6 Kids Mousecapade

[Nwall81]

We are taking our 6 kids that range from 13 to 1 years old to Walt Disney world next summer. Let me start by saying I know I am crazy.

We plan on going in the summer of 2015 in June for a week. And yes we always plan our vacations a year in advance because we are a one income family and have to pay for things like this over time.

My question is that when I talk to people, they seem astonished we are no planning on staying on Disney property. Before you start to tell me the benefits of staying on Disney property , don't. I know them. I have been told a hundred times. The truth is we could never afford it.

Why is it such a bad thing to not stay on Dis property? We are going to be staying in a Villa for a week for the price of 800$. 4 bedrooms. Not much room, but hey we are eating breakfast and sleeping there, so doesn't matter. Plus it is part of a community that has a pool, ect.

The people I have talked to seem like we would be completely depriving our children of a real Disney exipiernece simply because we cannot afford the cost of staying on Dis property. In my estimation we are saving roughly 3500$ by staying in a villa much larger then what we would be in at Disney.

Again I know the benefits of staying on Dis. But I have been told by people "If you can't afford to stay on Dis property you shouldn't go in the first place" I find that complete rubbish. What's the opinion here on the boards?

 

[PennockFive]

I have gone to disney and stayed off site. I am actually taking a trip in August and this is my first time staying on site. I have always had fantastic trips complete with disney magic on all my trips in the past and have never been scarred for life by not being on site. I think especially since the kids are on the older side, there isn't an issue with taking a mid day break. I think with little ones, staying on site is easier to go back and take a pool, rest break,, etc... Every family is different and every budget is different. Enjoy the trip that you have planned and ignore anyone who tries to tell you that you shouldn't be going because you aren't on site.

 

[DisneyObsessed87]

I have only stated on-site recently. When I was a kid we stayed off-site. Some people perfer to have the all immersive Disney experience where they never have to leave the property. And the benefits of magic hours, bus transportion, etc. There are many nice off-site options. We probably would have done so this time (traveling with another family, 7 total) but we got the free dining plan which is a huge savings for us. But I think you will have a great time reguardless and your kids will have the time of their lives! Don't listen to the downers...

 

[Aliceacc]

But I have been told by people "If you can't afford to stay on Dis property you shouldn't go in the first place" I find that complete rubbish.

We stay on property.

But I agree with your assessment 100%.

 

[Crl1817]

We have only been once and stayed on property and plan to again. But my in laws go often (without any kids along) and never stay on Disney property. They either stay at shades of green (which has some of the on-property benefits) or at a hilton so they can use their hilton points. Obviously they think it's worth it since they keep doing it.

If you want to stay on property maybe people here have tips on how to make that more affordable? I'm sure you have done your research, but there are some very knowledgable posters on these boards. If you are happy with your plan, which sounds great, then ignore people who are rude enough to diss your vacation plans--obviously they lack good judgment! And either way, have a fabulous vacation!

 

[kmb584]

But I have been told by people "If you can't afford to stay on Dis property you shouldn't go in the first place" I find that complete rubbish. What's the opinion here on the boards?

It is complete rubbish. I can afford to stay on Disney property, in a deluxe or deluxe villa if I wish, but opt for staying off-site 95% of the time. Doing so saves me thousands of dollars and gives me over 1,000 sq. ft. of living space. I couldn't stay in a value for what I pay to stay at the Vistana or WBC and it's a complete no-brainer to me.

OP, don't worry about what others have to say. Go, stay at a resort with a comfortable price point, and have fun!

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

We stay on property too, but that's because we like to...

I do not think you will have a wasted experience if you do not stay on property. That's crazy! I think you should do whatever your budget allows. There are some who would say staying at a value is a waste and only will stay at a deluxe, we stay value because its what we can afford and we ALWAYS have a great trip.

Different strokes... different folks!

Plus, your kids are going to Disney World! They will have a blast no matter where they sleep