13 people going to Disney onsite or offsite? updated

[foltzy]

We are planning a trip to Disney World for 2009 but we're getting together this Sunday to talk about the trip because there is so many of us going (13 between the ages of 2 and 50, 7 adults, 1 junior, and 5 kids). My husband and I want to stay on-site because we'll be able to take our 2 children (2 and 4 at the time we're there) back to the resort room for a rest in the middle of the day. My parents want to stay off-site but do not want to rent a car which I've told them we'd have to do. My husband and I think it'll be much better to just stay on-site because then we don't have to really wait for anyone (my sister who will say she'll be some where in 1/2 and hour and actually show up 1 1/2 hours later) when we want to go to the park with the kids. What does everyone recommend? Is it even possible to stay off-site without a car and still be able to go back to the hotel for a break with our children? I should also mention that all 13 of us have never been to Disney World so we're completely new to it and I'm the planner for the whole trip (Thank goodness for the Dis board).

Thanks for reading and giving your opinion.

 

[mommy-on-the-move]

We're a party of 30(ish) and we're all staying onsite - mostly because of the transport. I am happy about being onsite because we're one of only 2 couples in that group with children and the ability to return easily for naps etc is a big bonus for us. Also the fact we'll all be on site seemed to offer more flexibility for us in terms of being able to go seperate ways when we wanted without relying on the whole party wanting to go where we do.

 

[wrighter]

I agree with the pp.

Staying onsite allows for anyone in your party to get anywhere they want whenever they want, thus allowing everyone their own agenda. If you stayed offsite you'd have to rent more than one vehicle, and everyone would have to create their schedules around vehicle availability. Not to mention that with little ones, if you stayed onsite you could take advantage of Early Morning Hours, and adults could take advantage of the extra night hours if they chose to do so.

You might want to consider getting a DVC resort - these include kitchens and laundry and living rooms. They're great for bigger parties.

Good luck with your planning session - sounds like it could turn into a doozy!

 

[daisyduck123]

I definitely recommend to anyone who stays offsite that they should have a car of their own, or at least rent one. It will be soooo much easier.

Of course, my first recommendation is to stay onsite.
I never have & never would, consider staying offsite.

 

[billwendy]

I think you are going to have a great time either way,,,,,but,,,,,

I think staying on site makes it so much easier for everyone - that way you can come and go and meet up with each other much more easily - it keeps you all sane!!! the transportation in itself would be difficult!!

Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[foltzy]

Thank you all for your responses. I think I'm going to push hard for onsite. My goal is to stay onsite and not have to really worry about anything but having a good time with my kids and husband. It'll be fun to see Disney through everyone's eyes thoughs but mostly my kids.

 

[dreamin in pa]

I would stay onsite. Just the transportation issue would be enough to swing my vote for onsite. I was put in charge of planning our trip for 12 (ages 5 through 56) in Nov. I never would have agreed to it unless we were staying on site with transportation readily available to everyone.

 

[stepnut]

I have never stayed onsite, and I'm not sure I would. I'm such a tightwad, I can't see spending the outrageous amount of money for onsite accomodations, especially at the full price rate. WoW! Even with the rental car and parking costs, staying offsite is so much more affordable. And you get so much more space in a condo or a house, compared to 1 or 2 or 3 hotel rooms.

But in your case, it sounds like onsite might be better. Young kids may need a break. People who move to thier own internal "timeclock". People who have different agendas, meal preferences, and speeds. It's your first visit, and there's a lot of unfamiliarity. All these may add up to a wise decision to stay onsite. Especially if you don't plan to do anything outside of Disney (like Universal, or any other Orlando attractions.)

Just save all your pennies, because onsite accomodations for 13 people is going to be pricey. If you go for a place that has kitchen and laundry, that's a nice perk. That helps save money (do some meals in your unit) and packing room (do laundry mid-stay).

Have fun!

 

[DizzyErin]

There are 16 of us going this April ... we're doing offsite in an 8 bed villa ... 3 cars ... basically we've all agreed to do what we want when we want but if it's something we all want to do, then do it together ... there are also another 9 in another villa hahahahha the youngest is 2 and the oldest 70 (she's the birthday girl haha) so many different ages including semi difficult teenagers!! Anyway my advice is to put your point across and make sure every1 else does too and then see if you can work something out!!
Have a great trip

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

Onsite. Definitely!

26 of us did so several years ago. The only way to do it! Especially if you'll have to frequently be waiting on others ... as we did. "see you there soon" works really well!!! We stayed in several cabins at Fort Wilderness and loved it.

