Budget accommodation near Orlando

**Nostromo** · 05-03-2004, 15:48

Some friends of ours are planning to book a 2-week holiday in Orlando for October 2004. They're a couple with 2 kids aged 11 and 8 years. They have sorted the flights but are struggling with accommodation. Their problem is a somewhat limted budget and they are trying to save on lodging while keeping some money aside for Park tickets, shopping, dining etc. They will have a small hired car. They asked me about somewhere 'quiet and comfortable and not anything fancy' to stay. One place I could think of was the Gator Motel if it is still there. Do the experts feel it is a reasonable choice under the circumstances?

**bellaepovera** · 05-03-2004, 16:15

How much is it per night? Dont forget the costs of everytime you even want a cup of coffee or a snack or meals you need always to go to a resturaunt which can add up..Add that up probably cheaper renting a home??

**Nostromo** · 05-03-2004, 16:26

I also thought a small villa might be more economical. But Astrid was reluctant to be spending time grocery shopping on holiday, especially with 2 kids in tow. I just recalled someone saying that the Gator Motel was good value for someone on a budget, but don't know details. I'll check on line and see.

**DMC** · 05-03-2004, 17:10

On a recent ITV Holiday Show, where one presenter was doing Orlando in style and the other was on a tight budget, it was reccommended to stay away from I'Drive etc and stay out near Kissimmee.

On the programme the guy was able to negoatiate a room rate, for $18.00 per room per night.

The rooms were plain and simple much like a Travelodge in the UK but you get what you pay for I guess.

**chrizzy100** · 05-03-2004, 17:31

quote:Originally posted by Nostromo

I also thought a small villa might be more economical. But Astrid was reluctant to be spending time grocery shopping on holiday, especially with 2 kids in tow. I just recalled someone saying that the Gator Motel was good value for someone on a budget, but don't know details. I'll check on line and see.

I think their best bet...would be to find a hotel online with coffee and tea making ...fridge etc in the room......I also hate the thought of cooking while away....we still went out for most meals even with having a villa....with the cost of food shopping eating out can work out cheaper.....

**huckleberry house** · 05-03-2004, 18:20

In all honesty I wouldnt advise anybody to try and do a Disney holiday on a shoestring budget,the park tickets and air fare alone can be very expensive and it isnt the sort of place to cut corners and penny pinch,I would find that spoilt the enjoyment of this type of holiday.My advice would be that they save for another year when they can afford it a little better and give themselves the sort of holiday they will remember for years.

Lesley

**Nostromo** · 05-03-2004, 18:38

quote:Originally posted by huckleberry house

In all honesty I wouldnt advise anybody to try and do a Disney holiday on a shoestring budget,the park tickets and air fare alone can be very expensive and it isnt the sort of place to cut corners and penny pinch,I would find that spoilt the enjoyment of this type of holiday.My advice would be that they save for another year when they can afford it a little better and give themselves the sort of holiday they will remember for years.

Lesley

I don't think it is quite as bad as a 'shoestring' budget, but they are not exactly well off either. But this holiday has other significances; the couple are Finn have been married less than two years and Astrid sees this as an opprotunity for her kids to get a bit more used to their stepdad. Their philosophy is that people visitng Orlando spend little time in the rooms and so they don't mind if the hotel is simple but clean and comfy. They HAVE thought about park tickets, meals etc.

I checked Gator Motel and it looks good enough. There is a pool and rooms have coffee/tea making facilities and option of a fridge for $5 a day extra. I just wondered if anyone who had stayed there felt there were any negative points to consider.

**chrizzy100** · 05-03-2004, 18:58

quote:Originally posted by Nostromo

quote:Originally posted by huckleberry house

In all honesty I wouldnt advise anybody to try and do a Disney holiday on a shoestring budget,the park tickets and air fare alone can be very expensive and it isnt the sort of place to cut corners and penny pinch,I would find that spoilt the enjoyment of this type of holiday.My advice would be that they save for another year when they can afford it a little better and give themselves the sort of holiday they will remember for years.

Lesley

I don't think it is quite as bad as a 'shoestring' budget, but they are not exactly well off either. But this holiday has other significances; the couple are Finn have been married less than two years and Astrid sees this as an opprotunity for her kids to get a bit more used to their stepdad. Their philosophy is that people visitng Orlando spend little time in the rooms and so they don't mind if the hotel is simple but clean and comfy. They HAVE thought about park tickets, meals etc.

I checked Gator Motel and it looks good enough. There is a pool and rooms have coffee/tea making facilities and option of a fridge for $5 a day extra. I just wondered if anyone who had stayed there felt there were any negative points to consider.

I've never stayed there sorry.....but I have done Orlando on the cheap....and had a great time........[msnsmile2]

We were out from 8 in the morning till 11 at night.....with young kids too.....I'm sure they'll have a great time........[msnsmile2]

**Claire** · 05-03-2004, 18:59

I think I am correct in saying that Gator Motel is the one next to the now defunct Jungleland Zoo, just before Medieval Times? Maybe someone over there could confirm.

That being the case, I am not too sure I would like to recommend it to any of my friends!! It looked pretty sad and run down the last time I drove past it (January) and is one of those places where the 'pool' overlooks the 192. In my opinion, if they really cannot stretch to a 'suite hotel', a Days Inn, Econolodge or something like that would be a better option as they are a bit bigger and therefore have a few more facilities.