Am I the only one who sees staying in the park hugely expensive?

[Teresa Pitman]

My main source of worry is the cost of food on-site. Off-site with a kitchen, I have more control over cost, quality, etc. Plus it seems like a hassle to make ADRs, etc. (maybe not, maybe it just looks that way because some worry too much).

I just went to Disney and booked a phony vacation in Nov 2008, with and without DDP, for 7 days/6 nights for a family of 5. The difference was $803.70, or $114.81 per day, or $22.96 per person per day. Now, that's not too bad eating 1 snack, 1 CS and 1 TS per day (BTW, is that right?). OTOH, I can eat pretty well on groceries for less. Again, this assumes I have a kitchen (not possible in a hotel), and that I don't mind cooking - and it is a vacation, a very good excuse not to cook!

I do plan to eat out some, but not 100%.

Oh, and I just checked quicken - I spend about $800/month on groceries typically. I think we eat pretty well. I'd like to save a bit, but it's hard when we still want to get fresh veggies, etc.

One thing I don't like about DVC is that it is a < 50 year lease, rather than ownership.

Well, there are options if you want a kitchen. We've stayed in a FW cabin and will be in one again this fall - it has a full kitchen with all the pots, pans, etc. you could want. You can also rent points from a DVC member and get a kitchen that way.

You get a fridge in rooms that are moderate price and up, and can get in a "fridge swap" for one in a value. If you don't mind having some pretty basic meals, you can manage quite well with a small fridge and a cooler and just make sandwiches, wraps, fresh fruits and veggies with dips, etc. Throw in one meal a day out in the park (and you pretty much need to do at least one in the park, or you're wasting too much time going back to the hotel or vacation home) and you're fine.

Teresa

 

[dsneygirl]

Good, it frees up seats for us who want to fly Canadian

Different strokes, our vacation $$$ are all being spent in the same place at the end of the day.

 

[disneynovic]

Just a *small* point, regarding spending money wisely. Vacation spending is an intensely personal choice. What is proper and appropriate for one family, may not be for another (some people may feel vacationing in Florida, regardless of hotel, is not "spending wisely"). In and of itself, most vacation spending could be considered frivolous.
Just remember what they say about those who live in glass houses.....

Sorry, I suppose the word "wisely" was incorrectly chosen, and misunderstood by you. I wasn't judging who spends what where, I was trying to understand those willing/wanting to spend more than I will be, and also looking to see if there are others on this board that like to stay offsite. I love Disney and would go every year if I could.

I think your post may be heading in the direction that I feared this thread would lead, but was impressed that it hadn't gotten too nasty yet.

 

[trivial]

Plus it seems like a hassle to make ADRs, etc. (maybe not, maybe it just looks that way because some worry too much).

ADRs are pretty straight-forward, so I'm not sure why some would consider them a hassle. I think some people are bothered that some spontaneity is lost, but you're not bound by your reservation if you change your mind (although a very small number of restaurants/dinner shows will charge a no-show fee if you don't cancel within 24 or 48 hours).

I just went to Disney and booked a phony vacation in Nov 2008, with and without DDP, for 7 days/6 nights for a family of 5. The difference was $803.70, or $114.81 per day, or $22.96 per person per day. Now, that's not too bad eating 1 snack, 1 CS and 1 TS per day (BTW, is that right?). OTOH, I can eat pretty well on groceries for less. Again, this assumes I have a kitchen (not possible in a hotel), and that I don't mind cooking - and it is a vacation, a very good excuse not to cook!

The DDP (basic, not deluxe) does include 1 snack, 1 CS and 1 TS per day. Now in my opinion, $22.96 per person per day is a steal, especially when you see the menu prices at WDW (most TS dinners alone will cost more than that). It also means you don't need a kitchen, don't have to buy groceries, don't have to cook, and don't have to drive off-site for your meals (which, for me, all combine to quickly eat up those savings in time and money). But I understand that those extra dollars do add-up, so I certainly wouldn't criticize you for not going that route.

