We've always stayed at WDW resorts, and this August we're planning to come back and do Universal, SeaWorld, and Cape Kennedy. There will be six of us (two adults and four boys - 7, 8, 15, 16). We want a 2 or 3 BR suite or villa. Currently, we can get roundtrip airfare, the room, and a minivan for around $2K. Problem is, we'd really like the resort to have a shuttle to Universal, so if necessary the older boys can get there without us (we may go to WDW for a day or two, and the older ones didn't enjoy it very much last August). We're looking on line at the Sheraton Vistana Resort - Lake Buena Vista, SPM Blue Tree Resort, and the Floridays Resort. I've read tons of reviews at the various travel sites, and it seems like half of them absolutely love it (whichever resort I'm researching), and the other half had the worst experience of their life. I've always received good advice from folks on this site, so I'd really appreciate your input. Thanks.

Ive stayed at the Embassy Suites near SeaWorld a couple years back. It was great! Large room with breakfast included and not to far from WDW. Not sure about their shuttle services, though. Quite honestly, if you are going to stay off site, you might want to consider using the rental as much as possible as it will really take a lot off your mind.

But am I understanding you right that you would give your 15 and 16 year old kids a choice of going to USF by themselves without any adult family members at the park at the same time?

Maybe consider staying closer to Universal since you will have a minivan. The drive from that area back to Disney property isnt too bad, and the hotels around Universal almost all have shuttles that go there for the older boys. There are the Doubletree Twin Towers across the street from Universal. I've been there since they've renovated and it wasn't too bad. They also have a pretty frequent shuttle across the street to Universal. A couple of the actual Universal resorts do "kid suites" that would probably accomodate you too-and they have shuttles in to the Universal parks by water.

I appreciate your feedback.

Gusman - Last August our two teenagers were with us in the WDW parks, but went on their way without us and met us later in the day (ie., but we were all in parks together). Several times I saw people their age traveling on the shuttles unsupervised, and at least one of my tourbooks talks about it. What's your concern? Is it just a general concern about them being alone in the parks, or is there something specific about Universal that I should know? Thanks.

What's your concern? Is it just a general concern about them being alone in the parks, or is there something specific about Universal that I should know? Thanks.
Its more of a general concern of the kids being at a park without the parents. It is different than the parents being at the same park, just going separate directions for a time. I know that these are some rather safe parks, but at the same time, there is some risk in not being in the same general area, let alone in an entirely separate theme park.

Given that there are many 16 year olds working without their parents present, I don't see the big deal?

It isn't a big deal... its just an opinion.
What works for me may not work for everyone, and Im cool with that.

I'm 15 and I don't think my parents would let me go alone (even with someone else my age). I guess it would be safer with adults because what if there was an accident?

Your point is well-taken. In case of an accident, or issues with other guests, I'd hate for them to be alone. It's just that they really didn't like WDW last year, and I'd like to take their younger brothers there for a couple of days, and I don't want to buy them WDW tickets and make them go if they'd be happier at Universal. But I certainly agree with your concern.

Back to the original post - I wound up booking the "Floridays" resort. On Expedia, I booked a 3BR grand suite, along with a minivan, for $1400 (one week). And I got six roundtrip AirTran tickets from Baltimore (non-stop flights) for just about $1000. I really didn't want to go in August again, but the price was too good to pass up.