We have a 7-night two-bedroom unit at the Villages. Included is a $140 resort credit; 5-day Hopper tix for 4 adults; 4 Universal Studios 2-park tix and transportation to and from all Disney Parks including "private" trans to and from MCO, so they say. Oh, and 20% off all purchases at the Villages and a pin and lanyard set, whatever that is. Cost was $2,650 for the four of us. I have no idea if thats a good or bad deal but it was easy to book and seemed like a good deal at the time.
Is that including air transportation? Sound like a good deal if yes.
Pin and lanyard - warning, highly addictive! Disney pin trading is the drug of choice for Disneyites. They get you hooked on just one little pin, and before you know it, it's buy, buy, buy, trade, trade, trade. Sorry, DW is a HEAVY pin trader; she loves it, and I love it 'cause it keeps her happy! There's a pin trading forum here if you want to look at a few.
I have several questions. If anyone can answer any of them, Id really appreciate it:
- Has anyone ever booked a similar trip thru Costco? If so, can you request a specific room?
Not me, never seen this at Costco Canada.
- Transportation to all parks is provided in this package but we also rented a car. I was thinking of cancelling the car since a Sheraton shuttle is included w/this package. The car would cost about $500.00 when you throw in Disney parking, etc, for the 8 days. But I have read horror stories about the shuttle service so Im not sure whether to keep the car for the additional $500 and Im not rich.
- Is the Villages shuttle sufficient? Are the shuttle times decent or does it take forever to go and come from the Disney Parks?
I'd probably keep the car. Orlando is a car town, very spread out. The shuttle is slow, multiple stops, and can turn the 5-10 minute ride into an hour. On the plus side, you get it free; must be a deal with Costco, as they have been charging riders for a few years now. What makes most riders unhappy is that for a family of 4 they are paying more to shuttle than they would to rent and drive. Car adds much flexibility for time at parks, (remember Disney parking is pay once, park all day, all lots). Also easy to get to the shopping.
- My daughter and her friend want to go to the Water parks too. Where should I purchase tickets for them as theyre not included in our package?
Upgrade your Disney tickets to the "and more" at any Disney park site. The trick is to visit AND ENTER your first park before going to the upgrade window. This first visit locks in the price paid for the ticket, then you just pay the "and more" upgrade price. Can be done any day of your visit (within 14 days of first use). See ticketing forum here for more information.
- Does the breakfast place at the Villages have a decent breakfast or should we go to Publix and buy eggs and stuff?
Never ate there, we always make breakfast in the unit. BTW, you WILL be invited to a breakfast presentation with an offer of discounts or a welcome package. Do not under ANY circumstance accept and attend this 2 hour waste of time. You do not want to buy a TS unit from the developer under any circumstances. If you really like it, buy one resale for 20% or less of the developer cost (that's what we did, stayed at Villages, but bought at Resort).
- Im an early bird and love to swim - is there a pool for swimmers open real early in the morning?
As I recall, only two pools at the resort, and we only used the main one. It's only
okay for lapping as it is free form with a very shallow shallow end. I seem to recall the other pool looking more conventional on the map. Think they open 8:00 - 10:00, but I don't think it is heavily enforced.
- We plan to go to a few restaurants on the strip in addition to eating at Disney parks for dinner for which weve already made reservations. I was thinking of buying four weekly I-Ride Trolley passes for our party in lieu of a car. Is that a waste or a good idea?
Not sure, we always have a car. A car will open up better restaurant options on Sand Lake West, or allow dining at Downtown Disney. Also much easier to get groceries home from Publix (on the route) or other options (Super Walmart, Target, Whole Foods), not on the trolly route.
Hope that helps!
M Ross