 

[minnie56]

It may be worth the price for you but not for me. Like a previous post said, time=money. How is the buffalo airport quicker if I have to drive just over 1.5 hours just to get there???? I have never had a problem with customs at pearson, its really quick. I actually like Pearson airport, why would I want the small buffalo airport? Sorry but your points don't make me change my mind on driving all the way to buffalo and flying from their. My time is worth alot of money so if I can save time, I am saving money!!!!

You are fortunate you have not experienced delays at Pearson!
My DH arrived this past Sunday at 14:10...came through at 15:40 that makes 90 minutes. Then we had the drive home to Oakville, another 20. I am 90 mins door to door to Buffalo Int'l...makes perfect sense to me to save allll that money to spend on my holiday and avoid that awful airport!

Apart from anything else..I just won't support the exorbinant taxes imposed on our air travel unless I am redeeming Aeroplan and getting the break anyways..

 

[kbtennant]

Staying on site is very convenient, wouldn't do it any other way, that is why we purchased DVC-Boardwalk Villas in 2000. Last year we went 6 times. Been twice already this year. As a DVC member you get great discount on annual passes, so we just need airfare from Jersey and money for food.

 

[bunnyfoo]

It may be worth the price for you but not for me. Like a previous post said, time=money. How is the buffalo airport quicker if I have to drive just over 1.5 hours just to get there???? I have never had a problem with customs at pearson, its really quick. I actually like Pearson airport, why would I want the small buffalo airport? Sorry but your points don't make me change my mind on driving all the way to buffalo and flying from their. My time is worth alot of money so if I can save time, I am saving money!!!!

My fiance has the same opinion. For our upcoming trip in May, I priced out tickets for Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo and I factored in things like gas and a hotel (for Buffalo), parking (for Hamilton) and limo for Toronto. Toronto worked out to being about $225 more expensive than Buffalo since we were able to get tickets from an Air Canada seat sale. I think he might have been more convinced if the difference was greater - I told him if he wants to go through Pearson, he can pick me up a Coach bag at the outlet mall.

 

[mollyseven]

yes my point also...time=money and the time it takes to get off your plane, get your bags, clear customs and get out of toronto airport takes longer for us than getting out of buffalo and driving home.
It's an extra 1 hour for the drive for us to buffalo but after flying toronto dozens of times it's over for us....we save more than the hour by flying buffalo ...seriously we can land in Buffalo and get home quicker than landing in Toronto at the same time.....plus the financial savings.....
I think the taxes alone to fly out of Toronto are ridiculous.
If you don't feel comfortable flying out of a smaller airport then by all means pay more and waste more time and fly out of Toronto but there is no need.

More saving=More frequent trips for us....or maybe a deluxe next time.

Just do what works for you.

 

[CanadianGuy]

I've stayed off site many times in the late 90's early 2000's and more recently I've chosen to stay on-site at the values and pretty much fore-go the rental car.

I'm in a bit of a different position because I'm not paying for a whole family to go.. but usually just myself traveling with some friends.

Many situations are unique and therefore to make a blanket statement that on-site is best or off-site is best ... well, I find that ignores the unique needs of the individual.

For me - I enjoy the ability to go to Pleasure Island and have a few wobbly-pops and hop the bus back to my resort without worry. Or if I indulge in some frozen adult beverages at Epcot, I don't have to worry about leaving the car or finding someone in my group to drive it back to the resort etc.

That's just one reason that I prefer on-site right now.. there are many others.

Knox

 

[karters*mom]

It is all personnal Preference and location.

Heck with the $700-$900 saving on tickets flying out of buffalo you could take a limo from toronto to buffalo airport. Arrive in class..front door service no time wasted finding a parking space.... someone else is driving, you can catch a snooze before and early morning flight....stretch out and relax.

