Okay, hear me out...
My brother-in-law and his family have expressed interest for a few years now in going to Orlando with us (so all the cousins could go together,) and because he knows that I have timeshare and Orlando travel knowledge. They have never been to Orlando as a family or done the parks as a family. Originally, the idea was to do it early in June, before most schools get out, because both his kids and our kid actually get out one week earlier than most. We've gone--ourselves--to Universal during that time of year, and while it was wicked hot, the crowds weren't bad. We stayed onsite, and just for a few days.
This year, they are coming from Chicagoland to our place in NC for Christmas, for the first time in nearly a decade. I casually threw out the idea that we could do Orlando after Christmas, since they will already be partway here and haven't purchased plane tickets yet. (Rookie mistake on my part.) We did explain that it would be the BUSIEST TIME OF YEAR, but since my BIL is sensitive to the sun and to heat, thought it might be better for him than June. (However, I did not explain that "busiest time" meant not only lots of people, but also hours+ waits for rides.)
They were *all over it.* Now, I am freaking out during a fairly busy fall schedule about having to be the travel agent for this trip.
Of course, none of the five billion ACs I have will pull the holiday week or even the first full week of Jan (kids don't go back until the 6th.) I don't have any "real" deposits in II to search with (I do have a strong trader that I can deposit, if need be.) Not sure if anything in Bonnet Creek would be available to rent from either a TUGger or Extra Holidays at this late date, either. Just checked Extra Holidays for Bonnet Creek; they want about $3400 for a two bedroom for six nights. II Getaways is showing a single studio at Grande Vista for $1100 for a check in date on the 30th; if there was a second studio available, that might be do-able. I would not want to rent from Redweek or Ebay (just personal comfort level.)
They are thinking at least five days (two at Disney, two at Universal, and a rest day in the middle.) So, check in the 27th and check out the 2nd? Could do a full week, but the Friday check in would be ideal.
I know this is insane. I haven't gone to Disney myself in Magicband/reservations for rides era (it's been about 8 or 9 years for Disney parks proper.) Do we need to stay onsite for those?
Thoughts? Is this even do-able? (I would ask if this was crazy, but I already know the answer to that, LOL!) Is someone willing to search for me and let me know what's available? Four adults, two young kids (9 and 5) and one teenager (13.) Ideally, a three bedroom, but a two-bedroom (or a one-bedroom and a studio, or two studios) would work. Note: I am *not* soliciting rentals; just asking for advice/availability possibilities.
Mods, if this is in the wrong forum, please feel free to move (should it go in sightings?) I am stymied, and feeling a lot of pressure to do this "right." *sigh* Why did I do this to myself, LOL?!?
Thanks for letting me vent, and for any insight and guidance you knowledgeable TUGgers can provide!
My brother-in-law and his family have expressed interest for a few years now in going to Orlando with us (so all the cousins could go together,) and because he knows that I have timeshare and Orlando travel knowledge. They have never been to Orlando as a family or done the parks as a family. Originally, the idea was to do it early in June, before most schools get out, because both his kids and our kid actually get out one week earlier than most. We've gone--ourselves--to Universal during that time of year, and while it was wicked hot, the crowds weren't bad. We stayed onsite, and just for a few days.
This year, they are coming from Chicagoland to our place in NC for Christmas, for the first time in nearly a decade. I casually threw out the idea that we could do Orlando after Christmas, since they will already be partway here and haven't purchased plane tickets yet. (Rookie mistake on my part.) We did explain that it would be the BUSIEST TIME OF YEAR, but since my BIL is sensitive to the sun and to heat, thought it might be better for him than June. (However, I did not explain that "busiest time" meant not only lots of people, but also hours+ waits for rides.)
They were *all over it.* Now, I am freaking out during a fairly busy fall schedule about having to be the travel agent for this trip.
Of course, none of the five billion ACs I have will pull the holiday week or even the first full week of Jan (kids don't go back until the 6th.) I don't have any "real" deposits in II to search with (I do have a strong trader that I can deposit, if need be.) Not sure if anything in Bonnet Creek would be available to rent from either a TUGger or Extra Holidays at this late date, either. Just checked Extra Holidays for Bonnet Creek; they want about $3400 for a two bedroom for six nights. II Getaways is showing a single studio at Grande Vista for $1100 for a check in date on the 30th; if there was a second studio available, that might be do-able. I would not want to rent from Redweek or Ebay (just personal comfort level.)
They are thinking at least five days (two at Disney, two at Universal, and a rest day in the middle.) So, check in the 27th and check out the 2nd? Could do a full week, but the Friday check in would be ideal.
I know this is insane. I haven't gone to Disney myself in Magicband/reservations for rides era (it's been about 8 or 9 years for Disney parks proper.) Do we need to stay onsite for those?
Thoughts? Is this even do-able? (I would ask if this was crazy, but I already know the answer to that, LOL!) Is someone willing to search for me and let me know what's available? Four adults, two young kids (9 and 5) and one teenager (13.) Ideally, a three bedroom, but a two-bedroom (or a one-bedroom and a studio, or two studios) would work. Note: I am *not* soliciting rentals; just asking for advice/availability possibilities.
Mods, if this is in the wrong forum, please feel free to move (should it go in sightings?) I am stymied, and feeling a lot of pressure to do this "right." *sigh* Why did I do this to myself, LOL?!?
Thanks for letting me vent, and for any insight and guidance you knowledgeable TUGgers can provide!
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