Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [35]
+ Suites have either partial dividers or separate rooms, plus microwaves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and sleeper sofas.
+ A deluxe continental breakfast is included.
+ This is as close as you’ll get to Disney property at this price point; and the Maingate East entrance means you can skip I-4 traffic altogether.
Minuses
− The one-bedroom suites are comfortable for families of four or fewer. While the Web site says the suites can accommodate a family of six, you’ll be cramped.
− Route 192 may be the least scenic part of Orlando.
Holiday Inn SunSpree Lake Buena Vista
www.kidsuites.com 407/239–4500
Map location 25
Although not quite as wild and woolly as its sister, the Nickelodeon Holiday Inn, the SunSpree has lots of ways to keep kids entertained, as well as a smaller price tag and a location that’s actually closer to Disney. Kid suites, rooms with one king bed and two bunk beds in a cheerfully decorated cubicle, begin as low as $95 in the off-season and $123 in the on-season. Standard rooms begin at $72 in the off-season and $106 in the on-season. In-room microwaves and refrigerators allow families to fix snacks and simple meals, and an on-site grocery store makes it easy to get supplies.
A mom from North Carolina expressed her appreciation: “We were at the Holiday Inn SunSpree in the summer when they offer kiddie programs. They had games and movies to entertain children in a nice child-care center. Parents can drop off their children, rent a pager so they can be contacted in case of an emergency, and then go out to dinner. It’s a marvelous benefit.”
Proximity to Disney World:
Good, via a 10-minute drive
Proximity to Universal:
Fair, via a 20-minute drive
Proximity to SeaWorld:
Good, via a 15-minute drive
Pluses
+ Kids will feel special here: there’s a separate kid registration desk, an arcade, a sports deck, a playroom, and two pools.
+ Kids eat free at the buffet restaurant.
+ Free shuttle service to Disney.
+ Unusually good prices considering the proximity to Disney.
+ On-site child care in the on-season.
+ A good choice for families who don’t need suites with full kitchens, but who would still like some of the amenities, such as a fridge and microwave, that a suite would offer.
Minuses
− The resort is fairly old and some rooms are in need of a little sprucing up. Request a recently refurbished room when you book.
− Like most of the kid-oriented hotels in Orlando, this place is always loud. The noise volume in the main hallway is enough to make your eyes cross.
− As you might anticipate from the lower price, the kid suites here aren’t large and don’t have separate bedrooms for parents and kids. What you do get is one big room and a room-within-a-room, really a cubicle, that has bunk beds for kids. Still better than no privacy at all.
La Quinta International Drive North
www.lq.com 407/351–4100
Map location 23
There are plenty of La Quintas in Orlando but this location is especially appealing to families who are headed to Universal Studios. Rooms begin as low as $64 in the off-season. During peak times prices climb to the $79-120 range. Still a deal.
Proximity to Disney:
Fair, via a 20-minute drive
Proximity to Universal:
Excellent, via a 5-minute drive
Proximity to SeaWorld:
Good, via a 10-minute drive
Pluses
+ It’s an easy drive to SeaWorld and Universal and a bit farther to Disney. The hotel runs complimentary shuttles to the theme parks.
+ There are plenty of family-friendly chain and budget restaurants along I-Drive.
+ Complimentary breakfast is included and there are laundry facilities on-site.
Minuses
− The commute to Disney can be problematic if you’re traveling at peak traffic times.
− The I-Drive location, while bringing you close to services, means you’ll also have to deal with traffic and noise.
Bare Necessities: Strollers, Babies, and First Aid
Whether you’re pregnant, traveling with a baby, or nursing a sore ankle, Disney World is prepared to accommodate your needs.
Strollers
Strollers are available for