WDW Hotel advice needed

Walt Disney World: We're trying to find the right hotel for an upcoming Disney trip with some relatives who have different needs in the hotel than we do. I'm looking for information from people on the board to try to help us figure out the best way to proceed.

From Mike Saperstein
Posted April 18, 2011 at 11:28 AM
My family (me, wife, 2 kids ages 7 and 4.5) are scheduling a late-breaking WDW trip around Memorial Day in May to go to a wedding in the area.

We typically always stay at Disney value or moderate resorts. We love the themes, being "immersed in the magic", and the benefits of extra magic hours.

For this trip, 4 of our other relatives are coming with us. They are not the same level of Disney die-hard as my family. One of them demands a gym, and the other is a distance swimmer who needs regular laps in the pool (without a zillion kids in the way) every AM.

We would typically stay at Coronado Springs which has a fitness center and a quiet pool, but I am told that they are completely sold out. The other moderate hotels don't have on-site gyms, and the value resorts don't either.

So a few questions:

1. Are there any techniques/tricks people know of to get us in at a resort that is claimed as completely booked ?

2. Has anyone stayed at the Hilton across from Downtown Disney, and if so, how was the experience ?

3. Are there any other on-site options that we may be missing that won't cost a fortune ?

All info and ideas appreciated!

From Frank Forrester
Posted April 18, 2011 at 4:08 PM
I would recommend checking out the Swan and Dolphin Hotels at Disney. The cost for them is between what you would pay for a value & moderate resort at Disney. They do have a health club and you get all the benefits of being on Disney property which includes EMH.

The hotels are within walking distance of both Epcot & Hollywood Studios along with the Boardwalk area.

From Mike Saperstein
Posted April 18, 2011 at 5:06 PM
Thanks for the response! On your suggestion I took a look and I just found a good special-deal for Memorial Day weekend, and they even have a large suite that might be great for our group!! Now to convince the family members...

From Anthony Murphy
Posted April 18, 2011 at 9:09 PM
I would check Old Key West. Pretty quiet, not too overly Disney, and a pretty calm health club and pool!

From Ray Schroeder
Posted April 24, 2011 at 8:13 PM
Try going through a Travel agency. I use http://www.mousefantravel.com They always get me in even though the web site says they're full.

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