Do you PREFER to stay offsite?

[Dallas_Lady]

Would love to hear the other side of the coin... everyone says that onsite is the best and only way to go. Do any of you have opinions/experiences that differ?

[BonnieA]

I prefer to stay offsite. Driving is no problem for me cause I always go off season so I don't have to deal with large crowds. I enjoy more room for less money. We love to rent houses and suites so everyone gets some space. Disney prices would prohibit that. I also don't limit myself to only disney. There are so many wonderful experiences (Sea World, Universal, Cypress Gardens, Busch Gardens) I want to see them all.
Am I missing some of the magic of staying onsite? Maybe but I don't think so. All these other experiences make my magic and bring back wonderful memories from long ago trips with family members who are no longer around.

[RAMWDWFAN]

When I go to WDW solo, I prefer to stay onsite because of security reasons. But when I'm with family, I like to stay offsite so we can be closer to a variety of restaurants. Also, because of the cost factor, staying offsite makes more sense when you need larger accommodations.

[Robinrs]

When I visit Orlando, I visit the city, not just WDW. I intend to move there in the future so I like exploring the whole city.

I've stayed onsite WDW three times and offsite more times than I can count. I prefer OFF because I like so many other things than just WDW. I know that if you are going to visit Disney only, onsite is way more convenient, but I like SPACE, and not just space but LOTS of space! These are offered onsite but at prohibitive rates, which I would not pay even IF I had the money!

On the other hand, staying ONsite at Universal is a MUST. The perks they offer make it well worth any price. Right not the new Royal Pacific has AP and entertainment rates at $99 for selected dates and I've stayed at the Hard Rock for about $129 twice. To be able to "skip" the lines is worth ANY amount of money. Disney's perks, IMHO, do not match what they charge.

Another aspect I've found that onsiters prefer is the "magic". I don't need magic to go to sleep. What I do like is privacy and silence, so we rent vacation homes for that wonderful perk.

I think it's definitely preference and choice. Of course if you choose a 2 star offsite hotel and compare it to onsite Disney you'll prefer anything they have to offer. I happen to know that Orlando offers incredible accommodations for those who choose the other side of Orlando and want more for less.

[deena]

We prefer to actually stay offsite as well because when vacationing our family loves seeing all of the other wonderful attractions that Orlando offers and not just WDW. When staying in town, I like being near different restaurants that have a better wide-range of choices as well as shopping areas that contain larger selection of items; also close to grocery stores is a huge plus too in stocking up on things!

Also, I adore loads of space as well and most of the standard onsite rooms just don't have that at a premium (except for price that is) for those who love spreading out in their accomodations after a long day. In-room amenities such as fridges/microwaves/etc. already inclusive within hotel price not only adds to the overall comfort as well as ease of being away from home but allows us to save money at the same time. I have to say also that even though I do have the funds to stay onsite at WDW, I just can't justify or have the desire to spend more for less.....decreased room as well as bathroom size, nominal amenities, and limited food selections when there are so many outstanding properties right next door that offer so much at substantially reduced prices in comaprison.

Also, IMHO there is nothing so relaxing than returning to a spacious and quiet offsite place after beating the pavement inside the highly-charged, crowded, hot, and busy atmosphere of WDW. So, in our case there is more of an advantage to staying offsite because we have no overwhelming drive to be occupied within Disney for 24 hours a day during an entire vacation (due to enjoying other attractions), space is of primary importance, always have a rental car so rely on ourselves for transportation to WDW parks (as well as other places) and like experiencing some real down time from hustle-bustle activity.

So, I've been still experiencing magic over a decade now with all kinds of off property perks (with a 5 or so minute commute to the parks), more funds for souvenirs/miscellaneous expenses, and the list goes on! In addition, I have always thought personally over the years about loving offsite; if visitors were only meant to stay onsite when visiting WDW then why are there so many great properties that exist outside of the parks with new places being constructed especially?:D

[patman]

I think 99% of the people would prefer to stay at the Grand Floridian or Beach club. if money was no object. I like to stay offsite because I go down for 12 days, drive down, hate busses ad do not wish to share a room and one bathroom with my wife and my two sons,

[popy]

Off site has worked for me, I see no reason
to spend the extra dollars to stay on site.
We leave early in the morning and return
late at night. We just need a clean
place to spend the night. I never could
understand paying a lot for lodging when
your never there.
I guess if you want to go to Orlando
and lay in bed all day, then maybe the
high price joints would be the deal.

Myself, I like seeing the see's and doing the
do's. Has far as eats, well you can go
all over and eat anything and anywhere
at any price you would like.

As far as safe, well, I always felt safe.

[Disney Talker]

We have never stayed on Disney Property and never will, as it really would be a waste for us to spend all that money to sleep and shower somewhere.

Being parkaholics we want to spend all our time in the parks, and do not want to go back and spend afternoons sitting around a resort pool. Too us that is a waste of good time in Orlando, time we could be seeing the sites.

