Lots of good sites can help you cut your hotel bill. In addition to the ones you've seen listed here, try hotelkingdom.com and travelweb.com. There is a great deal at Star Island (I think, check hotelkingdom) for a 2 br villa w/sleepersofa for $41/nite, up to 5 nites, add on nights available. Remember that, according to Florida law, if you stay at a place with a timeshare pitch, you are only required to stay for as long as they say the sales talk should take- many quote a "90 minute minutes", so as long as you stay the full 90 minutes, they can't charge you any more for your accomodation than originally agreed upon. HOwever, although most timeshare pitches offer preety wonderful accomodations, there are lots of places to stay that are cheap, without the hassle. Try Comfort Suites Maingate East. It was terrific, we had a separated room suite (wall between the two rooms is a waist high wall on either side with an open archway) with 2 queen beds in the bedroom, full sized sleeper sofa in the living area, waist-high fridge, microwave and coffeemaker, large bathroom, free deluxe continental b'fast, good pools, etc. It was $58/nite in January 2001 thru
www.choicehotels.com, was $55/nite thru
www.travelscape.com (but they have a funny, per nite ressie charge that is refunded if you actually stay at the property). It is very near WDW, was very clean, convenient, etc. You might also want to consider a villa or house. vrbo.com seems to be a great deal (check the Orlando hotels board for reports/opinions). We also had very good luck at HolidayVillas (www.holidayvillas.com), the 2 br would probably be fine as the living room has 2 very comfy sleeper sofas. We put the kids into bedrooms and adults slept in the livingroom and it was fins. These were truly great, full kitchens, washer/dryer in the villa etc. In Oct. 1999 the 2 br was $89/nite. Good luck! I can usually take my DD and myself to WDW for 4-7 days, incl. Priceline airfare and PH passes, for about $1500, which includes a character meal or two, fast food lunch in the parks, and minor souveniers ($3 washclothe, tatoos, etc.). Also for a first trip, I'd recommend 4 day parkhoppers, go to one park a day, and if you finish early or the park gets too crowded, hop to a different park. Remember, youwon't see everything in one, first trip (unless you spend like two days in each park), but you'll go back again! Honest!
