Where to stay - Disney - Orlando
 

Planning to visit WDW in May/08 and need help with where to stay for 5 people (inc 3 kids). Last time, rented a house (with a pool) offsite (about 20 min away) and were able to cook meals and enjoy own and the resort's pool. Not sure whether to stay there again as there are so many choices and the Disney hotels look like so much fun!! Although, the Disney hotels seem geared to couples or small families (ie. small rooms). As well, the Disney hotels seem quite expensive esp if you have to rely on a meal plan. Anyone have any suggestions on best places to stay to get the full Disney experience without breaking the bank.

Is Priceline an option for booking a Disney hotel? Never used PL - so not sure of how to use. Would I have to wait until close to the date to book? Appreciate any suggestions...

Thx for your help.

Priceline is not an option on Disney properties.

Disney does have condo options at the Key West resort.

The benefits to staying at a Disney property are that you can package park tickets and room for best prices on both and you can use the Disney transportation system.

Occassionally you can pick up deals on meals or recreation along with your tickets and room.

The Disney reservation folks know the whole story and will take the time with you on the phone to explain all the options. I have found that you can't get a deal on the park tickets better than by staying at one of their properties.

Good luck. I am sure you'll have a good trip wherever you stay.

You may want to try staying somewhere off property such as the Homewood Suites. They have condo-style rooms and are nice. A free breakfast is also included. Residence Inn would be another option, they have studio,one and two bedroom rooms with kitchens. Again, a full breakfast is included.
If you want a Disney property hotel, try Coronado Springs. There are no kitchens,etc. but this hotel is more moderate in price than other Disney hotels and is quite charming.

Thx for the suggestions - I will look into the Key West Resort, Homewood Suites, and Residence Inn. I did go on PL and thought there were some disney resorts (like the Swan/Dolphin) - maybe not?? Roughly how much would I save on park tix by staying at a Disney resort?

Thx again - anyone else have any suggestions?

Been on the Disney website and seriously thinking about staying at one of the resorts. There seem to be suites available at:

1) Old Key West
2) Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
3) Grand Floridian

We are an active family - so would like a fun pool area (with a lazy river or lots of slides etc) and options for sports such as beach volleyball, watercraft rental etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated - as it is such a maze of options! Really appreciate feedback from any fodorites who have stayed at one of these resorts. I think the Saratoga resort is fairly new - anyone stayed there??

Thx again

Check out the forums at www.disboards.com - some of those people are true Disney experts.

You'll find more information than you can dream of on all the Disney resorts, off property resorts, ticket options, dining plans, water parks, general tips and other stuff.

I pretty much planned my June 2008 trip to WDW by just lurking in the forums for a while.

The major differences in your destinations:

KW is a condo, with the benefit of kitchen and dining room, you don't have to have every meal at a restaurant.

Grand Floridian is Disney's flagship $$$hotel. Great spa, restaurants, pool, and a short distance from the Magic Kingdom. But, you are at the most expensive place on the property.

Saratoga is Disney's formula mid-range. The rooms are identical to Caribbean, Orleans, on and on. Totally acceptable with access to Diz transportation but it's all the same.

If you are traveling in May before most of the kids are out of school for the summer, you can get a really good deal on a week stay at some timeshare resorts that have been given to a timshare exchange company by week owners. It is excess inventory that will go unsused, so the costs are going to be cut to make profit. If you know a friend with a timeshare they may be able to let you purchase a getaway from a timeshare exchange company at one of these resorts. All are at least 2 beds with full kitchens.
The cost savings will be huge. If it were summer, Mid June-Aug this would not be possible as the demand of these peoperties are much greater.

How early in May can you go? Most of May is considered low season at Disney and they will come up with some package deals but probably not this early. If you book a Disney Hotel, make sure it's something that you can change without penalty if a special pops up.

My family and I stayed with a company called Florida Choice. They were wonderful. It did really save a bunch of money cause we cooked and stuff at the home and made our lunch a and stuff to bring to the parks. 100% WORTH IT!!

Hi,
Thx for the replies.

clarkgriswold - We are staying mid-May -is that too late? Where is the best place to get a package deal - through Disney??

I am now thinking that a Disney resort may not be the best option (although still like the idea of living in luxury!) - given that you don't stay in your room or have little chance to use the amenities.

I will check out all the poster suggestions. Wish me luck!