If you stay on site you also are stuck pretty much paying Disney prices for three meals a day, and wow..that can be expensive. We prefer a nice clean lower price hotel, next to some good restaurants and fast food places where we can have a quick breakfast or a fast dinner if we come back early enough.

I do not need deluxe service with conceirge or whatever the word is they use, we do not live in the lap of luxury at home and I do not need to spend hundreds to say I slept in some certain hotel room.

Always stay in hotels right outside the maingate, maybe five minute commute in with our car, or rental car. Where we stay is actually closer to the MK than the All STar Resorts are, so no time savings by staying on site. We would have a car on site or off site, so that is not an added expense for us.

We also spend a lot of time at Universal and it would be foolish to pay disney prices to visit Universal. Both of us would prefer to spend less on hotel and more on the fun things and nice meals.

Entire hotel stay for us in November cost, internet rate is $280 for 8 night stay, that would buy maybe two nights in a moderate resort.

We prefer to go every year for a week, then save for a few years for a week or less stay on site..just my two cents, but works well for us. Our vacations are great, we fell we miss nothing at all, except a high credit card bill, and we come home not in the poor house or with maxed out credit cards.

[Tom'sdad]

On-site is the best, no doubt! However financial constraints for us mean we have to stay off more often than not. If you do your homework there are some fantastic deals to be had at real good rates.
Ben

[travelitis]

I've stayed onsite at the Contemporary (tower), Dolphin, and All Star Music. My husband has also stayed at CBR. We like the ambiance, but we prefer space and plenty of it. We stay at an offsite timeshare - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, home theater, and master suite with enormous jacuzzi tub. Disney's rooms don't come close to comparing and are simply not a good value. The ambiance is nice, but it's not worth it to us. We also don't like to eat out every single meal and would be driving offsite to find a decent grocery store. Onsite would be good for a quick trip, but for a week or more we like our space.

[Kenbar]

Hi Lora-Disneytalker.

I agree with you. every word. when we're in Orlando the last place we want to be is in our room or around our pool. Disney is great in lots of ways but could never be described as economical
EVERYBODY has a budget. some peoples are a little larger thats all

Ken

[ChiTownZee]

We've always stayed offsite, and enjoyed it (though I'm looking for onsite next trip) We've done it primarily for space reasons. We can get a 1 or two bedroom suite with a kitchen(ette) offsite for the price of a value or moderate resort on property. And when going with our young daughter, it's been a big perk. I have enjoyed being able to shut the door to the bedroom. after DD goes to sleep and DH and I can relax in private without disturbing her. I have also enjoyed having a fridge and microwave (even if I hardly used the microwave).

[nluvwithdisney]

We prefer to stay onsite. It is a matter of convenience for us just the two of us. We typically each lunch in the parks, but dinner is cheaper offsite. We did not run into any travel issues with our stay in November. We had a rental car for 10 days and stayed onsite. We even did quite a few shopping trips, and visited Universal, IOA, and BG. All you need is a plan and a budget.

In the end you need to do what's best for you and your family.

[debbie655]

We prefer offsite. A few years ago we stayed at the CBR at a special $89 rate. I had always wanted to stay at a Disney Resort so was really excited to finally be able to. The resort was beautiful, and don't get me wrong we really did enjoy our stay there but probably wouldn't stay onsite again. We are a large family and for us it is just makes sense to stay at a larger (and sometimes less expensive) offsite resort. The past three years we've stayed at HIFS and loved it. We also stayed at the Vistana Villages last summer and really, there is just no comparison to the CBR. I used to feel like I was missing something not staying onsite (that was before I stayed onsite) but I do not feel that way anymore at all. We always have a car since we drive down from NY so transportation is never a problem. This year we are splitting our stay between HIFS and the Royal Pacific (2 rooms). The reason for this being that Universal is my kids favorite park so I thought the FOTL would be great for them plus it's a brand new hotel and I wanted to check it out.

[BarryCF]

I like staying off-site but not too far off-site. I really like the LBV area. It's the best of both worlds. I can't see paying $200-$400 per night for a room I'm just gonna sleep in. I can rest when I get home.:jester: I like to go off-season and do the parks from open to close and then spend my evenings at DD-PI or the BW. Like someone said before, when I visit Orlando, I like to visit the whole city, not just WDW. I got the Comfort Inn LBV for $33.90 a night. At that rate, I can stay 8 or 10 days for what 1 or 2 nights would cost me at a Deluxe resort, or what 3 or 4 nights would cost me at a moderate. I'll take the extra days anytime. That gives me more time to do US/IOA and SW.

Laying around a resort pool is a waste of valuble vacation time to me. I can go swimming at home. I can't go to WDW etc. at home, although I wish I could.:) ;) Maybe someday....

The Comfort Inn LBV is close enough to DD that I could walk if I wanted too. It's not a short walk, but it's not THAT long. I've done it not completely sober once or twice;) , and it still was'nt that far.

