Best Orlando TS

[sonomom]

I will be there a week in Sept. Will do Disney a few days. Dont want to rent a car so would like on site activities like nice pools, lake... things that a 2 and 4 y/o would like. Suggestions??

[tonyg]

So many (or maybe too many) nice resorts makes it hard to pick the best. There's the Marriotts, Summer Bay and the monster resorts of Vistana, Orange Lake and the Wastegates. I've stayed at 6 or so and they all were good if not great. Sounds like a free shuttle system would be a plus.

[rikkis_playpen]

DVC if you can get it.. That will eliminate your need for a vehicle as they have a good system of guest transport (although I still recommend one just to get away from the mouse for a day or two!).... You'll have the themeparks, waterparks, restaurants, and shopping all available.. Plus- the kids will love it..

If staying a full week, I prefer Old Key West because the villas are a little larger and the area is a little quieter. If just a day or two- shoot for either BeachClub or BoardWalk.

If you change your mind and grab a car- Orange Lake has amenities galore. I'm also a fan of the Marriott villas located around the Marriott World Center. They don't get the hype of either Grande Vista or Cypress Harbour, but I've enjoyed them.

[bnoble]

Which exchagne company?

If RCI, see if you can get one of the DVCs. There is plenty of September inventory right now, but it will rqeuire a very strong trader to get it. They'll offer adequate transportation to/from the airport plus very convenient to all things Disney, though the activities at the resorts themselves are just a little bit thin. (They expect you to be in the parks all the time.)

If you can't see the DVCs, Bonnet Creek would be a good second choice---shuttles to the parks several times each day, and a nice collection of amenities and activities. You'll have to pay someone to get yourself to/from the airport---figure about $130 including tips, round trip, for a towncar.

Vistana and Orange Lake would have even more going on at the resort itself, but I'm not sure what their transportation situation is going to be.

If you're in II, I'd probably go with Marriott Harbour Lake (fka Horizons). Great pool area for kids.

[sonomom]

I have RCI points...
What would be the likelyhood of snagging a good one with the last minute exchange?

[JLB]

Like Tony said, this is like what do like best on the buffet?

What dates? I can look and give you the opin of an original Orlando owner, who now cares very little about Orlando, and can be somewhat objective.

[dvcforus]

If we can't stay on-site, my next choice would be HGVC and then Marriott. We really enjoyed the HGVC Sea World, I think it may be DH's favorite after DVC Old Key West.

[gjw007]

Without a car, you really have only two choices - DVC or Bonnet Creek. If you don't mind being a prisoner to shuttle schedules, there are several other options but you would have to call the resorts for more details. The fees for the shuttles can outrageous and it may be cheaper to rent a car.

[rikkis_playpen]

I just rented a car for a week from an Orlando Enterprise site.. It was just a little over $270.

Shop around and you can find a good deal on a rental car... It could be worth it!

[chriskre]

Since I'm a DVC member I'm maybe a little biased but I think that without a car you should definetely stay onsite Disney if that is your destination. They have Magical Express (for free) from the Airport and will pick you up and take you to the resorts and then you can use the Disney transportation which can be a bit frustrating. You could rent a car from Enterprise in Kissimmee and they'll bring it to you for the days that you wanted to go to Sea World or Universal. That way you wouldn't have to rent for a whole week and just use it for the days you'll be wanting to venture off Disney.