One night early. Where to stay off-site?

[Tygger7]

We always drive to WDW and run into the same situation...not wanting to spend big $$ for the first night since we're not sure exactly when we'll arrive.

I did a lot of checking, but still keep coming back to the Value resorts. For a first night, in an area that you KNOW is clean & safe, they're perfect. And, it's let us experience the values first hand. I know you said you wanted off property, but for $80-$120 (depending on time of year, day of the week, etc.) you can't beat it...and you're on property and can take advantage of being a resort guest.

For example, on our May 2008 trip, we arrived on Saturday afternoon and checked into Pop Century. We went to our room, changed clothes, and went to Downtown Disney, then to the Beach Club/Boardwalk area for dinner. It really works out great, and is a fantastic way to begin your vacation and get you even more in the Disney spirit.

[Lynn J Mc]

We have actually done that same thing before but they are so big and the lines so long at the check-in that it took us about an hour and a half to get to the room and we swore we'd never do that again.

[Mousemates]

We do the value resorts (and have missed out on the long lines that plagued you). But since you have ruled that out based on your bad experience, why not give the Gaylord Palms a try...you can often get a good rate there (since they are an intercot sponsor)...and the resort is very nice. DW stayed there earlier this year on business and thought it was on a par with some of the nicer hotels we've stayed at in florida through the years.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

If it were me, I'd book a night at one of the values.....we've stayed off site the first night our last two trips and I said never again!

[Mackflava99]

Actually gaylord palms is pretty nice for the money- check out the link to the site-

[Lynn J Mc]

I have wondered about the Gaylord but was concerned about how long it would take to check in there since it is so big.

[DDuck66]

We are staying for a night at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. It is about a mile from DTD and we have a king sized room with kitcheette for $72.00. We have also stayed at the Sheraton Safrari Suites but they were a little more about $129.