Cheers:wave:

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by travelitis
I've stayed onsite at the Contemporary (tower), Dolphin, and All Star Music. My husband has also stayed at CBR. We like the ambiance, but we prefer space and plenty of it. We stay at an offsite timeshare - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, home theater, and master suite with enormous jacuzzi tub. Disney's rooms don't come close to comparing and are simply not a good value. The ambiance is nice, but it's not worth it to us. We also don't like to eat out every single meal and would be driving offsite to find a decent grocery store. Onsite would be good for a quick trip, but for a week or more we like our space.
While I agree with you about the size of Disney hotel rooms not being large, we must compare apples to apples. It would only be fair (from a size standpoint), to compare your off-site 2 BR timeshare to a DVC 2 BR villa. (DVC also has 3 BR grand villas which are huge.)

Granted, off-site timeshares may be less expensive, and from what I understand some are very nice.

DVC villas can also be rented from CRO if you wanted more space than a regular room. As well as extra space, the villas are truely beautiful, and rated very high by other timeshare owners.

Have Fun! :cool:

[tink2dw]

I got caught up in all the talk about "Only finding the MAGIC onsite". That is NOT true MAGIC happens where ever you stay.

For me HIFS is where the MAGIC happened in the first part of our trip.

ONsite at All Stars we had the nightmare room. Everything went wrong! Starting with a freshly shapooed wet to the bone carpet!! We couldn't get soap for 3 days,not for the sink or the broken thing in the shower. It was a good thing I had packed a bar of soap!!and that was only the begining what went wrong!

I'll stay off site! The hotels off site try harder to please and make things right.

Onsite at the hotel we got the You should just be glad you are here at all,where's you money??

When I go back I stay At HIFS!

[BarryCF]

While I agree with you about the size of Disney hotel rooms not being large, we must compare apples to apples. It would only be fair (from a size standpoint), to compare your off-site 2 BR timeshare to a DVC 2 BR villa. (DVC also has 3 BR grand villas which are huge.)

I'm curious Maistre Gracey, what is the going rate for a DVC 2 BR villa? I know I can rent points for about $10 per point, so how many points would it cost me per night in EARLY December?

Cheers :wave:

[dtauer]

Early last year, I was reading these boards being proud of myself for saving my family so much money by staying offsite during our previous 4 trips to WDW.

Based on a postcard rate of $49 for the All Stars, we gave onsite a try last August. After that experience we will always try to stay onsite.

There are sometimes bad experiences on site, with the thousands of people that stay at Disney resorts every year that's bound to happen. Also, some people never feel the "magic" onsite that others do, for those people it's not worth staying on site.

For those that state you will never stay onsite, that's your choice, but I suggest you try it once. I never thought I would like onsite better, but after one stay, now it would be difficult to stay offsite.

We always rent a car and still visit some of the other attractions such as SeaWorld and Wonderworks, but when we pass back through the WDW gates on the way to the resort in the evening, the kids still get excited that we're back at our Disney hotel.

My wife summed it up well for me last year. We had chosen a night to go to a special restaurant with some friends who happened to be vacationing at the same time. We had what I considered a great meal and had a good time. When we left I asked my wife what she thought and her reply was "it was good, but it's not Disney, we have nice restaurants in Minnesota we can go to".

It's all a matter of choice, and there is no doubt that it costs more to stay on site. However, I'm willing to spend the extra money for the Disney touch, just as I'm willing to spend extra money at a store with great customer service, or a restaurant with excellent food.

[lisaost]

It would only be fair (from a size standpoint), to compare your off-site 2 BR timeshare to a DVC 2 BR villa. (DVC also has 3 BR grand villas which are huge.)

Well I'm staying in a 2br villa at Marriott Cypress Harbour at AAA rate of $134/nite without joining a club or viewing a timeshare presentation, so I'm pretty happy with that. At Disney, I couldn't find a room that would be comfortable for the 5 of us at that price - and believe me I did try, although I was not aware there were discount codes then. We were not completely comfortable with the idea of renting a timeshare from someone else although next time I might look into that as a possibility.

As for the magic, last visit (pre children) we stayed at ASSports and it was fairly new at the time. Honestly I thought the room was small and the facilities were not what I had hoped. The food court was overpriced, crowded and noisy. So the hotel was just more of the parks for me, not a place to retreat to a relaxing place. For the record my DH disagrees. ;) He thinks the room IS small but he did not have a problem with the facilities.

We did visit Beach and Yacht Club on that visit and Wilderness Lodge and they were beautiful. I am curious they would let you take a look at the rooms there. We are visiting Poly this time and I would love to see a room.

Even if I stayed onsite, I would probably use my own car a good amount of the time to go to the parks, depending on where I was staying. Alot of people argue that they don't want to fight the traffic, but I'm used to traffic so it's not that big a deal. And when my kids get in the car we crank up some soft music, turn on the AC, and they relax and fall asleep right away. I can positively say that I prefer that scenario to lugging the three of them and a 40 pound carriage on a crowded bus. But for some it would probably work just fine, it just would not for us.

