We are planning a Disney vacation for 10/08. We are having a dilemma with where to stay. We have been to the GF, Contemporary, and BoardWalk and love all three (we have stayed concierge at all 3 as well.) However, this time, we have a new brother in the family (and may possibly take a friend of mine) so we will need more than one room. Getting 2 rooms on concierge would be way too expensive.
So concierge is out. That still doesn't rule out these hotels, though. We'd really like to either get 2 rooms or a 2 bedroom. I've looked at Old Key West and it looks nice, but I'm not sure if I want to be at such an isolated resort with not much to do. For example, on the Boardwalk, there's a ton to do. So I would truly prefer a resort like that. I also don't want something like the Polynesian where you have to walk to different buildings. I have tried 2 bedrooms at the Boardwalk but those are too expensive as well.
Let's just say that our budget is $875 a night. This budget must include 2 rooms as well. So, in conclusion, I'd like something with a lot to do, under $875 a night (for 2 rooms or a 2 bedroom,) and something where I don't have to walk outside (unless it's like Key West where you drive right up to your room.)
Also, I'd like it to be one of the Disney deluxes.
Sorry this is so long! But this is going to be a really fun trip so I'm putting lots of consideration into it.
Thank you!

There's always Saratoga Springs - the villas are beautiful, and you're a short walk from Downtown Disney.

Also, Animal Kingdom Lodge - either 2 rooms or better yet, a 2br dvc villa if there are any available. There's lots to do around the lodge - to me there's more to do there than at Boardwalk.

Then there's the Wilderness Cabins at Ft Wilderness. It's not really "deluxe" but they're cute and there's tons to do at the campground.

Im with Sue on this... Looking at a 2BR villa may seem more expensive at first, but if you think you might need 2 rooms, it might be a good option. For the extra expense you do get a nice living area, 2 bathrooms, one with a whirlpool tub, and full kitchen and laundry facilities. Do keep in mind that in most cases, they do sleep 8, just in case you have more than that in your traveling party.

I would also put in a vote for Saratoga Springs. The units are very nice, and you would have the advantage of having a full kitchen, which is nice for making your own breakfast and having snacks and drinks, and you would have a living room area as well. It is close to Downtown Disney, and there is also a spa on-site. It does not feel isolated at all. If you want to stick to a traditional hotel, I would also recommend either the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or the Wilderness Lodge, which are less expensive than other Deluxes, but with all the Deluxe amenities. We once took family members, and booked two rooms at the Wilderness Lodge, and we all enjoyed it. You have the boat as well as bus transportation.

have you considered renting DVC points - enough for a two bedroom villa? We rented a 1 bedroom for less than two nights of your budget (5 nights). It's one bedroom (king) and a sofa bed in the living room. I *think* a two bedroom might be bedroom with a king and a bedroom with two Queens with a kitchen/living room area in the middle.

Like I said, I think that might be the configuration - I've never stayed at a 2 bedroom so I'm not 110% sure of the layout. Easy enough to find out though -

I *think* a two bedroom might be bedroom with a king and a bedroom with two Queens with a kitchen/living room area in the middle.

Like I said, I think that might be the configuration - I've never stayed at a 2 bedroom so I'm not 110% sure of the layout. Easy enough to find out though -
In most cases a 2 BR villa consists of:
1 BR with a King.
Living room with a pull out sofa.
Another pull out with a sofa in the second bedroom.
1 Queen in the second bedroom.

I believe OKW does have 2 queens in the second bedroom, though.

As for rental of enough points... it has its pros and cons but is cheaper than getting the room from Disney. The biggest issue for most regarding renting points is that you are involved in a transaction that involves (usually) a complete stranger. There has to be some trust on both sides. The biggest pro to this arrangement is that if you plan early enough, you can usually get what you want if you work with a willing member.

yeah, we found who we deal with from another family member who had used them...we are renting for the second time from the same person. it's worked out very well for us, but we both had a good recommendation and did our homework. I'm highly anal-retentive with details;)

and we lucked into decent DVC rental folks. i'm sure there are some real horror stories out there.

I'm still trying to get my head around having "only" $875 a night. . .

I'm still trying to get my head around having "only" $875 a night. . .

Yeah, me too. I've been looking into vacation homes a few miles from WDW, and the higher-end prices I've been looking at haven't crested $300/night, and that's with a game room, lots of bedrooms, private pool/hot tub. Yeesh.

But then, I don't believe that you HAVE to stay onsite to have fun.

We stayed in a cabin at Fort Wilderness this summer.
One member of our party booked us through the airline travel agency and we all thought that we would be at Wilderness Lodge.
You should have seen our mouths drop when the lady at ME asked us if we were going to camp.
(We do camp, but not in Orlando in August:eek:)

After the initial shock wore off, I loved Fort Wilderness.
The cabin was comfortable.
The bathroom was big and it was great to have a full kitchen and living room.
Not only that, the deck and grill are nice too.
And it was peaceful.
It would be a fun place to visit even if it were not at WDW.

You could book two cabins and maybe three for under $875 a night.