Thanks very much all for your input everyone, much appreciated.
xx

We have been traveling to WDW often for the past 18 years and we now also own a home there. Before we used to stay at the Gaylord Palms hotel [url=http://www.gaylordpalms.com]www.gaylordpalms.com[/url] which is now owned by Marriott. This 5* hotel has an adults only pool and a separate pool/waterpark for children, plus there is a large atrium with alligators and waterfalls! It is a large convention hotel so it usually isn't overrun with children which I think is a good thing! There also are many restaurants on site and of course 24hr room service.

Another hotel that I like in the area is The Peabody [url=http://www.peabodyorlando.com]www.peabodyorlando.com[/url] which is located on International Drive within walking distance of restaurants etc. but we prefer Gaylord Palms.

If you are looking at high end hotels then the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes is lovely as is the Four Seasons at Walt Disney World.

The best on-site hotel in my opinion is The Contemporary hotel as it is right next to the Magic Kingdom park and has the monorail line running right through it.

It really depends on how you are seeing this holiday - is it a go go go all day in the theme park type of trip and rest afterwards when you return home, or more of a luxury trip with part relaxations and part theme parks.

Also for a first timer i would recommend you concentrate on either Disney World of Universal and not try to do both in one trip.

As others have said, with a family I would personally recommend a villa instead as you have lots of space and kitchen facilities for the children and your own pool. There are villas to suit all sizes and budgets from 3 to 8 bedrooms and from £800-£5,000+ a week and the good ones get booked up months even years in advance.

We never cook in our villa as it is a holiday after all! We just have breakfast there in the morning and then either eat out for most meals or order in. We do rent our home and the website is [url=http://www.windsorhillsretreat.com]www.windsorhillsretreat.com[/url]

Hi, I took my kids when they were 8 (girl) and 10 (boy). This is what I learnt! 2 weeks is a long time in Disney so rent a car so that you can go to wet and wild (the most fun day we had) and universal studios (better rides) or a shopping mall. There are lots of other things around to go and visit. Or think about doing a two destination holiday. A week in Orlando and a week beside the beach. We also bought priority passes as no one likes queuing! It makes everyone cranky. Plan exactly what you want to do before you book it. You may see that you really don’t need 2 weeks in Orlando.

Yes I would say it was well worth it if you want to do Disney 'properly'.  Having been, we thought on reflection that the Grand Floridian probably looked the best but obviously there are lots and we haven't visited many! You might also have to sell the family silver to pay for it that's the only thing.  It is very near the Magic Kingdom but just makes it such a magical experience.  Animal Kingdom for example we thought was very isolated so glad we hadn't picked it.

We also used a company called All Ears to book everything for us and it was well worth it as we had an amazing time and it's the one holiday you have to be super organised for.  I would highly recommend them and their service as they book rides, attractions, breakfasts etc.  

DM if you'd like any more info - we went in December 2019 just before lockdown and we were so so lucky.  We did everything, it really was the trip of a lifetime.

I would recommend staying in a villa with a pool instead of the Disney hotels for cost reasons (Disney hotels are astonishingly expensive) and the private pool. There’s also more freedom to do your own thing rather than pay to eat out all the time. And you have space when you’re not in a park. Large sitting room, kitchen, three or four bedrooms etc. I know of Windsor Palms as a resort. Not sure if the names of others.

Disney hotels give you early access to the park for the nights you’re staying but we could never get the cost to make sense.

One more thought- the weather is optimal over Easter. I think summer can be too hot and humid but check it out rather than take my word for it!

Hello

I'm hoping someone can give me some recommendations on where to stay in Disney Orlando please.  We are thinking of going either this summer or next, for 14 nights with our two children - age 8. 

Is it worth it to stay in a Disney hotel and if so any that are recommended?  Everytime I think I've found a good one, it gets slated on Trip Advisor!  

Also if anyone could give me a steer on a realistic budget that would be great.

Thanks very much!