Any recommendations for off-site??

[artistmommy]

After crunching numbers and going back and forth I was thinking that I wanted to stay on-site for the convenience of the Disney transportation, but we weren't going to stay near a monorail, so after reading on this board I am thinking what is the point?? We could save a ton of money by driving, having a vehicle and possibly stay in just as nice or even nicer resort off-site...right?? We have a 7yo, 4yo, 2 yo and will have a 7 week old at the time...so, that too bumps us into a sweet or two value rooms.

Can anyone recommend a great off-site hotel with still nice amenities that can fit all of us comfortably?

What about if the promotion being announced on may 1 is the free dining..then would it pay to stay on-site instead??

TIA for any help!

 

[ttrfanatic]

Check out this new site I found TripDucky.com. They help you find the best price if you are looking to bid via Priceline. I know many don't like PL but I have used it several times and have saved tons with it. I normally bid on 3.5* and above and usually end up getting at least a 50% savings (usually more)

With 6 ppl, I'm sure you would probably want to go with 2 rooms though. Also, note that if you are going the PL route they only guarantee a room for double occupancy. Although everytime I have used it, I call after my win and put in a request to the hotel for a room with 2 beds. I haven't had an issue with it yet but have read where others have. Just and FYI...

Anyway - just thought it could help save some huge money...

 

[DVC California]

I think the DU deal for Sheraton Vistana is hard to beat:

Sheraton Vistana Villages - Exclusive Offer for travel 5/27-12/23/10! 1-Bedroom Villa from $99**! Fully Furnished

The 2 bdrm are $139 until 8/15 and only $109 until the end of the year.

DDP, even free DDP, is subjective regarding value. If your small children are lite eaters or highly selective (chicken strips and fries), it might not be worth it. If you plan on doing a lot of character buffets anyway, it could be of value. Keep in mind you have to pay rack rates for the room and add on your park tickets to get free dining.

 

[4forMe]

We have done both off-site and on-site. There is no way I would stay onsite if I was in your situation unless I was staying at a monorail resort. Based on the ages of your children, you will probably be using a double stroller or two strollers. They are a pain to bring on the bus as they have to be folded up and take up a lot of space. I really don't think the free dining would be worth it IMHO.

Have you thought about renting a condo in a resort such as Windsor Hills? They have a wonderful pool area for the kids! There is a zero entry section for the younger kids and a pool slide for older kids (48 inch height requirement). There are no restaurants onsite, but we would eat breakfast and lunch at the resort and have dinner out. This saved a lot of money on food. Windsor Hills is also the closest private rental community to WDW. I would think about getting a 3 BR condo in your situation to have even more space (they also have 2 BR condos). Here are agencies to consider if you're interested:

www.floridasunvacationhomes.com
www.vacationcentralflorida.com
www.windsorhillsrent.com
www.allstarvacationhomes.com

 

[kidd_freeper]

Please consider an offsite condo rental. The 3BR units are about the same price as the 2BR units at Windsor Hills.

Cribs/stroller/pack-n-play are either free or available for a small cost in all of the units that we looked at. It would be a real bonus if you didn't have to bring that stuff with you. And your other kids would have their own beds. The zero-depth entry pool would be perfect for all your kids.

With the full kitchen, you'd save a ton of money on food costs.

I just yesterday booked a condo (pool view) for 11 days in July.
$105/nite for 3BR/2BA (+taxes) through MagicalVacationHomes.com

We were originally going to go with a non-pool view 3BR/2BA unit for 10 days at a rate of $100/day (which includes taxes and cleaning), but we decided to spend the extra money for the view. I found that on VRBO.com. Lots of July openings and lots of units.

When I called the Windsor Hills office (407-288-5283) I talked to someone named Kathleen. She offered a 3BR/2BA unit for $95/nite (includes taxes and cleaning). Also lots of July openings.

 

[Upatnoon]

With a family that big, no way you can stay on site without spending a fortune.

Check out the thread on Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Awesome resort and location (next door to Caribbean Beach) and around $700 a week on eBay and other places for a 2 bedroom.