Penmac
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2017
We are a family of 7. We have gone to Disney 3 years in a row and had a car each time. We stayed at offsite condos, which worked well for us. We flew the first year, but had enough in the budget to do a $275 car rental (prices are much higher this year than in 2015!!). The next two trips we drove from New England. So, each year we had a vehicle and could come and go as we pleased, which is important with so many small kids (our oldest is only 9).
This year we are not feeling like our Sienna is reliable enough to make this long trip again and we found it stressful last summer. It's a great car, but we have 90,000 miles on it and just don't want the worries of breaking down. We priced out renting a minivan and driving it, but it just about costs the same to fly all 7 of us down there on Southwest as it does to drive a rental and make one hotel stop halfway. That would also add about 4 extra days to our trip, and time is a valuable commodity. This doesn't seem cost effective or sensible to put ourselves and children through all of that when it won't actually save us too much money.
So, here we are. I booked us at the Doubletree Suites in Disney Springs since the suites sleep 6 (our 2 year old can sleep with us- that's usually where he ends up every night anyway!), and the shuttle seems reliable and easy. But, 7 people with no car?! How good is this shuttle? Can the double stroller fit on easily enough? Are the lines long? Can we walk to area shops and fast food from this hotel? I will probably do an Amazon Pantry delivery, but would want to walk for milk, bread, etc.
I am also worried about transportation from the airport to the hotel for 7 people. I am thinking this could get pricey. Any suggestions?
I am starting to wonder if driving, although tons of work, would make our trip more enjoyable from once we get there. Since Doubletree has an expensive daily parking rate I would likely cancel our reservation and book at Windsor Hills or somewhere similar. An onsite stay is impossible for our budget so we have no other option besides this Doubletree if we fly. It seems great, but I am nervous to vacation with my huge family and no car!!!!
This year we are not feeling like our Sienna is reliable enough to make this long trip again and we found it stressful last summer. It's a great car, but we have 90,000 miles on it and just don't want the worries of breaking down. We priced out renting a minivan and driving it, but it just about costs the same to fly all 7 of us down there on Southwest as it does to drive a rental and make one hotel stop halfway. That would also add about 4 extra days to our trip, and time is a valuable commodity. This doesn't seem cost effective or sensible to put ourselves and children through all of that when it won't actually save us too much money.
So, here we are. I booked us at the Doubletree Suites in Disney Springs since the suites sleep 6 (our 2 year old can sleep with us- that's usually where he ends up every night anyway!), and the shuttle seems reliable and easy. But, 7 people with no car?! How good is this shuttle? Can the double stroller fit on easily enough? Are the lines long? Can we walk to area shops and fast food from this hotel? I will probably do an Amazon Pantry delivery, but would want to walk for milk, bread, etc.
I am also worried about transportation from the airport to the hotel for 7 people. I am thinking this could get pricey. Any suggestions?
I am starting to wonder if driving, although tons of work, would make our trip more enjoyable from once we get there. Since Doubletree has an expensive daily parking rate I would likely cancel our reservation and book at Windsor Hills or somewhere similar. An onsite stay is impossible for our budget so we have no other option besides this Doubletree if we fly. It seems great, but I am nervous to vacation with my huge family and no car!!!!