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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by Bridex100
Thanks for the website recommendation.
This is a super last minute trip. We decided today that we will go and we are looking to go the first week of December.
Is it better to take the bus/monorail vs driving to the parks ourselves? Sorry, I am JUST starting to do research. I know some people book their vacations months and months in advance.
I was going to just book our flights and hotels and then tackle logistics afterward.
I just booked Disney - and I can tell you the week of November 29-December 4 is totally booked. I went through a travel agent who called Disney with me sitting at her desk, and there is NOTHING available that week. Same thing with December 6-11. You will not find anything, anywhere. We are booked for December 13-17 and there is NO character dining available with any of the big Disney characters - the only thing available the entire week is the Little Einstein characters. I've been calling everyday since I booked hoping for a cancellation on the character dining.
I found out that character dining books 180 days in advance, and that Disney is not a "last minute" type vacation spot. We're going anyway, but I'm a bit disappointed my DD will not be having lunch with the princesses.
Message edited 11/12/2010 7:40:13 PM.
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Posted 11/12/10 7:39 PM  |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
QUOTE]
I just booked Disney - and I can tell you the week of November 29-December 4 is totally booked. I went through a travel agent who called Disney with me sitting at her desk, and there is NOTHING available that week. Same thing with December 6-11. You will not find anything, anywhere. We are booked for December 13-17 and there is NO character dining available with any of the big Disney characters - the only thing available the entire week is the Little Einstein characters. I've been calling everyday since I booked hoping for a cancellation on the character dining.
I found out that character dining books 180 days in advance, and that Disney is not a "last minute" type vacation spot. We're going anyway, but I'm a bit disappointed my DD will not be having lunch with the princesses.
I think we are looking at December 11-15 for our dates. We'll probably do sea world, magic kingdom and animal kingdom. Character meals isn't so important since DS doesn't know many characters. He sometimes watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the morning but not often so he may or may not recognize any characters.
May I ask what hotels you were looking into before you booked?
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| Posted 11/12/10 7:46 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by DancinBarefoot
Posted by Bridex100
Thanks for the website recommendation.
This is a super last minute trip. We decided today that we will go and we are looking to go the first week of December.
Is it better to take the bus/monorail vs driving to the parks ourselves? Sorry, I am JUST starting to do research. I know some people book their vacations months and months in advance.
I was going to just book our flights and hotels and then tackle logistics afterward.
I just booked Disney - and I can tell you the week of November 29-December 4 is totally booked. I went through a travel agent who called Disney with me sitting at her desk, and there is NOTHING available that week. Same thing with December 6-11. You will not find anything, anywhere. We are booked for December 13-17 and there is NO character dining available with any of the big Disney characters - the only thing available the entire week is the Little Einstein characters. I've been calling everyday since I booked hoping for a cancellation on the character dining.
I found out that character dining books 180 days in advance, and that Disney is not a "last minute" type vacation spot. We're going anyway, but I'm a bit disappointed my DD will not be having lunch with the princesses.
Just so you can make dining reservations online and check there for availability instead of sitting on the phone. A lot of people cancel a week or so before I've found
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| Posted 11/12/10 7:48 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by DancinBarefoot
Posted by Bridex100
Thanks for the website recommendation.
This is a super last minute trip. We decided today that we will go and we are looking to go the first week of December.
Is it better to take the bus/monorail vs driving to the parks ourselves? Sorry, I am JUST starting to do research. I know some people book their vacations months and months in advance.
I was going to just book our flights and hotels and then tackle logistics afterward.
I just booked Disney - and I can tell you the week of November 29-December 4 is totally booked. I went through a travel agent who called Disney with me sitting at her desk, and there is NOTHING available that week. Same thing with December 6-11. You will not find anything, anywhere. We are booked for December 13-17 and there is NO character dining available with any of the big Disney characters - the only thing available the entire week is the Little Einstein characters. I've been calling everyday since I booked hoping for a cancellation on the character dining.
I found out that character dining books 180 days in advance, and that Disney is not a "last minute" type vacation spot. We're going anyway, but I'm a bit disappointed my DD will not be having lunch with the princesses.
Just so you can make dining reservations online and check there for availability instead of sitting on the phone. A lot of people cancel a week or so before I've found
I know - that's what I've been doing - every single day!!
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| Posted 11/12/10 7:51 PM |
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Bops
My 3 wishes
Member since 12/07 13625 total posts
Name:
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
If you are not set on staying on Disney property, I highly reccomend the Sheraton Vistana (still VERY close to Disney)
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| Posted 11/12/10 8:29 PM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by Bops
If you are not set on staying on Disney property, I highly reccomend the Sheraton Vistana (still VERY close to Disney)
This is the type of resort we normally stay at. We have a Starwood AMEX and have a ton of points. Sheraton is our preferred hotel brand when it's a no frills vacation.
