Off-site with "moderate" amenities

[HopperFan]

I would AVOID anything at Disney Springs (and I've stayed at most) .... you will have to rent a car at airport and then pay parking fees, some of them quite hefty. I believe they all have resort fees now while providing very little that would warrant them. Other than HBVP, none have pools that would compare to a moderate ~ you will be disappointed, and with some greatly disappointed. Several are need of renovations (Hilton, Best Western) and some are just bottom rung where we won't return (Wyndham). They ONLY plus they have is bus system to the parks and walking to Disney Springs.

Since you will have a car STAY off-site where you have much nicer larger options for less money!!

We have stayed several times at Bonnet Creek Resort and it would be our first choice each trip, even over a Disney resort. It has all the moderates have plus much more. And location is as good as on site.

If you don't mind a hotel room just like you'd get with a moderate I would look at Hilton Bonnet Creek and Wyndham Grand. They have fees but some times of year even with that they compare to a moderate price wise. AND it is def nicer than a Disney deluxe. Both those provide FREE decently scheduled shuttles to the parks in your resort fee. Both are very nice with great amenities.

You could look at the two Sheratons ~ Vistana Resort and Vistana Villages, do a search on here there are a couple detailed threads that show you what they are like with photos. I've only stayed at Resort.

If you plan on lots of pool and relaxing time you might want to check Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista. They have a resort fee but they have invested substantially to their outdoor amenities. They also include a nice hot breakfast buffet.

 

[TamaraQT]

I live in Winter Garden, out the back gate of Disney, so local... Born and raised Fl. Girl.... WDW AP holders, my BIL works for Universal so we have a hook there... There are still things we haven't done, or really haven't been to in a really long long time... If you are going for a Florida vacation... then I would totally go with a a home rental... but not in Orlando... I would head over to the beaches, and check out what they have to offer... Florida is so much more than just a theme park... There are lots of spots to check out... Take a look at Florida on a tankful... lots of little out of the way place's to see and check out...

With coming for 15 days... you could do 7 or 8 nights in Orlando... then 7 or 8 nights off the beaten path... we have alot of friends and family that do this... so you get the best of both worlds...

If you are looking for local spots to eat in Orlando or some of the surrounding areas, I would be happy to give you some suggestions...

We have visited Clearwater beach a few times while on vacation. We are not beach fans, but we do enjoy seeing the 'gulf' side of the coast. Being from NJ we have plenty of beaches here. But, we are not beach fans so the Atlantic Ocean doesn't impress us since we can visit it anytime right from home. We have friends and family in Fort Myers area and drive there at times also. Most times, they come up to us while we are in Orlando. They feel like they are getting a mini vacation just by spending the day or a night or two with us at a timeshare resort. Sometimes we rent a 3 bedroom unit for that exact reason. We have intentions of renting a vacation house one day. However, I do rely on entertainment and onsite amenities that are offered at timeshare resorts. We have eaten at local spots, not just chain restaurants. I would like to find a place in Florida that Guy Fieri has visited on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I am sure there has to be a few in the State of Florida. I just have to find time to squeeze it in. The good news is, we are NEVER bored yet with the area and attractions we visit so far. I am sure in time we will broaden our horizons even more. I figure, if I have YET to play a round of miniature golf, or paddleboat at a resort I still have lots of things left to see and do. So far I enjoy every moment we are there and its STILL not enough time.

 

[chekhovgirl]

Thanks for the suggestion, I wasn't sure about pricing at Wyndham Bonnet Creek at that time of year, they haven't released those dates yet. I will keep a look out.

Vacation Strategy will give you a quote already for those dates, just email or call them.

 

[TamaraQT]

Vacation Strategy will give you a quote already for those dates, just email or call them.

Is Vacation Strategy still operating? Are their prices really competitive? After reading about their lost reservations and people having to 'settle' for a different resort than what's on their confirmation would make me uncomfortable. I couldn't do it. I will stick with TUG and Redweek.

 

[teawar]

Orange Lake resort is a large property run by Holiday Inn and is located 5-10 minutes from Disney Property, closest to Animal Kingdom. This is a beautiful location with lots of pools, restaurants, golf course, internal shuttle, activities, and easy accessibility to all of the restaurants on 192. You can book on the holiday inn website. It is a time share property like several others mentioned, but you can book rooms by the night, not just the week. They will try to get you to go to a sales pitch by enticing with cash/tickets/etc. just after you check in, but a lot of places in town will. Just say no and enjoy your time.

