Orlando Travel Answers

Hi - we just went with 11 people and rented a house from villadirect.com. It was great. We had so much space, a game room and movie theater, and our own pool. We rented a large van from EZ Car Rental and got around easily. The only benefit of staying in the park is the transportation - but it doesn't take you to the Universal Parks and you may have to wait as per their schedule. Tickets are not included unless you do a package. We used to stay at Disney hotels but just don't see the benefit anymore. Whatever you decide, have a great time!

Glad Donna helped you with accommodations - I lived in Orlando so would not know where to start. Not to be a party pooper - but possibly because I lived there, Disney particularly was one of my big pet peeves - not because I cannot afford to splurge once in a while, but because of the excess of charging you every time you turn around. Along with the charges in the parks goes the ultimate gouging when you stay in a hotel, etc. - so I thought I'd give you the link to Publix supermarkets, as the area is all done so you do not see a single market - you drive and drive through manicured surroundings. Just www.publix.com ... before you leave, if you go to that site and enter the zip code of the hotel you're staying, you'll be all set. Publix also makes good sub sandwiches, good to take along. Sorry for my complaining - the parks are lots of fun. Y siempre hay que llevar a los ninos ... por lo menos una vez! ;-)

I agree, Nomad, but as you mentioned there are ways to cut expenses. Having a house will save a considerable amount of money compared to even the least expensive Disney hotels - and you get so much more for your money. Since you have a house, you can cook at least breakfast - and even barbecues (most will have an outdoor grill) - saving even more money. We booked our van well in advance and also got an excellent deal. Of course, the price for admission is rarely discounted (and going to a time-share presentation, IMO, is not worth it!). You can even bring some drinks and snacks into the parks - they are much less strict than they used to be.

for the entire experience inside is better ,especially if it is your first time. the tickets cover all attractions and transportation inside the parks. its a tough choice as you are a large group so a house will be lot cheaper. hope it helps your planning

I've done both and prefer staying outside the park. Not only is it cheaper but more variety of places to eat. I'm not a 24-7 Disney fan. With a group your size, I would say stay outside the park - meals will be cheaper and it's not that far to drive each day.

Thanks a lot to everybody. I've almost decided to rent a house outside the parks because I forgot to mention but the budget is an issue as you pointed. Anyway it's going to be a great experience for all. Thanks and merry christmas, Rafa

Disney World has some really nice themed hotels; ranging from upscale to very kid-friendly. It can be part of the overall experience, but at a higher cost normally than off-property accommodations. Other than free transportation to and from the parks and your hotel, there really are not any other advantages. PARK TICKETS are NOT included unless you specifically buy a package that includes them. The park tickets include all rides inside the parks along with transportation to/from all other parks whether it is via Monorail, Ferry Boat or the smaller boats, or Bus. Meals are NOT included unless you buy the Inclusive Dining as part of the total accommodations package. If you choose to do that, look for exclusions of certain restaurants both in the park as well as at the hotels. Enjoy.

I live 90 minutes from Disney and go there often when family or friends visit me. If you are staying outside and hire a shuttle to take you inside Disney, they probably will drop you off at the Disney Transportation center which is next to the MONORAIL and boat landings. From there you can take any form of transportation they have and there is no charge. For example, if you decide to go to Epcot you can get on the monorail and go there. No one is there to ask for tickets or ID or anything. You do not need to pay until you decide which Park you wish to enter. If you decide to go over to "Disney Downtown" the only way is by a Disney Bus. There are plenty of buses to every place in there, and all at no charge. Some people go over to Downtown for lunch or to ride the "Hot air balloon". Some people who live local might come into Disney via "Downtown" where there is free parking to buy things, go to Restaurants, ride the Hot Air Balloon, or take a bus in the evening over to the main part where the Parks are for the fireworks at Magic Kingdom.(You watch from outside unless you have already paid for that Park) Best place is from the bar near the top floor of the Contemporary Lodge. (Pyramid shape building where monorail runs through) Buy a drink and watch the fireworks. No cost to visit the Lodges and use monorail. If I had a group of 10, I would book a house nearby and probably rent a Van since you are a lot more flexible to go other places such as Universal for "Harry Potter", Etc. That is my opinion.

Hello! I've stayed around the area twice. Each time there were 7 of us and both times we hired a villa. Villas are amazing, they have more room than what you need, games rooms, swimming pools and are all fully furnished and the kitchen is kitted out for any cooking you may wish to do. On of the first things we always to is find a Walmart. We buy drinks, food and sandwich bags! We made our lunch to take to Disney, and ate somewhere there of an evening. It can get exspensive if you're there for a week or more. We have never had a villa that didn't meet our requirements. I've stayed in four villas; each with their own qualities. I must say though, if you are planning to be in Disney from open to close - you'll find you won't use the swimming pool - you're far too tired from a full day! Hope this helps, Hayley

I've never stayed on property but have twice rented condos outside of WDW. We like the freedom having a rental car provides, especially for meals. The meals at WDW are outrageously expensive. Having a condo meant being able to just have cereal, donuts, or something else cheap for breakfast. We usually at 2 meals a day at the condo, so it really saved money. With you having 10 people, you'd want a house rental. Nearly all the ones I saw on VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner) had built in swimming pools and screened in back yards. As an example, the first one I looked at in Lake Buena Vista was a 4 bdrm 3 bath for975/wk. there will be hundreds to choose from in the Orlando area, so give the website a try. We've had no issues when we've used it.

I know I'm coming in on a bit of an old post but I'm facing the same decision. I was told that it's better to stay at a park hotel because you get extra time in the parks when they are closed to the general public. We are going to Orlando just for the parks so I thought this might be a big advantage for us. What are you views?

Yes you do get extra time in the parks in the morning. There's loads of Disney hotels to choose from - they all have a different theme. Have fun choosing! Hayley :)