[plugnickle]

On our previous two trips we spent four nights at the ASMovies, and I believe seven at the Swan. I had always thought that off-site would be just as good. My Mother travels with us and prefers the Disney transportation to return to the room when she is ready, and this is why we started out on-site. This last trip she couldn't attend, so we stayed off property. I was so disapointed. We had a great time, but just something extra missing. I really can't put my finger on it, either. I have decided that if I can't afford on-site accomodations, I will postpone the trip until I can. My advice is to definitely stay on-site if you can, but if it just isn't feasible, any trip is better than no trip;)

Steve

[Lisa P.]

Originally posted by Robinrs
I like SPACE, and not just space but LOTS of space! These are offered onsite but at prohibitive rates, which I would not pay even IF I had the money!
Indeed! A 2BR villa means we return home as a rested, closer family. All of us in a hotel room for a week...? We end up irritable, tired and ready for home to recover from our "vacation." :eek:

My DH, and some of our friends & relatives who've stayed onsite, all definitely get "disney'd out." They think Disney's resorts have great themes and fun pools, but too many forced smiles, stressed tourists and high prices for everything from snacks to souvenirs. To me, visiting them is a lot like going to a museum. It's fun to see how people have used creativity in design. But I don't need to stay there.

In addition, to us, money is never "no object." With so much need in the world, from our own backyard to Africa & China, it would irk us to spend $5K on a week's vacation (not hard at $500+/nt in a suite) when there are similar, lovely alternatives available for 1/5th that price nearby. Naturally, this is very individual.

If BCV or BWV or VWL had 2BR villas available for $100 per night... we'll talk about comparing those! :) :D Until then, we stay at luxury OFFSITE timeshare villas and just visit onsite for a meal or boat rental (feeling great about our decision to stay offsite to unwind) or perhaps end our trip with a single night or two in a deluxe room (for 5 of us) - when there's an incredible discount available. We haven't even doen THAT for a long time... since the difference in price buys us a day at a water park... better than a pool with a slide! :D

[meeshi]

Originally posted by plugnickle
This last trip she couldn't attend, so we stayed off property. I was so disapointed. We had a great time, but just something extra missing. I really can't put my finger on it, either.
Steve

Do you mind if I ask where you stayed offsite? I'm just wondering for those who prefer to stay onsite because of bad or disappointing offsite experiences, where they stayed offsite.

[Lisa P.]

...what is the going rate for a DVC 2 BR villa? I know I can rent points for about $10 per point, so how many points would it cost me per night in EARLY December?

2BR - OKW:
22 points/night for Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu nights = $220
54 points/night for Fri/Sat nights = $540

2BR - other WDW DVC's:
30 points/night for Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu nights = $300
60 points/night for Fri/Sat nights = $600

This is the lowest season of the entire year on the DVC points charts (January, September and early December). Naturally, in the interest of saving points and enjoying the early holiday decorations, DVC members book it solid, pretty quickly... at this time, most nights in December are probably no longer available. Weeknights sometimes fill up before weekends.

Remember that when you rent from an owner, you take certain risks. Be certain that the person has references and a good reputation here at DIS. There may be cancellation penalties, since you may create problems for the DVC member when cancelling. And, you will not recieve daily housekeeping service (which does not bother us at all but does for some). These are all different from reservations made via Disney directly.

Offsite timeshare rentals may entail similar risks. However, the price is lower (usually $600-$1,000 for 7 nights, total, including weekend nights), so your risk is ultimately lower.

[lisaost]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry but before I spent $600 a nite to go to Disney I'd take my family to Hawaii or London or Paris. Now you made me feel alot better about not pursuing the rental from a timeshare owner.....We probably STILL would not have spent that kind of money.

Where do people get this kind of money? Geez, I mean we're doing ok here and we are not hesitant to spend good money on a vacation but that would bankrupt me!

[Maistre Gracey]

Hi Barry, I am not home now, so I don't have point charts handy. It looks like Lisa has it right (thanx Lisa). I would give more detail, but I'm typing on one of those web tv things, and it's tough to do! I'll be happy to answer any Q's next week!Originally posted by BarryCF


I'm curious Maistre Gracey, what is the going rate for a DVC 2 BR villa? I know I can rent points for about $10 per point, so how many points would it cost me per night in EARLY December?

Cheers :wave:

[plugnickle]

Originally posted by meeshi


Do you mind if I ask where you stayed offsite? I'm just wondering for those who prefer to stay onsite because of bad or disappointing offsite experiences, where they stayed offsite.

We stayed at the Amerihost Diplomat and the Sheraton Studio City. I have a strong dislike for the Amerihost. The Sheraton was great for off-site (Priceline $37). I also don't want to mislead anyone, I am not refering to the luxury on-site rooms. I just think that for a hundred or so a night, the ammenities and convenience are a good value.

Steve

[BarryCF]

From Lisa P.