For us It takes us 35min to get to Buffalo Airport. A fraction of the time to get to Pearson.

A 7am flight means we don't have to leave 4 hours ahead of time. We can leave an hour or so later.

the taxes out of Pearson were more than the total of our flight out of buffalo​

 

[karters*mom]

a la carte option staying off site-
I just did a brief comparison
Offsite
Hotel - Radisson Worldgate Resort (Average 3 star place)
Air Transat flight for the 3 of us direct to
$2018.19

8 days Park hopper, water park and more option
3 of us $912.00

Parking for 8 days
approx $80 (10 day)


Food
1 counter meal / 1 reservation meal / 1 snack per person per day
(Equivalent to the basic dining plan we purchased)
$ approx. 130 x 7 days =$952

Rental Car $113

total $4075.19 staying off site

Onsite for us
All Star Sport Resort
Basic Dining Plan
8 day park hopper Water Park and More option
$15 food voucher for Planet hollywood and lots of other CAA perks
Free parking
Extra hours
$2065

Flight $627 (Our of buffalo instead of TO)

Car $113

total cost staying onsite : $2805
Saved $1270.19 staying on-site and flying out of buffalo

 

[fan1080]

I think OP might be long gone, but if you are still here......

I just did a check on the disney site. For a family of 5, Port Orleans Riverside, standard room, 8 day ticket (no hopper, no water park), comes to a total of $2317.

Adding your gas budget gives you $2917. You'll have to add food and Universal to it. Not sure what the universal tickets are, but food can be an area that you could save a bundle if you chose to.

Yes, you will be more than $200 for food for the week, but you can keep that quite low if you had to. Or, you could save a little longer and not have to worry about your food budget as much.

Adding it all up, even if you spend $1000 for food for the week, you are only $800 over your budget. Yes, that's significant, but I don't see $800 as "hoards"; not to mention you can probably get away with less for a food budget.

Just some "food" for thought!

 

[joech]

When I stay onsite, it feels like I am in a different "world."
Teresa

Well said. DW and I feel the same way.

 

[braddillman]

a la carte option staying off site-
I just did a brief comparison
Offsite
Hotel - Radisson Worldgate Resort (Average 3 star place)
Air Transat flight for the 3 of us direct to
$2018.19

8 days Park hopper, water park and more option
3 of us $912.00

Parking for 8 days
approx $80 (10 day)


Food
1 counter meal / 1 reservation meal / 1 snack per person per day
(Equivalent to the basic dining plan we purchased)
$ approx. 130 x 7 days =$952

Rental Car $113

total $4075.19 staying off site

Onsite for us
All Star Sport Resort
Basic Dining Plan
8 day park hopper Water Park and More option
$15 food voucher for Planet hollywood and lots of other CAA perks
Free parking
Extra hours
$2065

Flight $627 (Our of buffalo instead of TO)

Car $113

total cost staying onsite : $2805
Saved $1270.19 staying on-site and flying out of buffalo

This is what I thought. If you're staying in a hotel, the value resort is competitive, and if you're eating every meal out, the DDPlan is also competitive. That seems fair, it seems like apples vs. apples.

I still can't help comparing a pineapple vs. a florida orange, though

I checked RCI this afternoon to price an extra week (not requiring a trade). I found a 2BR timeshare for around $414/week. It's the same one I own at, so it includes a nice pool with waterslide, and full kitchen and laundry in every unit. Again, I don't want to flame anyone, I'm just thinking out loud and trying to learn. (While I'm at it, I love the extra space! It's like 1300 sq. ft.!)

And BTW, I have no problem getting a few wobbly pops or margerita mix at a local store. Course I fully admit I'd probably enjoy them more at epcot (my wife could drive, she wouldn't mind), but I still have to be responsible for 3 kids so I don't have complete freedom anyway.

