[PR1234]

Hubs and I want to do two day Disney, Epcot one day and MGM another. Anyone have a great hotel recommendation (off site but close?). Thanks

[JohnN]

absolutely the Swan, it's a non-disney hotel owned by Westin,
but adjacent to the Boardwalk, and you can take the "boat" to both Epcot and Disney Studios (aka MGM)

it's a very nice hotel, reasonbly priced (sometimes specials)

[JohnN]

PS, the Swan (and Dolphin next door is nice but much larger) is more a business/convention hotel, it doesn't get as many kids.

Hampton Inn is another we like, near 535, if you really want off the grounds.

[PR1234]

The Swan and the Dolphin are nice...we have stayed there b4, but looking for something less than $250 night!!! Anyone have any other ideas???

[SteveFromNY]

My son has the Florida resident pass and stayed this past weekend at the Port Orleans (on property) for $106 per night including all taxes & fees. It was a special resulting from his annual pass.

[sandybill2]

We always stay at Hawthorne Inn and Suites in Lake Buena Vista on Palm Parkway (there is also one with an Orlando address)---we love it. They have actual rooms but most rooms are Suites----Full sized refrig, microwave, sink --separate bedroom with either two queens or one king. Think the rates are good. We were there March 9-11th--booked via telephone reservations---rate was 87.00 or so for the King Suite. . Monday through Thursday 5:30--7:30 they have "happy hour" with free beer and wine and some sort of snack; i.e., popcorn, chips, salsa, etc. On Wednesday night they serve either hotdogs or hamburgers usually with beans and chips during the happy hour times. They have breakfast every morning. Cereals, juices, coffee, tea, milk, fruit, bagels, muffins,, and eggs, sausage, etc. They do have a bus that runs to Disney--free--but we have passes so we have free parking---about two miles from Downtown Disney and actual parks vary depending on which one you go to. We go once a month and stay two nights----Have not had any problems whatsoever. Free wireless and TV in living area and bedroom with HBO.

[JohnN]

PR1234 - Swan, $250... they must have seen you coming LOL.

We stayed there recently for $129
they give a lot of discounts, educator, etc.

[JohnN]

Steve - Port Orleans is very nice, indeed. My kids stayed there last fall.

The poster said *offsite* non-Disney,
it is about $100 and the best of the moderates

[PR1234]

Originally Posted by JohnN

PR1234 - Swan, $250... they must have seen you coming LOL.

We stayed there recently for $129
they give a lot of discounts, educator, etc.

I GUESS they did see us coming I want your $129 rate, but we are not educators.....how about accountants
Sandybill2...Hawthorne rates look good, I will check that out.
Thanks everyone!

[PR1234]

FYI....Port Orleans is approx $150 a night right now.

[kaydee]

We always have stayed at All Star Sports. Don't remember the exact cost of rooms but I assure you we did not pay more than $100.00 a night. Nice place located outside the parks but provides shuttles to all parks. Give em a try.

[mbchnut]

What good info you are giving us. We moved here in January and have been talking about Disney passes, etc. We will definitely check on these hotels. Thanks to everyone.

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by PR1234

FYI....Port Orleans is approx $150 a night right now.

Again, he had the special rate as some kind of promotion for having the annual resident pass. He is always getting offers as a result of the pass.

[JohnN]

today's email from the Swan, no special rate:

Our Biggest Winter Sale - Book by March 30!
With our special limited time offer, you can enjoy more vacation for less. Rooms are limited and rates won't last long.

Rates from $149 per night
Available for arrivals all days of the week
Book by March 30 for stays March 18 – May 31, 2010
Travel Tip: Book an Epcot® firework view room with a balcony for $75 more per night!

Book online, or call 866-924-8704 and reference special number 383511.

[JohnN]

kaydee, you're right,

we've been going to Disney for 20 years since our kids were young, my DW is a disneyholic. we've stayed at 'em all. the all star resorts get you on the grounds affordably, and a lot to be said for that, but they're huge.
The Port Orleans and the Swan are much smaller, good feel to them , for not much more $$. Just how I see it. To each their own.