Early November the Econolodge Maingate Resort (decent clean 2 star 1 mile from Disney, free shuttle) is $39 a night and the Sheraton I've seen listed at $69 per night.

good time of year for low rates.

Request an info pack, you'll get bombarded with offers and information.

www.orlandoinfo.com

Thanks for the replies. I will look into the entertainment book and send for the orlando info. It is definitely Disney now.. haven't told Dad and Vivian the news yet. Need to call and confirm the dates, to make sure they don't already have plans. I am leaning toward the Comfort Suites or the Sheraton Lakeside. Found a good rate on them both. Still haven't given up the Disney onsite idea.. waiting for the "Disney Specialist" to get back to me re: price. Going with the Park Hopper so that the days they don't use "never expire"- who knows maybe next summer I can go again and take them with me!?

If I live to be 80 and this happens to me, would somebody please just put me out of my misery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 81-year young father went to celebrate his birthday to Kenya on tented private safari for three weeks.
Next year for his 82nd he told he is going to Alaska camping and hiking

Spoke with Dad yesterday and asked him if he would like to go to DisneyWorld in Oct or Nov and he said "are you coming with us?". When I said no, he said he'd rather go when we can go together- isn't that sweet? So we will be going together in the summer of 2003. My 8 year old son is ecstatic! We're going to DisneyWorld! Woohoo! Plus this gives me more time to get my money together- LOL! Thanks again to all who replied. I may buy the entertainment book or join the Disney Club or... (my options are endless and I will drive myself crazy doing internet searches until then!).

Sue, although WDW sounds like a blast, in the summer it is going to be horrendously hot and uncomfortable for youngsters, so it will be even worse for the oldsters. Consider changing your dates to spring or fall, when the weather is more pleasant. Also, even if your dad and stepmother are mobile, look into getting them wheelchairs for the parks, and you'll be able to dodge the lines.

You might look at Priceline's site for hotels for WDW. Two of the resorts (both 5 stars) on the WDW property, the Swan and Dolphin (one is a Wyndham and the other is a Sheraton) have regular rack rates of about $350, but there have been some winning bids at $70/night, and you can enjoy the free shuttle bus in the parks and not use your car. If you don't want to rent a car, both the Swan and Dolphin can arrange pickup for you at Orlando Airport -- for five people the cost is $56 one way.

By the way, you can bid for 2 rooms at a time on Priceline.

Thanks for the tips Leslie. I know it is awfully hot and humid- went in 1999 with my then 5 year old and we were dripping wet the whole time (and NOT from the mist sprinklers either!). We are from NC and we are all pretty used to the heat. I lived in Kuwait for a while and it gets awfully hot there as you can imagine. I am a teacher and can only get time off in the summer so there is no way to change the dates to fall or spring. I like the idea of getting a wheelchair. I may do that! Thanks again to everyone who has helped with this.

Sue,
Ypou are a very nice and thoughtful daughter. Maybe take it one step further. Have you considered asking him where he'd like to go for his 80th? He may have some secret dream of a place he's always wanted to visit... and since you've done Disney before ....

If dad loved DL, dad will love DW even better. Stay on site, and get every ounce of the magic. And if in 35 years, if my kids ever ask this same question, please reassure them that I've been so many places in this world, but, this is the one place that I always love, always have a good time at, and always can't wait to get back to.

Hi Sue,
You mentioned you were a teacher..when does your school end for summer break? Ours is the last of May, right before Memorial Day, and when we left immediately for DW, found it was not yet crowded. Workers said by 2nd week of June is when the place is packed. Maybe you can save some personal days, and get a jump start. Would help with crowds and heat!

My Dad is 82 & my Mom 80. They live in Santa Monica. Atleast once a month they drive to Vegas for a few days & then drive back home, they really enjoy it there. But also, occasionally the will also drive to Laughlin, NV. They also enjoy it there. They seem to have no problems getting around either place. They usually go mid-week & stay away from the busier times & the weekends.