isabellasmom

Hi

I am interested in beginning the search for our November 2004 vacation to WDW. I have never stayed outside of the park before and would be interested in hearing about resorts that you would highly recommend based upon closeness to parks and amenities.

Also, if you have any cons to staying outside of parks area I would love to hear them.

Thank you.

Lee4

Check out the website mousesavers.com. You'll find all kinds of information and prices for hotels in that area (along with other great information) and there are several "suites" types of places that the website recommends. There are usually some great deals for these hotels through mousesavers.

I've been to WDW 3 times and stayed off property once (last June). I enjoyed all of my trips and my hotel last year was great--the Radisson Resort Parkway for $59/night(it was just about a 1 1/2 miles down the road from WDW). I saved a lot of money on this hotel, which was great since Disney is pretty expensive. The drive back and forth was easy and quick and it was great to be off property for food and groceries and things like that.

You'll find lots of Disney fans out there who only stay on property and it's great if you can afford it. However, I also think you can have just as much fun staying off property and can probably find some great deals for large hotel rooms/suites, off-property, in November. Have a great trip!

martytravels

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is not far from the park in Lake Buena Vista and is a true resort.

hsv

I would second the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress- there is an unbelievable pool area, your kids can indulge in and which will be fun for yourselves, too.

aossip

We've gone to WDW numerous times with kids and always stay at the Holiday Inn Family Suites - 2 separate bedrooms and and living room and a mini-kitchen. My kids love it there.

Rachel

With kids that young, it's really more convenient to stay in the park and rely on its transportation to get you back to the hotel for breaks during the day. I'd save the off site hotels for when your kids are older. Fine tuning a bit-the older hotels, on the monorail system are the easiest as you have the most transportation options. WDW has been offering great deals so i'd take advantage of that. Mousesavers.com is a great site for planning trips to WDW.

Kennedy3

I second the Holiday Inn Family Suites. It's not at all necessary to stay on-site when you are with small children. There are many off-site, family-type hotels that are very close to the theme parks.