 

[TamaraQT]

Orange Lake resort is a large property run by Holiday Inn and is located 5-10 minutes from Disney Property, closest to Animal Kingdom. This is a beautiful location with lots of pools, restaurants, golf course, internal shuttle, activities, and easy accessibility to all of the restaurants on 192. You can book on the holiday inn website. It is a time share property like several others mentioned, but you can book rooms by the night, not just the week. They will try to get you to go to a sales pitch by enticing with cash/tickets/etc. just after you check in, but a lot of places in town will. Just say no and enjoy your time.

Orange Lake is definitely one of my favorite resorts. You can save money by renting directly from owners using TUG or Redweek. I have stayed at West Village and River Island. I enjoyed both stays although I am not a fan of the outside patios in West Village. I am hoping to find a reasonable rental for North Village or Tennis Villas in West Village for my next vacation. Although River Island has the lazy river and enclosed slide, I still prefer the pool at North Village. Truth is, no matter what section you stay in, you are practically guaranteed a great stay at Orange Lake. My DD13 favorite memory was the glow-in-the-dark pool party, and the Dive-in-Movie on the inflatable screen at the pool. Awesome vacation!! I came in 2nd place in the hula-hoop contest. I was so proud of myself. Yes in deed, I still got the moves and hip action at 50 years old!!! But thats a story for another day!!

 

[MICKIMINI]

From an old timer...I would make every effort to get a Disney resort on property and have access to ME and transportation. You do pay a bit more but the trade up is TIME. 40 square miles is huge and getting from point A to point B even if you are using Disney transportation can be a drag, but staying offsite makes it feel like you are staying at any town in the US. Back before we bought OKW in 1996 we stayed off property many times and even stayed at Marriot Vistana and Orange Lake for a few days to add to more recent trips and they were just "okay" - nothing more, nothing less. IMHO, they are just not Disney period. Watch for deals, stay in a value, save longer or stay one night less, but where you stay will make or break your magical week. JMHO.

 

[TamaraQT]

From an old timer...I would make every effort to get a Disney resort on property and have access to ME and transportation. You do pay a bit more but the trade up is TIME. 40 square miles is huge and getting from point A to point B even if you are using Disney transportation can be a drag, but staying offsite makes it feel like you are staying at any town in the US. Back before we bought OKW in 1996 we stayed off property many times and even stayed at Marriot Vistana and Orange Lake for a few days to add to more recent trips and they were just "okay" - nothing more, nothing less. IMHO, they are just not Disney period. Watch for deals, stay in a value, save longer or stay one night less, but where you stay will make or break your magical week. JMHO.

I agree with this if you are going for a DISNEY ONLY vacation. I go for an Orlando Vacation which means that I do a whole lot more than just Disney. I stay for 15 days and MAY only go to Disney 3 or 4 days of the 15. I stayed onsite once and waiting for buses and other forms of transportation is TIME CONSUMING also. I go in the Summer months(July/Aug) and waiting for a bus or boat is no fun. I'd rather jump on the tram at the front gate and get a ride out to the area of the parking lot where my rental car is parked. Get in my own rental vehicle and back at my timeshare resort or a fast food restaurant while most are still standing waiting for a bus and hoping it isn't full and being told to wait for next one. No fun.....for that I will pass. Also, for the nightly cost of a value, I can stay in a 2 bedroom timeshare and come back to a room with a jacuzzi tub, a full kitchen and blender to make frozen drinks and sit out on a balcony while kids sleep/relaxing in their own room. But for those who stay inside the Disney bubble only, I guess it does work for them. What's the point in staying off site if all you are doing is going back and forth to the same Disney destination everyday. If all you are doing is Disney then it makes sense to stay at Disney, eat at Disney, relax at Disney, shop at Disney. Do everything Disney. But I vacation in Orlando for 15 days so I go to Clearwater beach, SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Outlet malls, Restaurants, Gift Shops, Ice Cream parlors, Town of Celebration, Spa, Hard Rock Casino, Wonder Works, Al Capone Dinner Theater, and maybe a day or few at Disney if we can squeeze it in. We haven't been back to Universal Studios for a few years either. If we don't go to Disney parks, we do try to go to Disney Springs at least once while in Orlando. We used to make dinner reservations for O'hana. We have since discovered Texas de Brazil, so O'hana prices are not worth it anymore. I don't need to watch kids do coconut races to consider it "worth it". My youngest daughter is about to 14, so the thrill of participating is gone for her. Besides, a family of 4 can eat at Texas de Brazil for a little less than the cost of 2 adults at O'hana. There is a whole lot more to Orlando than just Disney. But its because of Disney, that Orlando has so much more to offer and so many things to do.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I agree there is more to Orlando than Disney...my first visit to Orlando was 1965 and we still have lots of family in the area. We've seen and done everything (remember Church Street Station?) in the Orlando area and we just love Disney more than anything and are at four generations (hoping for the fifth soon). No apologies - we're just crazy Disney!

