marlib1951

We (grandparents, parents, and a two year old) are planning an Orlando vacation, we live in GA so we will drive. We are considering staying in Windsor Hills for a week. This is cheaper than Disney's All Stars, more spacious and we could eat in the condo. However, just how far is Windsor Hills from the entrance to Magic Kindom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom entrances? Would it make sense to relax, swim, eat lunch, take a nap and then at 1:00 head to Disney and stay until closing time? (We have been to Disney before and think we will be here again so we are not concerned about seeing and doing ALL)

Or should we stay 4 days at Disney All Stars and the other days elsewhere (We want one day for golf, one day for Sea World)? Don't you have to wait for buses and the ride is 20 minutes to some of the parks even from the All Stars resorts?

japw82

Windsor Hills is 2 miles from the Disney front gate. It is about a ten minute drive to the Magic Kingdom. If you are looking for more amenities, privacy, and space, then stay at Windsor Hills. It is close to shopping, restaurants, etc.. At Disney All Stars the rooms are cute but basic. You have access to all the parks and Downtown Disney via the bus system. This can be a time consuming process and often comes with crowded busses. Staying on-site will allow you to enjoy the extended park hours which is a plus. One negative (imo) when staying on-site is the restaurant options. There's not a lot available at All-Stars so it will require a bus ride or driving in your car if you don't like the available options. Also, food on-site is expensive. We have stayed on-site and at Windsor Hills. Neither is a bad option. Weigh the pros and cons of each property, make a decision, and enjoy your trip.

marlib1951

japw82, thanks for the reply! Am I correct in thinking that the transportation from the value resorts is as much as a hassel as driving your own car? Years ago we stayed at the Polynesian & it was wonderful but we were on the company's dime. So we do need to watch our budget. Again, thanks!

japw82

I often became impatient waiting for a bus. They never seemed to be on schedule or the bus was full so it was required to wait for the next one, etc... IMO it was a hassle. Some people love it and don't mind the wait or travel time from the hotels to the parks.

scarboroughmom

I think the Disney buses are miserable. I liked them years ago, but I now agree with japw82. Having your own car is much more convenient and pleasant. The parking lot shuttles make it quick and easy to get to and from your car at the park. You are sitting in the comfort of your own car within minutes of leaving the park. On a bad night, you can be more than an hour standing in line for the bus and then standing on the bus before you get to your room.

mikesmom

If you decide to stay on-site at the All Stars, I recommend using your car to get to the parks. We always stay on-site and we always rent a car. I'm not a fan of riding a bus on vacation. If you are staying on-site, parking at the parks will be free. If you stay at Windsor Hills, of course, you will pay (approximately $12) to park.

qwovadis

Just be sure NOT to park at Disney parks or Sea World etc
parking charges will eat you up.With a 2 year old
Magic Kingdom best park so be sure your hotel condo
has FREE shuttles there.For many reasons Disney hotels are
best mainly FREE shuttles to everywhere small kids love
the character breakfasts.

Might look at the Buena Vista area hotels Royal Plaza

for me $30/nt bidding priceline.com 1 block from

downtown disney lot better locations value than out

in the Styx....

wdwinfo.com good info deals...

Happy Travels!

qwovadis

Parking charge for each park wast like $14/da

so free shuttle is a must to save if coming in from outside...

For upscale Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress close to LBV

free shuttles deals for me from $70 or so betterbidding.com

nice tennis golf...