First time staying off property...advice? Gaylord Palms

[Joannelet]

So this trip (we leave in a week) will be a big difference for us. It is our first time ever staying off property and I'm a bit nervous! First time flying as well with our little guys (ages 4.5 and 19 months). We are staying at Gaylord Palms Resort and renting a car.
Renting a stroller from Orlando stroller rentals.
Does anyone know if there is a shuttle that goes to parks from this resort? I really don't want to pay for parking everyday. That price alone will be huge!
We are DVC members (just used all of our points last year), previously a Disney cast member, and both boys have been there before. (It's my4.5 year olds 6th trip and my 19 month olds 2nd trip. My hubby has Marriott points so we are staying at Gaylord palms on those. (Hence why we are staying off property)
Any advice about getting to and from parks would be greatly appreciated and time frame etc.
what time should I get to parks being off property etc?
If anyone has stayed at this resort any dining suggestions? We are doing the shrekfeast but that's all I booked there so far.
Any help will be appreciated!

[WRWDisney]

Have stayed at the Gaylord before. It is a beautiful resort and very conveniently located near Disney. When we stayed, we had a medical emergency and the staff were terrific. Very understanding and accommodating.

We did not eat at the resort. There were quite a few choices, we just found them to be very pricey.

Just a note, be prepared to pay their daily resort fee ($15/day)--it is not normally covered and parking $18 a day/$24 valet (+ tax). So now, your free room is up to $33/day + taxes). Just don't want you to get hit with sticker shock (expect a free week and it costs you $250 upon check-in:jaw:
That can lead to some hasty budget adjustments if you are not prepared. Fore warned is fore armed.
Enjoy.

[lawgirl]

My husband attended a conference there last year (we stayed at the AKL and I drove him every morning...it took less than 5 minutes to get there from the AKL, and we passed it almost every time we went to the parks.). It was an impressive property, and the staff seemed to be extremely professional. Like the PP mentioned, I would definitely get the list of extra fees you will be hit with on check-in. The parking and resort fee will be pretty hefty. I imagine they do have a shuttle, I'm sure you can call or go on the website to double check. If not, parking at DD is free, and then you can take the bus to wherever you need. Its really a beautiful place, and I hope you enjoy it!

[lawgirl]

Oh and I'm not sure of this info, but if you are DVC members, can't you get free parking or some kind of parking pass?

[BrerGnat]

If not, parking at DD is free, and then you can take the bus to wherever you need. Its really a beautiful place, and I hope you enjoy it!

Actually, you can't. There are no park buses from DtD. Only resort buses. This is NOT a good way to go when you have little kids. It is VERY time consuming.

[1DisneyNut]

The resort is very nice. We went by and checked it as we were considering it for a future trip. However, after looking at the hidden fees; we marked it off the list. I will never pay a "resort fee", I avoid parking fees at all costs or at least calculate them into the total when comparing different resorts, I will not pay for wifi and I also look at free breakfast. There are so many options in Orlando, you don't have to stay at one of the resorts that have shady fees.

[magicofdisney]

I was just at the Gaylord in May using my husband's points. However, the others are correct in that there are fees not covered by the points. If you made the reservation online you should already be aware of this. I was there for 4 nights. I told them I had a vehicle but I never needed to leave so my room key never registered a re-entry. I'm not sure I was ever charged the parking fee. I was not given a statement at check-out because I checked out by phone. A statement was never mailed to me either, but my charge for the entire stay was around $80. I'll take that any day of the week to stay at a Gaylord. :)

Additionally, they do offer shuttle service to the Disney parks. They also offer onsite restaurants that are very $$ (comparable to Disney pricing). Their nightly buffet was around $35 for adults. As another example of pricing, the Haagen Dazs ice cream shop's milkshakes costs about $7-$8. If you do decide to drive, there are a plethora of restaurants nearby enlarging your dining options.

[Joannelet]

Thank you so much everyone! This info is so helpful!

[DonLefNY]

Oh and I'm not sure of this info, but if you are DVC members, can't you get free parking or some kind of parking pass?
Free parking at the parks is not a DVC perk.

[lawgirl]

Actually, you can't. There are no park buses from DtD. Only resort buses. This is NOT a good way to go when you have little kids. It is VERY time consuming.

We have done it this way several times (we've been going for 30 years, usually 2 times a year, so we're not usually in too big a rush), and I agree it is definitely more time consuming especially with kids (I have a 3 YO and 1 YO). I just tried to pick the hotel bus closest to whatever park we were headed for and that worked for us (like AKL if headed towards AK, etc...). But I totally agree it is not the most time efficient way...and my 3YO LOVES the "Mickey" bus, so the bus ride was part of the fun for him!