2BR - OKW:
22 points/night for Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu nights = $220
54 points/night for Fri/Sat nights = $540

2BR - other WDW DVC's:
30 points/night for Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu nights = $300
60 points/night for Fri/Sat nights = $600

Thanks for the info Lisa P. Now I feel even better about staying offsite...WOW!!!!;) :p ;) I'm going for 2 weeks. For what 2 wks would cost me at $300-$600 per night I could put a down payment on a nice small house. :earseek: :earseek:

Cheers :wave:

PS...Maistre Gracey, I've used web-tv before. I would'nt wish it on anybody.:p :earseek: :p

[travelitis]

I have compared apples to apples (OKW to my timeshare) and found that OKW 2 bedroom is smaller overall and has a significantly smaller jacuzzi tub, regular size TV instead of large home theater, 2 instead of 3 baths and costs much more. If I stayed at OKW for 2 wks and paid high season rates I'd pay more than the total purchase price of my timeshare I can use every year. Yikes! The trade-off for Disney onsite magic is much more money and less luxury. I like staying onsite, and we might do it for one night before we go to our timeshare. However, we don't feel it's a good value for this type of accomodation. If you're looking for something inexpensive, then All Stars or the moderate resorts we feel are decent for the money, because the price for Disney ambiance isn't hundreds of $$.

There's another reason we like off-site and that's because when we leave the parks we leave the shameless promotion behind, and that is a big perk for my husband who is not a huge Disney fan like I am. He needs the total break from the parks.

[Lisa P.]

Another offsite perk that I've noticed, regarding concierge or guest services...

Disney's resort Guest Services will make Disney dining reservations for you but they encourage you to do it yourself from your room phone as well. I've never seen any kinds of local non-Disney attractions discounts, info or menus offered automatically by their guest services people or with check-in materials. The fliers provided are just for Disney places. It's all aimed at making it as easy as possible to keep all of your money going to Disney.

When we stay offsite at a resort that offers Guest Services, we see a very different picture. The lobby often contains a rack of brochures from all over the region. They often sell discounted tickets to every local attraction that offers any kind of group purchase discount (to the resorts), so it's easy to buy Sea World passes or dinner show tickets right there. They will help you with dinner and show reservations for Disney restaurants and any other restaurant in the region. They'll help in reserving airboat rides, ballooning, skydiving, horseback riding, golf tee times, virtually any interest you may have... whether offered by Disney or any other outfit. Since they don't have any vested interest in whether you choose one company over another, you get the full complement of options from Guest Services. Just another thought.

[tink2dw]

we must compare apples to apples

I Was comparing Magic to Magic,Onsite Magic to Offsite Magic.

Magic doesn't have any apples,lol!!

[plugnickle]

Originally posted by travelitis
There's another reason we like off-site and that's because when we leave the parks we leave the shameless promotion behind, and that is a big perk for my husband who is not a huge Disney fan like I am. He needs the total break from the parks.

I don't blame Disney for the promotion of their services. A person can make a whole three week vacation at just their park. They need to promote the options available. It would not be very intelligent of them not to. It is impossible to please everyone. No one is without reproach, ask the significant other it you are:)

Steve

[robinb]

I can understand both points of view. I stay both on-site and off-site on almost every single trip. We're DVC owners and we have stayed at OKW (studio, 1 BR, 2BR), BWV (1 BR) and VWL (studio). However, we can't stand using our points for the weekend, so we usually end up somewhere else for at least 2 nights (and usually 4). Sometimes we stay at the All Stars. Many times we use Priceline because it's cheaper and we want to save a little money.

I have to say that staying on-site wins hands down for me. I have stayed in a 3 BR timeshare off-site and I have stayed at many of the more luxurious hotels in the area via Priceline. For the same price, or even a little bit more, I prefer to stay at the All Stars. The Disney resorts are just more fun for me. I like the 24/7 "Magic". I like the bustling food courts. I like the reliable and frequent bus service. I like the re-fillable mugs. I like the Disney pools. I like the Disney atmosphere, the little touches and the big splashes of color.

Yes, some off-site resorts are bigger than the All Stars. Yes, some pools are better. Yes, some hotels are cheaper. Yes, some have refrigerators and microwaves. Still, if I were to spend $50-$80 per night on a hotel, I'd pick the All Stars every time. I just like the way being at a Disney resort makes me feel.

[tonilea]

IF money were no object, we would stay on-site. BUT if by staying off site (via Priceline) for $35 per night we can double our stay, I will stay off-site and stay longer! Plus I am not sure I could enjoy staying on-site and hearing all that $$$ trickle down the drain.:)

[tonilea]

I am such an idiot! I was trying to reply to the post about the joys of staying off site!

[travelitis]

Plugnickle, providing information for the enjoyment of your visitors is fine, but that's not what my husband tires of. It's like walking through an endless infomercial with corporate sponsors hocking their goods (FW is especially bad). The soundstage tour at MGM which has changed names went from being educational to being a promo for Disney's movies. I remember when the park had barely opened, and the animation tour and this were so much better than they are now. Even the Official Guide is more diluted with much less of the Disney trivia and extra info about the details that made it such a good read. It's enough for Disney to advertise Disney, and it grinds on some people to be so bombarded. That's ONE reason my husband loves offsite. Maybe the commercialism doesn't bother you, but it wears us down and is exhausting. When we go offsite and leave that behind it's relaxing and rejuvenating.

