You've finally decided to take the family on the long
awaited trip to DisneyWorld. Now you have to decide where to
stay while you're there. The options may seem limited, but
there really are more choices than you might think. Important Points to Consider When Choosing Accommodations Before you make your final decision regarding your
accommodations, there are a few factors that should be taken
into consideration. First and formost is your budget.
Obviously, the larger your budget the more options that are
available to you. You also need to consider number of people in your party. A
family of 4 can usually fit into an average room at one of
the many Disney Resort properties or an off-site hotel quite
comfortably. However, if your party is larger than 4, or
includes several families or a large group travelling
together you will need more space and you may want to
consider an off-site vacation home or resort condo. Another
option for large families is to book 2 or more adjoining
rooms at a hotel. What type of amenities are important to you and your family?
Is privacy and seclusion a high priority for you? Or are you
more concerned with the type of amenities available to you
during your stay? Will you have a car, either your own or a
rental? Or will you need transportation to and from the
parks? Do you plan on spending the majority of your vacation
on Disney property, or are you interested in spending some
time away from the theme parks and exploring the many other
attractions central Florida has to offer? The answers to all of these questions will help to make your
choice of accommodations much easier. The Pros and Cons of On-Site Accommodations Most first time visitors to the Orlando area choose to stay
at one of the many Walt Disney World Resort Properties.
These properties have long had a reputation for being clean,
well maintained, and very family friendly. The excellent
service provided by the Disney staff is also a big plus.
Other advantages of staying on-site at one of the resort
properties is the use of the resort's transportation system.
There is no need to rent a car if you plan on spending your
entire stay at the Disney theme parks. There is an extensive
transportation system available to guests that will take you
anywhere you want to go within the resort. However, if you
think you may want to venture off-site to some of the other
attractions, restaurants, or shows in the Orlando area then
you will need to find your own transportation. Your vacation budget should also be carefully considered if
you are planning on staying on-site. The resort
accommodations tend to be more expensive than off-site
alternatives, and rooms are limited. It may be difficult to
find availability if you are planning your trip at the last
minute. The Pros and Cons of Off-Site Accommodations Many visitors to the Orlando area, especially first time
visitors, are not aware of the many off-site accommodation
options available to them. There are hotels, motels,
resorts, and privately owned condos and vacation pool homes
all within a 10 - 15 minute drive of the parks. All of these
are viable alternatives to staying within the Walt Disney
World Resort. Choosing an off-site hotel or motel can be a good
alternative to on-site accoommodations. Many offer free
shuttles to and from the theme parks and other popular area
attractions. This can be very convenient and can also save
you from paying daily parking fees. However, shuttle times
can be limiting and may not fit your party's schedule. On
the plus side, many guests enjoy being able to "escape" the
Disney atmosphere at the end of a long day. On the other
hand, the quality of off-site hotels and motels can vary
greatly and is often inconsistant, unlike the resort
properties with their high standards of excellence. Another accommodation option that has been growing steadily
in popularity, especially among U.S. visitors to the Orlando
area are privately owned vacation homes. These homes can be
booked through one of the many management companies in the
Orlando area, or even through a travel agent. A vacation home offers guests comfort, convenience, and
privacy. Often, large families or groups find it more cost
effective to rent a larger vacation home rather than book 2
or more hotels rooms. Vacation homes also offer the
opportunity to save money on dining out, as each home comes
with a fully equipped kitchen that allows guests to prepare
some, or all of their own meals during their stay. Many
guests also appreciate the privacy that a vacation home
provides. Some vacation homes are located in resort communities and
offer guests the use of all the resort amenities such as
swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, and game
rooms. If these amenities are important to you, be sure to
confirm that the home you are reserving is located in one of
these resort communities. If it is not, you will still have
the use of your own private swimming pool but will miss out
on the other amenities. Karyn Kudrna has worked in the Orando area travel industry for the past 5 years and is the owner of several websites offering information on
Orlando vacation homes and Orlando vacation villas
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