Ok I'm getting stressed out were suppose to be going to WDW March14-22. Looks so far to be no deals for that time and probably won't so we won't be able to stay at a Disney resort
. So for us to afford our trip we need to find a nice affordable hotel that has decent shuttles. We have 2 adults and 3 children 12,9, and 5. The reason I'm stressing so much is the fact this was suppose to be my oldest daughter birthday trip and I really don't want to disappoint her. So any help from all of you would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help and sharing.
I'm not sure if your are flying or driving or what your budget is, but don't stress out. You have plenty of time. You can make reservation and keep checking other options and cancel existing reservations if something else comes along. Disney just released discounted room rates 1/1 - 3/30. I personally like the DoubleTree Guest Suites by Hilton on Hotel Plaza Blvd in Lake Buena Vista. While not a "disney" hotel, it is one of a handful of hotels on disney property just not disney owned. You can get your packages sent back to this hotel from the parks. The current mousesaver rate for your dates are $149. If you do not have a car, you only add 12.5% hotel tax--no resort fee. If you have a car then you will have to add for that. For that price, you get 2 queen beds and since all rooms are suites, the additional room has a sleeper sofa, chair, table w/4 chairs, TV, sink, microwave, mini fridge, and coffee maker. Plenty of room for your family. Plus mousesaver rate allows for 2 adults and 2 children age 12 or less free continental breakfast. If your call direct and talk to Sherry, sometimes she will give you the additional child continental bkfst for free. The area is very nice--within walking distance to many shops, eateries, and Downtown Disney. Bus transportation is better than most as it runs every 20-30 minutes 1 hr. prior to park opening and 2 hrs after closing--just like disney and are more comfortable. They also run buses to the disney water parks (if they are open that time of year).They have been doing more to give if a "disney" feel by leaving character cards w/sayings on it for each day of the week. If you let them know about the "birthday" for your child, they tend to make that day a little more special. The pool is nice. It is fairly quiet and safe. Hotel just renovated all rooms w/new furniture/mattresses/bathrooms. They also give you 2 bottles of water/day. For the location and amenities, it is a good deal. Phone number direct to Sherry is 1-407-842-1060. Need to mention mousesaver rate and nicely ask if the youngest child could be included in continental bkfst. Then just keep checking on-line for rate changes and call if rate drops...they are always accommodating to adjust rate. AAA often has good rate but does not include the continental breakfast. Their continental breakfast includes fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, milk, coffee, cereal (hot and cold), variety of baked muffins/pastries. Food is decent and if adults want to upgrade to meat/eggs/pancakes etc it is like $5-6/per person. They do charge 1 night deposit but if fully refundable if you follow the cancellation time (?72 hrs? prior to arrival). Hotel website to keep checking rates is
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/ho...l-orlando-lake-buena-vista-MCOFHDT/index.html. When checking mousesaver rate, put 0560076221 in the corporate rate block. For free, you can subscribe to mousesaver.com and they sent you monthly discount specials and there are link to literally thousands of sites helpful when planning trip to disney, seaworld, universal, etc. This site also critiques hotels so you have pictures and an idea of pros/cons of staying there. I have stayed at this particular hotel several times, most recently this past May and plan to stay again this November. Good luck.
Julie
