Villa or Hotel for 60th

[GMickeyB]

Originally Posted by jdouds

Yes old key west. It’s a big resort yet because it is set out along the water ways and golf course it doesn’t feel like that. There is the main hospitality and pool area plus 3 other pools one with food and drinks.
Have a look at google maps and satellite and look at its proximity to Disney springs etc

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I've had a look, it looks great, it's a DVC Resort, very close to Disney Springs, so do you pay for overnight parking at the resort?

[jdouds]

Yes they’ve introduced parking charges approximately $20. This is a charge I really can’t understand unless it’s to stop US family’s arriving with 2/3 cars

[GMickeyB]

Originally Posted by jdouds

Yes they’ve introduced parking charges approximately $20. This is a charge I really can’t understand unless it’s to stop US family’s arriving with 2/3 cars

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I suppose it's still worth paying to have a bit more independence

[jdouds]

When we arrive in Orlando we are happy to walk over to garage get our car and head to OKW when we get there we check in and get the luggage into apartment. While I of us unpacks the other pops up to Walmart 10/15 mins away and gets the basics we need. Water,beer,ice cream,wine and of course some cereal, bread, milk etc. When there we have a quick breakfast Some mornings and head to a park early and then use a quick snack mid morning or grab a ice cream or coffee. For our meal credits say we have 12 nights we would probably do 3 signatures Possibly 1 breakfast and then 5 single credit evening meals. On the other nights we use quick service something like blaze pizza at Disney spring or might have a night on idrive.

[GMickeyB]

Originally Posted by jdouds

When we arrive in Orlando we are happy to walk over to garage get our car and head to OKW when we get there we check in and get the luggage into apartment. While I of us unpacks the other pops up to Walmart 10/15 mins away and gets the basics we need. Water,beer,ice cream,wine and of course some cereal, bread, milk etc. When there we have a quick breakfast Some mornings and head to a park early and then use a quick snack mid morning or grab a ice cream or coffee. For our meal credits say we have 12 nights we would probably do 3 signatures Possibly 1 breakfast and then 5 single credit evening meals. On the other nights we use quick service something like blaze pizza at Disney spring or might have a night on idrive.

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Sounds like a perfect plan, if you don't mind me asking who do you book it all with?

[jdouds]

DIY. Book flights as soon as they come out - skyscanner is good place to get idea of prices. Usually then go to the airline direct to book.
Book Disney either direct or via charter travel although have found Disney direct tend to have better availability albeit at a slightly higher price. Plus wait for free DDP
Car hire we tend to use HERTZ as we have American Express discount we can use.
If we stay anyway after Disney I tend to book direct with the hotel.
All of the above bar flights can be cancelled up to few days before travel - useful if a better price comes up!
It really isn’t hard doing the diy route - gives you quite a sense of achievement.

[GMickeyB]

Originally Posted by jdouds

DIY. Book flights as soon as they come out - skyscanner is good place to get idea of prices. Usually then go to the airline direct to book.
Book Disney either direct or via charter travel although have found Disney direct tend to have better availability albeit at a slightly higher price.
Car hire we tend to use HERTZ as we have American Express discount we can use.
If we stay anyway after Disney I tend to book direct with the hotel.
All of the above bar flights can be cancelled up to few days before travel - useful if a better price comes up!
It really isn’t hard doing the diy route - gives you quite a sense of achievement.

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Thats great info, thanks so much jdouds, I will look into everything, which is all part of the fun

[Donaldfan]

Originally Posted by jdouds

Yes they’ve introduced parking charges approximately $20. This is a charge I really can’t understand unless it’s to stop US family’s arriving with 2/3 cars

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Disney don't want people to spend their money anywhere else, eg restaurants off site. Charging people to park at their hotels makes having a car less attractive, thus they will spend more time and money at Disney. I go solo and can't drive and since Disney is my reason for going to Orlando staying on site is perfect for me. I use the Magical Express for the airport trips and Disney transport while I'm there. If I go to Discovery Cove I use Uber.