 

[chekhovgirl]

Is Vacation Strategy still operating? Are their prices really competitive? After reading about their lost reservations and people having to 'settle' for a different resort than what's on their confirmation would make me uncomfortable. I couldn't do it. I will stick with TUG and Redweek.

Interesting, I've never, ever heard about this happening with Vacation Strategy. Are you sure it was them? Yes, they're operating, we've used them for seven years now and never had a problem. Had a reservation in April that we had to cancel, but we still have one with them for December. They've always had the most competitive prices, one of the reasons we use them. We also may use them for a ski vacation next year, already have quotes.

 

[AustenNut]

I would recommend Hilton Buena Vista Palace. It's right across from DS, so lots of food options close by. There is a food court, sit down restaurant, and bar onsite. They have an awesome lazy river/pool area and you can pay for a shuttle to the parks. We weren't going to the parks, so I don't know how well that worked. I booked through Dreams to get free parking/waived resort fees. For us, we had a suite with 2 queens and living area with a pull out couch for less than a moderate room onsite. We would definitely stay here again.

Can you tell me what the full name of Dreams is? If we could get waived parking/resort fees as the Palace, that would be awesome!

 

[firefly_ris]

Can you tell me what the full name of Dreams is? If we could get waived parking/resort fees as the Palace, that would be awesome!

I'm assuming they're referring to Dreams Unlimited -- the agency that runs this website.

 

[AustenNut]

I'm assuming they're referring to Dreams Unlimited -- the agency that runs this website.

Thank you!

 

[Disneyfan754321]

If you are looking for a deal, skyauction can get you into most of these for a steal in off season; probably about $500-700 for the week. However, they don't list that far out, listings generally are no more than 6 months out, generally less. Note that skyauction lists mostly the extra inventory from the major exchange companies (RCI/II).

As @KristinU noted, tug and redweek are excellent places to get rentals direct from timeshare owners.

For timeshare stays, they are generally full week only, starting Fri, Sat, Sun. You can sometimes get partial weeks from owners that are in points programs, but most only allow reserving part weeks closer to the check date.

All of the majors also rent directly as well on more of a nightly hotel stay basis but at (much) higher cost. This is a great option though if you need add a night at the beginning or end of a week to match up with flights.

If you are looking for a package, Costco Travel carries some of these properties as well. We actually discovered timeshares (Sheraton Vistana Villages was our first), through a package from Costco travel many years ago.

Once we realized how well a full 2BR villa fit our vacation style and needs we were hooked and bought a couple of weeks resale for pennies on the dollar (total purchase price was about $11 plus fees for both). Just be warned that staying at some of these places might 'rock your vacation world'. Almost all timeshares will ask you to come to a sales presentation during your stay, just say no. There is no obligation to attend (unless you actually book a teaser deal that requires you to attend) and it is NEVER worth the loss of precious vacation time for the offered inducements. Note that the big brands generally aren't very pushy about sales compared to some others.

A year ago we stayed at Sheraton vistana
It was really really nice ... it was 500 for the whole week off of sky auction. This last year i used costco vacations received almost the same price and i had a little more freedom without all the restrictions on changing weeks. With how this last march turned out i was really glad i did not use skyauction. Sign up for Marriott bonvoy rewards i just received the offer in the mail to come see vistana for 249. ( for our next time)

 

[ParkHopperFan]

From an old timer...I would make every effort to get a Disney resort on property and have access to ME and transportation. You do pay a bit more but the trade up is TIME. 40 square miles is huge and getting from point A to point B even if you are using Disney transportation can be a drag, but staying offsite makes it feel like you are staying at any town in the US. Back before we bought OKW in 1996 we stayed off property many times and even stayed at Marriot Vistana and Orange Lake for a few days to add to more recent trips and they were just "okay" - nothing more, nothing less. IMHO, they are just not Disney period. Watch for deals, stay in a value, save longer or stay one night less, but where you stay will make or break your magical week. JMHO.

Not everyone wants to be in the Disney bubble. We love to visit Disney but the entire vacation spent there is just too much. There is so many other things to see an do beyond the mouse.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Not everyone wants to be in the Disney bubble. We love to visit Disney but the entire vacation spent there is just too much. There is so many other things to see an do beyond the mouse.

