Originally Posted By sherond We are heading to DW in October. Two adults and two kids (9 and 10 years). We are trying to figure out if we want to stay on site, or off site. We are spending 2 days, possibly 3 at DW, and then one day at Universal. If we stay on site, we get the transportation from the airport. However, we will have to find a way to Universal? Does anyone know if there is a shuttle that you can pay and ride to Universal? We are not interested in a package from DW, as we have a friend that works there that will take us in the park. I will await your great suggestions.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb If you're only doing 3 days at WDW, then I'd suggest staying off property and renting a car. Normally I'd recommend staying on property, but in you situation off would probably be more practical. If you end up on I Drive leave plenty early because I've heard traffic to WDW can be bad. If staying on 192 the commute to the World isn't bad, but it's a bit of a trek to Universal and Sea World (I found I-4 to be better than I Drive for that commute).
Originally Posted By wahooskipper If you don't mind spending a little money I have a couple of hotel recommendations for you. The Caribe Royale is an all suite property and the rooms are great for families. Kids can sleep on a sofa bed in the living room area and parents can have the bedroom. Refrigerator and microwave included. Or you can get the 2 queen version but still have the extra room. They have a great resort pool (with small waterslide) nice gym and several food options. Or, another great opetion is the Lake Eve Resort. One and two bedroom "apartments" almost...with full kitchen (to make meals cheaper). The rates are very reasonable considering all you get. Both of these resorts are just down the road from Epcot and there is easy access to I4.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms We just did a Mears cab from our hotel (we were in AKL at the time) to Universal in June. The way it worked for the 4 of us, the cab, though not cheap, was less expensive than the Mears shuttle and it was just us and we could pick the time we got picked up instead of having to go on the shuttle's schedule with possible multiple stops. It was very convenient, and we got into the park (and to Harry Potter) as soon as the park opened. (I had pre-arranged a pick-up, which the Parking Valet set up for me, to guarantee our early morning time even though they told me there were almost always cabs waiting around - then the cab driver called and said he was going to be late, so the Valet just called up a waiting cab and we were off at the right time!) I guess Mears handles all the shuttles and cabs.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 You also may want to check around for prices on Bonnet Creek Resort. Though not officially on Disney property, it might as well be since it sits behind the Caribbean Beach Resort on Disney Property and they run buses to the Disney Parks and you can probably arrange to go to Universal. They are offering rates as low as $160.00 for a room and they have several pools, a lazy river and a mini-golf course all included among lots of other amenities. So you get a great prices, a beautiful hotel and as close to Disney as possible without staying at a Disney resort hotel. My daughter and son-in-law love this place.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I would ALWAYS suggest staying on-site. It is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT experience. We stayed off-site for our first visit (a property on 192 not more than 5-10 minutes from the main gate), but after staying on site the following trip at the All Star Music we never went back. The difference is between VISITING Disney World and LIVING AT Disney World, and the difference is HUGE! I've been an owner in DVC for 12 years now, so of course we almost always stay in the DVC resorts. But this year we've spent all of our DVC points to pay for a DCL Cruise for both ourselves and my wife's sister and her husband. We decided we wanted to add on a few days at WDW, and we booked at the All Star Music with cash... we never even CONSIDERED staying off-site. Just my opinion... By the way… I have no idea now what options are available at Universal now given the popularity of Harry Potter. But one year when we were staying at WDW we were able to book a “package” with Universal for Disney guests that gave us a shuttle from our WDW hotel to Universal plus park admission for very little more than the cost of admission itself. At the time, we were able to choose a shuttle pickup and return about every hour from early morning to late evening. It was VERY convenient. But of course that was during the years before IOA even opened… I have no idea if Universal still offers something like that!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub With just one day at Universal...I would take the splurge and use a taxi. I would hate to shuttle and spend extra hour sitting on the shuttle while others are picked up at different hotels I would even recommend arriving really early and eating breakfast at the Hard Rock.Hotel. The taxi can easily drop you off and pick you up there for a safer and more fun day. The Hard Rock Hotel is the closest on-site property and they offer a water taxi to the theme parks. Also that age group for your children will enjoy seeing the lobby and the breakfast is excellent way to relax before a very busy crowded day.
Originally Posted By jkayjs Since you are only doing 2-3 days @ WDW that's all the more reason to stay on site! Then you can take advantage of EMH & the transportation. We done it both ways & for a short stay it's the way to go. You'll have the airport covered & as mentioned can do a taxi for Universal which btw I would plan right in the middle of your stay. Even if your friend is getting you in you can still use the EMHs with your room key. That way you can take advantage of extended time in the parks & you won't have to pay for parking(that alone will pay for your taxi to US). You can certainly get a cheaper hotel off site but for such a short stay I would take all the variables into account. There is something about being immersed in the theming of the resorts. There are no wrong answers just do what feels right to you & fits your budget. If you'll like to get a feel for the different resorts check out allears.net.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I've always enjoyed the All Star Music for a Value resort, even though it is the second-oldest. It seems to attract fewer young children than the others and is therefor quieter. I've also always enjoyed the "Jazz" buildings. The gardens, fountains and wrought-iron fencing actually manages to give something of a New Orleans vibe to the basic cinder-block construction!! It is also a bit removed from the main building and pool without being as far away as some of the others. This year because of my emphysema/COPD we've booked at the "Calypso" buildings... right next to the main food-court building, bus stop and pool. A little noisier perhaps, but much less walking!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub And POP Century is my favorite place for the exact opposite reason. Even tho I am not traveling with children I love all the families having fun. I can have peace and quiet at home . Returning to my hotel room after midnight and still see children enjoying the pool and parents sitting at the pool-side Bar...watching their kids, I suppose, is my idea of fun...probably from a childhood that did not have fun. Definitely stay at a value unless you have lots and lots of money for the pending future.
