[mouseof4]

We are going to WDW in DEc2007 . we are all booked etc. We don't have our air fare yet but I thought of getting there the day before our stay at WDW so we get full use of everything.

Are there any of site places to stay that you can recommend. the bigger question is will any of them take you to WDW with luggage in tow to really start your vacation. I know that places will take you to the parks but can they take you to your resort too?? kinda dumb question I am sure but its a shot in the dark to not have to get a taxi and save a few bucks

[DayDreamer]

Actually I always get down there a day early and spend the night offsite then officially start the trip the next day. We stayed at the Best Western Lakeside off Rt 192, its 2 miles from the Disney entrance. The rooms were very clean, very nice property with lots of food options around and I got a great rate through hotels.com. We rent a car so I'm not sure if they will take you to a Disney resort but I do think they have a shuttle to the parks.

Here is a link to the hotel.

Best Western Lakeside - Kissimmee Luxury Inns - Hotels.com

[E&B's Mom]

Why not book a room at one of the values - All Stars or Pop Century - for the one night. You can take advantage of Magical Express so you don't have to worry about transportation, and I think WDW will transfer your luggage for you.

We used to always build an extra day without the parks at the beginning and end of each trip. We figured traveling with kids would be easier if we took it easy the first and last days. As the kids get older they're not into relaxing on the first and last days so much. They want park time!

[mouseof4]

thanks much I will have to check both ideas out. I have 6 people in our family so I would like to keep the price fairly low. figure day one we can just chill out ( ya right) and get some decent sleep after getting there.

[E&B's Mom]

With 6 that might be tough. I'm pretty sure the values will only allow up to 5 in a room, and the 5th has to be a child in a crib. You'll have to look at the cost of 2 rooms (or a family suite at All Star) vs. the cost and inconvenience of an off-site hotel.

[DisneyTeacher]

If you book one of the new family suites then you will be able to have 6 in your room. The only problem with that is the cost, they are a little more then 2 rooms at a value. What you could do is try to figure what the cost of an off site hotel is going to cost you then figure in the cost of the cab (van in your case) ride is going to be and see how much you will save.

How are you getting to your off site hotel from the airport? That may factor in since Magical Express is free to a Disney resort.

[Dana]

Have you considered renting a car/van for the first day? You could drive yourself from the airport to your off-site resort and then on to disney world. Try to use the rental place that will come and pick up (enterprise I think) or maybe try to do the return at the swan/dolphin?? Just a thought. I think a rental would be less money than taxie fare to a hotel from the airport and then to your disney hotel from the other hotel. You have to figure around $100 just for that. I think you can get a 24 hour rental cheaper.

[Cavey]

Ah! The ol' "I need just one more night" seduction. Been there. Done that.

I recommend getting a value on WDW property, as has already been suggested.

[mouseof4]

I remember when checking the value suite it was full already but maybe there is one for 1 night. you all made alot of good points. I am going to have to sit down and figure this out. I hate to spend the day i get there running all over the place.

ya its the need one more night syndrome for me and I am sure the kids as well dh could care less really


for all you bear fans~~ GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

I know we live in WI,but bear fans we are. I grew up in NW burbs of chicago so gotta cheer for them

[phayes93]

Originally Posted by E&B's Mom

Why not book a room at one of the values - All Stars or Pop Century - for the one night. You can take advantage of Magical Express so you don't have to worry about transportation, and I think WDW will transfer your luggage for you.

We used to always build an extra day without the parks at the beginning and end of each trip. We figured traveling with kids would be easier if we took it easy the first and last days. As the kids get older they're not into relaxing on the first and last days so much. They want park time!

I agree!! We used to do the first night off-site thing too and even have spent our first nights at one of the non-disney hotels across from DTD. But for the same price (or less) you can go to a Value resort, get an extra night of "magic" and use Magical Express. And the folks at the Value resort will transfer your luggage to your other resort for free. We've done it several times!

Think about it - and have fun!

[mouseof4]

OH my dh will love me for this! now I have to see if they have any value suites open. I could get a room at our current resort with no passes but I thought it maybe fun to stay someplace else that night just because you know how it is.