So we book a disney hotel at the beginning or the days inbetween our Disney days. Last march it was two nights for our three disney days. Its really hard to spend $400 for two nights for a bed and mini fridge room knowing that i spent a little more for a week with a full kitchen two rooms and full resort pools and slides. For us the first 2 or 3 days is park time disney or universal and the rest of the days is more relaxed.
After i added up the magicbands, parking for each day it just made sense to stay at disney....

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks for the suggestions. What's the best way to book these timeshare properties? Third party website? Directly?

Use a company or hotwire/priceline I had days booked thru HW pre now cancelled cruise the end of March at PORR. It was fully refunded since hotel was closed for out booking

If you don't mind a hotel room just like you'd get with a moderate I would look at Hilton Bonnet Creek and Wyndham Grand. They have fees but some times of year even with that they compare to a moderate price wise. AND it is def nicer than a Disney deluxe. Both those provide FREE decently scheduled shuttles to the parks in your resort fee. Both are very nice with great amenities.

I didn’t know the WG (hotel) had a free shuttle, good to know. They both compare very favorably with DVC accommodations and the poolscape is amazing there.

WBC rentals = free parking & no resort fee

You could look at the two Sheratons ~ Vistana Resort and Vistana Villages, do a search on here there are a couple detailed threads that show you what they are like with photos. I've only stayed at Resort.

Only have stayed at Vistana, TS invite. We were in Cascades which were very nice but 1 BR small IMO compared to WBC. After doing a drive thru of the huge complex, would absolutely not want to be in some of the other sections.

Is Vacation Strategy still operating? Are their prices really competitive? After reading about their lost reservations and people having to 'settle' for a different resort than what's on their confirmation would make me uncomfortable. I couldn't do it. I will stick with TUG and Redweek.

Lol they price match any other company. Recommend them highly!!!

Have been using them for years & never a single glitch. Re the above cancelled trip, after cruise, Easter week had a reservation. They cancelled it upon my request 3 weeks prior to arrival date. Really surprised me issuing us a non-expiring 100% credit towards our next booking. That is a class act IMO

 

[tobikaye]

My family stayed at Lake Buena Vista Spa and Resort for a few nights before a cruise a while back. There was an onsite restaurant and carry out pizza hut. We drove down to the Publix and picked up some quick foods for the room. We did not go to the parks that trip, but we had an easy drive to Disney Springs and Beach Club Resort. It was also not too bad of a drive to the USO area since we had to do an emergency dentist run for my dad.

I would stay there again if I was going to rent a car or drive down. I just have not had a trip down since my stay where it fit the stay.

 

[HopperFan]

I didn’t know the WG (hotel) had a free shuttle, good to know. They both compare very favorably with DVC accommodations and the poolscape is amazing there.

WBC rentals = free parking & no resort fee

Yes, it is included in the resort fee.
"Luxury shuttle service to & from Disney Theme parks & Disney Springs"

https://www.wyndhamgrandorlando.com/services/services.aspx

Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek
Valet $29 per day and Self Park $22 per day
Resort Fee $35 per day includes shuttle

Wyndam Bonnet Creek Resort
Free Parking
No Resort Fee
Shuttle Fees $7 per person round trip

 

[TamaraQT]

Not everyone wants to be in the Disney bubble. We love to visit Disney but the entire vacation spent there is just too much. There is so many other things to see an do beyond the mouse.

I find it quite amusing when its assumed that DISNEY is the only attraction worth seeing in Orlando. There is no comparison between a timeshare condo and a Disney value resort. Why would someone want to give up staying in a 2 bedroom timeshare condo with staying in a Disney value resort. If I Given the option of a full living room, dining room, full kitchen, master bedroom w/private bath that includes a jacuzzi, a separate bedroom for kids, TVs in all bedrooms, a rental car to come and go anywhere to eat or shop or visit.....now how does a DISNEY VALUE resort with a MOTEL layout compare to all of the above? Just because there are a few Disney pictures on the wall its supposed to worth the "themed bubble"? It's a glorified motel and that's all it is. Waiting for a bus or two is supposed to make me want to give up having a rental car and driving thru Orlando to see other sites than Disney? No thanks, I will pass. Enjoy!!!

Sometimes I can't help but think that the ONSITE ONLY cheerleaders may be afraid to step out of the bubble out of FEAR they may like it and then they will be angry at themselves for paying so much for a DISNEY ONLY vacation. When reading posts I notice the duration of a Disney only vacation is usually less than 7 days while timeshare vacations are usually the standard 7 days. Not only does staying at a timeshare provide more amenities, it also provides longer, more affordable stays.