Is it THAT bad to drive to the parks?
I think we'll only go to Magic Kingdom and maybe Sea World. I know these theme parks open at 9. If we get there at like 8:30, will parking still be a nightmare?
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| Posted 11/12/10 8:37 PM |
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Bops
My 3 wishes
Member since 12/07 13625 total posts
Name:
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by Bops
If you are not set on staying on Disney property, I highly reccomend the Sheraton Vistana (still VERY close to Disney)
This is the type of resort we normally stay at. We have a Starwood AMEX and have a ton of points. Sheraton is our preferred hotel brand when it's a no frills vacation.
Is it THAT bad to drive to the parks?
I think we'll only go to Magic Kingdom and maybe Sea World. I know these theme parks open at 9. If we get there at like 8:30, will parking still be a nightmare?
Seriously, MK was like RIGHT there !!
We didnt go to Sea World but I can't see that being very far either...
I have never had an issue parking at any of the parks and have been there multiple times...
The Vistana has pools w/ little sprinkler areas perfect for the little ones which we really loved and you can't beat the suites there...The only thing I'm not 'sure" of is if their pools are heated (we went in the summer) but I would think they are ...
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| Posted 11/12/10 8:56 PM |
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bigspender
Back to school
Member since 4/07 1385 total posts
Name:
Irene
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by maybebaby
Posted by jlk51496
All Star movies - my 3 yr old and 1 yr old are obsessed with toy story and our room looked out to a 4 story Buzz and Woody. they were in heaven! They also have dalmatian theme building, fantasia, etc!
I think I paid 89 a night!
They have a huge pool and a 2 kiddie pools I believe and I *think they are heated (but don't quote me on that!
Def worth every penny! I recommend on property with the free transportation to the parks! We just got back about a month ago and my kids are still talking about it!
IMAGE
IMAGE
IMAGE
We are staying here in January!!! I know the kids will be excited. We are def on a budget so it was good for our price range..
I am a bit nervous having just one small room being that the 15 month old is a light sleeper but hoping it all works out...so excited!!![/QUOTE
We stayed here also and DS loved it. We paid around the same but your son will love it.
Definetly stay on disney property.
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| Posted 11/12/10 9:09 PM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by Ik1
Definetly stay on disney property.
May I ask why it's so beneficial to stay on a Disney property?
DH seems to be ok with spending a bit more and staying at Animal Lodge. DS loves animals.
I'm just wondering what the benefits of a disney resort are besides transportation and extended hours at the park. The normal hours are more than enough for 20m DS. He is going to be pooped!
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| Posted 11/12/10 9:16 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by Ik1
Definetly stay on disney property.
May I ask why it's so beneficial to stay on a Disney property?
DH seems to be ok with spending a bit more and staying at Animal Lodge. DS loves animals.
I'm just wondering what the benefits of a disney resort are besides transportation and extended hours at the park. The normal hours are more than enough for 20m DS. He is going to be pooped!
You get Magic Express. That's free transportation to/from the airport. Your luggage will be sent directly to your hotel. Just make sure this is a Disney hotel though and you have a participating airline.
Also the buses are free coming often on Disney grounds to each resorts. You will get lines to come by car to come into the Disney complex/parking. It's like multiple toll booth. Then from the parking you have to walk all the way to the park itself.
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| Posted 11/12/10 9:26 PM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by smdl
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by Ik1
Definetly stay on disney property.
May I ask why it's so beneficial to stay on a Disney property?
DH seems to be ok with spending a bit more and staying at Animal Lodge. DS loves animals.
I'm just wondering what the benefits of a disney resort are besides transportation and extended hours at the park. The normal hours are more than enough for 20m DS. He is going to be pooped!
You get Magic Express. That's free transportation to/from the airport. Your luggage will be sent directly to your hotel. Just make sure this is a Disney hotel though and you have a participating airline.
Also the buses are free coming often on Disney grounds to each resorts. You will get lines to come by car to come into the Disney complex/parking. It's like multiple toll booth. Then from the parking you have to walk all the way to the park itself.
Can you get away with not taking a car seat with Magic Express?
We were originally planning to rent a car.
DH actually prefers to stay at a resort with a lot of amenities and things to occupy DS.
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| Posted 11/12/10 9:36 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by smdl
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by Ik1
Definetly stay on disney property.
May I ask why it's so beneficial to stay on a Disney property?
DH seems to be ok with spending a bit more and staying at Animal Lodge. DS loves animals.
