I'm taking my family on a bit of an impromptu vacation to Disney World 4/16-4/20 (4 nights) and need input on lodging. We are a family of 4 with two adults, and two children (2, and 18). I need to balance the need for convenience (with a 2-yr old going back to the hotel for naptime) with my husband's desire to have a separate room or area for the kids.

I love the on-property hotels because there's always something going on, but the suites I've seen online are so expensive. I'm looking for something in the under $400/night range if possible. Suggestions?

Note - I've looked through mousesavers.com and touringplans.com.

Embassy suites on Hotel Bvd are as close as some of the on-site hotels (just up from Downtown Disney) but a lot less expensive. I also liked Homewood suites @ LBV-nothing plush but very adequate and a zip to Disney taking the back road.
I love onsite hotels but the only way you'll get near that price is two adjoining rooms at the All Stars-personally for me the suites off-site but close are a better experience with young kids and spend a bit more on character meals (and buy a book on how to make cute animals out of towels )

If you're looking for a room with extra space, convenience to the Magic Kingdom (and other parks), and well under $400/night you might want to consider Disney's Ft Wilderness Cabins. My idea of roughing it is a 2 star hotel. The cabins were GREAT! Separate bedroom, large bath, kitchenette, and living room (also murphy bed in Living room). If you have a car, you can pull right up to your cabin. Daily maid service, and they will run the dishwasher for you. Very Disney, and convenience to boot. For more info on Ft Wilderness cabins http://www.disboards.com/forumdispla...sprune=30&f=24
and here's a link for tons of WDW hotel info http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=12
Have a great time!

I second Fort Wilderness. That is also where you will find the best buffet, especially for kids, on Disney property. I miss the milkshakes.

Another option might be at Marriott's Royal Palms MVCI property. It is located in the Marriott Worldcenter complex right next to Disney. Short of being on actual Disney property, this is about as close as you can get.

The Royal Palms is currently showing 2-bedroom/2 bath availability for the 4 nights you want at $244/night. If you have never stayed at a Marriott MVCI property, they are very nice, big and have lots of amenities themselves. Plus you would have full use of the Worldcenter Marriott's facilities (very big and nice pool, play areas, kids activities, shuttles to/from Disney, etc.) Each suite will have its own full kitchen and washer/dryer.

In one of these suites, you and the husband get the King bedroom with a big jaccuzi in it (very nice to relax in one after long day at the parks) and the kids get their own bedroom.

I third the Ft. Wilderness recommendation. I have stayed there several times (at the campsites, not the cabins) and had a great time. There are many bus stops throughout the area that will get you to the parks or to the transportation stops where you can get transportation to anywhere on property.

Thanks so much for all the input. We've booked a cabin at Ft. Wilderness.