Joined: Mar 27, 2006 Posts: 158 Location: Atlanta, GA
Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 7:47 pm Post subject: Vacation Homes?
I'm looking into going on a big group trip to the wonderful World this upcoming May and am thinking about doing the vacation home thing. This will be our second annual trip. Last year we got lucky with a friend's timeshare, which was amazing even if it wasn't technically Disney. I remember a couple of years ago my family went with another family and we stayed in an All Star Vacation Home and it was okay, and they're certainly all relatively cheap when you divide up by our group size (7-10), but I was wondering if anyone had any experience and/or recommendations as far as the Walt Disney World vacation homes market goes? Thanks in advance! _________________ Doing the impossible is pretty fun - Walt Disney
Joined: Jan 20, 2006 Posts: 1040 Location: Lexington, TN
Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 9:45 pm Post subject:
i lived in fl so i never used them however that being said, while Kissimmee is ok I'd try to north of the WDW area I think it might be better. Kissimmee being right in tourist central they arent as good in my opinion, oh I did drive a limousine out of the double tree and royal plaza hotels so I do have a little knowledge in that and I hope that helps with your inquiry sorry i cant help you anymore that that though.
But from what I understand it is a great alternative to staying in a hotel. But some of the suites are pretty nicely priced so that may be an option as well. Again I hope that helps. _________________
Ich bin der Piraten zu behaupten, was mir jetzt und für immer
Hi swimasb - I live 15 minutes from the World and if I stay closer, I stay on property and have, in the past, stayed at a few hotels on Hotel Plaza Blvd. I agree with redbaron regarding Kissimmee, and a suite might be a good idea as well. If you're trying to keep costs low, the All Star Music has Family Suites which have a "Mini-Kitchen" and will sleep 5 adults (if you're willing to share beds), plus you can utilize Magical Express (if you're flying) so there is no car rental. If you're driving or renting, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort is literally just off property, and they have kitchens/kitchenettes. Although I have no experience at either of these resorts, I think they might be a comparable alternative to a home. Let me know if any of this info helps, or if you are looking for more info!
Joined: Jan 20, 2006 Posts: 1040 Location: Lexington, TN
Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:51 am Post subject:
stay away from the magical express please everyone and i mean everyone has bad things to say about magical express!!!! trust me i drove a limo around Disney no kidding and stay away from mears transportation. some of the smaller transport companies are better unless what your after is being herded around like cattle cause that's what you'll feel like yes it's free but very inconvenient trust me you get what you pay for _________________
Ich bin der Piraten zu behaupten, was mir jetzt und für immer
I've heard of good things with the vacation homes in the area of WDW (within 10 miles). Another option is a DVC Villa. Now I know you're thinking that it would be really expensive, but there is a way to get a good sized place at a good price, you'll be on property, and get ALL the advantages of DVC...rent DVC points. There are a number of good places that will rent points and give advice. There are a number of people who rent their points all the time.
As for a resort, I would choose Old Key West. Yes, they are an older resort, but they also have the largest rooms. A Villa (which sleeps 12) there is bigger than any other on property.
I also know DigiMarc has had huge family gatherings in a vacation home hear WDW. If he pops in, maybe he can give more information, or you can PM him directly. Tell him DP sent ya! _________________ When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
--Walt Disney
Joined: Mar 25, 2010 Posts: 805 Location: Denver, CO
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 7:15 pm Post subject:
redbaron314 wrote:
stay away from the magical express please everyone and i mean everyone has bad things to say about magical express!!!! trust me i drove a limo around Disney no kidding and stay away from mears transportation. some of the smaller transport companies are better unless what your after is being herded around like cattle cause that's what you'll feel like yes it's free but very inconvenient trust me you get what you pay for
I have used Magical Express on every trip we've ever taken to Disney World, and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It's efficient, clean, professional and sometimes manned by great drivers. On the last two trips, we have been lucky enough to have the same guy. He holds a running commentary full of tips and jokes for virtually the entire drive.
Sure, it's not direct transportation, but I feel like I'm immersed in my Disney vacation from the moment I step on that bus and hear the background music. We can afford to hire a cab or a limo or whatever, but I actually prefer the Magical Express.
Joined: Jan 20, 2006 Posts: 1040 Location: Lexington, TN
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 7:58 pm Post subject:
true pug that maybe but I've heard more bad than good I can only go by my customers have to say about it. I've heard more regrets than good. Mears is even worse. There van shuttle is so much more in the toilet than Magical Express besides I love the personable service you get from a limo driver. They meet you at baggage claim go with you to pick up your baggage then escort you to the town car, whisk you off to your destination straight away, and because of this site and some others i was able to inform them of what was going on in town. _________________
Ich bin der Piraten zu behaupten, was mir jetzt und für immer
With the magical express there were probably about 10 people on the bus (I arrived at like 5 PM on a weekday so it was probably slow) and it was perfectly fine. The only thing I might change next time is to just take a cab back to the airport since I fly out first thing in the morning I didn't get the option of using the luggage service (I think I could have if I wanted to sacrifice my bags the night before).
With the mears shuttle (I didn't know they were still open actually), I would say that if you're traveling with a family take a cab/service since those can really take forever.
I've rented a car, taken a limo and used Magical Express. They all have their pros and cons, but I certainly have nothing "bad" to say about Magical Express. The videos / music are great - especially for distracting little ones who are overtired and excited!
Sorry to hear that some have had bad experiences, but personally, I've never heard a bad report.
Joined: Mar 25, 2010 Posts: 805 Location: Denver, CO
Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 7:59 am Post subject:
redbaron314 wrote:
true pug that maybe but I've heard more bad than good I can only go by my customers have to say about it. I've heard more regrets than good. Mears is even worse. There van shuttle is so much more in the toilet than Magical Express besides I love the personable service you get from a limo driver. They meet you at baggage claim go with you to pick up your baggage then escort you to the town car, whisk you off to your destination straight away, and because of this site and some others i was able to inform them of what was going on in town.
Well, luggage for most hours of the day with Magical Express is a non-issue. They pick it up for you at the airport and deliver it to your room. No need to go to baggage claim at all. You just grab your carry-ons and go straight to the bus. Were I planning on getting my own bags, I could see the benefit, but seeing as how Disney will already do everything for you, and do it "for free", it seems to me that hiring a driver is an unnecessary expenditure. This goes doubly when you consider that it doesn't save you any money by opting out of Magical Express, which means that whether you use it or not, you're paying for the service in your hotel and park ticket prices, which is why I put "for free" in quotes.
I would think that the reason you've heard so much bad press from your clients is that they are the ones who had or at least perceived the bad experiences. I'd imagine that those, like me, who are completely satisfied with Magical Express, are less likely opt for limo services in lieu of Disney transportation.
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