We're planning a trip with teens, and want the convenience of "doing our own thing" by staying off-site Disney and enjoying other parks as well, eg.Islands of Adventure. 1) Is Homewood Suites a good choice for a family or will we regret booking off-site during peak season (April)? 2) If you've been a guest at this hotel, please rate.

The Homewood Suites is an excellent choice. We've stayed there several times and were very happy. We actually prefer to stay off-site as long as its close to the parks, which is the case with Homewood Suites. Last month, my neice and her family stayed on-site at the Contemporary, and said it was an ABSOLUTE ZOO--very long waits for elevators and horribly crowded lobbies. They wished they had stayed off-site.

Thank you.....Did you rent a car, also? What did you think of the amenities? Good breakfast? Clean rooms? Nice pool?

We drove ourselves, so we didn't need a car rental. We thought the rooms were very nice and they were clean. The breakfast was quite nice. Didn't use the pool, but it seemed like a large enough one and very clean. I think you'll enjoy your stay.

One of the best things is you have a kitchenette. Not that you want to do any cooking on vacation, but you can load the Fridge with drinks and snacks. I have a couple teenagers and appreciate the ability to spend !/2 hour at the grocery store to load up with some snacks.

we have not stayed at that particular location, but have stayed at three others... i believe most are all the same. the breakfast is a great buffet-type with several hot items, then i believe M-Thur they have an evening 'managers reception' with snacks and drinks. the one's we've been to, they've had enough 'snacks' to make it an evening meal - and many guests have theirs out by the pool - really nice for a family...

Robin, not to confuse you more, but for our trip to Orlando last November we rented a 4 bdrm house through vrbo.com. It had it's own pool and jacuzzi as well as all the other comforts of staying in a house (washer/dryer, coffee maker etc). The site has tons of listings for homes of various sizes - and I had a very positive experience dealing directly with the owner. And the cost was less than any hotel or suite property I had found!