 

[noahdove]

I too vote for onsite..Disney transportation is the best and if someone would be late, just pick a time and a spot to meet..that way, if you and your family was ready early, go and enjoy certain things until it was time to meet everyone else That way, in my opinion, would cause no hard feelings...Have a great time planning and enjoy Disney thru the eyes of your children It is just so magical Blessings to you and your family

 

[Rylee]

We are planning a trip to Disney World for 2009 but we're getting together this Sunday to talk about the trip because there is so many of us going (13 between the ages of 2 and 50, 7 adults, 1 junior, and 5 kids). My husband and I want to stay on-site because we'll be able to take our 2 children (2 and 4 at the time we're there) back to the resort room for a rest in the middle of the day. My parents want to stay off-site but do not want to rent a car which I've told them we'd have to do. My husband and I think it'll be much better to just stay on-site because then we don't have to really wait for anyone (my sister who will say she'll be some where in 1/2 and hour and actually show up 1 1/2 hours later) when we want to go to the park with the kids. What does everyone recommend? Is it even possible to stay off-site without a car and still be able to go back to the hotel for a break with our children? I should also mention that all 13 of us have never been to Disney World so we're completely new to it and I'm the planner for the whole trip (Thank goodness for the Dis board).

Thanks for reading and giving your opinion.

Hi,

I strongly recommend staying on-site at a Disney Resort...

Free transportation to and from the airport.
No car rental or parking fees.
No directions or traffic stress.
The ability to split up with ease.
Convenient for returning to the resort for an afternoon break, nap or a swim.
The advantage of Extra Magic Hours (EMH) in the parks.
Leave the real world behind and be surrounded by Disney Magic your entire vacation.

If cost is a factor, consider a value resort. They're great and your Disney experience won't be any less magical. You would qualify for a Grand Gathering, special events for parties of 8 or more. You could do any, all or none of the Grand Gathering events, but it would also link all your room reservations together so your rooms would all be near each other. If it's an option, and you are interested, you could stay at a DVC. Be sure you do a lot of research, first.

Off-site -

If you choose an off-site location, be aware that some hotels that offer transportation, sometimes only have 1 or 2 drop-off, pick-up times. Also, sometimes they share buses with other area hotels and I understand they don't always guarantee the transportation. You will most likely need to rent a car, and for a party of 13, probably two.

Either way, be sure to schedule some Advance Dining Reservations (ADR) for a few restaurants you'd like to try.

When we travel with a large group (Wait! With 5 children, we are a large group... when we travel with others... we decide which day we'll visit which park, then we make ADR's for dinner. We usually start each day together, then split for awhile in the afternoon... some stay in the park, some return to the resort for a swim or nap, and then we meet back up for dinner and take in the evening shows. We plan at least one day for each park, but we also always plan an additional 1 or 2 days for "free time" so everyone can do their favorites, take in missed attractions, visit Downtown Disney, a water park or relax at the resort. If we end up spending these days together, great, if not, that's okay, too.

Have a great time!

 

[foltzy]

We had our planning session last night and have decided to stay on property. We're going to do All Star Music resort because my sister has 3 children and needs the family suite. A lot of the decission was made because we don't want to worry about transportation and my sister refuses to get up before noon. She worries me a little we live close to Hershey Park and she thinks Disney World is pretty much going to be like that and she doesn't want to spend everyday in the park. I'm not sure she's going to have a good time but I plan too. I think the next year is going to be interesting as far as planning goes for my family.

 

[Rylee]

We had our planning session last night and have decided to stay on property. We're going to do All Star Music resort because my sister has 3 children and needs the family suite. A lot of the decission was made because we don't want to worry about transportation and my sister refuses to get up before noon. She worries me a little we live close to Hershey Park and she thinks Disney World is pretty much going to be like that and she doesn't want to spend everyday in the park. I'm not sure she's going to have a good time but I plan too. I think the next year is going to be interesting as far as planning goes for my family.

Hi Liz,

I'm glad to hear you're staying on-site... you'll love it. I honestly think it's the way to go, especially traveling with a large party.

As it gets closer, you can check park hours and decide which park to visit each day. When you know which park you'll be in, you can make some dining reservations, and just give your sister the schedule and she can join up with you when she's ready.

*We went to Hershey Park for their Halloween Weekend, this past Oct. The weather was beautiful, so much so, the place was mobbed!