On-site vs. off-site question

[crusoe2]

We're still trying to decide where to stay for our trip Oct.6-13. Last time we stayed on-site and we were able to get into non-ee parks about an hour before rope drop. I'm wondering if it is possible to do this if you stay off-site. Can off-site guests get into the parking lots that early? We will be driving, not using a hotel shuttle, so we will need to be able to pay for parking and get thru the TTC and across to the park gates. Is this doable an hour or so before official park opening? Appreciate any info you might have!:)

[SimonV]

crusoe, getting into the parking lots shouldn't be a problem. I have often arrived between 8 and 8.30 when staying off-site, but I have still never been past rope drop before 9am!

[crusoe2]

Thanks for the information, Simon. And just so no one gets confused, we were only able to get as far as the castle when we went early. But we liked being there for the neat rope drop ceremony. I finally found an old post that said the parking lots do open pretty early but only guests with PS can use the monorail or ferry to get over to the park before opening. So, I'm still trying to decide between on-site or off. Thanks again!:D

[TinkTink]

I am not telling you to lie, cheat or steal. If you park at TTC, it is a very quick walk to the Poly where you can hop the monorail to the MK.

[SimonV]

crusoe, I'd be 99% sure you can still get the ferry or monorail (especially the latter) over before 9am. It doesn't matter if you have a PS or not.

[Lorix2]

Hi

what is a PS please???? thanks

[crusoe2]

PS stands for priority seating - it's Disney's version of restaurant reservations. If you need it, there is some very good info on how this works on Deb Will's site at www.wdwig.com. Hope this helps!:D


Also, wanted to thank all of you for your replies to my question. We are leaning even more towards staying off-site now. Thanks again!:D

[Lorix2]

thank you crusoe2....

we're thinking of staying at the HIFS in October 2002. A friend of mine just got back with her DH & 3 kids. She said she's already booking next year to stay again. Her kids ate free and said the quality was very good, something for everybody. She also stocked up on a grocery stop for the kitchenette and froze water/juice bottles overnight and bought lunch items.

Not sure if they used the comp shuttle service, but they rented a car which she was glad she did because she saved alot of money on food alone, having the opportunity to venture out to area restaurants at regular prices and free to do other things after visiting the parks. Free to leave for SW & USF whenever they felt like it without waiting for the transportation...

I'm pretty sold on the location now myself...hope you will find it to you're liking as well...have a great trip!