[jeffw_00]

Hi - I'm a new forum member but an old disney-goer. However, we go for 8-9 days nd my family of four (2 adult, 2 teen) don't subscribe to the disney headset of being shoved into one room. Yes, I know I can get two connecting rooms, but at upwards of $250/.night.

Now - right outside the park, I can get a 2 bedroom suite (w/kitchen, etc), for $180/night at a Marriott Residence Inn. (or similar, there are a few places in LBV, i just happend to like marriott). Unfortunately, Disney considers suites "too good for the common folk" and marks them up to $300/ $400 night. Their loss, marriott's gain.

(sorry, just soapboxing).

anyway, last time we went ('98) we stayed at the Marriott Residence in in LBV and it was AWESOME - a large set of 2-story cottages, we had 1/2 a floor - big, private, and our own washer/dryer!

So I tried to book there this summer, only to find it had been <leveled!!!!> (apparently a termite problem)

they've built a new one (single 5-story building) up the street - was wondering if anyone had stayed there and what their experience was
thanks
/j

[mickey]

Jeff, although I have never stayed at that Residence Inn, I may have a couple of options. First off, Disney has a few specials running right now, and you can get moderate resorts for between $80 and $100 per night through the end of August. Obviously, there are some pros and cons there.

We have also stayed at a couple of the Marriott timeshares that are located next to the Marriott Worldcenter. They are very nice, right across the street and you can usualy find a good deal. We stayed in a three bedroom there once for under $200 per night.

The other option would be to stay at one of Disney's vacation club resorts. It is fairly easy to find members selling points. You would need 216 points for 8 nights in a one bedroom during the last two weeks in August, 290 for a two bedroom at Old Key West. Points are going for about $9 per point, you may be able to find them a little cheaper. It may be a little more money, but believe me, it is worth it.

[jeffw_00]

Thanks Mickey - agree on the pros/cons - since Cape Kennedy, Sea World, Blizzard Beach, and DisneyQuest are in our plan this time, and the suite saves us the cost of breakfast (and possibly dinner), the mod-price on-site (off-monorail) doesn't do much for us.

I know the Worldcenter, I think (just south of LBV?) Hadn't considered this (I stayed at one up the street once, next to the Summerfield suites). What about maintenance and cleaning - are we on our own to change our sheets and fix the A/C? Are they separate cottages and do they have their own washer/dryer (if yes, and yes, you have my interest).

I priced Key West ($400/nite- and I can't get 2 double-beds in each bedroom, another requirement) - I don't unterstand what you're talking about with 'points' , but you're still $150/nite above my Marriott.

Thanks for the info though, and more info on the stuff near the worldcenter would be great.

THanks!
/j

[mickey]

The marriott timeshares on the Worldcenter property are similar to the residence inns, but way nicer. They have all the amenities of the RI, but the rooms are bigger, and the they are built better. You also have full use of the Worldcenter activities, golf course and a fantastic pool. If you own at the Marriotts, you don't have much in the way of cleaning done for you, but if you rent, it is just like staying at a hotel.

The Disney Vacation Club resorts (Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas and the new Beach Club Villas) are all member owned. I own part of Old Key West. I am given a certain amount of "point" each year to do as I see fit. Each room and each night is given a point value, and you must surrender that many points to stay in the room that night. There are many members who can't use their points, and if they don't use them, they expire. So, members sell their points. You contact them, they make the reservation, you pay them a deposit, you show up, and the room is your. You don't pay Disney, there is no sales tax or hotel tax, you only pay for things that you charge to your room.

One other option is to just stay there like a hotel. I have seen rates as low as $180 per night for a one bedroom at OKW. If you don't mind staying off property, the the residence inn is a great option, especially at that price. I personally won't stay off property again, but I know many who don't like staying with Disney 24 hours a day.

[jeffw_00]

Well - the only allure to me of staying on park is if I'm on-monorail, or if there's some real trip advantage to staying in a disney hotel (like longer park hours) - it doesn't sound like OKW offers either of these things - but that's ok.
Can you give me a pointer to how I can look into the marriott timeshares as a rental? Does Marriott administer it - or (like you describe for OKW) - do I have to find an interested owner?)

again - THANKS!
/j

[mickey]

The Marriotts are run by Marriott, and you can reserve them directly from marriott.com. You can also find out more information by clicking here. I have seen discounted rates on their website, through Expedia and other sources. I have also seen people renting their weeks on Ebay. Last August they had deals for under $200 per night for a two bedroom.

I just looked at the Imperial Palms, and they have a three bedroom available for $182 per night using a AAA discount. I used the dates of August 20 to the 28, I wasn't sure of your dates. There is also a two bedroom at Royal Palms for $134 per night. This is directly from Marriott.com.

All of the Palms are located at the Worldcenter. We have stayed in the Imperial Palms and Grand Vista, which is up by Sea World. These are great rates, and the quality is a big step up from any Residence Inn in existance.

[jeffw_00]

thanks - will look into it

[mickey]

Jeff

One more option on the Marriotts. There is a company called Interval International. It is owned by Marriott. They are the company that you use if you own a timeshare, and you want to trade your week and go stay somewhere else. The have a lot of excess inventory, particularly in Marriotts. I just looked and I found a two bedroom at Sabal Palms or Royal Palms for $689 for 7 nights, or less than $100 per night. Three bedrooms are going for $729.

The only catch is that you have to pay a fee to join. These are special deals only available to members. I believe it runs about $99 per year. But still, if you could get 7 nights for $788, that would be cheaper than the rate directly from Marriott. They only book in 7 night blocks, but I could check availability for you if you would like. You do loose some flexibility this way though, and you don' receive housekeeping service either.

[jeffw_00]

Just in case anyone reading this thread is interested - the marriott properties at the world center all (without exception) have a king-size bed in the master bedroom - so if you and your spouse are light sleepers (as my wife and I are) - might not want to consider it for a long visit. (Sigh). Thanks Mickey, though
/j

[mickey]

Sorry, I didn't think about that. I am usually so tired at the end of the day I could sleep in the bathtub if I had to.

[wdwjeff]

Hi, Jeff,
Great first name, by the way. Welcome to the boards. Have you looked into the Hotel Royal Plaza? It's on-property, and is running summer specials of $69 per night. It's another option for you. Hope this helps.:) :)

[lopo]

jeffw_OO,
I am definitely in the minority here on DC regarding on-site vs. off-site vacations. Most of the time, we choose to stay off. In fact, if you look at the previous posts, you'll find a lot of information regarding this particular topic.
In a nutshell, I have rented houses locateed approx. 3 miles form WDW. I got a four bedroom, two bath w/living room, fully-stocked (meaning toaster, microwave, dishwasher, pots, dishes, glasses, utensils, etc.), eat-in kitchen, garage, dining room, washer/dryer and a private pool in a screened-in patio for about $100 a night. It was not off season either. We also had two TVs, VCR, etc. I recommend that choice to everyone I know!
I have never stayed at the Holiday Inn Guest Suites located right by one of the WDW entrances, but I have heard raves about it. I think that the rate is about $129 a night and breakfast is included daily. I also heard that the whole place was recently remodeled.
I do like to stay on Disney property, but the costs can be daunting especially if you actually consider two rooms. And, like you, I was traveling with teenagers and they sure do like their space (as do I!)
The downsides to staying off property are that it can be time consuming if you want to return to your lodgings for a midday rest or because you forgot something and, if you are in the park 'til closing, you may get stuck in a traffic jam when you leave to return to your place. With a little planning, however, you can usually avoid these unpleasant experiences. And, you do save a bundle and you will probably be much more comfortable!