Advice needed on resorts - on-site or off-site

[js4disney]

I've been reading all around disboards and have gotten great advice and good tips. I guess my question is if anybody has stayed a Buena Vista Suites? My husband & I are going to Disney the end of April for our first Disney trip together and we keep going back and forth between staying at Pop Century or staying off site at Buena Vista? We know that a disney hotel has great perks but we are also watching the budget (meet its max). Buena Vista is $89/night and offers a full american breakfast versus Pop charging $99/night with no food. We really like not having to have a car if we stay at Pop but Buena Vista says they do offer shuttle service... of course not as convenient as Pop would be... help...

 

[Lewisc]

Don't even think of staying offsite without a car.

 

[disneyag]

I second Lewisc's opinion.

 

[carol1231]

They may offer a shuttle, but I'm sure it's not as convenient as Disney's. Ask them how often the shuttle picks up and drops off from the off site hotel.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The shuttles have set times while the Disney transportations runs all the time. Don't give up the magic for $10 a night difference.

 

[EthansMom]

On-site. It's worth the extra $. Maybe you could figure out a way to scrimp together the extra money before your trip?

 

[John Dobbertin]

We've stayed both on-site & off-site. Off-site was Doubletree on International Drive where we found: big rooms, microwaves, small refrigerators, dated decor, great staff, smallish lobby. This is one of a series of hotels considered to be "on WDW property." So there is the benefit of a shuttle service to the WDW Parks. Service runs all day & not bad. Only hotel "on-property" on International Drive with "Early Entry" is Hilton -- so Doubletree does not have that. Stayed Dec 27-Jan 3 recently at Hilton timeshare also on International Drive. We're Hilton GVC members. Worked well for us that particular week because we didn't care the first shuttle picked us up at 10 a.m. & last shuttle returned at 10 p.m. -- & we paid $8 each for the RT service. If you were with young children on your Big WDW Outing, this does not work well. You would require a rental vehicle. We've stayed at Pop C & several times at AS. We're DVC members as well. From our experience, there's nothing that can compare to being at a WDW resort & using the main WDW transportation system. Early/Late entry help greatly -- use them! Enjoy!!! PS -- watch "the codes." We were at Pop C in November for $49 + tax -- doubt you'll find that, but keep checking!

 

[rcraw45425]

Iagree about onsite. The Disney buses are far superior to other ones. We stayed at the Sheraton at Sea World (it may have changed names by now) when I was pregnant with older DD in '95. Room was okay, kind of Polynesian type decor. The shuttle was AWEFUL! It was April ,pollen everywhere, extremely humid, me six months pregnant and the bus had no A/C. The windows were down so you sucked fumes for the entire trip. Plus, you were at their discretion, often waiting hours for the next shuttle. From that day on we drove our car. Plus, as a WDW resort guest you can get into the parks when they are closed to outside guests during busy times. A definite plus. Plus, you get the Extra Magic Hour perk. Definitely worth the extra. Is a full breakfast really that important? WE usually take pop tarts with us because we hate to waste time waiting for breakfast whether it's available or not

 

[ktink]

On-site. It's worth the extra $. Maybe you could figure out a way to scrimp together the extra money before your trip?

ITA! The magic is on site.

 

[Lewisc]

I just re-read your first post. $10 a night plus breakfast isn't enough of a savings. Theme park parking is around $8 /day. On site you won't need a car and can get away with Mears.

If you try the hotel without a rental car you'll probably wind up taking cabs to get back to your hotel. Ten dollar cab rides add up.

I stayed in Caribe Royale, a sister property. You had to reserve the shuttle the night before. They had a handful of times in the morning and a few in the afternoon. I'm not even sure if the last shuttle was late enough for you to watch the fireworks.

If you're set on saving money look for a deal on a DTD hotel. The buses there are every 20-30 minutes.

 

[js4disney]

If you're set on saving money look for a deal on a DTD hotel. The buses there are every 20-30 minutes.

Thanks for all the great tips and suggestions everyone! That was very helpful in thinking more about our decision. I'm sure we'll stay on site now. Just a question about the DTD hotel - what is that? I tried finding it on the abbreviation page but didn't. Sorry, I'm new to this.

Another question since you all seem to know the answers so quickly - I guess Pop doesn't have an fridges in the rooms so do you normally just bring pop tarts, nutri grain bars, etc... for your breakfast?

 

[weluvpluto]

DTD is a Downtown Disney Hotel
And you are correct - POP does not have fridges, you can rent one for $10 a night

 

[John Dobbertin]

js4disney: Smart play is to rent the fridge at Pop or AS. You'll get your $10 a day back in a hurry if you eat breakfast in the room. Milk should be available by the pint or quart on-site. We usually ship a box marked "hold for arrival" with anything grandchildren require that might not be available on site -- certain cereals, snacks-for-the-park, etc. There are others on the DIS who know a whole lot more about what's available at reasonable prices on site & what isn't.

 

[rcraw45425]

Heads up, from when my girls were babies, anything baby is definitely premium price at the resorts! In '97 I paid $6 for a pack of 12 Huggies not even Pampers diapers and $3 a bottle for the glass ready to feed nursers by Similac because DH refused to have the car brought around for me to run to the grocery store! Boy, I still remember his face when I showed him the receipt from the store on the Boardwalk. Especially the way we were going through diapers due to the pediatrician putting both babies on an antibiotic right before our trip!

 

[blitzkrieg048]

I've heard horror stories about offsite shuttles. Very slow service. I really recommend staying onsite it makes it a total disney experience. The WDW transportation is better. Plus you get all the perks like emh's. The value resorts a very whimsical and fun. Good luck.

 

[susy]

Hey! I grew up in FL, so have stayed both on and offsite. I have also stayed in DTD and have styaed at Pop Century. If you want a REALLY magical vacation, stay at POP!The room decor is very nice and the place is pretty new-opened in DEC 2003. The whoel place is so well themed and the service is excellent. There is a pool bar and indoor lounge and the food court has good choices AND a frozen coke machine. Don't forget to get the refillable mugs.

Here is what we do for breakfast: cereal with milk (Parmalat does not need refrigeration) or Pop tarts are fine.