Tips For Making the Most of an Off Site Stay?

[PSUGuy]

We've spoiled ourselves, our first WDW trip in 1997 was a gift, and the giver has us off site. Since the, all stays were at a WDW resort. There probably aren't any 'secrets' to doing the Disney thing from outside the world, but any advice as to what to do or not do to enhance the experience would be appreciated. We're a few miles from World Drive, Destiny Palms, 8536 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, we plan on making rope drop daily and taking a late afternoon break, traffic is my greatest concern.

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[Marshel]

The best advice is to use Sherbeth Rd as your access point to WDW. The World Drive main entrance off of Irlo Bronson is quite aways out of your ways and is somewhat convoluted in that it takes you out of your way a bit. Sherbeth Rd takes you onto the Osceola Pkwy right by the AK. Google your resort address and then click on the map and expand it and you'll see what I am talking about.

 

[PSUGuy]

The best advice is to use Sherbeth Rd as your access point to WDW. The World Drive main entrance off of Irlo Bronson is quite aways out of your ways and is somewhat convoluted in that it takes you out of your way a bit. Sherbeth Rd takes you onto the Osceola Pkwy right by the AK. Google your resort address and then click on the map and expand it and you'll see what I am talking about.

Thanks, just the sort of advice I'm looking for!

Bill From PA

 

[keishashadow]

We've stayed offsite a few times. When adult only-trips, we don't do rope drop (which we rarely do when onsite either). Sleep in, enjoy the resort pool which is usually dead and eat a large leisurely lunch offsite. Then we just mosey in when many leave for afternoon break and stay until end of day.

We use the sherbeth 'shortcut' too, but have seen lots of accidents over the years at the 'Y' near AK cutoff, be careful of agressive drivers.

 

[Belle5]

We have taken more than 25 family vacations to WDW. About half of those stays have been off-site...the others on-site. If we are staying at an over-the-top, off-site property with fabulous grounds, pools, etc., we spend some time enjoying our own resort. However, if staying at a less than luxurious property-- we spend a lot of time at the WDW on-site properties. We will hang out at the deluxe resorts and rent their boats, rent their bikes, eat at their restaurants even walk the grounds. Even hanging out at the moderate resorts can be fun! POR and PORFQ have not only gorgeous grounds, boats, bikes, cane pole fishing and even a carriage ride...they have Yee-Haw Bob several nights a week in the River Roost Lounge (great time for some appys and beverages) and a jazz musician over at the FQ lounge (grab some beignets at the food court). During the day you can take the lovely boat ride down the Sassagoula River to DD. Grab a QS meal at GF's Gasparilla's grill mid-late afternoon and step back inside after 4 to sit on the couches and listen to the GF orchestra perform in the lobby. Each resort has something like this to offer. You could look on the Resort Board for the individual resorts FAQ threads for ideas. As crazy as it sounds many of my favorite memories in WDW are NOT from spending time in the parks! I'm not sure if these are the kinds of tips you were looking for, but maybe they will help someone!