I used to be closed-minded when it came to where to stay. Onsite was the only and true way to vacation at Disney, and offsite was just missing out on the real fun. I was one of the ones who get so adamant that onsite is the best way. Now our tastes have changed, and we specifically look for jacuzzi tubs when we vacation. There are pros and cons to both on and off WDW, and now the pros of offsite outweigh the cons for us.

[plugnickle]

travelitis,
Isn't America such a God blessed place where we can each have our own ideals? I have to be reminded occationally that we all vacation for different reasons. This summer alone, I have been to Texas, Okalahoma, Nasa (plus a day on the Altlantic ocean), Orlando, and just returned from Branson, MO. I guess that I travel for specific reasons and I like to be immersed in the trip at hand. One of these days I will probably tire of the parks enough that I will enjoy a trip to Orlando to just be there, but for now I go for the parks and their ambience. I hope that this makes sense, and I wish you many safe travels. :D

Steve

[baileybrad]

For your $35 bid what property did you receive?

[tonilea]

First two times - Wyndham Orlando on I- Drive
Last time - Hyatt Orlando WDW area

[donnamerry]

too much 'downtime' staying offsite and getting to the parks. Not that I have stayed offsite, only have stayed "Onsite" since I first discovered WDW in '98 and have gone every year since and have stayed onsite.
Unless you really have othere sites to see around Orlando why would you not want to stay onsite? There's always a code discount to use on either Value, Moderate or Deluxe resort. There is also Triple A and the DisneyClub for discounts. I personally do not want to mess with a car and again all the downtime back and forth. And if you are offsite without car then you have to go by a schedule the hotel offers to and from WDW. If you are just doing "Disney" then by all means stay ONSITE!!!
;)

[baileybrad]

I do not think anyone should ever stay off-site for a Disney vacation without a vehicle. That being said, I find the "too much downtime point" shakey at best. Staying at some of the nicer nearby resorts, timeshare properties, and private homes offer in many cases much more "accomodation bang" for the buck. We have done both types of vacations many times and have great trips both ways. If money or points were no object a DVC property in a 2 bedroom would be our 1st choice. Unfortunately, for most, money is somewhat of an issue....it sure is for us. The argument that is sometimes made about on-site being the only way to immerse oneself in the "magic" is not really true. You can have a great Disney vacation on or off site. A great vacation is about family. Some of our best Disney vacations were had staying at Dixie Landings in a 4 square hotel room. Did the Disney atomsphere contribute to our enjoyment...sure but without the joy of ourselves and later our firstborn son no amount of "magic" would have provided what was needed to have a magical time. I hate for folks who do not stay on-site to somehow have the feeling that they are somehow not having a Disney vacation. It is just not true.

[Beejayjay]

Offsite wins for me every time - for the amount of time actually spent in your room/suite, I just cant see that the extra green that Disney charge for, from what I read here, are much smaller rooms tahn offsite hotels for less money, is worth the time saved getting to the parks. I know thats probably a very simplified view of the likely benefits of staying onsite, but its the biggest one I can see. I also think that being immersed in that much "magic" 24/7 might get a bit overbearing for me.

Having the additional expense of travelling all the way over from the UK also means that staying offsite can be the difference between having a comfortable time financially or scrimping in order to have the amount of time I'd want in Disneyville. Having to worry about whether I can afford that extra purchase would spoil my enjoyment.

I also like being able to set my own agenda as to where I eat, shop, go in general, and I'd imagine being onsite would tend to bring out my lazier side and limit what I got round to doing.

Add in the fact that I can get a really nice hotel 20 minutes from the parks for $ 40 or 50 a night, and staying onsite doesnt make a great deal of sense to me. Maybe one day I'll try it and find I'm wrong, I just doubt it ! :)

:jester:

[baileybrad]

Not really wanting to be argumentative (I really do believe in the saying "live and let live") but I am not sure how folks who have never stayed on-site or only stay on-site can be so sure about what they are or are not getting. It seems to me that it is difficult to be positive about a certain type of vacation experience or resort if you have never stayed there. My feelings that great trips are had on-site and off-site is based on many such experiences of both. My only real fear for those that choose to go the off-site route without using valuable sites such as this one is that there are some really bad motel choices in the Disney area and some really good ones and sometimes the price isn't all that much different. Picking a bad one can really make for a poor vacation....and I don't care how "little" time you spend there, it isn't much fun at all.

[tlens]

We've done both. I love staying on-site. We've stayed at the Polynesian, Dixie Landings (I still like that name better) and Caribbean. That was fine when it was just my husband and I. now that we have a 2 1/2YO, our needs have changed. We've styed off-site at Orange Lake in a 2 bedroom and are booked at the VV for next month. We need the kitchen and the extra space now.

