Originally Posted By jackfk Are there any budget hotels that you would recommend to me in WDW area? (other than the over-priced Disney resort hotels.)
Originally Posted By trekkeruss If you are willing to give up some flexibilty, you could potentially save a lot by booking a hotel through Priceline. if you go that route, I STRONGLY recommend looking at BiddingForTravel, and reading the FAQ there: <a href="http://p070.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding" target="_blank">http://p070.ezboard.com/bprice lineandexpediabidding</a>
Originally Posted By trekkeruss BTW, I wouldn't say that the Disney resorts are overpriced. Expensive, yes... you can get more amenities for less money at off-property hotels... but there are other benefits to the Disney resorts that make them worth the extra money.
Originally Posted By adizneeguy shhhh, don't tell anyone else I am saying this. They may think of me as an outsider, or a poster who needs to be sent back to "lurker" status. First, let me say that I completely agree with trekkeruss that Disney hotels are expensive, but worth the cost. I love the "magic" of staying in the real thing, a stones throw from the parks. Now let me continue with an admission that I have been in the position of choosing three days for $100 or three days for $300. The extra $200, in my mind, was better put to use eating a little better and picking up a few cool souvenirs. My usual us-192 stay....Magic Castle. Not pretty, no frills. A clean room, working appliances, a mini-refrigerator, and a free cold breakfast and hot coffee. And best of all a five minute trip from the main gate. But PLEEEASE, don't tell any LPers I said any of this. They might think less of me.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost At less than $42.00 per night, Master's Inn has worked for me. I can never stop thinking about what I can do with the money saved and what amenities I use while asleep. Very few! I love the "mouse" but I get all of him I need at the parks and early entry has no appeal to me because I have never had the stamina to stay more then the regular hours anyway. No! On site staying is for a select few and I am not one of them. I guess we should both become "lurkers"!
Originally Posted By jackfk Thank you very much! I am a new comer! From now on, I know the rule of the game here. First of all, I pick a 3-star hotel and have a nice holiday in WDW for a week. After getting back from WDW, I should tell all LPers saying `that 5-star Disney hotel called....... I stayed was so great, you all have to try it next time'. Hahahaha!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I personally choose to stay on site when I go as the transport, ability to send shopping back to the hotel, Mickey Mouse wake up calls and character presence are worth it to me. However, I understand that if you only sleep in your hotel, off site is fine. Different strokes - me, I take longer breaks between trips to do the whole 9 yards. Others live off cereal and stay in flea pits to be able to go more often. It is whatever makes you happy. And if you are not a Disney nut, a strategy between the 2 makes sense. BTW - I find Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn's and Travelodges all have very acceptable and afordable accommodations, you might want to check out. Here in the UK, a number of people opt to rent a house whn they go.
Originally Posted By Labuda I've done a late flight then hit an off-site hotel for the first night a couple of times now - used Priceline each time. Paid no more than $32 or so each night (including the taxes/Priceline fee), and got a Quality Inn Maingate West once (decent enough place, had a continental breakfast), and a Best Western te toher time (ditto). If on a real budget, I'd go ahead and Priceline it.
Originally Posted By typhoonCM find a cm and get their holiday discount. Or just keep checking with the DRC. I've stayed at Pop Century for as low as 49 bucks on many occasions. (regular price, no CM discount was available at the time)
Originally Posted By FenwayGirl I have also stayed at all star movie for as little as 45 dollars. We are booked for 1-14 throufh 1-21 for 62 per night. Take into account the ME and no rental car and we make out better than the offsite bargains. Plus we get to stay in Disney!
Originally Posted By adizneeguy Hey Typhoon, can I say I found you? I reeeeealy need to stay onsite early this year. Okay, I don't need to....but I do want to. =)
Originally Posted By montu101 I usually go to Orbitz or Travelocity and look for a hotel that looks reasonably new with free breakfast for a good price.I'll look at several locations where I would stay to be close to the attractions. 1)International Drive, Maybe a bit far from Disney but I like it there and the drive isn't more than 15 minutes. 2)Palm Parkway or the hotels in the area of little lake bryan around 535.Some good hotels really close to Downtown Disney. 3)US 192 If you stay here make sure it's west of 535, the area east of it isn't the greatest, but you can find very good rooms for the price.
Originally Posted By dixielandings The Hawaiian Maingate Inn isnt bad for around $35 and its right across the street from WDW
Originally Posted By Kylesmom Remember, if you stay off-site you will have to rent a car or take a taxi to the parks. So keep in mind those expenses, you may find not having to pay for transportation off sets the extra cost of staying at one of the the All-Stars or Pop Century.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Truth is... a lot of people still choose to rent a car even if they stay on property because the bus service within WDW takes too long to shuffle people around, especially since the economy hotels are the farthest from the MK, EPCOT, and DTD.
Originally Posted By FenwayGirl Never had a problem with transportation from All Star Movie. You just have to understand that it may take a little extra time...and plan for it!
Originally Posted By Daannzzz I always rent a car on my stays at WDW. Occasionally I stay offsite the first night (or one time at Portofino Bay at Universal)but then move to a Disney accomodation but we always use the car alot. From driving to the parks (sometimes we use the bus and always use Disney transport to the MK), to driving to other resorts for a visit but mainly for meals. And we go offsite for meals and just roaming around the area. I think if you will be there for only a few days a car isn't absolutely needed but I know I would rent one.
Originally Posted By wam0418 I have stayed off site twice in the 14 times that I have been....and guess what...do you notice something...only twice..everyone has different opinions but for the REAL feel of a WDW vacation...stay on site. I have stayed at the All Stars and POP Century for as little as 59.00 a night. It can be done just watch the time of year you go.. Sept., Oct are the best of times
