[DisneyTeacher]

I am looking for an off site hotel for the night we arrive in Olando. At first we were going to stop in Gainesville like we have in the past, however, my father-in-law now wants to drive all the way to Orlando so we can check in and hit the parks for a full first day.

I want a clean, safe place very close to WDW. We will not arrive before 9 at night and we will check out as early as possible so I do not want to pay a lot either.

When we travel we usually stay at Super 8s when we need a place to crash while driving a long distance if that helps.

Any suggestions would help. Any place can look great on the Internet so a first hand experience would help.

[DisneyAnne]

Hey DT...

What date would you want? My immediate thought is the Marriott Courtyard on Hotel Plaza Blvd....they have been having deals for $20.03 per night. I just want to make sure the date works. Then I'll tell you the next step. They also have a free breakfast in the morning.

[DisneyTeacher]

We will arrive late on the 17th of July. Wow, $20.03 is what I'm looking for. I found a Days Inn at Downtown Disney for about $50.00.

[mickey]

The Courtyard deal does not start until mid-August. You should still call the resort though, I know others who are traveling after the expiration date, and have still gotten a pretty good deal.

From Mousesavers:

The Courtyard is offering a $20.03 rate for mid-August through October 2, 2003, Sunday through Thursday only. Does not include tax. Must be paid in advance and is nonrefundable. A maximum of four people may stay in each room. Very limited availability and you must call the hotel directly at (800) 223-9930 to book the rate.

Be sure to check Marriott.com, which often has decent rates for this hotel, particularly for AAA members. The hotel you're looking for is "Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Walt Disney World Resort."

[DisneyTeacher]

Thanks for the information, I'll call and see what I can get.

[LRTJS]

I'm not much help but I know you can beat 50 a night. We have stayed at several nice clean hotels on Hw 192 that were cheaper. I can't remember their names! If you see any on the internet that interest you post their names and see if someone has stayed there. I wouldn't pay 50.

[DisneyAnne]

DT - whatever you do...don't pay $50. Do what Mickey says and call Courtyard directly and see what they say, but don't pay $50.

You can do wonders on Priceline... Trust me... Lake Buena Vista Best Western is going on Priceline for about $25 a night. This is located in the DTD area on Hotel Plaza Blvd. It wouldn't be guaranteed, but there is a website called www.biddingfortravel.com where people go list their successful Priceline bids and there are several for that timeframe who are paying $25. I would be happy to help you if you want me to. I have stayed at the Hyatt, Clarion Maingate, Marriott Courtyard, Caribe Royale, Marriott World Resort, Hilton.... Let me know if I can help you :D

[lopo]

DisneyTeacher, I checked Hotels.com and saw this:

1. Econolodge Maingate Resort
Disney Maingate 1.2 Miles / Kissimmee Nightly Rate Jul 17 $39.95

Also, although I haven't used Priceline or Hotwire, I have heard of many folks getting great deals for an overnight rate at decent hotels. Perhaps you could find addl. info about their methods at wdwig.com or mousesavers.

[lopo]

DisneyAnne, you beat me to it! I started my response about 20 mins. ago, but the phone keeps ringing and . . . anyway, it sounds like you actually have had good experiences with those other sites. My primary reason for not having tried them in the past is that I like to know what I am buying before I pay for it! Also, I am a Planner and I worry about the lack of control I'd have. But, I do like to save money when possible so, if I ever find that I am arriving late, I think that I will try using Priceline or Hotwire to find a (lot) less expensive place to sleep before checking into my accommodations at WDW the next morning.

[DisneyTeacher]

You guys are great. The EconoLodge sounds like it's what we are looking for. $35.96 for one night is great. We want a cheap clean room to sleep in before we check in to WL the next day.


I will also look at Priceline, I have never used it but will look at it.


Thanks for all of the great advice!!!

[preidel24]

We always stay at the Hotel Royal Plaza in Downtown Disney area. Last time we stayed I got a rate of 69.00. They always have specials. Look on Mousesavers (it's one of Mary's favs). The rooms are clean and spacious and you can walk to Downtown Disney from there. The pool area is great and kids under twelve eat free at the Giraffe Cafe. The have a great disney store and you can even get tickets there if you needed them. We always spend our first night at DTD and then check in to our WDW hotel the next morning.

Paula

[DisneyTeacher]

Thanks Paula, I don't mind paying a little more to know I am getting some place nice. I'll look at mousesavers today.

My biggest problem is that I would like to be able to cancel the room before 4 pm if we don't make it all the way to Orlando. I can't predict car trouble or some other problems. I don't mind losing 30-40 dollars on a room we don't use , but I don't want to lose $70 or more.

[LRTJS]

I have used Hotwire several times but not for a Disney trip. They will not tell you the name of the hotel until after you book and there are no cancellations. I have always been pleased with the hotel. Everytime I have used it the hotel turned out to be a La Quinta Inn. Nice and very clean.

[DisneyTeacher]

Thanks for the advice. I still don't know what we are going to do as far as a place to stay the night we arrive. I had it all planned out to stay in gainesville and then to have to change plans bothers me. (I'm a planner, can you tell??) I need to relax and try to be more flexable. I am going to decide in the next week, book a room and forget it. I stress about everything, right down to a hotel room we will be in for less than 12 hours.

Booking a hotel room and not knowing what hotel it is and not being able to cancel it really scares me. I'm sure if I tried it once or twice I would never go back to paying rack rate for any hotel, I know.