Orlando - Where to stay?

[potplant]

We've booked a FlyDrive trip to Orlando next Easter but I'm struggling with the huge choice of places to stay.

When I've been pre-DCs we stayed in cheap and scummy cheerful IDrive hotel which was bascially a crash pad. As we are taking the DTs now I think we want something different. I don't think we will be full on every day so want to have at least a couple of relaxing by the pool type of days. So I need a hotel with a bit mor than a Coke machine.

So my choices are:

1. Disney hotel. Its expensive compared to normal hotels, how useful are the 'magical' extras?
2. Big posh resort hotel. For the same price as a Disney we can stay in 5 Star with tons of amenities golf courses. kids pools etc. Will we actually use this though?
3. Suites - We can buy some basics and save money on breakfast and a few lunches? No housekeeping though and a bit pricier.
4. Cheap and cheerful - Am I kidding myself thinking that DTs wont be screaming to go to see Harry Potter and Mickey every day?

Any experienced Disney go-ers out there could offer an opionion?

Shameless bump - if I dont have a hotel booked by 5pm tonight DH is going to book some Bates motel $10 a night hovel.

What are you looking for from a holiday in terms of facilities?.

How old are the DCs in question?.

Price is also a factor; generally the top end Disney hotels (and Disney resort hotels do vary a lot in price) will cost quite a bit. Same with the four and five star chains like the Marriott and Hyatt.
Staying at a Disney hotel means you get earlier access to the parks and package delivery back to your room.

Suite chains like Embassy Suites offer free breakfasts with hot and cold items daily. They also have daily housekeeping so the towels will be changed and the bed will be made. Suites too are good value for money and the suites are larger than the average hotel room.

Type in Orlando hotels on Tripadvisor, read the reviews and have a look at the photos.
If you stay on I Drive make sure your hotel there is located south of Sandlake Road. I Drive is much nicer to the south of Sandlake.

We went in April and stayed at Homewood Suites on I-Drive and found it excellent. Separate room for the dd's, cooker, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and lots of cooking utensils, all spanking new. Tv in both rooms, free wi-fi throughout, walking distance to lots of great restaurants, 20 mins drive to Disney (we were usually up so early got to the parks in time or opening).

We are going again in October and this time booked Country Inn and Suites in Lake Beuena Vista - a bit cheaper and closer to Disney. Then two nights at Universal hotel to get early entry to Harry Potter!

We stayed at a place called the Seralago Hotel and Suites in Kissimmee and would recommend it. Cheap, nothing fancy but close to Disney and lots of places to eat nearby. Good pool and next to Old Town which was interesting!

I can recommend The Blue Heron Beach Resort at LBV.

They have fully equiped condos - 1, 2 or 3 bed condos with 2 or more bathrooms, jacuzzi etc. We had a 1 bed condo with the bunk beds in the hallway - sounds a weird - looked weird but actually worked fine for us (DC were 6 and 9 at the time). Full kitchens with dishwasher etc. Washer and dryer (godsend with my messy lot). The complex had 2 pools and a hot tub. It is literally on the edge of Lake Brian with stunning views out the back of your condo. Out the front of the condos on the upper floors you can see Epcot and even the Disney Fireworks at night.

Literally nextdoor is Cici Pizza, Starbucks, dunkin Donuts, walgreens across the road and walkable to Lone Star steakhouse,Landrys, Golden Corrall and more.

Parking is free if you have a car but there is a free shuttle bus to the parks that was easy to use and on time. we actually walked to DTD one day in about 20/25 minutes.

Have you thought about a villa?

We stayed in a villa in Florida this year and it was great to have our own place (and own pool) to relax in when we got home from a busy day, or just to have a chill out day! Also loads cheaper!!

Thanks for suggestions. HAve actually stayed at Embassy Suites before so I know how nice they are.

DTs will be almost 7. I would like to have somewhere with a nice pool for the days when we want non park days.

I like the idea of early hours at Disney because we're going at peak time but the hotels just don't seem to be good value for money. I've got Grand Floridian aspirations with an All Stars budget.

Like the idea of couple of days at Universal for early entry to Harry potter

Not considered villa. Would have thought they are only cheap if there's lots of you going.

Back to trip advisor then

I think villas are cheap regardless of party size.

The one we had this summer had 5 bedroom and our own pool and was £700 for 15 days. We booked through ownersdirect, might be worth having a look?

Elizabeth - thanks that is a good price. Will take a look.

Try the DIBB web site for info - it's a British website for Disney enthusiasts! A bit ticker-tapish for MN tastes but full of brilliant advice and reviews.

villas are not as expensive as you may think as Elizabeth says. Have a look at www.loyaltyusa.com
It is a company based in Orlando run by an english lady who only manages properties within 4 miles are Disney. All are luxury villas with private pools and many have games rooms too which are a hit with the kids.