I guess the direction where I'm thinking is, if I could save 50% I could go twice as often. Right now the target is 2 weeks every other year, and we're not there yet (air for 5 is our killer, driving doesn't look too attractive).

As for Disney magic, that's fine for some. I have a slight preference for universal IoA, but I like all the orlando parks.

 

[NancyK]

I've stayed both onsite and offsite. I love staying onsite, but I've had great vacations staying offsite as well. You generally get more room to spread out in offsite accommodations.
You'll find that many DISers will tell you that you'll lose the "magic" staying offsite. I guess everyone's experience is different. I've always found the magic in being with the ones I love. That being said, if money was no object, I would be at the Polynesian. But we're probably going to rent a townhouse in Windsor Hills for our next trip and that makes me incredibly happy as well.

Check out the Orlando Hotels board. The people on that board tend to stay off-site more often. They have lots of helpful information there.


http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=15

 

[peacefrogdog]

I had only stayed onsite, but on the first vacation to WDW with the kids we stayed at AKL for 2 nights, then a rental house for 6 nites.

Have to say, I love being off site. I didn't find it to be a hassle at all to drive to the parks. Granted we only drove to AK, and our rental house on Emerald Island was only a 5 min drive away, but parking wasn't an issue, and the total travel time was shorter or equal to taking Disney transportation.

For future trips we'll probably do split on-site and off-site. However after staying in a vacation home in Orlando, and in a 2-BR villa at Hilton Head, I don't think we could ever stay in standard hotels for extended stays. We're looking into DVC though.

So bottom line, off site rental homes can be very worthwhile from a relaxation and cost point of view. Try a split stay perhaps to get the best of both and cut costs a bit (especially if planning to go to Sea World, Universal, shopping at the outlets etc)

 

[disneynovic]

Thanks for all your input on staying offsite vs onsite. I agree, $800 difference isn't all that much money, for DH, it's all about space, and why this time, we decided to stay in a vacation house. There will be seven of us all together, in a four bedroom, three bath with private pool. BTW, Universal should be free thru airmiles so if we don't like, no big deal. Thanks for the reference to the other forum, I will look into it.

 

[Debbie]

Sounds like you made the right choice for your family. And that is what it is all about. Have a magical trip!

 

[damo]

We've flown both Pearson and Buffalo. In the winter, I will only fly Pearson since worrying about the weather is just not worth it to me. In the other seasons, Buffalo is great. I have been able to find great fares from Pearson though that often make the trip to Buffalo unnecessary. The recent safety reports of the cheap flights from Buffalo also have me a bit concerned.

I like to stay at a nice resort. The value and some of the mods just don't do it for me. This makes for a very expensive vacation at Disney where I really don't see much benefit in staying onsite. Perhaps if transportation was a bit more reliable, I would change my mind.

 

[so_are_you]

After reading other's advice about staying in the resorts onsite, I thought I'd double check the disney site, and compare it apples to apples to what I am planning for Nov. I expect to pay $3100 for gas down, vacation home, food, park tickets for 3 days, no hopper, no waterparks, universal 1 day. Now comparing the exact same thing at POP 2 adults, 2 children(15 &12), 3 days in the parks, on the dining plan comes to $2811, add the $600 for gas, and I still have one other kid(7) to buy tickets and dining plan(assuming he would room with my parents). Already I'm well over my offsite budget. I just can't bring myself to spending hoards of money for a one week vacation, plus DH, not a Disney fan, can't stand staying in a small hotel room with us all.

How do you all do it? Is this your only family vacation, and you must budget $5000 for a larger family to stay onsite? Just curious, I'm really feeling like I'm the only one here willing to stay offsite, and spend wisely.

Thanks for listening,
Deb

we are going for 9 days
staying in animal kingdom pool veiw
2 adults 2 children
meal plan
and 8 day with park hopper its $3303
then air with airmiles
thats dec trip
then we are going for 2 weeks next May
and air, condo rental, 10 day park hopper and car rental is $4100