I can't compare a 2 bedroom Disney to a 2 bedroom offsite because we could never afford $450/night. Being Cdn, $450 USD is $715.00 Cdn. Our entire stay next month at VV is only $829.00 Cdn.

But I can compare a regular 192 hotel room to a Disney room and Disney wins hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lisa P.]

We've done both... I can compare a regular 192 hotel room to a Disney room and Disney wins hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IF you compare a Disney value hotel (small room, exterior entry, food court, frequent bus shuttles, about $100/nt) with a "regular 192 hotel room" (usually medium sized room, exterior entry, minimal food service, limited shuttles, about $50/nt), that's not a fair comparison.

IF you compare a $100/nt Disney value hotel room with a $100/nt offsite luxury hotel room or 1BR villa at one of the nicer resorts in the area, that's a fair comparison. Onsite, you receive the convenience of Disney transport (no need for car, better when families split up or solo travelers), a more consistent expectation for those unfamiliar with the area, and Disney-Disney everywhere you look (a mixed benefit at best, for some of us!). Offsite, you receive loads more space, a kitchen, sometimes inroom w/d and jacuzzi tub, better pool areas w/hot tubs, sometimes room service, and a more upscale resort. Depending upon your needs, either may be preferred.

IF you try to compare a $350/nt Disney deluxe hotel room... there's no comparison offsite... offsite are rarely that expensive, except perhaps at the concierge suite level - which we've never tried. The onsite deluxe resorts are great but their usual prices are, to us, ridiculous! ;) ;) ;) :D

[daveyh]

We have stayed at several off site hotels and love the Disney Avenue area, just five minutes or so from Downtown Disney.

The hotels are great standard there, and usually have free shuttles to Disney, so we can forget the car altogether.

We eat at Rainforest or Planet Hollywood, or walk up to The
Crossroads Mall to TGI or something

Pleasure Island is available in the evening along with the huge
AMC cinema, so we get a balance of things to do.

Mears run shuttles to Universal so no problem getting there.

Its great to be so close to Disney, without the added expense to be honest.

[rcomputer]

Our preference these days is a non-Disney onsite hotel specifically on Hotel Plaza Boulevard. This is based on our current needs: lowest cost (means more visits); best bus service to Pleasure Island.

Our requirements for a hotel at WDW are: new mattress; coffee maker; fridge desirable; quiet rooms (we get home quite late from Pleasure Island and rise late compared to families with children); no smell

The main inconvenience of the Downtown Disney hotels is access by car (although the widening of Buena Vista Drive may ease that marginally). Apart from Pleasure Island we mainly drive rather than using the bus service. When we do use a bus we find the scheduled service for DD hotels better than the ad-hoc Disney hotel buses. Disney hotels often take a long while to drive out of (GF for example)

When we stay offsite it is either in Palm Parkway - driving into WDW through the back entrance (the warehouses); the 535/536 junction using 536/Epcot Drive; specific parts of 192 using I4 and Osceola Parkway.

We always have a car as it costs little more than a shuttle trip, allows more time in WDW, is usually faster than hotel transport (MK being the usual exception) and provides a home for our bags on the last day.

[Beejayjay]

Hotel Plaza Boulevard - is that the road that leads from Crossroads thru to Disney Downtown, where the Hotels are laid out on either side ? Or a totally different place ??

[rcomputer]

That's the one - from the WaltDisneyWorld sign to the Marketplace and Buena Vista Drive

[Beejayjay]

Thanks rcomp ! :D

I stayed at the Courtyard there a long time ago, around 94/95 I think, just as it became a Marriott (think it might have been a HoJo before then ?) and it was about the only time I've not enjoyed my stay in a Disneyville hotel. It started badly when we couldnt find the place *** they hadnt thought to change the sign from the old owners name - driving about for 2 hours after a transatlantic flight is not a good start. And it was being renovated during our stay, again, not conducive to a relaxing stay.

However, its in an excellent location and I'd definitely consider a hotel on Hotel Plaza Boulevrad again - any suggestions ? I'd be looking to pay about $100 a night max, and will be there in mid/late October.

The Grosvenor looks nice - anyone stayed there ?

[rcomputer]

The Grosvenor is ok - the rooms are nice and a good size. Have not stayed there since last year but i think they have a fridge.

There are (dearer) tower rooms and two low-rise wings. The outside motel-style corridors are a bit naff - well the carpet gets rained on so will get a bit mouldy I suppose.

Check mousesavers.com for good rates at the Royal Plaza (never stayed there) You might be able to get something at the Wyndham Palace (used to be Buena Vista Palace) through Priceline. The Best Western (was Travelodge) also features on Priceline from time to time. Good info on Priceline rates, hotels and bidding is at www.biddingfortravel.com.

[Katiebug]

I would rather stay offsite. We did stay onsite last year and we probably spent three times as much as the year before when we stayed offsite.

I truly believe that Walt Disney would roll over in his grave if he knew how expensive it is to eat and sleep at Disney nowadays.