I'm just wondering what the benefits of a disney resort are besides transportation and extended hours at the park. The normal hours are more than enough for 20m DS. He is going to be pooped!
You get Magic Express. That's free transportation to/from the airport. Your luggage will be sent directly to your hotel. Just make sure this is a Disney hotel though and you have a participating airline.
Also the buses are free coming often on Disney grounds to each resorts. You will get lines to come by car to come into the Disney complex/parking. It's like multiple toll booth. Then from the parking you have to walk all the way to the park itself.
Can you get away with not taking a car seat with Magic Express?
We were originally planning to rent a car.
DH actually prefers to stay at a resort with a lot of amenities and things to occupy DS.
To my knowledge they don't use carseats in the buses. DS was shy of 3 when we went this Spring. We did not have a carseat. Are you using a carseat for the airplane?
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| Posted 11/12/10 9:39 PM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by smdl
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by smdl
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by Ik1
Definetly stay on disney property.
May I ask why it's so beneficial to stay on a Disney property?
DH seems to be ok with spending a bit more and staying at Animal Lodge. DS loves animals.
I'm just wondering what the benefits of a disney resort are besides transportation and extended hours at the park. The normal hours are more than enough for 20m DS. He is going to be pooped!
You get Magic Express. That's free transportation to/from the airport. Your luggage will be sent directly to your hotel. Just make sure this is a Disney hotel though and you have a participating airline.
Also the buses are free coming often on Disney grounds to each resorts. You will get lines to come by car to come into the Disney complex/parking. It's like multiple toll booth. Then from the parking you have to walk all the way to the park itself.
Can you get away with not taking a car seat with Magic Express?
We were originally planning to rent a car.
DH actually prefers to stay at a resort with a lot of amenities and things to occupy DS.
To my knowledge they don't use carseats in the buses. DS was shy of 3 when we went this Spring. We did not have a carseat. Are you using a carseat for the airplane?
No, we were going to take DS as a lap child.
We have the orbit toddler car seat and stroller. It is super bulky and heavy and will be happy to leave it at home and take our city mini.
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| Posted 11/12/10 9:43 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by smdl
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by smdl
Posted by Bridex100
Posted by Ik1
Definetly stay on disney property.
May I ask why it's so beneficial to stay on a Disney property?
DH seems to be ok with spending a bit more and staying at Animal Lodge. DS loves animals.
I'm just wondering what the benefits of a disney resort are besides transportation and extended hours at the park. The normal hours are more than enough for 20m DS. He is going to be pooped!
You get Magic Express. That's free transportation to/from the airport. Your luggage will be sent directly to your hotel. Just make sure this is a Disney hotel though and you have a participating airline.
Also the buses are free coming often on Disney grounds to each resorts. You will get lines to come by car to come into the Disney complex/parking. It's like multiple toll booth. Then from the parking you have to walk all the way to the park itself.
Can you get away with not taking a car seat with Magic Express?
We were originally planning to rent a car.
DH actually prefers to stay at a resort with a lot of amenities and things to occupy DS.
To my knowledge they don't use carseats in the buses. DS was shy of 3 when we went this Spring. We did not have a carseat. Are you using a carseat for the airplane?
No, we were going to take DS as a lap child.
We have the orbit toddler car seat and stroller. It is super bulky and heavy and will be happy to leave it at home and take our city mini.
We did a gate check for the stroller. Put it in the bus (in the baggage compartment) and took DS with us in the bus. No problem! I did not do a carseat either in the plane but DS had to have his own seat since he was over 2 yo. I used the Cares aviation safety restraint.
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| Posted 11/12/10 9:48 PM |
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jellybean78
:)
Member since 8/06 13103 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Can you recommend toddler friendly hotels in Disney?
I'm actually here right now. Everyone is sleeping so I'm bored. Lol We are staying at the Pop Century one of the value hotels and we love it. Stayed here last year too. All Disney pools are heated but honestly December could be a hit or miss with weather so it may not be warm enough for you to do the pool. We like the Pop Century because it's affordable and doesn't share buses like the other values. Prices are usually between $82-$140 a night depending on the season. Christmas is peak season so it will be on the higher side. The moderate resorts are nice too. My parents are staying at the Carribean Beach and I've stood at Port Orleans. Those usually start at $150 and go up to $300 a night. I definitely reccomend staying on Disney property. So much easier. They will pick you up from the airport and take you back and the buses at the resorts going to the parks run frequently. You also have the freedom to come back and forth from the parks as you please without having to worry about driving. Parking at Disney parks is $14 per car so its $. You can also have any packages you purchased at the parks delivered to your hotel so you dont have to lug it around the parks with you. Good luck!
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| Posted 11/13/10 12:00 AM |
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