are great for everyone in your party. When you are tired just hop a shuttle and take a nap or stagger your departures as needed and meet up at a decided location. Your packages can be delivered to your Disney hotel. If you want to hop to another park, just jump on a shuttle. At the end of the day, you will enjoy not having to fight the traffic. There are alot of advantages which will make your vacation more enjoyable.

DH and I give this advice all the time. Most people who don't take this advice usually regret it later. The second time around, our friends who didn't take this advice take it. They have all come back saying that they will never stay off property again.

July is a busy month. Are all the hotels full? Most resort rooms sleep 5 and 6 people. The value resorts are reasonably priced. I have only stayed in all sports once. I like The Shades of Green because of the golf courses but this is only for DOD (military /civilians).

Well, goodluck,
jordan
 
Angie,

I live in Ocoee, right outside of Orlando. There are so many resorts, I can see how it would be very frustrating to find to find one that sounds just right.

I see you're from Illinois. I don't know how often you've been to Central Florida in July but because it's one of our hottest, most humid months there are some things I felt inclined to mention to make your stay here more comfortable.

1) Average afternoon temperatures in July range from 90 to 95 degrees with 100 percent humidity.

2) Bring plenty of sunscreen and use it.

3) July is prone to afternoon showers, every afternoon. By 3:00-4:00 you will be thankful it does rain because it cools things off. Bring ponchos for everyone and lightweight umbrellas...you will be glad you did.

4) Get to the parks AS SOON AS THEY OPEN to avoid the afternoon heat as much as possible. There are typically very long lines at the attractions and the heat and humidity can make the line seem twice as long.

5) Bring lots of $$$.

Hope you have a fabulous time :)
 
No - but I'm SOOOOO jealous!!!!! My dh has never been there, and I haven't been in um...20 years! I'm planning to take them both when my daughter is 8 (3 more years). I've got a savings account especially for it! I think that you'd probably be best off staying at a place outside of the resort, because that will be really expensive. A lady I work with is going with her family this month and I believe their renting an apartment for the week. Are you a member of AAA? Their travel agents were very helpful to us when we went on our honeymoon.
 
Also, if you stay on property you get to have extra hours where only Disney resort guests can visit parks. They open the parks one hour early, and close one hour later for Disney Resort guests only. Check on the Disney World site to see what days, etc. because they rotate.

I live in Daytona Beach and I bought tickets to go soon. We won't stay in a hotel, but just drive over in the morning.

Lori
 
Instead of staying in a room(s) why not book a two bedroom villa so you have complete kitchen? That way you can eat breakfast in a timely fashion in order to get to the parks first thing in the morning. Plus, with four kids, I think you will enjoy the extra space a villa provides, especially if you are staying for several days. Having a kitchen while you're there with children is worth paying for. There are grocery stores close to Disney World to stock up on milk, fruit, etc. The Wilderness Lodge has 2&3 bdr villas. Also, keep in mind that when you stay on Disney property you can use any of the facilities at the other Disney properties too...i.e. swim in a different pool each day. You are not limited to just the facilities at the resort you are staying.

Have fun!
 
Hi, I used to be a travel agent, and I would be happy to help any way I can. I have been to Disneyworld a few times ( am planning another visit in the next year, hopefully ).
My first question is how long is your stay?
Transfers from the airport to the hotels in the area are around $28.00 round trip per person, using Mears Transportation . Some of the hotels in the disney will also provide airport transfers for you, just something to keep in mind. Also, you may be interested in booking a hotel that also offers shuttles to Universal Studios, as the ages of your children are perfect for that resort as well.
Once you have a property arranged, purchase ( or borrow from your library ) the Birnbaum Guide to Disney, which is thought of as the disney "bible". I bought my own copies because I would take notes in them and use them throughout my trip.
Disneyworld is a blast, but you need to keep in mind that the more "homework" you do before you go the better, ie.. preplanning your days ( somewhat ) or making dinner show reservations way in advance for a special night out. ( The Hoop De Doo Review is great and very popular, so you will need to nab this one ahead of time. )

Again, I really stress the Birnbaum guide to you, it answers any questions you may have about Disney and is a tremendous research tool. The more work you do ahead of time will enable you to have a more stressfree vacation.
I hope this is a help, please PM if I can help you in any other way.
:7
 
You guys are awesome, these are all really great suggestions.

Wendy - I checked out www.mousesavers.com yesterday and there are definitely some great discounts there. And there is definitely an advantage to having 2 adjoining rooms....2 bathrooms! (With 5 girls, by bf doesn't have a chance...hehe!!)

Navywifey - Thanks, I will check out www.disboards.com tonight.

Donna - the best Christmas gift my parents gave me was a AAA membership! I definitely plan on using it for discounts if I can!

jordan, Lori, and 40something - you gave some really good points to stay in a Disney hotel.

Candi - LOL! I know we're crazy for going in July but there was a small window of opportunity between the end of my daughter's summer school and other activities in the beginning of August. We've been to Florida before and know it can get pretty hot - those showers are a welcome break from the heat!

Conni - we are staying for 5 nights. I have the Birnbaum guide from 3 years ago and I'm sure many things have changed since then. I will gather my list of questions and try to PM you tonight. Thank you so much for your help! This is harder than I thought it was going to be!

Angie
 
No, Angie, I wasn't thinking you were crazy coming in July. For many people, especially families with children do have a small window of opportunity due to school, etc. I just wanted to make sure you knew what the weather is like. We've visited the parks in the hot months but know what we're getting into...some people don't realize.

I actually work near International Drive which is a hub of tourist activity. When I venture outside of the plant at lunch time during the hotter months, I'm astounded at how many sunburned people I see...I mean fire engine red. Then I think, "Well, I guess they just didn't know".

I don't want to see you out there all burned up and miserable. LOL!:7
 
Attn Jordan

Can you tell me how you liked Shades of Green? We are staying there when we go in June. Thanks.

Also, can anybody tell me how hot it is down there in early June.
 
Angie,

I am sooo jealous!! I have never been and want to go so bad. I have wondered what it would be like to go at Christmas time. I love the lights at Christmas and thought it would be so magical and beautiful then. HO HUM!! LOL! We have the same problem when we travel and try to find a room since there is 5 of us (3,8,10).

Did I see it mentioned you are in Illinois? Can you stuff me into your sutitcase? LOL!!! I live in Illinois too. Where are you?
 
Hey, Sabrina -

Christmas time would be a lot cooler than July!!:7 I can stuff you in my suitcase but it might get a little WARM in there!!

I'm in Northern Illinois close to Gurnee (Great America) and about 40 miles north of Chicago. I grew up in Central Illinois and only left the state to go to college in Indiana. I guess you could say I am a Midwestern girl through and through!

Angie
 
Angie,

You would have to give me some air holes!!

Hopefully I get to go sometime soon!! This year we are going to Wisconsin to the Dells in August. The boys should get nice and wet.

Central Illinois is where I am. Canton to be exact. Where did you grow up in Central Illinois?:D
 
Sabrina -

I was born in Danville but grew up in Normal - my parents are still there.

Wisconsin Dells is a lot of fun! I haven't made it up there in awhile. It can get pretty pricey, too, but there's so much to do there with the kids (big and small!). You'll have a blast!

Angie
 
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