I like the freedom of being offsite because you are not trapped at Disney and paying Disney prices for every single thing.

Katiebug the Ladybug

[gibbys1]

when we were a little younger and not as well off financially, offsite was the best bet. Lots of low cost dining alternatives. Now that we are a little older and wiser we prefer to stay onsite,especiallly if we can get a decent rate. over Easter this year we paid full price at AS Sports but the conveinence was worth it.

[DisneyAlly]

We've been to WDW three times and Disneyland twice.
We have stayed onsite two times and off site three times. The best and most memorable trips were the ones on site.
I thought the off-site stays were "less magical" because we visited the Disney parks less rather than something lacking in the off-site hotels themselves. When we were staying off-site, we only spent total of 2 days in the Disney parks.

If I have my choice, I will stay in two resorts - start with an off-site to enjoy other Orlando attractions and end our trip with a stay in a monorail or Epcot resort. :)

[emmalgin]

Can get a timeshare for 1/3 the price. I paid $299/wk for a 2br at Orange Lake in April. It was so hot my family needed the breaks from the parks.....

Most mid-range hotels off site have fridges/microwaves and also offer breakfast ($20/day savings for family of 4).

And being able to close the door on the kids and your own TV can be priceless imo.

[Lanshark]

We've probably made 25 trips to WDW over the years. Our first was our honeymoon in 1979. With that said we always stayed on-site until about 3 years ago. We had planned a trip and were all excited but the tuition at my kids schools went up by an unexpected amount. We make the choice between not going and choosing to stay off-site (we had APs). We stayed off site and have done it every since. DH has no problem at all with driving around. Everything is close and clearly marked. Kids are older so the appeal of the taking the monorail back for afternoon naps is gone. With the money we have saved we have been able to purchase AP's and go more frequently and stay longer. The on-site hotels are wonderful but you definitely pay a premium. To be honest we spend very little time in the room anyway. My priorities in a hotel are
1) Its Clean and comfortable
2) Location
3) 2 queen size beds and either a sleeper or roll away
(I have a teen DD and a teen DS)
4) Pool area
5) Cost

I can stay 3 nights at a Marriott for what one night at the Contemporary cost. The moderates, IMO, do not accomodate a family of 4, with each child needing a separate bed, very well.

[Katiebug4685]

ah Disney hotels..
Whenever my family goes to WDW (which is usually everyother spring break) we always stay on Disney. We live in the panhandle off Florida and we drive the 7 hour trip down there and by that time my dad doesn't even wanna think about driving into the park. We love getting there and letting everyone else do the driving for us so we can be a tourist and sightsee:cool:. All Disney hotels let you put your hopper pass onto your hotel key and we all like that because we don't have to keep up with very many cards. I couldn't really get the whole ''vacation'' feeling unless i am at Disney. I went once with a few friends and we stayed offsite at Qaulity Suites Maingate East. It was horrible. The rooms were livable but not like what the looked like on the internet. The kitchen looked as if it was about to fall off. The shuttle only runs twice a day and if you miss it you would have to call the front desk to come pick you up (for a small fee if i remeber right) But it was cheapper than staying at Allstars. As for my family and I if we can we will always stay on Disney.:rolleyes:

[Grog]

We're currenently planning a trip for April, 2003 and after weighing the options decided on the DTD area hotels instead of an on-site Disney resort. The reason is that DTD and PI are open later than the parks, so it will give us something to do in the evenings after the parks close. Then when we are tired, we won't be miles from our hotel :)

[lovingthemouse]

We usually stay off property - have a timeshare in LBV which we find is less expensive for us, and on occasion we'll end our stay at the Dolphin using the teacher discount. But this fall we are trying the Amerisuites in LBV - cost is great for the services, location is wonderful and their "bountiful" breakfast sounds good.When you work hard for your money, which we all do, i like to know we're spending it wisely, and this is the way we choose to spend it. In our opinion, "magic" can be created anywhere you stay!

[nluvwithdisney]

On our trip last week, we had a timeshare package with Summer Bay Resorts. We were upgraded to a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo. For two people that was a lot of room. I'm sure it is ideal for families with children. There were 3 tv's and a kitchen. It was very nice however, we didn't like the drive back to the condo, especially from Universal. We decided that we will pay more for the convenience at Disney. Even Universal is not that far to us when we stay at a Disney resort.

[pegasusEH]

I will probably be of no help whatsoever but I am replying anyway.

We have never stayed onsite so can't tell you what the advantages would be.

However, if you intend to spend sometime offsite, say visiting the Universal Parks, Seaworld, Busch Gardens or shopping, I can't see that it makes much difference where you say.

Obviously coming from the UK it's far cheaper for us to book a package holiday offsite.

[Lucky4me]

I LOVE onsite for the parks, resort hopping, DTD, and Pleasure Island. For sleeping and relaxing after all the hustle and bustle, I like renting a home off site. I love having a large, beautiful home to spread out, with each child having their own room for less than the cost of a moderate on site. For me, the magic is in the parks so I miss nothing.....